MERIDIAN DOWNLOAD HERE Version 1.1 - Changes listed below description ** Click on screenshots for full 1920 x 1080 resolution ** Overview 1 [img width=640 height=360]http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o282/edlogg/powerweapons.jpg[/img] Overview 2 [img width=640 height=360]http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o282/edlogg/16718701-Full.jpg[/img] Floating Platforms [img width=640 height=360]http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o282/edlogg/16726613-Full.jpg[/img] Rockets [img width=640 height=360]http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o282/edlogg/16726692-Full.jpg[/img] View From Starting Base [img width=640 height=360]http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o282/edlogg/16723181-Full.jpg[/img] Rockets vs Laser 1 [img width=640 height=360]http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o282/edlogg/16728061-Full.jpg[/img] Rockets vs Laser 2 [img width=640 height=360]http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o282/edlogg/16719372-Full.jpg[/img] Sniper [img width=640 height=360]http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o282/edlogg/16727422-Full.jpg[/img] Sniper vs Sniper [img width=640 height=360]http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o282/edlogg/16724191-Full.jpg[/img] Double Man Cannon [img width=640 height=360]http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o282/edlogg/16724895-Full.jpg[/img] Invisible Sword Drop [img width=640 height=360]http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o282/edlogg/16726007-Full.jpg[/img] Sword Pit (DANGER) [img width=640 height=360]http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o282/edlogg/16726990-Full.jpg[/img] Firebomb [img width=640 height=360]http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o282/edlogg/16720777-Full.jpg[/img] Hammer [img width=640 height=360]http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o282/edlogg/16718276-Full.jpg[/img] DOWNLOAD HERE Goals -Perfect symmetry and weapon balance for each team -Multiple levels and elevated platforms -3 different ways to get to every key area -Tricky jumps that reward skilled players -Interesting confrontations and power weapon struggles -Open sight lines for sniping, but lots of cover for victims -To utilize every available square inch of Foundry and all Forge money -To play as well as a Bungie map -Support for all gametypes Description In most team games, each team starts in the bases that are divided by the un-moveable wall that Bungie put in the middle (with the exception of Asymmetrical CTF and Assault games). This area of the map is less frequently traveled, but for those who venture back into the connecting hallway, they will find a Gravity Hammer in the center. Moving on to the main arena, you can walk up one of three ramps leading to different floors of the outer perimeter. The top floor contains long range weapons such as BR's and Carbines, with Snipers behind the windows of the long catwalks (also where the Flags spawn and bombs are armed in Symmetrical CTF and Assault variants). The lower floors contain the whole variety of dual-wieldable and/or close range weapons, but there are pistols on each end to fight mid-range battles with foes up top. The center of the map contains all the goods. Overshield and Active Camo are floating on opposite sides, both placed in ways to make for speedy getaways or surprise attacks. The Overshield is placed in between a Double Man-Cannon that will get you to the top floor of either side. The Active Camo is floating over an escape hatch that drops down onto the Sword. The Shotgun is on the floor between a U-shaped partition wall, and the Overshield/Double Man-Cannon stairs. Behind the U-shaped partition wall is a Grav Lift, placed in the center of the map to give players the option of using it anywhere, which will give a distinct advantage to whoever grabs it, since they can reach the top floors with it. Looking directly down a double box hallway towards the back of the map is the dangerous death pit with the Sword, and about 8 different ways to attack (this is where you plant the bomb in One Bomb Assault variants). The most crucial power weapons, the Rockets and the Spartan Laser, are in the most dangerous locations to get to on floating platforms, and placed in a way that will make for very intense confrontations with one another, but impossible for one person to get to both locations without going two different directions. In order to get to the Rockets, you must find your way into a secret teleporter, that requires a skillfully timed jump (you'll figure it out). I set it up for all gametypes except for Infection, V.I.P. and Juggernaut, since I never play those game types and I'm not sure exactly how to set up the objectives. Flag and bomb spawns are different depending on the game type (offense/defense, multi-flag, neutral bomb, etc.) Weapons 4 BRs 4 Carbines 2 Brute Shots 2 Plasma Pistols 2 Maulers 4 Pistols 4 SMGs 2 Plasma Rifles 4 Spikers 1 Needler 1 Sniper Rifle 1 Beam Rifle 1 Rocket Launcher 1 Spartan Laser 1 Sword 1 Shotgun 1 Gravity Hammer (Symmetric games only) 2 Turrets Equipment: 1 Overshield 1 Active Camo 1 Power Drain 1 Bubble Shield 1 Grav Lift 1 Firebomb Several Plasma and Spike Grenades Alright, I really want everyone to check this map out, play on it, tell me what you think. I put forth a whole lot of effort on making everything as perfect as I could. I haven't gotten to play any custom games with more than one or two people as I don't have many xbox live friends to play customs with, so I need testers and constructive criticism. If you want to play me in some custom games on my map, send me a friend request. Version 1.1 Update - List of Changes Weapon and Equipment Changes - Swapped Shotgun with Grav Lift. This accomplshes three things: 1. Makes shotgun more accessible to both teams in asymmetrical games. 2. Makes it harder for one team to get both shotgun and sword. 3. Grav Lift is now in a more central location of the map. Players are more free to choose where to use it, rather than feeling obligated to drop it where it spawns. It is now more challenging to get up to the staircase with the Overshield and double man-cannon. - Swapped Maulers with SMG's: 1. Puts Maulers further away from Shotgun. 2. Dual SMG's just feel better on the floor. - Removed Gravity Hammer from Asymmetrical games (this is now where single bombs spawn, and single flags are returned to) - Removed Weapon Holder under Sword and leaned it agaist the DANGER wall. (saved me $3) - Used that $3 to add two plasma grenades down the long hallway with the Hammer, and one spike grenade between Sword and Grav Lift. - Slightly moved Plasma Rifle that wasn't in the exact center of the double box it's in. (obsessive compulsive weapon straightening) - Adjusted respawn times on certain weapons and the grav lift. Spawner and Objective Changes - Added more respawn points in more logical areas, removed some from bad areas. - Added starting locations for Asymmetrical games, now the map works great for One Flag CTF and single bomb Assault games. - Adjusted Flag and Bomb spawns, fixed a critical flaw in neutral bomb spawn. Structural Changes (that nobody would probably notice but me) - Fixed top floor alignment problem on Sniper side by flipping two walls over (double walls don't line up right unless the same side is facing up on all of them) - Straightened center u-shaped partition wall (or tried to, wall corners move slightly for some reason when you restart the map) - Slightly adjusted single box and bridges leading to double man-cannon stairway. - Moved forklift a couple inches to make jumps just a little easier, and for symmetry with the truck. DOWNLOAD HERE
Re: <//(=-Meridian-=)\\> Original, Multi-Level Map For All Gametypes * Pics * I actually already have this map, i must've DLed it from your b.ent thread or something. I have to say i really like this map. Original it is not, there are lots of maps like this where the whole map is a big symmetrical arena. However, it is the best map of its kind I have played, it seems to flow and play really well. Everything is really neat and tidy, weapon placement is good (although I think the splazer maybe makes the rockets unused), eh yeah i like it. the only downfall is like you said, the side of the map where the big immovable bungie-made wall isn't really used, it would be better if it could've been blocked Also excellent post
Re: <//(=-Meridian-=)\\> Original, Multi-Level Map For All Gametypes * Pics * Awesome! Thanks for checking it out, glad you like it, thanks for the opinions. And when I used the word "Original", I didn't exactly mean that it was a never-before-seen concept or anything, just that it is an original layout of my own design, not a remake or a modification of another map. I think I get what you're saying about the splaser, but I think the rockets will still get their use. The teleport to rockets makes for a speedy escape from the other side of the map, but the rockets can also be grenaded down by skillfully thrown plasma grenades. I actually had the rocket and splaser spawns reversed originally, but I felt that the little platform up top was too small and vulnerable to charge up a laser and shoot it from up there, hence the switch with the rockets. Thanks for stopping by!
Re: <//(=-Meridian-=)\\> Original, Multi-Level Map For All Gametypes * Pics * In my humble opinion. This is a big multi-level map. It could use some scenery on the bottom level, though. Maybe a forklift or something, depending on your theme.
Re: <//(=-Meridian-=)\\> Original, Multi-Level Map For All Gametypes * Pics * Well, I am completely in love with the symmetry of your map. And your post. Time to nit pick, hmmm... The title is a little showy, just name it Meridian. Rest I like, good symmetrical map.
Re: <//(=-Meridian-=)\\> Original, Multi-Level Map For All Gametypes * Pics * The title actually violates the rule about thread titles in soggydoughnuts guide to posting. I'd watch out for the lock and key. As for the map however I like the big screens. I also like the set-up of the map. Good use of Foundry's available area. I am going to agree with an earlier post though that well placed scenery would be nice.
Re: <//(=-Meridian-=)\\> Original, Multi-Level Map For All Gametypes * Pics * I know, I read that, I was trying to be nice, because the rest is one of the best posts. On a side note: Where do you host your screenshots? They seem more hi-def, or maybe that's just me.
Re: <//(=-Meridian-=)\\> Original, Multi-Level Map For All Gametypes * Pics * I wasn't intending to be mean, more imformative. I just didn't want a good map's post to get locked.
Re: <//(=-Meridian-=)\\> Original, Multi-Level Map For All Gametypes * Pics * Thanks, and thanks again guys. I wish I could add more scenery, but I used up every last cent of my forge money. However, in case you didn't notice, I did include a forklift and a truck on opposite sides, not only for added scenery, but also as jumping platforms. I envision people describing the map's sides as "truck side" and "forklift side" respectively. I'm glad you love the symmetry, I feel a need for things to be centered and aligned with one another, everything from boxes, to bridges, weapons, and powerups. Not one thing was just thrown around, I spent way more time than necessary on straightening and aligning things. And I'm all for the nit-picking, I like the feedback. Which title do you feel is showy? The title of my forum thread? Or the description of the map? I wanted to catch people's attention, too many new threads are constantly churned out on the Bungie forum, so I made the title more exciting. Today is my first time ever on this site, I came here for more promotion, so I mostly just copy-pasted my bungie.net thread here. - edit I just read the latest few posts. Sorry about the extra flashy stuff in the title, thanks for fixing it up for me. To answer the question about screenshots, I uploaded all my screenshots to Photobucket (change the file limit to 1mb so it doesn't shrink dimensions). I resized the dimensions in my /img tags to 640 x 360 to fit on this page, but also made the pics as hyperlinks to the full resolution pictures. For example: [ url=http://...][ img width=640 height=360]http://...[ /img][ /url] (without the spaces)
Re: Meridian Just keep your thread title simple, basically take out the special characters because it tends to annoy some of the threadgoers. Otherwise the post is superb.
Re: Meridian It looks really nice but one beef I have with it, is that it is EXTREMLY symmetric. You could literally mirror half the map to make the other side lol. I'm not saying this is a bad thing (more people should be balancing like you do) but there should be some variety so the map doesn't get as boring as fast. A map can be balance without being mirrored. I don't know if I'm describing what I want to say well enough. 4.3/5 from me
Re: Meridian well this map pretty much crushes all of my hope and joy. I was making something like it but this one is sooooooo much better
Re: Meridian - Updated Version 1.1 I have published an updated version of my map with some minor tweaks that create major changes in gameplay. Please download and critique. Thanks!
Re: Meridian - Updated Version 1.1 Just DLed, but I can't get on right now, so I'll let you know what I think in a little while. In the meantime looks great, and excellent post, this website has a much more professional feel than does the Bungie forums.
Re: Meridian - Updated Version 1.1 Wizard, I got a chance to check out your map in Forge. Everything looks carefully placed and tidy, which is always good. I think that the layout of this map would create some very interesting and varied firefights. I look forward to actually playing a game on this one, especially a free for all slayer match with a bunch of people. One thing, though. How are you supposed to get to the rocket teleporter? I guess someone could grenade jump, is that the method you mentioned? I ended up grabbing a grav lift and getting in that way, but it required a crouch jump to fit in the hole. It's definitely an interesting idea, but I'm still unsure if it would be fun. Very good map.
Re: Meridian - Updated Version 1.1 You see, it is all part of my master plan, to add an extra layer of skill to the map, and make the noobiest weapon inaccessible to the noobs. It's somewhat tricky at first, but all you have to do is simply jump right before you walk over the grav lift. Basically, if you're standing on that double box, looking at the grav lift, run towards it, and jump as soon as your feet hit the fence wall platform. Then crouch in mid-air. It can be consistently done, but every now and then you might screw it up, and be stuck with the choice of either dropping down the hole, or turning around to go for the bubble shield and laser. Pretty clever, eh? I'm almost positive that it will, in fact, be fun. Or, you can grenade the rockets down. And thanks for checking it out!
Re: Meridian - Updated Version 1.1 Oooohhhhh, use the grav lift on the bottom of the level? I didn't even think about that. I'm sure I would have figured it out eventually in an actual game. Adding another layer of skill is always a good idea, and now that I know that it was your intention all along, I like this map even more.
Re: Meridian - Updated Version 1.1 Just to clarify, I'm sure you figured out what I was talking about, but you said, "use the grav lift on the bottom of the level?" By saying bottom of the level, are you referring to the portable grav lift on the floor? Because I meant to just jump on the one that's always there, under the teleporter. Btw, the portable grav lift is extremely handy on this map because if you jump before you hit it, you can reach the top floor from the ground. In CTF games for instance, the grav lift will be as important to control as the power weapons. More layers of skill and strategy.