This poll is to see what style of map the community likes the best. Vote in the poll, and then post why you like that style of map. For example, I like urban style maps because of the realism that is put into creating them, and the creativity people use to make a map flow well. Everything has a place, because we all know what an urban environment is like, it takes a lot of effort to make it right. If you don't understand a category: - Urban maps are like Gridlocked, Submission, Constrictor, and Metro. They're built by humans, for humans. These sort of maps look like they can be lived in, and have a lot of interesting combat styles, you can finish a CQC firefight then run outside into a fury of snipers and vehicles. [Within reason] - Industrial maps are usually human style, where the map serves some sort of purpose. [Ex. An assembly line or shipping dock] For map examples, Tension and Irenic. - Ancient, or temple maps aren't nescessarily destroyed, have a lot of old style architecture and pillars [Ancient way of constructing multi-leveled structures.] Examples are Paragon, Acropolis, and Temple of Atlas. - Space maps are themed to space stations/spacecraft. There may be recognizable features such as engines, a bridge [The command kind], and even the occasional window. They're usually fully enclosed with close quarters areas, mixed with long range sections becuase of linear sight lines. Space maps can include ships on/near the ground. Examples are Frozen Cargo, and Orbital (Cydronix's version). - Natural maps are built to look like a landscape, or can be made to enhance the theme of an already natural map. These maps are outdoor-themed, landmarks may include 'caves', 'rivers', and 'rocks'. They don't have to be completely natural though, there can be buildings, but they're not the main point of the map. Some natural maps are Tributary, Kashmir Highlands, and Polerian Valley. - Enclosed maps are buildings completely sealed to the outside world. The main combat style is close quarters [CQC], and the maps are often small and arena-like. Elegy, and Foundry Tunnels are good examples. - Covenant style maps aren't that common [Snowbound is the only map with a Covenant item palette]. These maps incorporate a lot of curving structures, powerup/grav lift aesthetics, and shield doors which may or may not be aesthetic. The weapons are also mostly Covenant. Some Covenant maps include Sanghelios and KeyShip. - Forerunner maps are not common, they have a specific architecture and are often based on structures from the Campaign. The only Forerunner weapon is the sentinel beam, but that doesn't make a map 'Forerunner' by itself. Relocation V3, and Castalanche are superb examples.
I picked urban and industrial because while in urban environments I love running through streets while there is a crossfire right above my head. And industrial because combating through something dirty but once served (or serves) a purpose catches my eye.
I chose Forerunner because most of the Forerunner maps are smaller and that seems to best fit my playing style. They have cool and interesting jumps that make fun gameplay, like Guardian. Guardian is probably the most played map in Halo besides custom maps, and I think this is because of the layout. The layout of Guardian resembles Lockout, a Halo 2 favorite, in some ways, but also changes it up a bit. There is the sniper tower which is the main location of map control, the area across from the sniper tower which is the BR tower in H2 and the Gold lift in H3. The long, straight hallway down the bottom center of the map is a prime location for sniping in both games, and can be used for sneak attacks by the attackers team. I could also say that I am a fan of the urban playstyle like Headlong from Halo 2. That was one of my favorite maps because sniping is my favorite thing to do in Halo and vehicles are much fun. Buildings are the enclosed parts of the map which is what I tend to stay in on these types of maps, such as my tactics on H2's Headlong, where I would run from building to building and pick up sniper ammunition along the way. I'm not totally sure what you mean by "Industrial" maps on Halo, so I see that it would go under the same catagory as Urban maps. Ancient temple maps are also a good style of map in Halo 2. The campaign mission Delta Halo and the map, Sanctuary. Sanctuary has the center map control area because of the sword power weapon. Delta Halo was the best mission in my opinion because of the opening temple battle. the ruined feel gives an intense feeling when fighting someone else 1v1. I think by "Space" you mean something like a Space Station like the upcoming map Orbital. These space maps are usually enclosed and are similar to Forerunner maps in my opinion. I love to no scope with snipers and as seen on preview pictures of Orbital, there is a sniper rifle. Gameplay is very intense on these kinds on maps and will probably make my favorite with the release of Orbital in March. Natural environments have never been a favorite of mine. From High Ground to Sandtrap, these open terrains don't suit my playing style. I like flat(ish) ground with ramps. I'm getting used to High Ground and my tactics are staying on the sides near the grav. lift spawn and the camo and sniper side when attacking the heavily fortified base. On these maps, there is usually a background story of one base and not two. This makes an unfair advantage lean towards the attacking side. Not my favorite, but I will play them fine. Enclosed maps are some of my favorite types as I mentioned earlier, because CQB styles interested me. I'm not a long-range type of sniper, I'm more of a close range sniper and "no-scoper". I don't have much to add to this section as I've already written most of what I have to say about enclosed map styles. Covenant maps such as Snowbound, are not a favorite of mine, and don't seem to be a "fan-favorite" either. Most of the time in Matchmaking, Snowbound will get vetoed, or when it is actually chosen, the group will complain. This seems to be because of the covenant shield doors. On Guardian, there are no shield doors, but on Snowbound, there are a lot. The main thing that stops people from enjoying these maps is camping. There used to be a shotgun on Snowbound, but it was later removed. Now, there lays a sniper in each base. If used correctly, a sniper can be as powerful as a shotgun. Shield doors will always hinder the enjoyment of covenant maps for some players, but a lot enjoy covenent maps.
I was thinking mostly along the lines of Forged maps; but Your summary was excellent, American. Industrial maps are usually forged maps Ex. an assembly line, factory, weapons development facility (Something with a recognizable purpose.) Forged Covenant maps would have rounded architecture, covenant weapons, and make use of gravity lifts and shield doors (which may or may not be aesthetic.)
Ok, I see what you're saying. With forged maps, my favorite map styles would probably be natural and either Forerunner or Covenant. It is odd however, that I like them when they are forged and not made by Bungie; the natural style maps that are forged are the ones that seem to take the longest to make and design.
I will have to go with either convenant or ancient/temple my number one favorite is convenant because Of mainly relfex (which is a great example) jus tthe great athestics that it takes to make a convenant map and how you have to make it look great and bright. I like the temple kind because of paragon (which is a good example) because of also the great athestics, and how you have to make a kinda old look to the map (such as the spider webs. But I have to go with the convenant feel. cool poll. you cool explain what each type means for the people who dont know.
I can see what you're saying myshotsakill. Temple maps do take a lot of time because they usually look ruined, and to today's standards, everything has to be perfectly smooth for gameplay. This could be a major challenge for creating a ruined map that looks and plays well.
Urban and Industrial for the fast paced action it delivers. Space, because I find space spectacular, and would like to see more maps have it included. Lastly, Enclosed because of the nice realistic storm-the-building type action.
Yeah know kidding you would have to have a lot of time on your hands, and a lot of patients to build one of those. But I have to say TD Hardings map paragon is one of a kind
I enjoy ancient/temple maps for aesthetics. That is what TDHarding's map Paragon was based off of. To this day, that is the prettiest map I have ever seen. For gameplay, however, I choose urban maps. Creeping Death's map Constrictor was one of the best Flag maps ever in my opinion.
Definitely, temple maps such as Paragon are beautiful when finished, but can be very difficult to design and build.
my favorite map style has got to be urban or industrial. the reason being is that they make the most sense when you are making a map on foundry because of the items being used. but covenant type maps are good on maps like blackout or avalanche because of the variety of items you can use
I've painstakingly created examples of each map style in the poll. You might find a cool map that you like, who knows? If anything seems wrong (Or painfully non-specific) in my definitions, please tell me.
Futuristic looking maps such as Covenant and Forerunner themes have always been my personal favorite outside of Forge maps. The curves and their sleek looking colors and fog. When I get back to Halo PC the first thing I'll do is covenant theme. In forge I love 45 degree inclined angles, rounded ramps that contrast with the rest of the map as a whole and basically anything that explodes with creativity. If it plays just as good as it looks then that is my kind of map. Incredible structured geometry with lots of overlapping geometry that gives the maps a smooth slick look.
Enclosed, just because it feels like a whole new map, in comparison to maps that use a lot of default map geometry.