Ark is an asymmetrical 2V2 map built outside of forgeworld. The general concept present here was allowing a player the ability to get from any one location to another easily and quickly, but that soon evolved in two different directions, which I will explain later. The design is simple enough where as you should have the whole thing memorized within the first thirty seconds of the game. The aesthetics fit the simple design, as there aren't really any extravagant effects or details in play. There ARE, however, callout aesthetics, such as grass, stone, and shield plates carved into the walls. Combining the map with it's gametypes will show some interesting dynamics, as far as gameplay goes. For example, the long hall in the middle has an enormous line of sight, but don't let that fool you, it's just a quick passageway to the other side of the map. It would be difficult to kill another player during the transition. The risk is in the fact that they can see you. If you see where a player is going, it's possible to estimate where they will end up. Most areas have only two entrances, so if you watch them enter from one way, you need to decide whether to guard the alternative passage, or watch them exit the way they came. Weapons Set DMR x4 AR x2 Spiker x1 Magnum x1 Concussion Rifle x1 Custom Powerup x1 The gametypes each bring out different traits in the map. Ark 2V2 [A] is more about controlling the lift area, and using teamwork and callouts to prevent the other team from taking it. The other team tries to anticipate how the lift will protected, and attack accordingly with which the radar powerup can help. It is generally a less competitive variant for those who prefer relaxed gameplay. Players that like fighting over control points would enjoy this. Ark 2V2 is an extremely competitive variant that is about finding the other team and taking them by surprise, by watching and predicting their movement patterns and trying to tactically intercept them by anticipating their next move. The custom powerup, once again, takes out the guesswork in finding them. Unlike the [A] variant, players are able to strafe. Because the Concussion Rifle doesn't drop spawn until 120 seconds into the game, the custom powerup in the middle is genarally the starting target. This will give players enhanced radar, which is crucial in deciding which path the enemy will take. Screenshots: There is, in fact a list of people who have helped me with this project. But, I feel it would be more practical to mention them not in the preview, but the final post. [ArK Version Counter] [V22 -- FINAL VERSION]
I would normally think this looks too empty, but since it's only 2v2, it's probably not so bad. Otherwise, I would definitely want some cover or barricades in some of those hallways.
Interesting, Flamingo is finally showing us one of his maps! Well with all your knowledge through testing, this should be a good one! If you ever need a guy to get shot up in one of your tests, let me know and Ill go help you out. As for the map, I like how your'e breaking up the monotonous greys with the grass and rocks. I might even say you should add more if you can, or pieces with lots of lights to take some grey away. I know they cause frame rate lag, but Im not telling you that you should replace everything with lights and glass. Anyway that's my two bindles.
I've played this many many times and, you're right, if it was more than 2v2 more cover would be necessary, but that's not the case. This is one enjoyable 2v2 map and the rock/grass callouts? Just superb, I say.
So this is the map you wanted spawn help with then? It's hard to get a feel for from the screenshots, but it looks promising. Some areas look a little bland and empty as Chrono said, but I haven't played it yet, so what do i know? I'll try to get a game on here soon.
Sweet. Pycho and Audi, if you ever want to get a game on this, it would be great. I'm always in need of new testers, fresh meat. Not the old stale meat that sighs in exhastion whenever I put it on.
Great map. I love the new healthpack holders. Last suggestion is move the jump pad back about a power ups length more away from the wall. By the way, your new aesthetics in the map are sexy, how did you come up with that?? ;P
Oh, so thats how it is, I'm just a piece of meat to you!? Well I have feelings! And a gun! Well... I DO have a gun... I may have lied about the feelings... Do ragequits count? rage is a feeling I think. But in all seriousness you can invite me anytime you need something tested. However dont count on me showing up 100% of the time, if im in a custom game or forge session thats going really well I probably wont show. Short answer: Yes, I will help you.
It's funny, I told him the same thing, but I guess he never fixed that. This map is pretty good, but could use a lot of improvements. The blue hall hardly ever gets used and the area the jump pad leads to is the only place anyone tries to go. The concussion rifle is supposed to be there to flush players out of this area, but it doesn't really work because one team spawns closer to the rifle and the jump pad than the other, so they get the power weapon and high ground. The lift and a single, open hallway are the only ways up to this area. It's easy to fend players off who go for the corridor entrance and you can hear anyone using the lift. It's good to have an area which gives a team the advantage if they can hold it down, but in this case it needs either another way up or an equally high area that can counter it. The radar power-up was essentially useless once you realized the entire map only played around this one area- you always knew where your enemy was anyways. I've suggested the single neutral zone covering the map method for spawning in Slayer matches, but Flamingo didn't seem to like that idea, insisting it was "cheating." If it works, it works man. The spawns and predictable, boring flow are the biggest issues on this map as it stands.
You are obviously one who doesn't like control points. The second gametype actually changes the gameplay as a whole. if you had bothered to read the post, you wouldn't need to bring this up. The second gamestyle changes Blue Hall into the centre of combat. I'm going to have to get you to try the second gametype before you finish this. Also, that was an outdated version. I've fixed a lot of stuff. Hm. You really need to see the new version, bud. This is all outdated. I admit that there were some problems along the way, most have been fixed now. I put down the neutral zone about six versions ago. Confound ya filthy varmit.
Im so glad you posted a preview of this! this map deserves some attention before the final post. Also as being one of the only people to beat you on it, I need the download link right now! Your making me sad just leaving me here download linkless. Haha great job, make final post soon
I like control points, but only when it's actually difficult to control it and not when it completely dominates so hard that there's no other point in going anywhere else. I missed the part about the concussion rifle not spawning in for 120 secs, which was a good move. You don't really detail the game-types, so I don't know what you could have done to make the lift area less used besides moving a power weapon over there. I suppose it has been about a week since I've played (neutral zone still wasn't in it at that point...i'm not sure how often you make save your maps as new verions), so I'm sure there have been a fair number changes. The pictures make it look the same, however, which lead me to believe not much had changed outside some technical aspects.
I have tested this waaay too many times. Any more games and I'm going to cry. Once you get the kinks in the spawning worked out, I would gladly nominate it for FHF. Oh, and why does the title have a capital K?
As someone whose only tangible contribution to any Reach game is callouts for his teammates, I must say that the grass and shield strips on the walls are both awesome-looking and memorable. Great job on those. (In particular, that's the single best use for the grass texture I have ever seen.) I'll have to remember to try this out when the finished version is released.
NEEDS MOAR GRAY! jk. This map played great and I like what you did with the "callout aesthetics", even if they feel forced but you were probably going for that. I still never understood why in your gametype, every one is white, even with teams.
You just had to put this up the day I go on vacation. Remind me that I wanted to see it in two weeks. (that's when I get back to my xbox) I have to say that wall of 1x4s looks beautiful.