I've been trying to create a few urban maps. I have sketched out about 5 designs and have laid out the groundwork for each map. Once I finish laying out the foundation for these levels and begin adding building and structures, I have noticed my budget is a little on the high side. Does anyone else seem to have this problem? I'm worried I'll get to the detail part of the maps and not have budget to decorate my environment. Being that they are urban maps the small details are what give them their immersion. I just don't want my maps to turn out bland. Should I try using more of the natural terrain from my canvases to save on budget? Being urban environments I feel a majority of the area should be a concrete jungle. Any advice or tips you guys could throw my way would be greatly appreciated.
I like to block out my maps with no regard for budget, playtest a bunch until I've got the bones set and the layout nearly finalized. Then, I will go through and optimize the sections, removing pieces and replacing them with more efficient ones as appropriate - say one big wall vs 4 small ones. Then, playtest a bunch more until the layout is set. Last, I take my remaining budget and put in the geometry - the aesthetics, the detail, whatever is left. Once that's in place, it's weapon tuning and minor bumping until I'm done, and I clean up inefficient parts only as I hit performance caps. So the answer your question, it's okay to have high budgets for your first few iterations because you can always clean 'em up later, but if you're worried, use larger pieces to save on budget and replace as needed
Yeah. I had the same problem while trying to create a city themed BTB map. When I was finished blocking out the map I was already at like 950 pieces. I just abandoned it. Maybe I'll make it later now that I kind of know the process that was involved. It was a big disappointment. But, like Sn1p3r C explained, you just need to block things out, then come back and replace and refine.