This is my first map designed and forged for Halo 5. I went in with the hopes of creating a 2v2 map that was dynamic, aesthetically pleasing, and asymmetrical. The Imgur album of photos is below - http://imgur.com/a/Ml00j I hope to post video soon! Layout Design The design is pretty straightforward but I think it promotes movement and tactical pushes on power positions. The map is divided into three main sections by a channel of water that surrounds the center platform. Each section has several landings at different elevations, which serve to break up sight-lines and add more vertical gameplay to fairly horizontal map. 2v2 maps are by nature small. With the addition of sprint and thrust in Halo 5, the maps feel even smaller. I tried to circumvent that by spacing the different sections and landings far enough from each other so that clambering becomes necessary. This slows the mobility just enough so that crossing the map requires coordination and time. There are a bevy of routes across the water and the map, and they are not difficult, but all require deliberate action to execute properly. (I should add that there are several jumps on the map only possible with crouch-jump clambering, for those crouch-jumping enthusiasts like myself) There is also a terminal in the top center landing that can raise and lower one of the large rounder pillars, which can allow another access route to the center stage. The pillar in question can be seen down in picture #4, and up in the picture #9. Aesthetic Design Its hard to get a proper sense from the pictures, but I think its a really pretty map. The map is designed in a white and gold palette, which I settled on fairly early. I am also quite pleased with how the sun hits the water, giving it a look reminiscent of molten gold. I wanted the map to feel open while still being enclosed, so I went with vaulted ceilings and a open sky middle. I think the lighting still needs to be tweaked a bit on the side sections of the map. Weapons While the map is smaller, there are a few larger sight-lines that I didn't want to be exploited by long-range power weapons. There are a handful of BRs and carbines on the map that can allow for longer distance engagements. The main power weapon is the railgun. It spawns on what I consider the "weaker" side of the map, and is deadly at midrange, allowing the team that spawns on that side to establish themselves and move to a more stable position in the center. Opposite the railgun, the shotgun spawns. This spawns on the "stronger" side, but is only effective at tight range. On this map, it plays as more of a defensive weapon and is a powerful counter to the offensive capabilities of the railgun. A speed boost spawns on a central ledge, which can turn the tide for either team pushing for map control. Known Issues The spawns and gametype-specific zones and such are as very barebones. Basic Slayer functionality is really the only thing that has been done so far. The lighting on this map also needs tweaking. I have so far not had time to playtest the weapon layout.
The map does look great and it does feel pretty strategic and tactical of how you need to play on this map with team set up and positioning and such. But my problems with the map are the needler is to close to the terminal button and I think that the bridge that plasma pistol spawns should connect fully around to the other side with the railgun courtyard area and maybe some small cover on it and I don't like how Mostly every jump I had to use thruster pack it's just loud and gives away someone's position to easy maybe add some pipes in the water to skip across like or maybe more tubes but that are out in the open so you're risking your life for map movement. Idk just a thought also the water looks more like oil to me instead of liquid gold I see what you tried to do with the lighting effect but I think for more aesthetic wise for the map since it looks like a oil facility of somewhat try making it with like another color and make it pop out on the map like idk a oily gasoline color? (Just my opinions but overall great map and I liked how you added the water and worked your map around it) if you have any questions to ask me or need someone to test out the map for you my GT is VwS executioner
Thanks J2H Executioner! Its always tough to be objective about something I've spent so much time working on, so your fresh perspective is much appreciated! I think all of your concerns definitely hold weight, and the thrust issue is one I was reluctantly realizing myself. I will take a look at the map again when I get back from the holidays! Thanks again!
I havent gotten to look in the map yet, but my first thing (and I am a big stickler for it) is that there isn't any gold! With the name Midas, I was expecting a shiny golden statue! Overall it looks cool, I really like that you built it at water level to provide natural gaps/danger, and it looks like you have a good amount of cool little clamber jump routes
Thanks for the reply! Actually the map colors are all white and gold, and there is a fair amount of gold in there I hope. Although you are right, the 343 gold color is darker and can be pretty subdued in the shadows, which may make it appear as though its brown. I'll see what I can do to make it pop more!
I grabbed a copy of this map, and was quite impressed. God usage of the pieces and it all works well over the water. Nice job!