Map ambience and additions
Sgt_Bilko1
Join Date: 2002-02-02 Member: 150Members
Join Date: 2002-02-02 Member: 150Members
<div class="IPBDescription">Some things i haven't seen a lot of</div>Here are a few things I have not seen a lot of in NS maps that I think could really add to the atmosphere.
<b>+</b> Mechanisms that are tied in to multiple parts of the map -I know half-life did this quite a bit, where they would tie some sort of themed mechanical parts/machines/moving/pipes into multiple parts of the map. For instance, seeing a pipe sticking out of a wall, and on the other side seeing it continue then go into the floor, than if you're below that floor level you see it sticking down through the ceiling in the same spot. That sort of thing. Don't get me wrong, I’ve seen tons of pipes in NS maps <!--emo&:)--><img src="http://www.natural-selection.org/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'><!--endemo-->, just haven't noticed any organized like this.
Another example, have a "blast furnace" in the "basement" of a map with pipes leading out from it all throughout the map to specific points that vent particle "gas" in regular intervals.
<b>+</b> Deep deep pits or extremely high ceilings. - There are a few maps that have these in small areas but you never see it as a regular theme, really lets you feel like you're something small that's a part of something larger. I love looking up to see a giant fan twirling through a grate in the ceiling high above, extremely Sci-fi like.
<b>+</b> Levels that give you an "I'm really indoors" feel and not a "I'm in a mystery world of tunnels" feel. I know a few include windows to the outside world, or skylights, or an outdoor area or two that you can't access but look at.
<b>+</b> Marine starts that look like you actually just arrived there, crashed dropship, broken down transport, large set of "I've just been welded shut" doors, things like that.
<b>+</b> A marine start that looks like a bunker or a premade base, there are a few who have characteristics like this, but most resemble functional rooms rather than an established base. Bast is really the only map that comes to mind instantly when thinking established base.
<b>+</b> An NS map that’s more strait forward, where you have less of a confusing tunnel design and more of a “I can go here or I can go there” de_dust counter-strike feel. I know some people might shun this idea, but it really hasn’t been done yet and might prove interesting to experiment with. The map would have to be bigger than de_dust of course but I only use that as an example for being “strait forward”
<b>+</b> More weldable destructive items like in this image, this is a really cool feature. <img src="http://www.natural-selection.org/iB_html/uploads/post-12-04438-1.jpg" border="0">
*edited to get image to display*
<!--EDIT|Greedo386|Oct. 08 2002,14:15-->
<b>+</b> Mechanisms that are tied in to multiple parts of the map -I know half-life did this quite a bit, where they would tie some sort of themed mechanical parts/machines/moving/pipes into multiple parts of the map. For instance, seeing a pipe sticking out of a wall, and on the other side seeing it continue then go into the floor, than if you're below that floor level you see it sticking down through the ceiling in the same spot. That sort of thing. Don't get me wrong, I’ve seen tons of pipes in NS maps <!--emo&:)--><img src="http://www.natural-selection.org/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'><!--endemo-->, just haven't noticed any organized like this.
Another example, have a "blast furnace" in the "basement" of a map with pipes leading out from it all throughout the map to specific points that vent particle "gas" in regular intervals.
<b>+</b> Deep deep pits or extremely high ceilings. - There are a few maps that have these in small areas but you never see it as a regular theme, really lets you feel like you're something small that's a part of something larger. I love looking up to see a giant fan twirling through a grate in the ceiling high above, extremely Sci-fi like.
<b>+</b> Levels that give you an "I'm really indoors" feel and not a "I'm in a mystery world of tunnels" feel. I know a few include windows to the outside world, or skylights, or an outdoor area or two that you can't access but look at.
<b>+</b> Marine starts that look like you actually just arrived there, crashed dropship, broken down transport, large set of "I've just been welded shut" doors, things like that.
<b>+</b> A marine start that looks like a bunker or a premade base, there are a few who have characteristics like this, but most resemble functional rooms rather than an established base. Bast is really the only map that comes to mind instantly when thinking established base.
<b>+</b> An NS map that’s more strait forward, where you have less of a confusing tunnel design and more of a “I can go here or I can go there” de_dust counter-strike feel. I know some people might shun this idea, but it really hasn’t been done yet and might prove interesting to experiment with. The map would have to be bigger than de_dust of course but I only use that as an example for being “strait forward”
<b>+</b> More weldable destructive items like in this image, this is a really cool feature. <img src="http://www.natural-selection.org/iB_html/uploads/post-12-04438-1.jpg" border="0">
*edited to get image to display*
<!--EDIT|Greedo386|Oct. 08 2002,14:15-->
Comments
I love Greedo's new lost screenshots (only two.. get working Greedo.. <!--emo&:p--><img src="http://www.natural-selection.org/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'><!--endemo--> ) becuase one of them is just that. A resrouce node on a platform then a large pit. Mmm, lost = pwnage.
No need to be insulting there big guy, after beta testing since about the NSPT2 build I'd say I know what NS is about.
Cyanide – I couldn’t agree more, weldables have certainly made Hera an amazingly dynamic map, and I’ve had many a close call while frantically trying to weld a door shut, or using them as strategic barriers to keep aliens out and secure an area. This is a really unique part of NS and I certainly back this encouragement.
<!--EDIT|Sgt. Bilko|Oct. 09 2002,10:42-->
I'm committed to doing things right this time around.
Welders are awesome too, dynamically being able to change the structure of a map is just one of the things that makes NS great. But I definitely like to see the func_weldables used in innovative ways, like the famous laser strike in NS_Tanith (the image that Bilko posted), and the computer consoles that control vent access in NS_Hera. Just being able to open or close a door is cool enough, but there's so much more potential than limiting yourself to that.
Nice pics Greeds!!!
/me on-topics
But then I changed the layout. And then I restarted completely four times after not being happy with the marine spawns. And now I don't think I even like the map's name much.
Yeah, my map is pretty confused. But I've got some ideas....
If you want some ideas on large scale indoor structures go grab a copy of unreal 2003, even if it's just for a few days and you bring it back. There are some seriously amazing map designs in that game and they are all sc-fi oriented, I highly suggest just taking a look at them if you have the time and money.
Vynn - love the "pipes where you see resources" idea. I think you coudl really go somewhere with that. Gigantic steaming pipes next to all the resource nodes would really be an original design in the NS realm.
Greedo - Uh, hum, *drools*. Nice screenies.
<b><span style='color:lightblue'>*static*</span></b>
<!--EDIT|Moleculor|Oct. 11 2002,11:05-->
lvl5's are already extremely powerful, allowing them to break welds would make them even more deadly, and believe me - once you see the power of the lvl5 and get run down by one you'll not only have to change your pants, but you will be glad they can't break them.
Plus, I really enjoyed learning a bit more about what the Devs have done with the "weldables" concept in this thread. Sounds like it'll be really cool; the ability to physically alter a map and change gameplay in a very tangible way sounds REALLY sweet.
Not all of the maps have very many welds, look at nothing or nancy, however i encourage EVERYONE to add as many sci-fi things in as possible, and tons of welds!
seriously tho, i'd want as many as possible, vents (grates), doors, etc.