Ns_incubus Is Reborn!

BulletHead · October 2004

<div class="IPBDescription">Currently a beta CO map</div> Okay, I'm going to have 2 versions of the map known as incubus... co_incubus and ns_incubus... the co version is for playtesting of the currently completed area, and is nearly at [rel] status... just need to add the hive room and finish texturing / lighting 3 of the rooms and it's done <img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile-fix.gif' />

Some features are:

-the new to me discovery of switchable TEXTURE lights
-a new style layout (marines in the middle of the map)
-potentialy interesting and helpful 1 way windows at certain spots
-an interesting UNDERGROUND command chair

Backstory thus far:

The Incubus Mining Station has been for the past few years one of the largest raw material mining facilities in the TSA. As you may know, Incubus is our largest supplier of the very materials used in the creation of your armor and the nanites that maintain it... as such, it is a highly important investment. However, as of three months ago, we lost contact with it. A small team of security personel was dispatched at the time to re-establish contact... it wasn't thought that the kharra could penetrate the station's defenses... however, it has now been 2 months since the last contact... and the last report was as follows:

"This is the Deep Space Security ship UCC Endevour to Terran Security HQ. We have docked with Incubus Station, and established contact with a few personel... most of them seem to have vanished... the survivors are very... *static* Wait... what was that? The lights have gone out... and I... what was that noise? Private Raynor! I need you to... wait! LOOK OUT PRIVATE! DEAR GOD! The kharra! MAYDAY! MAYDAY! THE KHARRA ARE ONBOARD THE INCUBUS! My god! They've smashed in the ships docking clamp! We've lost latitude control, and are unable to retract the docking clamp! THE BULKHEAD IS BUCKLING! We're de....s..izing... *fades to static*"

As you see... we fear the worst. We MUST retake this station... we cannot go on without it. DISMISSED!

THE NEW SCREENSHOTS- ON and OFF with the Texture Lights

</div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><b>The Marine Start- Power Outage in effect</b>
<img src='http://12.22.230.41/MicroTech/Hosted/Images/ns_incubus_a30001.JPG' border='0' alt='user posted image' /></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'>

</div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><b>The Marine Start- Power Outage FIXED (welded)</b>
<img src='http://12.22.230.41/MicroTech/Hosted/Images/ns_incubus_a30002.JPG' border='0' alt='user posted image' /></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'>

</div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><b>The Command Chair w/ Emergency 10 hour light stands</b>
<img src='http://12.22.230.41/MicroTech/Hosted/Images/ns_incubus_commchair.JPG' border='0' alt='user posted image' /></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'>

</div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><b>A dark hallway- emergency lights only</b>
<img src='http://12.22.230.41/MicroTech/Hosted/Images/ns_incubus_hall1.a1.JPG' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

<b>That same hallway- lights welded back on</b>
<img src='http://12.22.230.41/MicroTech/Hosted/Images/ns_incubus_hall1.a.JPG' border='0' alt='user posted image' /></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'>

</div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><b>The Observation Deck</b>
<img src='http://12.22.230.41/MicroTech/Hosted/Images/ns_incubus_observationdeck.JPG' border='0' alt='user posted image' /></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'>

</div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><b>The Tram Hallway</b>
<img src='http://12.22.230.41/MicroTech/Hosted/Images/ns_incubus_tramhall.JPG' border='0' alt='user posted image' /></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'>

NOTE- That last screenshot is a NEW area that is very much so unfinished.. I must re-do the roof as well do to a bug (the glass part doesn't work right <img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/sad-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='sad-fix.gif' /> )

Comments, Critiques, BBQ sauce?

Nukem3000 · October 2004

<img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/sad-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='sad-fix.gif' /> mmmmm <img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/confused-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='confused-fix.gif' /> mmmmmm. Why not try ajusting the brightness of the screenshots? I really cant see much in that first shot....

BulletHead · October 2004

OMG! SORRY! SORRY SORRY! <img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/sad-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='sad-fix.gif' />

This wasn't supposed to be posted yet! I had screenshots of the Marine Start when the lights were welded on, but they didn't host up right (darn webost... rofl)

Gah... well, I'll re-compile tonight with the new fixes (a few clipping errors and such fixed, a few new textures) and then I'll re-capture em.

Again, sorry bout that... when I went to preview is when I noticed the bug with the screenshots and I guess I must've hit post instead <img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/sad-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='sad-fix.gif' />

BTW- here's the current overview as it is in VHE

BulletHead · October 2004

Okay, I have a quick question pertaining to my map... how do I get force fields to LOOK like force fields? I read the tuitorial on snark pit... but it just didn't work right (looked really... odd)

hmm... had a small problem compiling... I'll prolly have it fixed tomorrow (a bad vertex edit screwed up a few other brushes when I edited them to fix the origional leak <img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/sad-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='sad-fix.gif' /> )

Minotaur0 · October 2004

Rounded **** (except on pipes) is generally not cool in NS maps. I mean, theres no sense about abusing on wpoly count with stupid arches when u can use the very detailed textures in your favor. Learn some texturing/lighting techniques that u'll get what I mean.

BulletHead · October 2004

*blinks*

Come again? Lol, nah, 1 arch won't harm anything (it's only 12 w-poly in an area that is still relatively low) I think the highest poly area is going to wind up being the observation deck hive (3 arches for the roof XD)

btw- NEW PICS of the more completed areas

Bijiy · October 2004

It's a bit...bland.

BulletHead · October 2004

bland eh? heh, still working on the lighting atm, so <img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile-fix.gif' />

BulletHead · October 2004

BTW- sorry for hosting it off the forums bandwidth... my web hosting service is not responding ATM... I think their upgrading today, not sure

Belgarion · October 2004

can you give us an on/off comparison from the same position? it's a bit hard when one of them is looking through dirty glass...

Bijiy · October 2004

Well it's not just the lighting, sure the lighting is bland..well it's mainly one color per area. But it's also your textures, some of them just don't fit the structures function. Heh, only my opinion though.

BulletHead · October 2004

nvm... I lied *blinks*

I'll get some better screens soon as I fix a few bugs and lighting issues (ex, only HALF of marine start lights up when their lights are turned on 0o')

Kester · October 2004

</div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (BulletHead @ Oct 23 2004, 08:08 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> Come again? Lol, nah, 1 arch won't harm anything (it's only 12 w-poly in an area that is still relatively low) I think the highest poly area is going to wind up being the observation deck hive (3 arches for the roof XD)  </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> 
When will people realise that r_speeds aren't the only problem with curves.

perso · October 2004

</div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Kester @ Oct 24 2004, 05:20 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> </div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (BulletHead @ Oct 23 2004, 08:08 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> Come again? Lol, nah, 1 arch won't harm anything (it's only 12 w-poly in an area that is still relatively low) I think the highest poly area is going to wind up being the observation deck hive (3 arches for the roof XD) </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'>
When will people realise that r_speeds aren't the only problem with curves.  </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> 
Feel free to specify your statement. <img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile-fix.gif' />

BulletHead · October 2004

</div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (perso @ Oct 24 2004, 09:44 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> </div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Kester @ Oct 24 2004, 05:20 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> </div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (BulletHead @ Oct 23 2004, 08:08 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> Come again? Lol, nah, 1 arch won't harm anything (it's only 12 w-poly in an area that is still relatively low) I think the highest poly area is going to wind up being the observation deck hive (3 arches for the roof XD) </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'>
When will people realise that r_speeds aren't the only problem with curves. </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'>
Feel free to specify your statement. <img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile-fix.gif' />  </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> 
yeah... uh... what ARE you talking about?/

After all, if the tuitorial is on snarkpit.com, then it can't be too horrible for the game now can it?

Sure, texturing em is a cast iron b*tch... but meh, toime is no object here

BulletHead · October 2004

Aight, new screenshots- ON / OFF comparison of the switchable texture lights

Check the first post to see em <img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile-fix.gif' />, and don't forget to C&C

Crispy · October 2004

The lighting turning off and on works well in that area, apart from the fact that it's MS! Don't you think it's a bit harsh starting the Marines in pitch black? A skulkrush is a definite, then someone lerks and the 'rines can't even see the spores! A gorge could even start building in the MS having gested there! It doesn't seem like the ideal start for any team.

I think on/off lighting is best used to slow the Marines expansion (we all know how quickly they can move out and secure areas), not to handicap them from the start. I'd be very, very interested to see how this map plays out if you keep the MS in pitch black for the final release.

Yeah, yeah. Flashlights...whatever!

BulletHead · October 2004

It takes just 15 seconds total to weld that thing... plus, if possible, I'm going to have scattered stuff around (a sg, a welder or two, some mines) to make it seem like it had a previous team there

The whole point of the darkness is that it is a station with power problems <img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' />

Although, you have a very valid point... maybe I'll change it to a box the aliens can destroy to turn off say... half of the lights? Untill the marines weld it and turn em back on? or something... I dunno, I'll figure something out <img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile-fix.gif' />

PS- it's a LOT darker in the screens than in game... I suck at fixing the gamma (make it look all washed and such) so I just don't <img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/wink-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wink-fix.gif' />

BulletHead · October 2004

Okay, I did some more work on the lighting, improved that one hallway a bit (made it more fluent and smooth)

I also added some finishing touches to the command chair containment area and the obsevation deck (which is no longer able ot be a hive location due to the small size) is finished for hte most part... all i have to add is the intereior details (a few benches / tables, a counter, ect)

Pictures on the FIRST post:)

C&C plz!

BulletHead · October 2004

Aw... comeon... someone say something. Even if you simply say it sucks and why, I'll be happy just to know I can do something on it

perso · October 2004

I'd like to see Observation deck with a ns sky to get better feel to it. It has nice basic looking architecture and that arch fits there nicely. You could make it so that some parts of the actual wall are shown under the infestation. Atm it looks rather dull because of the repeating texturing. Trim textures fit nicely however. Have sky emitting a little light and the (accordingly placed) light textures emit brighter light to give the room more contrast.

CC placement looks rather odd. Make sure to clip that "pit" around cc if you are to keep it in your map. Also, I don't really like the sharp edges you have for example somewhere in that room. Basically it means that if you have a wall which has 2 different textures used on the same face, try making something in between of them to make it look nicer. For example try using more trim textures.

I like the tram. At first glance it reminded me of original half-life train part. But when I looked at the textures they were all from ns (afaik). That light behind the grill is nice. Also, according to the lay-out it seems that you have mapped a lot of it. GJ, keep up the good work and you will hopefully finish it. <img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile-fix.gif' />

Once_Only · October 2004

you've got some awesome tex lights, I'd love to see your rad file.

CoolCookieCooks · October 2004

Changes needed:

the skybox for the map needs changing, rather than using the desert style default

the hovering command chair platform looks a bit weird :/ maybe like a pneumatic platform instead?

needs more architecture on the walls, maybe adding burst pipes and computers etc would spice it up <img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' />

perso · October 2004

I've got a suggestion according to that tram hallway. I dunno if it fits with your plans, but I just felt like posting it here. I think it would look nicer if you raised that left side platform to the level of the top of that rail thing. What I meant is described in a crappily edited image below.

<img src='http://koti.mbnet.fi/tazu/pics/Natural-Selection/ns_incubus_tramhall_suggestion.JPG' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

BulletHead · October 2004

heh, glad you guys like it.

@ALIEN- My texlights file is kinda smalla ctually (only about 15 or so things in there atm)

@ coolcookiecooks- yeah, I'm debating that CC too... it was origionally for a female marine statue... but nobody ever made the statue and my modeling skills are... well... non-existant...

@perso- the tram area I was planning on raising that left side. I did, didn't like the way I had done it, put it back, and forgot all about it XD I'll see what I can do with it (perhaps just lower the rest ? )

@-all yeah, my sky texture is NOT permanant... I need to figure out a good space sky (what program can I use to view the skys? will InfraView do it?)

Crispy · October 2004

Someone asked this question in the help and troubleshooting forums. I didn't learn anything so I can't tell you straight off what program to use. I have the worst short-term memory ever due to... well I can't remember why!

perso · October 2004

I once used <a href='http://www.imagemagick.org/' target='_blank'>ImageMagick</a> to view the *.TGA format "screencapture files" wc3 uses. I'd recommend it to you, althought it can only be used to view the images.

</div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>perhaps just lower the rest ?</td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'>
I'd say it's worth trying, but then there is ofcourse the problem aliens can get on that train. Btw. maybe try using that floor texture (middle part of it) on the upper section and the other down where the tram goes. <img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' />

<span style='font-size:8pt;line-height:100%'>must go get some sleep now...</span>

BulletHead · October 2004

heh, good point XD

Aliens can get on the tram.l.. but whenever anyone gets on board, I have a func_presence tied to a light entity above it with a corrosponding texlight fixture. Anyone that gets on sets off a nice red security light <img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile-fix.gif' />

Same with the ore scanner... whenever a xenoform (aka, alien) passes underneat the scanner, the Red Alert sound from Star Trek plays along with a nice flashing red light <img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile-fix.gif' />

Crispy · October 2004

</div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (BulletHead @ Oct 27 2004, 06:27 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> Same with the ore scanner... whenever a xenoform (aka, alien) passes underneat the scanner, the Red Alert sound from Star Trek plays along with a nice flashing red light <img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile-fix.gif' />  </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> 
roflmao

I'm tempted to make a Star Trek convention map where you get a gun that works and you let your brain do the rest.

I actually love Star Trek but some people take it too far...

BulletHead · October 2004

lol

Star Trek is, in all seriousness, quite real <img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile-fix.gif' />

Only 1 thing was ever made up by Gene Rodeenburry, and that was the Dilithium Crystal... other than that, we currently can prove that it is feasible technilogically to make the rest of it

BulletHead · October 2004

K, working on raising that tram platform now <img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile-fix.gif' />

Done, what do ya think?

NOTE- these are NOT the latest pics... but I'm too tired to re-compile AGAIN tonight... I'll adjust some more lighting and then do it tomorrow, but this is the basicly finished ARCHITECHTURE... ignore the one black with orange light overlay thing... it didn't get included in the entity, but I've already fixed that

<img src='http://12.22.230.41/MicroTech/Hosted/Images/ns_incubus_a13.JPG' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

<img src='http://12.22.230.41/MicroTech/Hosted/Images/ns_incubus_a12.JPG' border='0' alt='user posted image' />