Map Design?

Asimov · July 2012

<div class="IPBDescription">Can someone explain this to me?</div>I was hoping someone could explain why all the NS2 maps are small and cramped? It feels like the maps are much smaller from NS1. It seems like it takes about 10 seconds to get from a hive to the marine base. From the games I have played I don't really like it and I was wondering why the design direction went this way. Thanks.

Angelusz · July 2012

I don't feel the same way about the current maps. As for the design intention; maps that are much bigger are more difficult for marines because they don't move around as fast. Next to that, it tends to lead to stalemates, as it becomes exceedingly difficult to find and destroy all CC's or hives on large maps, new ones can be made while you're on the other side of the map killing the one.

Basically it's a matter of balance. Bigger maps will definitely work, but only for bigger teams, there's a direct relation between those two. The current design is balanced around 10 to 16 players I believe. (not 100% sure there, though)

Asimov · July 2012

Ok, thanks. I hope they make some larger maps though, since marines and aliens are so close together I end up dead a lot more often :(. I miss those epic maps from NS1.

Nakorson · July 2012

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Angelusz @ Jul 13 2012, 07:21 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1951293"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'>I don't feel the same way about the current maps. As for the design intention; maps that are much bigger are more difficult for marines because they don't move around as fast. Next to that, it tends to lead to stalemates, as it becomes exceedingly difficult to find and destroy all CC's or hives on large maps, new ones can be made while you're on the other side of the map killing the one.

Basically it's a matter of balance. Bigger maps will definitely work, but only for bigger teams, there's a direct relation between those two. The current design is balanced around 10 to 16 players I believe. (not 100% sure there, though)</div>

While i agree with you in the early game, I actually feel like its the other way around in the mid to late game. Once the marines have phasegates they are feel a lot faster than the aliens. Reaching Data Core from Flight Control when it is under attack takes ages as nearly every alien class. Marines get beaconed or use the phasegate and are immediately there. Jetpacks are also pushing the balance towards the marine side.

Ryne · July 2012

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Asimov @ Jul 13 2012, 05:26 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1951296"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'>Ok, thanks. I hope they make some larger maps though, since marines and aliens are so close together I end up dead a lot more often :(. I miss those epic maps from NS1.</div>

Go check the mapping forum. Specifically maps like ns2_eclipse, a very good remake of the NS1 map.

Angelusz · July 2012

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Nakorson @ Jul 13 2012, 03:32 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1951298"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'>While i agree with you in the early game, I actually feel like its the other way around in the mid to late game. Once the marines have phasegates they are feel a lot faster than the aliens. Reaching Data Core from Flight Control when it is under attack takes ages as nearly every alien class. Marines get beaconed or use the phasegate and are immediately there. Jetpacks are also pushing the balance towards the marine side.</div>
Definitely true, marines have the advantage lategame. Problem is that aliens can take over a big part of the map early on with cysts, basically boxing the marines in early on. They'll be denied the resources to tech up.

I'm not saying that'll happen in 100% of the games, but I'm fairly confident that it would be the average.

As for the classic remakes, I have high hopes for many of those as well, the nostalgia! Can't wait for some of those projects to finish!! :)

Map Design?

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