Suggestions
ORDMorphix
Join Date: 2003-01-17 Member: 12414Members
Join Date: 2003-01-17 Member: 12414Members
<div class="IPBDescription">just a few please</div> So, to start things out, I haven’t played all the custom maps that have come out so I can't say with authority, but I have seen and been keeping tracking the screenshots released here, and have played a few customs, so this is just my list of things, suggestions and whatnot, please listen.
1) Please consider making the maps smaller, I just got done playing ns_lost and one other one (it has custom texture buttons, they look neat) and both are huge. I don't see what the big push for big maps is, the official maps seem just the right size, with of course a few variations in size, but most are able to keep a good pace of game going. Also, from a mapping stand point, you can make that smaller map look much better than you could a bigger map. Also, not sure if its just the server, but with both ns_lost and the texture button map there is spurts of packet loss for everyone on the map, that happen regularly and only on these bigger maps.
2) don't overuse darkness, every custom map I'm seeing is looking identical to the next (in exception to 11th hour, the marine start was a wonderful breath of fresh air, the textures were different), it seems in many cases like a cheap way to cover up laziness on the mappers part of not including nice geometry and quality textures. Darkness doesn't automatically = atmosphere. Also, go the extra step and make your own textures, or even modify the existing ones to make them unique to your own map. And just remember, you want to strong contrast between light and dark in areas, don’t be afraid to use different colored lighting.
3) Please play test your map before you think of releasing it, just because the layout may seem like a good idea, you won't truly know until you have a game going. I think you can finalize the layout way before you do any of the texture work and or lighting.
4) Please consider the location in which you are modeling in, in terms of practicality and believability. I've seen a lot of interesting objects, and layouts but they many of them don't have a grounding in anything practical. Why would a hallway be 40 feet across, 30 feet high (aprox.) if its just connecting engine room to a mess hall/dock/living quarters/etc. Sure its the future, but things aren’t going to suddenly become abstract pieces of art in the future, and all usability thrown out the window. Look at some modern architecture layouts, even gothic if you want more proof that functionality can exist within beauty. This helps set the atmosphere of your map, better helps the player believe that he’s really in the universe.
Hope it helps.
-M
Add some more you think would help mappers, and this is in no way to discourage anyone, but it helps to get ideas and feedback on anything creative.
1) Please consider making the maps smaller, I just got done playing ns_lost and one other one (it has custom texture buttons, they look neat) and both are huge. I don't see what the big push for big maps is, the official maps seem just the right size, with of course a few variations in size, but most are able to keep a good pace of game going. Also, from a mapping stand point, you can make that smaller map look much better than you could a bigger map. Also, not sure if its just the server, but with both ns_lost and the texture button map there is spurts of packet loss for everyone on the map, that happen regularly and only on these bigger maps.
2) don't overuse darkness, every custom map I'm seeing is looking identical to the next (in exception to 11th hour, the marine start was a wonderful breath of fresh air, the textures were different), it seems in many cases like a cheap way to cover up laziness on the mappers part of not including nice geometry and quality textures. Darkness doesn't automatically = atmosphere. Also, go the extra step and make your own textures, or even modify the existing ones to make them unique to your own map. And just remember, you want to strong contrast between light and dark in areas, don’t be afraid to use different colored lighting.
3) Please play test your map before you think of releasing it, just because the layout may seem like a good idea, you won't truly know until you have a game going. I think you can finalize the layout way before you do any of the texture work and or lighting.
4) Please consider the location in which you are modeling in, in terms of practicality and believability. I've seen a lot of interesting objects, and layouts but they many of them don't have a grounding in anything practical. Why would a hallway be 40 feet across, 30 feet high (aprox.) if its just connecting engine room to a mess hall/dock/living quarters/etc. Sure its the future, but things aren’t going to suddenly become abstract pieces of art in the future, and all usability thrown out the window. Look at some modern architecture layouts, even gothic if you want more proof that functionality can exist within beauty. This helps set the atmosphere of your map, better helps the player believe that he’s really in the universe.
Hope it helps.
-M
Add some more you think would help mappers, and this is in no way to discourage anyone, but it helps to get ideas and feedback on anything creative.
Comments
I think your problem is that you are unfamiliar with the custom maps, and thus don't know your way around yet.
Most mappers do playtest, by the way. But the best playtesting is done by hundreds of people. New strategies develop for the terrain based on more time playing it. ns_lost does have one play problem in my estimation, but other than that thing, it seems remarkably balanced and well tested.
Over using darkness? You play marines only, don't you. ns_lost ain't dark, except for one vent which has a brief section that is pitch black. All other areas in that map are rather well lit, thank you very much. Perhaps you need to adjust the brightness on your monitor. ns_lost is as bright or brighter than ns_nothing and ns_caged.
As for lag? For me, ns_europa gets more lag than ns_lost ever did... and ns_europa is a VERY VERY VERY small map.
I know I'm defending ns_lost in specific here, but that's the only map you actually named....
As far as server performance (which would cause high pings), it's directly related to entity count. And, I'm pretty sure my map has fewer entities than any official map, except possibly Eclipse. So any problems there are the server's fault.
Just some information.
I don't know how you could possibly tell. The only bad thing is when brushes overlap, it drives up compile times and plays silly games with the limits, but it shouldn't affect the end result. I just don't see how you could tell from a compiled map whether or not the brushes overlap. Brushes can be sliced and the parts that overlap thrown away, ya know...
Also i saw a example NS map that didn't inspire me.
If this is done in TFC map ppl would laugh at you and call you names
But ive sen no TFC map with the atmosphere and detail of any NS map.
here.
<img src='http://www.tracer.plus.com/tanith.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image'>
That one of the reasons i wanted to start NS mapping coz its ot more atmosfear and also theres only so much you can do with 2 teams 2 bases and a flippin flag <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->