I've been working on a TF2 Map since getting laid off from my last job.
The map is a very small and simple CTF layout, similar to 2Forts in style. The layout began as an "I" shape with side paths down the center, and a night time theme. I gradually added more locations for use with specific classes. So far I've only play tested with Mimic Bots, and 4 total human players.
The map is still in beta, as I wait for more play testing to be planned this weekend. I still need to add detail props, and finish the 3Dskybox area. Much of the level is textured and somewhat optimized.
An earlier build of the map is already on rotation on the Polycount Server, until mister Admin updates it.
There are a few custom meshes so far. The vertical bars and tunnel hatches at the end of the sewers. The fish are also custom made, and move with Valve's "func_fish_pool" entity. But I will likely replace them before final build.
Progress can be followed and downloaded here:
http://forums.tf2maps.net/showthread.php?t=8044
Video here:
[ame]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bnet5TrMOkM[/ame]
Replies
Looking great so far, GX!
Looking really nice so far.
Great work again!
Quick crits based on screenshots:
- The rounded sewer parts might be better done as custom props instead of brushes. Or break it up into several smaller func_detail brushes. That way they don't effect vis and they won't effect each other.
- Careful with the custom content, 8mb is pretty good. There is a lot to be said for quick downloads from the server.
Guttersnipe? Was a word long before O'Reilly
This looks great. We should have a pc playtest night.
Also make sure to camp the TF2maps.net events page and get it up ASAP. Also make sure it gets recorded, this is so valuable. The demo playback in source is pretty awesome, it plays the game again in engine and you can spectate.
Playing with other people is great, but being able to spectate it all later is VERY helpful. People will call things out, in the demo playback you can watch what they where doing. Something that's hard to do in real time.
As I mentioned, there is an earlier build on the PC server rotation already. I'll try to bribe bearkub with more snacks to update it. I'd like a play test soon.
Vig: Yeah, I've been lurking and posting there. I forgot they also test on Wednesday. Missed the boat. I'll try to get it on for the Sunday test. Watching the demo will be very helpful. So far I've done my best to prevent certain class exploits.
Guttersnipe is a play on words. "Gutter" because of the water filled trench in the center of the map. And "snipe" for the Sniper positions on opposing ends. It also means a lowly person.
I'm not satisfied with the tunnels. They're on my to do list. They were the last addition to the layout, to prevent spawn camping. Prior to making them, I had never made arches in Hammer. Now I have a better idea of what I can make. I will keep them as func_detail brushes, but make them rounder, wider, and fix the corners, much like the ones in 2forts.
I would like to post one more beta version later before making a final compile. Many of the fences and trim around the level will be tweaked to appear less repetitive before then. But fo now I wait for play testing.