Help - Search - Members - Calendar
Full Version: Unofficial Map Pack
Unknown Worlds Forums > Natural Selection > Natural Selection Creation > Mapping Forum
Pages: 1, 2, 3
StixNStonz
**Update: Map Pack #1 released. Download found here, or here.

**************************

As i mentioned in this thread, since the official map pack doesn't seem like it'll ever become a reality, i'm going to go ahead and create my own. The NS community could really benefit from an infusion of new (especially already available) content, so I'll take a week or two to look over the quality custom maps, and pack together the best.

The map pack will be split into two packs due to pending map updates, file size, and simplicity.

Map Pack 1:

---ns_enceladus: A nice, sprawling map with MS located in the middle of all 3 hives; has some very unique elements.
*Minimap fixed up.

---ns_rust_1_3: great map with a huge middle room. Lots of ambiance.
*Minimap fixed up.

---ns_achio_v2b5: Achio's come a long way and offers a ton of unique elements, along with some great design. Very solid space-station feel.

---ns_rampage: a classic custom map with great features.
*Minimap fixed up (thanks JazzX!)

---ns_hulk_b3: a sprawling map with stunning originality.
*Minimap fixed up.



Map Pack 2:

---ns_nexus_v2: A large map with a lot of vertical gameplay, a very original hive layout, a lot of detail, and an extensive vent system. Pending a new version with multiple updates.

---ns_saturn_b4: Very cool design which gives great visuals to support the feeling of a real, circular space station; novel design of double in the middle. Hopefully pending a new version with a siege fix.

---ns_source_b34: very nice map with great model work and a straightforward layout.
Ready to go, kept behind to fill out pack 2.

---ns_titan_b2: Very solid, never-seen-before map. Pending new version with small bugfixes.


Cut:

---ns_oasis.


Map Pack 1 will be released shortly, while Map Pack 2 is pending.
Thaldarin
You missed off Hydrosity.
Crispy
Are there issues with adding older maps like:
ns_source (Lt_Gravity)
ns_hulk (Rendy_CZech)
ns_takeback (Greedo386; creator of ns_lost)

Also, worth checking these out to see if any of them ever released:
ns_foray
(I will add to this list)


QUOTE
Thats the tentative list for now. I do not want to include Siege or Co maps.
They're not all bad.
ns_siege_generator
ns_stormsiege
Skacky
Wow, that's great!
I've lost faith with the mappack, but if you can handle this, it's ok. smile-fix.gif

Hmm, I'm receiving tons of feedback on ns_forgotten right now, I just need to fix troubles, like ultra-unbalanced Sewage Tunnel, unbalanced Pumping Station and horrible vent system. smile-fix.gif
Kouji_San
QUOTE(StixNStonz @ Jan 18 2008, 10:23 PM) *
---ns_achio_v2b4: Achio's come a long way and offers a ton of unique elements, along with some great design. Very solid space-station feel.


v2b5? tounge.gif

Also good idea, I think you could host it at bry's file server. however I would send an email if a file of this size is allowed ^_^

I'll also look into some suggestions for maps as well (If I have time, someone gone done stole my bucket o'time again)
StixNStonz
Nice, I'll check out these suggestions in the coming days. Didnt know Achio had a new update. I loved Hydrosity from the way old days, but i'll check it out again to see how it fares now. I remember it having a lot of issues, but i didnt really mind... which was also how we all felt about Bast back then tounge.gif

Shacky, you should really consider fixing up Bliss like we recommended. Seriously, if you just out out a small number of rooms, and scaled down certain hallways and added cover etc, you could make a great map out of it. If you've totally given up on it, no worries. But if you're willing to put in a few solid hours to fix it up, i'd be willing to give some suggestions (probably in painted-minimap format).

NS_Source i remember being pretty cool when i checked it out quickly, so I'll do so again. Same with Hulk, but Takeback, from what i remember, needed a pretty significant amount of work to be fully up to par, at least imo. I'll check it out again as well. And ns_foray, never heard of it tounge.gif

Another thats come to mind is Maximus' Equinox. I only checked it out quickly before, but it struck me as a pretty solid map, so i'll give it a better runthrough again.

And just because I'm getting this map pack together doesn't mean I'm some map nazi. Keep suggesting maps and reviewing others if you want. Constructive criticism for potential maps is especially good; there's nothing stopping us from fixing up any almost-great map before we release this (assuming the mapper still has the source tounge.gif).

Even myself, I'll probably be releasing a new version of Nexus with this. We'll see if that comes to fruition though.
Skacky
I think ns_marineris really worths to be included. smile-fix.gif
Droggog
Warning, long post ahead...

Well, i'm tempted to say this is a good initiative but, i'm not sure. Let me explain. First of all, this is gonna be a lot of work and you'll run into some problems. I think this is why the "official mappack" never saw the day, no one did want to pick up the task/burden. People like you, or me, put a lot of work in our maps, so this is a delicate subject... In my opinion, this is something that has to be done by someone "neutral", and/or possibly with a voting system. If not, well, i'll just give some examples;

QUOTE(StixNStonz @ Jan 18 2008, 10:23 PM) *
ns_nexus_v2: Yes its mine, but its not like its lacking in quality

No offense intended, but i think otherwise. But don't get me wrong. To keep it short, i like a round or two on ns_nexus but i think the very (too much?) ambitious layout leads to major problems, especially for "competitive play". Again, please don't take this as a personal "attack", cause it's not. I'd throw away a lot of the other maps that have been suggested as well, it's just an example.

QUOTE(StixNStonz @ Jan 18 2008, 10:23 PM) *
I do not want to include Siege or Co maps.

QUOTE(StixNStonz @ Jan 20 2008, 06:08 AM) *
And just because I'm getting this map pack together doesn't mean I'm some map nazi.

Hummm... another problem smile-fix.gif Kinda contradictory. My point is, who are you to judge what goes in and what doesn't? Maybe rename this to "StixNStonz's Classic custom map pack", then. Even if i don't play combat personally, the game mode is there, it's official, and a lot of people seems to enjoy it. And yes, honestly, the fact that my map is co_ has to do with this post, i won't deny that. It's almost the same with some polished siege maps, bar the fact that it isn't even an official game mode.

If it's your mappack, fine, you do whatever you want with it, but you're risking to make some people very disappointed and/or even angry. If the maps are selected by personal taste of one individual, we'll end up with 36 different map packs cause everyone is gonna make one, including it's own map, of course... If i'd be a server operator, i'd rather select the maps one by one, which would make the point of a map pack, well, pointless! nerd-fix.gif

This is in no way to discourage you from getting this done, but the way i see a good map pack is just different.

- Making sure the source is still available & the more the mapper is still active, the better (so problems can be fixed)
- Map is polished, in term of aesthetics, layout, and gameplay
- Map follows the "official mapping guidelines"
- As stated above, maps are selected by someone neutral (aka; not an applicant), or even better, multiple "judges"
- Possibly include some sort of non-abusable voting system (so mappers can still vote for their own map(s))
- Playtest the maps... This would mean we'd need a server and well, playtesters...
- Etc.

There is more, but hopefully you got my point. By following those "rules", we could end up with a top-notch map pack, which we could even submit to the devs. And with their permission, release it as an "official map pack"... Y' know, with a news on the front page, and on major websites such as planethalflife.com, etc. Which could literally revive NS btw...
BCSeph
add ns_mineshaft to the list!
Kouji_San
Also there should be things like:

- creating all the types of minimaps (transparant and labelled transparant) for the chosen maps
- max number of maps for the pack
- talking about source files for maps, this should also include custom textures (wads/psd's//sky textures?)

And we need at least 4-6 judges of course tounge.gif

Perhaps a seperate combat and classic map pack confused-fix.gif
StixNStonz
The original title for this thread actually WAS 'Stix's Unofficial Map Pack', but I didnt like putting my name into it. Perhaps it would have been better to add in the Classic, but that could come with the final set.

Don't worry Droggog, there's been far less formal criticisms about Nexus smile-fix.gif. I'm not some random newbie mapper who is throwing in his empty siege map with great maps. I know that Nexus is not for everyone, and some people downright hate it. That's fine.

I find that those same people downright hate Shiva and Machina too; both are more complex maps (and both are new tounge.gif). Then there are the ton of people who absolutely love Shiva and Machina, like myself. When I set out to build the (as you agree) ambitious Nexus, these were maps that I looked to as inspiration. I wanted a *very serious* map. And a lot of people have claimed it to be their absolute favourite NS map, or 2nd only to Machina.

People enjoy different things. But its undeniable that a lot of people already think Nexus should be official. Just because many others dont think it should have the time of day (and same with Shiva and Machina), and also just because I'm setting up this map pack (which I've already proclaimed to be unofficial), doesn't mean I shouldn't add it in.

As for the setting up of judges and all this, I respectfully decline the suggestion smile-fix.gif. An official map pack was announced as in the works on February 7th, 2007, which is a year minus 2 weeks ago. Without a peep since. I'm now setting up this map pack with quality, efficiency and speed in mind. I'm going to look at every classic map I have (and that has been suggested), and put in each that I believe is worthy of regular rotational play on servers.
asmodee
QUOTE(Droggog @ Jan 20 2008, 08:07 AM) *
- Playtest the maps... This would mean we'd need a server and well, playtesters...


If you need either I have at least one of each. biggrin-fix.gif

I think as someone already mentioned there may be a flood of map packs created if an official one isn't, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. I do think at least one additional map pack needs to be released (official or not) just to get more maps (that don't suck) into regular rotation (hopefully).

Thaldarin
Why don't we just ask to use Woody's every now and then? He does have literally every custom map already loaded on to the servers anyway.
StixNStonz
Most classic customs dont need to be playtested to be sure they're worthy of addition. A quick 20 mins can show you all the quality of rooms, balance of RTs and even siege locations. If they're balanced well enough and everything overall is good, you go by the 'feel' of the map. There are quite a few custom classic maps that either look bad, have horrible RT balance, or horrible siege locations, and these will be weeded out. But also keep in mind that even some of the official maps have pretty strange design choices. A map like Tanith, we'd probably think its graphics are horrible and there are no easy nodes for the Marines, yet it simply 'feels' great, and turns out to have fantastic play.

If a map technically works well (which is what those objective characteristics point to), and seems to work well gameplay-wise (which I attribute to the 'feel', which includes other subjective attributes, such as variation in rooms and halls, close-quarters and long, vent placement, hiding spots), then it basically passes the test. On top of that I want some amount of artistic originality. Pretty much all the ones on the list so far fit that criteria.
StixNStonz
BTW I've almost got the minimaps done for Enceladus.
Crispy
Either you want to do this solo and call it "Stix Unofficial ns_classic Mappack" or you get a collaboration going with people to judge, test (and even re-work if necessary) the maps and call it "NSMF Mappers' Choice". I understand you don't want to make this too big a project, but as long as you set a realistic deadline and cut off all unnecessary tasks a month before the deadline it should work.

It makes sense to try to focus just on classic. But instead why not assign slots so you can skim the very cream of the crop for the mappack?

E.g. you could have the following: 8 x Classic maps, 5 x Combat maps, 2 x Siege maps, and just choose the top 8 unofficial Classic maps, etc.

Then again, this is a lot of maps to screen, and there's nothing stopping you from releasing more than one mappack. Instead it might make more sense to change the slots to: 5 x Classic maps, 3 x Combat maps, 1 x Siege maps. Anything that doesn't make it into this mappack can be considered for the next mappack, but at least this way you have a smaller, more achievable goal with less people to contact, less maps to test, less sources to secure and a clearer standard of quality to look for.
amckern
Good luck!
StixNStonz
A little update.

Ns_Enceladus' minimaps are cleaned up, coloured, and labeled, with transparencies. Gotta do Rust next.

Ns_Source crashes on me; ns_Foray has no download links and sounds like it was never even close to finished; ns_hulk crashes on me after 5 seconds; and even Hydrosity crashes, saying im missing the WAD. Anyone got any links I should be using?

Oh, and Equinox was definitely not the map I was thinking of, thats off the list.

I checked out ns_fenris as well, but godDAMN, there's some crazy s*** going on there. Two doubles, both right next to MS? Twelve nodes? One of the hives has no RTs anywhere near it? How was this supposedly a few peoples' fav map?
Skacky
Try downloading the maps from Bry's website. I got ns_hulk and ns_source from there, with no crashing.
By the way, the names are still including version numbers.
Thaldarin
QUOTE(Skacky @ Jan 22 2008, 06:33 PM) *
Try downloading the maps from Bry's website. I got ns_hulk and ns_source from there, with no crashing.
By the way, the names are still including version numbers.


I think thats what mappers call "not completely finished".
Skacky
Yeah, indeed. tounge.gif
amckern
If your missing something, your more then welcome to browse through http://www.customfactorfiles.com/server/ns

Adam
Crispy
Pity about foray, it was looking good.

Has anyone given ns_saturn a play on a full server? It doesn't look 100% balanced, but it might be fixable and it was released quite recently.
StixNStonz
We played it a few times on one or two servers, and gave the mapper a whole ton of feedback. He fixed up a helluva lot. I'll give it a run-through before 'finalizing' it for the map pack, but from what I remember, he'd fixed up just about every issue we had with it. It played pretty well.
amckern
QUOTE(Crispy @ Jan 23 2008, 10:05 AM) *
Pity about foray, it was looking good.

Has anyone given ns_saturn a play on a full server? It doesn't look 100% balanced, but it might be fixable and it was released quite recently.


Yeah, CustomFactor has played it 12v12 a few times, rather balanced, however it needs more cover for early skulks, and a better way to get out of the ducts next to the top hive.
Skacky
Hum, I just walked around some old maps I had on my hard drive.
In my opinion, you should take a look at ns_mazion and ns_prometheus.

The first is a eclipse-ish map with a complex layout and great visuals. Plus a funny ready room. tounge.gif
Map Thread

The second is, I think, pretty well-known. I had the chance to test it on various servers, and it's actually a pretty well made map.
Map Thread

Oh, and ns_marineris too, great map with an awesome atmosphere! smile-fix.gif
Download from Bry's
StixNStonz
Ooh, Mazion looks hot as hell. I hope it works with the current version (since that thread is from 2003...)

I'm reluctant to add in Prometheus. It was added in 3.2 Beta (i think thats the one), but was removed in the 3.2 final. We posted asking about it, but the devs seemed pretty vague about why exactly. Wouldn't be right to toss it in here... and I did really like Prom.

Marineris i've played a bunch of times, and while it can be fun, i remember it having a ton of issues. I think the main one was the exits from MS... both were very long and very alien-friendly, from what i remember. The rest of the map was fairly good but had a lot of bugs. I'll check it out again, but I doubt it'll be added in.
StixNStonz
Another update to the custom map pack.

The tentative release date is February 7th, on the 1 year anniversary of the devs announcing the official map pack tounge.gif

I did a full run-through of ns_hulk_b3, and WOW. Unbelievable map. This map wins the Ambience Award; it literally made me giddy. Its a tad large, and holds its 11 nodes well. Hulk is definitely getting added in. I'll have to clean up and label the minimaps for Hulk, but I think they'll really help the map.

**Note. I've had a few crashes on this map. It seems to be right at the beginning of the map, but under odd circumstances. It may be a memory error, as it was fine before but then crashed when i had Photoshop open. Can anyone help with this issue?**

Did a full run-through of ns_source_b34 as well, and am very impressed. Great use of models, sounds, everything. Great straightforward layout. A definite addition. But again, this is another map that i'll have to do the minimaps for.

I tested out ns_next, which i remembered fondly from ages ago. But 7 nodes doesnt cut it.

Checked out ns_delta. I enjoy playing this map on the occasion, but now that I'm looking at it critically, the top hive is at too much of a disadvatage. MS is located in the middle of the map, and two hives are at the bottom. Cut.

Played ns_power, but overall it didnt leave a great impression. Not the best flow to the layout, hives with one entrance, etc.

Ns_thorstation is a decent map, and has a few really nice features, but parts felt simply empty, and it had a bit of overuse of 'pits of doom'. Some spots of really nice layouts. Didn't make the cut, but came close.

I tested out ns_mystic, which is a map i actually really liked, but within a minute i found a critical bug. The ladder heading towards MS in Thermo is bugged; it throws you right across the room. This is a pretty critical route for any grounded player trying to get to MS.

I contacted the mapper, blueman, and am awaiting his reply. If there is none, it wont make the cut. It would be a shame though, because its a solid map, and such an easy error to fix.

I did a full review of ns_forgotten_b2 and posted my findings. There are some glaring problems and a few subtle ones, but hopefully Shacky can get everything fixed up in time for the map pack.


Also, the Rust minimaps are done, so scratch that off the list. We're right on track for the Feb 7th release.
amckern
If you need mirror please let me know
puzl
I don't understand what your intention is here. If you want the general NS server community to take this map pack then you have to limit yourself to 2-3 gameplay oriented maps. More than that and the only people that will use it are servers that already have a lot of custom maps in their rotation. Maybe I misunderstand the purpose of this pack. Is it to have a convenient install for custom servers, or to promote new work to non-custom servers? I think it will succeed at the former, but fail at the latter. Maybe as a follow on to your work, we can take the best maps and roll them into the official map pack or something. Anyway, best of luck with it, and if you need a fast European mirror I can provide one.



Crispy
QUOTE(puzl @ Jan 30 2008, 10:20 AM) *
I don't understand what your intention is here. If you want the general NS server community to take this map pack then you have to limit yourself to 2-3 gameplay oriented maps. More than that and the only people that will use it are servers that already have a lot of custom maps in their rotation. Maybe I misunderstand the purpose of this pack. Is it to have a convenient install for custom servers, or to promote new work to non-custom servers? I think it will succeed at the former, but fail at the latter. Maybe as a follow on to your work, we can take the best maps and roll them into the official map pack or something. Anyway, best of luck with it, and if you need a fast European mirror I can provide one.
I think that provided it draws attention to the maps in the pack it's a worthy cause. Not only server ops will download this pack, any player might have a run-through to see if there's anything they like, and the best ones may be put forward to various community servers depending on what their 'thing' is.

It may be that some of the maps don't play perfectly for Classic, but as you must know from YO not all maps are used exclusively for Classic mode (the European 'YO Clan' community have 'reg nights' for their lonstanding members where they play undisclosed game modes like 'Hide and Seek' and 'British Bulldogs').

The point is it's all about choice. The option is there to play something different and it's presented with a variety of maps in a handy single download. If you don't want to try new maps to see if they're worth playing that's your choice, but there are plenty who will value having more choice.
StixNStonz
Well said Crispy.

There have been a few other map packs before, but from what I've found, its been a few years since the last. While a few new maps have come out since the last pack, I fully admit that many, if not the majority, of the maps in this pack have been in previous map packs.

There are so many custom NS maps out there, and there are some absolute gems. Its just that they're obscured by a ton of rocks, as well as some too-flawed gems. Part of the goal for this map pack is to put a solid effort into weeding out the top-notch custom classic maps. That of course is a subjective task and I, like most others, definitely have my own taste. But at least when its me sifting through the maps, you know that there won't be any glaring problems with sieges, any silly layouts, any 'technical problems'. I can catch those, at the very least.

side note: talking about technical problems, I'm really worried about ns_hulk_b3. Can anyone please respond in that thread? It's randomly crashed on me at startup, but it may be related to memory and background programs. I think its the best of the list so far, so i'm really hesitant to pull it, especially after I had a full run through with no problems.

So the purpose of this map pack is multi-fold.
(1) Skim off the cream of the crop of the custom classic ns maps
(2) Fix them up as them as I can, which mostly means doing all the Minimaps. A custom map without the vents coloured or the areas labelled only adds to the confusion, and pretty significantly. I've already fixed up about 3/6 minimaps, so that alone will encourage people to enjoy them more.
(3) Pack these maps together into a simple straightforward download
(4) Get these maps actually out into playtime, by posting about this pack on every server forum I can find

Now, I've already done this with every version of Nexus I've released. I'm not doing this pack because of Nexus. I'm doing it because I love custom maps, but its not enough to just run around them by myself checking for problems. With a well-put-together Unofficial Map Pack, there's a far better chance that these maps will see more playtime, which could even lead to long-term playtime. And frankly, if I get to play any of these maps on a full server, I'd feel that I'd succeeded. [some already get played on full servers, but, for instance, I think of this list, only Achio and Nexus have proper minimaps]
puzl
It certainly is a worthy cause, and increasing the profile of all these maps is nothing but good. I think you will have a much better chance at getting the map pack onto popular servers if it is reasonably small. Out of curiosity, are you generally happy with interest you find in your own maps? My general understanding is that it is difficult to get a map added to a server rotation, but perhaps this is not the case everywhere.

Kouji_San
QUOTE(puzl @ Jan 31 2008, 01:55 AM) *
It certainly is a worthy cause, and increasing the profile of all these maps is nothing but good. I think you will have a much better chance at getting the map pack onto popular servers if it is reasonably small. Out of curiosity, are you generally happy with interest you find in your own maps? My general understanding is that it is difficult to get a map added to a server rotation, but perhaps this is not the case everywhere.

A smaller mappack could be better, but from what I've seen over at the FH community (here I go again biggrin-fix.gif ). They have released a bunch of mappacks with about 6-10 maps. And the maps are played as well. I just don't buy into this idea that Valve made up about TF2 and a low number of maps. Just look at random game server and see huge varieity of maps they have running.


From what I've tried to get some feedback on me maps is by going into servers or going into server communities (aka forums) and asking if they are interested in running the map for feedback or playtest purpose. There is usually met with a positive response, if they like what they see and read about the map.

But fact is...


<_< >_>


We mappers are overall a lazy bunch of ######s tounge.gif


*runs of into the sunset, while overtaking Lucky Luke*
StixNStonz
QUOTE(puzl @ Jan 30 2008, 07:55 PM) *
It certainly is a worthy cause, and increasing the profile of all these maps is nothing but good. I think you will have a much better chance at getting the map pack onto popular servers if it is reasonably small. Out of curiosity, are you generally happy with interest you find in your own maps? My general understanding is that it is difficult to get a map added to a server rotation, but perhaps this is not the case everywhere.


I'm definitely happy with the interest people and servers have had in Nexus. Of course there are the bad parts, where some people simply claim the map to be s*** or unplayable etc, and then there are those who simply won't learn a new map (especially a complex one like Nexus) and form their opinions as such.

But then theres all the people who have given such praise for it, and each one has made the whole ordeal worth it. Pretty much every active server has loaded it and its been played enough, but there definitely is a general inhibition of many players to try new maps. The majority of players need encouragement to try anything new, and even then its infrequent. But yes, to get Nexus onto these servers has taken a significant enough amount of work on my part. Mainly in posting well.

I'm considering separating the maps into separate packs. Some, like Nexus, Hulk, Achio and maybe Enceladus could be put into a 'Hardcore' map category; maps that have a lot of detail, complexity, and depth. The others could be put into a more 'standard' map category, as they have simpler layouts and such. Its like the divide between Machina and Lucid.

But then again, if the overall file size isnt too too big, I'd prefer to have them all together in one bundle.

They're all great maps, really. A lot of the included maps are often overlooked too quickly by regular players, and i bet the minimaps alone would fix a lot of that issue. If you take a normal buildminimap, the vents just add such insanity to the visible layout, and Labels are one of the best additions to NS ever. Rust and Enceladus, both with minimaps already done for the map pack, have proven to me just how much easier they can be to navigate with proper maps.
puzl
See, I don't think it is just about filesize. When a random player or server op looks at a pack of 8 maps, I think many will think "gosh, learning 8 maps well enough to pick 1-2 for our server rotation is a daunting task". I think two map packs is a possibility, say one with 3 maps, and one with 6-8 maps that would be a superset of the smaller pack.

Again, out of curiosity, how many servers have added nexus to their mapcycle.txt?

In defense of those reluctant to learn a new map: Many people have limited time to play computer games, and some of these people prefer to spend that time playing something they know well. I'd assume that a lot of the people you find on an average NS server play NS to satisfy the 'play something I know well' mood, and therefore they aren't as open to custom maps. Personally, I know that most of the time I just hit cancel when a custom map starts to download, but other times when I'm at the PC for 4+ hours of NS, I'm totally open to trying a custom map.

Anyway, I know I might appear to be coming across as negative, but I am very much in favour of this project and just wanted to throw out some questions that I felt were important to ask. As I have already said, if nothing more comes out of this other than a convenient one-stop-shop for the best of the custom maps, then it will have been worth the effort, but I do believe that if you pay close attention to what the general community will accept, you can push things a bit further than that.

Kouji: I totally agree with valve. I think they are well aware that out of all the CS maps 3-4 maps are played 80% of the time. I'd rather see them concentrate their efforts to produce a small number of dust2/aztec quality maps, than a lot of sub-par maps. Even looking at TF2, you'll see the huge popularity of servers with '2forts 24x7' and 'dustbowl 24x7' in their title.

Taking this a step further, if you can pick 2-4 really superb maps and get exposure for them, then you not only promote those maps, but the very idea of quality map packs and increase potential interest in a follow on project. Why not call it 'NS Community Map-pack #1' and plan to do another one 10-12 weeks after the first one is released.

I'm saying all of the above as an NSPlayer and as a serverop ( I've been adminning HL servers since 99 ), none of the above opinions have much to do with my experiences as an NS developer.
commofdoom
Nexus is good enough to put in a map pack. even though i still think the highest hive is unsiegeable by aliens or marines.

What may actually be a more effective purpose for this thread is to list maps that are playable. Maps that don't crash or have impossible biases and don't look like boxes and rectangles. And to keep track of which ones actually have active updates.
Crispy
I should have a free weekend this week (no overtime \o/ ), so I'll try to see if I can get a crash out of Hulk. I never remembered it crashing on me before, so hopefully it was a freak occurrence. Can you make a quick note of which versions of the maps you're using, there are a few flying about for some.

Incidentally, have you tried getting in contact with any of the mapmakers? I'm sure most would be interested in this, and if Hulk, for example, were to have a fatal crash that could harm its chances of being included, I'm sure Rendy would try to put some time aside for fixing it.

If they could be contacted we could also even sort out some more focused playtests?
StixNStonz
Puzl, servers with Nexus loaded right now are: G4B2S, BAD, TG, NS-Game, and a few other servers that have since shut down/died, such as Gorges Hideout and VH2. Of course, a few of those servers require admins to manually change the map, while some have it in the votelist.

There's still a week before the planned release date, so i'll mull over the multi-pack thing. I'm still leaning towards a full pack though... the maps are all quality, and too many have been held back before by bad minimaps.

Commofdoom, heh, Chromo is a real b**** if the marines relocate there, thats for sure. Not nearly as bad as Cargo on Nothing, but still. If it isnt a reloc, Fades tend to rip apart everything in that room, and marines have a pretty balanced siege from Keystone (try placing the cannons on the outside wall). The siege from the other side is a bit brutal, but can make great use of mines, and is great for a ninja PG. And please tell me you've tried a PG in the Infested Hub, or even the Secondary Hub... you can get some awesome Splinter-Cell style through-the-vents hive rushes out of those.

And comm, a lot of these maps havn't been updated in over two years, and likely won't be again. The minimap updates im giving them really really ease the learning curve (and frankly make them far more playable), but if there are actual map problems, we're probably out of luck.

Crispy, i've sent off some PMs, but noone's responded so far. Check the Hulk thread i started... it has the download link I used and everything.
Sike
There's a beta 4 version of saturn. It's not a huge update, but it does make it easier for the comm to drop structures at certain locations. The change log and dl link can be found here: http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns/forums/ind...01887&st=60
Thaldarin
QUOTE(Kouji_San @ Jan 31 2008, 01:48 AM) *
But fact is...
<_< >_>
We mappers are overall a lazy bunch of ######s tounge.gif


Amen.
spellman23
haha.

Either that or over excessively compulsive perfectionists who then get burned out and avoid the project of ear of it taking over and running us to the ground.
StixNStonz
haha, true that. I havn't been putting much time into Stage recently, because i've had so much other stuff on my plate. Creating a portfolio website, creating the content for that site (models, fixing up old maps, graphics), even this map pack tounge.gif.


On that note though, I'm delaying this map pack by at least another week. I still have a few more minimaps to do, and there was a bit of a surprise lastnight. A certain experienced mapper sent me a completed NS map that he never released, until now. I've done a run-through and given him a small list of bugs, so hopefully he can have a new version done fairly soon. But i'm looking forward to including it biggrin-fix.gif
Kouji_San
Hmm, I don't see DarkATi or perhaps even kawak... I still would like to see both their unfinished maps to get finished though...

Stop being so shady about it Stix! biggrin-fix.gif
Crispy
QUOTE(StixNStonz @ Feb 7 2008, 03:29 AM) *
A certain experienced mapper sent me a completed NS map that he never released, until now. I've done a run-through and given him a small list of bugs, so hopefully he can have a new version done fairly soon. But i'm looking forward to including it biggrin-fix.gif
Please tell me it was Mouse. Or Kawak. Or Insane. Actually just please tell us! tounge.gif

Spacer? Mendasp? (OK I'll admit I'm grasping at straws here, Spacer only does combat maps and redhaird would never have finished another map by now).
Kouji_San
QUOTE(Crispy @ Feb 7 2008, 09:52 AM) *
Please tell me it was Mouse. Or Kawak. Or Insane. Actually just please tell us! tounge.gif

Spacer? Mendasp? (OK I'll admit I'm grasping at straws here, Spacer only does combat maps and redhaird would never have finished another map by now).

Well we have quite a list now for this guessing game:

DarkAti
Kawak
Mouse
Spacer
Insane
Mendasp
I think I've seen confused and MrBen around (not posting, but lurking) I could be wrong though :/

Damnit! what have you done Stix! biggrin-fix.gif
StixNStonz
Hahaha, you all suck tounge.gif

I'm still waiting to hear back from him, so for now, all I'll tell you, is that the map's name is Ns_Titan wink-fix.gif
Crispy
Recoup (a.k.a. Roger Starks), and a link.

My Google powers are strong, old man.

(also I meant Belgarion when I said 'Insane', I don't know why he popped into my head).
StixNStonz
Sorry to tell you Crispy, but you're wrong tounge.gif

Looks like there's two Titan's out there. The only difference is that this one complete.


...lol, i love how DarkATI mentions in that thread how his motto is to 'finish what you begin'. Wheres Vargus, dammit!
Crispy
My Google powers are weak. sad-fix.gif
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.
Invision Power Board © 2001-2008 Invision Power Services, Inc.