CTF-MidnightSun(beta)

Because I’ve spent so many nights browsing this form searching for map making information, I thought I’d inform those of you who regularly partake in offering advice that your generosity has allowed me to finally release my first map (MidnightSun). Well a beta version at least. It goes without saying, that in many respects this map owes its existence to much of the knowledge I have obtained via this forum. That being said, if any of you care to take a peek at the map, it can be found at the following locations. Should you download it, feel free to offer comments (good or bad) in this post or privately by email. Again, thanks to all of you that have shared your map making knowledge -- hopefully one day I will have learned enough to return the favor.

--Eric “WRC” Good

http://www.pcgamemods.com/2788/

http://www.unrealplayground.com/download.php?mapid=4287

[legacy-Jaunie]

How about some screenshots

[legacy-/\psalus]

Originally posted by Jaunie
How about some screenshots

I concur.

[legacy-nikoS]

concordantly, i concur the motion for a plentiful collection of fresh imags on the subject of this thread

OK ... twist my arm. I'll see if I can post some pics myself or have a friend host them for me later on tonight.

[legacy-CTFX1]

Ouch! this is your first map isnt it? I can tell look whatever you do do not release this in its current condition. Ok, the flow is the worse I've ever seen, its like lego or something. Also what I found to be really bizarre is the terrain got darker when I got closer to it, like from far off a small mound will look normal and then I get up to it and it turns darker black :bulb:. You need to learn about flow big time. I'm going to refer you to these tutorials.

mastering unreal (videos these are the best tutorials ever!)


architectonic text tuts



flow tut

[legacy-Sleepless]

Let's us not forget the UDN - possibly the best UED info site ever:

http://udn.epicgames.com

Visit the "Content Creation" section - there are tutorials galore.


And then of course there's UnrealWiki - kind of like Google for UED tutorials:

http://wiki.beyondunreal.com/wiki/

[legacy-str1der]

The map needs optimization. At it's current framerate it will get very little play. Keep in mind with about 12 players the framerate will be nearly cut in half. You should be able to get a much higher framerate (I'm guessing at least 3x). When testing the map type "rmode 1" (no quotes) in the console to see what is actually being rendered (rmode 5 returns to normal view). A lot of architecture that is not visible is still being rendered. I would look into adding zone-portals and anti-portals. With all the windows it will be tougher to optimize though. Try not to use bsp if you don't need to, it renders a lot slower than static mesh. But bsp is required if your going to zone off a certain area. The architecture on the center building's roof for example can be converted to static mesh. Some optimization sites:
http://www.unrealops.com/modules.php...t&id=84&page=1
http://www.leveldesigner.com/index.p...ion=doc&ID=170

The flow definitely is not the worst I've seen. There is a big problem with the terrain texture when texture detail is set to highest on my GF4. Something is wrong with the mipmaps maybe.

[legacy-CTFX1]

Its not the worst, but you definately need to learn about architecture and flow not to mention gameplay mechanics.

Let me begin by saying sorry about not posting any pics. Not that I didn’t try, just for some reason I wasn’t able to upload the pics to a simple site I created using my free webspace. Oh well, I’ll figure something out when I get a little time ( work has been killing me lately).

On another note, I appreciate the feedback on what works and what does not (functionally and aesthetically). That’s the reason why I released the map, because I knew others would have a different experience than myself and others have had while playing around with it at work. “Str1der” thanks for the input on the optimization. That’ll definitely be one of my first concerns when planning another map (especially an indoor/outdoor one). As for the terrain getting darker, we never had that problem at work, but I do remember a friend with a high-end graphics card saying he had something similar with the settings up high. In retrospect, I suppose I should have mentioned that in the readme and I’ll keep that in consideration for future maps (or another release of this one).

As a final note, I suspected there would be those that may not enjoy the flow nor the architecture of this particular map. Again, that is why I put it out there . . .to see what works and what does not. Speaking of what works (i.e. architecture, gameplay and flow) maybe you “CTFX1” can point me to some of your maps, just as a quick pointer.

Again, thanks all for your input.

--WRC

[legacy-CTFX1]

I dont have a final out yet but this is one I'm working on.

DM-ThorsHammer beta2

Well "CTFX1" I finally got a few moments away from work, so I downloaded your map to check it out (screenshot looked very interesting). As luck would have it, somehow I'm missing a necessary file. In particular, the message reads upon trying to load it: "can't find file for pckage cp_Evil3". If you have any ideas as to how to correct this problem I'll be sure to play around with the map for a while and post my thoughts.

[legacy-CTFX1]

cpevil3 is a texture package, probably from one of the bonus packs. sorry bout that will make it a point to put them tex's in the myLevel for future releases. Try downloading the bonus packs for now tho.