DM-CoolingTower [Beta] [Pics]

[Achernar]

Name: DM-CoolingTower

Please see the new thread for the update http://forums.epicgames.com/showthread.php?t=729080

Version: Beta

Compatibility: PC only at this stage. Created on UT3 patched to 2.1

Description: A water treatment plant recently abandoned due to the onset of frequent seismic disturbances. Those less risk averse have been found wandering the grounds for loot. Word has spread that it is great place for anyone looking to prime there nerves in base jumping. The cooling fans on the setting pond act as makeshift vertical wind tunnels. But to get any real sense of "the jump" one must first step into the cooling tower proper...

The map is on the larger side of things and features:

3 Shock Rifles
3 Stinger
3 Link Guns
2 Rocket Launcher
3 Flack Cannons
4 Sniper Rifles
2 Bio Rifles

1 Berserk
1 UDamage
1 Invisibility
1 Spider Mine
1 Energy Shield
1 XRay Field

It uses physics volumes to simulate wind tunnel like conditions to reach sniper roost and to navigate a water way.

Comments: This is my fist map for UT3.

Known Issues

- Some of the edging is incomplete and I'm reconsidering my choice of static meshes for a couple of the rooms.
- More light fixtures are needed to give the player a sense of the where the light is coming from.
- Questioning the amount of power ups and the maps balance.
- Getting Audio cues to work for sniper rifle & Redeemer Taken events
- Still working on improving integration of the maps theme [still, I know, I know, Lex ]

Hope you find the fun in this one.

Screenshot:

http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/3161/screen0v.jpg, http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/3293/screen1il.jpg, http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/637/screen2tf.jpg, http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/6149/screen3gj.jpg, http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/4663/screen4w.jpg, http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/5052/screen5jd.jpg, http://img542.imageshack.us/img542/3748/screen6.jpg

Credits:
Epic of course, 3D Buzz for creating Awesome tutorials! Hourences for his tutorials, www.filterforge.com for a solar panel texture & Lex for his early testing and his attempt to put my feet back on the ground.

Download: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=51XL1A5U

[coolcat22]

wow good work with this map it look really good

[Taffy]

This is a really cool/fun map.

One problem I see is the layout is big and complex, thereby making it difficult to learn quickly for some players.

The invincibility and invisibility power ups, as well as spider mines and x-ray fields aren't very popular in TDM/DM. A lot of players will get instantly turned off if these are on the map. Maybe replace a couple of these with belt and vest.

Weapon placement is good, I don't have to run around too long before finding one. Ammo placement is good, just a little sparse maybe. Could use a couple more health packs and vials in some areas.

I wish maps like this were more popular online, because I kind of like it just how it is

[Achernar]

Hi Taffy,

Thanks for your feedback.

I was worried the size might be a negative, but I wanted to build something that had many layers to it. Perhaps those layers should have been more densely arranged for a DM.

In light of your advice I'll reconsider the inclusion of the power ups you mentioned. I agree about the x-ray field and spider mines. I do lament that there is no anti-spider mine weapon coz those spiders are fun, but a bit too powerful. I figured the invisibility is off set by one's vulnerability as you emerge from the top sewer pipe. But I guess thats up to others to judge.

I'll dope some more ammo packs and heath pickup on next release. There are some less obvious areas that contain health pickups in case you missed them. Both sides of the water way, buried amongst the rocks and in the Cog shrine [kinda like an easter egg area]. You should be able to get a glimmer of it form the sniper roost in the tower.

Just glad you got a kick out it.

[Taffy]

[shot]http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/3161/screen0v.jpg[/shot]
[shot]http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/3293/screen1il.jpg[/shot]
[shot]http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/637/screen2tf.jpg[/shot]
[shot]http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/6149/screen3gj.jpg[/shot]
[shot]http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/4663/screen4w.jpg[/shot]
[shot]http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/5052/screen5jd.jpg [/shot]
[shot]http://img542.imageshack.us/img542/3748/screen6.jpg[/shot]

[Achernar]

Thanks for tiding the screenshots!. Bit green on the tags, but I'm getting there, managed to fine the BB Code List.

[Lex.]

First, big congrats on getting this map to the Beta stage. It was good when I first played it, and it's getting better and better with each enhancement.

- Still working on improving integration of the maps theme [still, I know, I know, Lex ]

Haha, no worries.

... & Lex for his early testing and his attempt to put my feet back on the ground.

You're very welcome. I'm certainly no expert, but I'm glad you found the feedback useful. Looking forward to the next release!

[Achernar]

First, big congrats on getting this map to the Beta stage. It was good when I first played it, and it's getting better and better with each enhancement.

Cheers! Did you find the [Cogs] Easter egg room yet?

Looking forward to the next release!

You'll be pleased to know I've fixed up all the audio issues I was having and really enhanced the after shocks, and seismic event effects. It should look quite compelling. Decide to take Taffy's advice and nuke out the x-rays field and leaning towards nuking the spider mines - what's you take on the mines, Hot or Not? Tidied up quite a bit today so should be ready for another release by tomorrow.

[Lex.]

Did you find the [Cogs] Easter egg room yet?

Nope, not yet. I'll have to give it another go and have a closer look for the power ups.

You'll be pleased to know I've fixed up all the audio issues I was having and really enhanced the after shocks, and seismic event effects.

Cool, sounds good.

mines, Hot or Not?

Not, but that's just me and probably a lack of experience with them talking more than anything. I agree with your earlier comment though - if you could destroy them, they wouldn't be so bad.

I mean geez, it's possible to shoot down a Redeemer, so surely destroying a spider mine should be possible as well!

[TIPPER]

This was a major project for a first map.
There are issues with the lighting, but i see you're sorting those.
The theme gets lost in some areas, but i dont have a problem with that. Hard to make such a big map and blend each area i imagine.
All in all it's a fantastic map. I hope you get some feedback from some of the experienced mappers here.
Thanks. Keep at it

[Achernar]

Thanks for your complements guys.

This was a major project for a first map.

I think I'm still chasing after my imagination - it go away form me a few time, hence the size of the map.

Thanks. Keep at it

I sure will. But I think I'll hold off on the promised update - I guess my exuberance got away form me after solving a few issues. Still polishing some effects so I might be a bit premature to release at this stage.

[Piranhi]

Good work, can't wait to see the end product.