Hey, my maps still certifiably in the beta stage, so comments, suggestions and various other what have yous would be appreciated.

And don't point out the crates in the first pic, I know they're weird.

Thanks for the comments, here's my responses so hopefully I get more.

Cassius: I agree about the plainness, any cool ideas you're willing to share?

Tracer Bullet: By dramatic lighting, do you mean more contrast between light and dark?

Gollum: But they're curvy boxes filled with stuff. Anyway, you have any good ideas on how to implement something like that? Generally, open spaces are frowned upon in TS, but eh, if it looks good, they/I won't care.

scary_jeff: Wall supports, good idea! There is a rather large and boring expanse of wall.

Pegs: I'll have to get dh_sunken to understand what you're talking about. And I'm not even sure I can release it for criticism, at least not publicly... hopefully private beta-testing will work... especially since they won't know about it...

Rofl

Or any other killbox variants (eg. Most custom CS maps)

Hey, the map is looking pretty good so far, but I would change a few things, like adding a few details here and there, make some more vertical play (ladders on those crates will do well), and some lighting tweaks.

1st Screen:
- func_illusionary additive light things are too "intense". Tone down the render amount.
- Since the ceiling is reasonably boring/plain, I assume you don't want people to see it. Try to direct your lighting downwards. Use light_spots for this, preferably. Texture lights can't be controlled very well (compared to lights and light_spots) - if you have a few, they can easily saturate an entire room.
- Wasted opportunity along the middle road thing. Again, use light_spots along important areas (doorways, windows, signs, important walkways) to put more emphasis on them and build contrast with the lighting.

2nd Screen:
- There's some sort of mapping error on the right? Lodged inside the grey-ish concrete thing.
- Don't place lights haphazardly; many texture lights do very little for a room, but a few strategic light_spots can do lots more for atmosphere.
- Seems kind of strange for a small red flourscent light to cast such a strong light on the crate.
- Add more interest on the floor (height variation, broken tile, different floor textures, etc.)
- Add more interest along the walls, mostly the top area of the brick walls. Perhaps pipes, or concrete support pillars, or whatever.

3rd screen:
- Get rid of the wires holding the lights (waste of wpoly that could go to other things) or make them thinner (maybe 2 units thick?)
- Wood paneling on the ceiling doesn't seem to fit the ceiling / shape... I don't think it's really possible to even place the wood panels like that! Possibly replace with concrete instead and accent it with wood supports?
- Get more contrast from the four lights in the middle of the room. Look at the floor area below the lights, and it seems to be uniform with the rest of the room.
- Far back wall (partial shadow) needs something there, maybe a picture or a vent or a support or whatever.

General:
- How many bounces are you doing in RAD? Don't do too many, because it'll just wash out the lighting in your rooms and rob them of contrast. I find 2-3 is generally good enough to get smooth but okay results. Experiment.
- Texture lights are not the end-all solution most people claim them to be. You can't direct where they shine very well, and as I said before (combined with light bounces) can end up lighting up an entire room. Lighting isn't something you throw around a map to make it playable; it has a direct effect on gameplay, influencing decisions on an almost subconscious level. Players will naturally hide in the darkness if they're low on health, or walk through doors that are lighted stronger than the rest of the room. Basically, the brighter, the more "important" it is.
- I agree with Gollum; the map overall lacks interesting set pieces or something really unique or eye-catching. While it's not terribly bad, it's not terribly good either. Try working on getting some more interesting shapes and forms around the map. A lot of it seems pretty boxy/rectangular, which isn't terribly interesting.

Phew, that was long. But you said you wanted it. Whatever.