de_Sandbox
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Re: de_Sandbox
Posted by Coestar on Mon Aug 22nd at 7:32pm 2005


This is my latest map, de_Sandbox. I'm trying to figure out or change a few things such as:

- How can I make a 3DSMAX model into an HL2 model (for the dump truck, shovel, bucket, and possibly other things as well)

- A better layout promoting more frantic gameplay... the layout featured in the screens isn't even close to being done

- Redesign the castle, even though I really like the one I've done, I think it needs to be bigger, yet smaller internally (the windows, hallways, and stairs were all a bit larger than what makes sense for the size of the player) and more accessible from the outside in more ways so the Ts and CTs have a balanced opportunity to seige the castle.

Feel free to give me your opinions/suggestions.




<A HREF="http://www.xenostarz.com/maps" TARGET="_blank">My maps are stupid.</A> smiley



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Re: de_Sandbox
Posted by Tracer Bullet on Mon Aug 22nd at 8:32pm 2005


Seems rather open... However, I'm not much into HL2 mapping as yet so I've don't know if it matters so much anymore.

-The castle, and the rubble in particular ought to look more like sand. I.e. No improbably lage blocks lying around as if they fell from the structure. That piece of the turret looks particularly lame. Use displacement surfaces to make piles of sand with some much more disntegrated pieces embedded in them instead.

- Make the terrain more interesting. If a child had really been in there making a sand castle, there would be holes and trenches everywhere from exavating enough sand for the structure.

- Put in a mote. Every kid on earth knows that a castle needs a mote.

I suggest that you use these suggestions (particularly the one about terrain) to reduce your sight lines.




Some people are like slinkys...

They aren?t really good for anything, but you can't help but laugh when one tumbles down the stairs.



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Re: de_Sandbox
Posted by mazemaster on Mon Aug 22nd at 11:17pm 2005


Cool concept.





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Re: de_Sandbox
Posted by Coestar on Tue Aug 23rd at 2:01am 2005


Tracer: Thanks for the suggestions but no thanks to the rudeness.

Maze: Thanks. <img src=" SRC="images/smiles/icon_smile.gif">



<A HREF="http://www.xenostarz.com/maps" TARGET="_blank">My maps are stupid.</A> smiley



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Re: de_Sandbox
Posted by mazemaster on Tue Aug 23rd at 2:40am 2005


The link on the front page is broken by the way. It should point here:
http://www.snarkpit.net/maps.php?map=2231






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Re: de_Sandbox
Posted by Coestar on Tue Aug 23rd at 2:41am 2005


? quote:
The link on the front page is broken by the way. It should point here:
http://www.snarkpit.net/maps.php?map=2231


Yea, I shot them an e-mail about it since I can't edit it now that it's on the main page. :/



<A HREF="http://www.xenostarz.com/maps" TARGET="_blank">My maps are stupid.</A> smiley



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Re: de_Sandbox
Posted by mazemaster on Tue Aug 23rd at 7:34am 2005


I agree with Tracer Bullet that the fallen down peices shouldn't be so blocky.

It would look great if the fallen parts are mostly a jumble of sand, but there are subtle hints of what shape it used to be.






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Re: de_Sandbox
Posted by Coestar on Tue Aug 23rd at 8:30am 2005


Anyone have any knowledge in regards to getting models into HL2?



<A HREF="http://www.xenostarz.com/maps" TARGET="_blank">My maps are stupid.</A> smiley



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Re: de_Sandbox
Posted by parakeet on Tue Aug 23rd at 12:30pm 2005


go to the art forums =) tons of em there



.else /me ~kill you
www.arclan.net



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Re: de_Sandbox
Posted by Coestar on Tue Aug 23rd at 2:35pm 2005


? quote:
go to the art forums =) tons of em there


I want to use models my friend made. :/



<A HREF="http://www.xenostarz.com/maps" TARGET="_blank">My maps are stupid.</A> smiley



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Re: de_Sandbox
Posted by Tracer Bullet on Tue Aug 23rd at 3:40pm 2005


Sorry about that. As Maze said, it's a very cool concept, A nice twist on the old "rats" theme. I wouldn't have commented at all if I didn't think the map had potential. I am glad, however, that you are an individual capable of accepting criticism while ignoring the potentially offensive manner in which it is sometimes given. Keep on this way, and you'll be a good man to have around.


Some people are like slinkys...

They aren?t really good for anything, but you can't help but laugh when one tumbles down the stairs.



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Re: de_Sandbox
Posted by Coestar on Tue Aug 23rd at 4:37pm 2005


Exactly... I don't want sugarcoating, but I don't want to be insulted either. As I said, I like your suggestions and now I respect you as well.


<A HREF="http://www.xenostarz.com/maps" TARGET="_blank">My maps are stupid.</A> smiley



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Re: de_Sandbox
Posted by RabidMonkey777 on Wed Aug 24th at 6:03am 2005


I'm intrigued as to the scale - It just seems a little small, but I'm not sure how the actual map works and just assumed a little bit - Is the actual map based around the entire backyard, or just the sandbox? If it's the latter, it seems like a really tiny map in terms of playable area, at least, from what I see. Perhaps enlarge the sandbox somewhat?

The terrain and sand bases need some displacement work by the way. Since the house is a very large (literally) bit of the skybox?/map, it could use some more architectural detail - I think it would be cool to see a few houses down the block, too - Maybe a big downtown skybox in the distance, some trees, just to make it feel like you're in an actual backyard somewhere and not just near a house and a fence that the map limits you to.



<A HREF="http://www.rabidmnky.com" TARGET="_blank">Personal Website</A> - <A HREF="http://www.blackmesasource.com" TARGET="_blank">Black Mesa</A>



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Re: de_Sandbox
Posted by $loth on Wed Aug 31st at 10:54pm 2005


I am definatly liking the idea of this map, I haven't played it but I think it's a brill idea. Maybe the colours could be changed on the tub and truck.




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Re: de_Sandbox
Posted by MisterBister on Fri Sep 2nd at 12:10pm 2005


? quote:
I'm intrigued as to the scale - It just seems a little small, but I'm not sure how the actual map works and just assumed a little bit - Is the actual map based around the entire backyard, or just the sandbox? If it's the latter, it seems like a really tiny map in terms of playable area, at least, from what I see. Perhaps enlarge the sandbox somewhat?


I agree. Really cool theme though.




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Re: de_Sandbox
Posted by Cassius on Mon Sep 5th at 4:18pm 2005


? quoting Coestar
Tracer: Thanks for the suggestions but no thanks to the rudeness.

? quoting The text above the Username and Password fields
Map critiques given here are often harsh but totally fair, so take note and don't get offended!

Had he said "LOL THIS MAP SUCXORSZ :LOL," then yes, that would have been rudeness. However, by this forum's standards, he was only being honest. Just want to clarify that.





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Re: de_Sandbox
Posted by Coestar on Wed Sep 7th at 7:47pm 2005


? quoting Cassius

? quoting Coestar
Tracer: Thanks for the suggestions but no thanks to the rudeness.

? quoting The text above the Username and Password fields
Map critiques given here are often harsh but totally fair, so take note and don't get offended!

Had he said "LOL THIS MAP SUCXORSZ :LOL," then yes, that would have been rudeness. However, by this forum's standards, he was only being honest. Just want to clarify that.

I don't require clarification. I'm well aware of the fact that posting personal work on a site such as this will draw both positive and negative comments. What I found to be rude was when he referred to a part of my map design being "lame", which is unnecessary in the terms of constructive criticism. I was not referring to his comments in whole, as any suggestions are good suggestions to me. Quoting one line of text stating "don't get offended" does not make it law, besides the fact that that statement is meant for those forum users who take even the mildest comments the wrong way and fly off the handle. I don't consider "Thanks for the suggestions but no thanks to the rudeness" flying off the handle.

So please, save your lectures for someone else.




<A HREF="http://www.xenostarz.com/maps" TARGET="_blank">My maps are stupid.</A> smiley



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Re: de_Sandbox
Posted by FatStrings on Tue Oct 11th at 7:08pm 2005


have you thought about putting some terrain in the sand like some hills or something

also it seems really small to me





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Re: de_Sandbox
Posted by Underdog on Thu Oct 13th at 1:53am 2005


Children's sand castles tend to be round affairs since a pail is often used to make them with. If its realism you are after, lose most all the 90* angles.

Just my take on the theme.




There is no history until something happens, then there is.



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Re: de_Sandbox
Posted by Forceflow on Mon Aug 22nd at 8:42am 2005


The idea sure is cool, but all those flashy colors !




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