The first screenshot looks technically sound but
creatively...non-existant. The second screenshot at least shows some
degree of imagination in your brushwork and lighting. Try to make more
of the map like the second area, though less empty and symmetrical, and
it will improve it greatly. That's assuming the first screenshot is
indicative of the overall map style since you chose to profile it, but
I guess that could be wrong.

You might wanna check out this tutorial if you haven't already...

http://www.snarkpit.com/editing.php?page=tutorials&game=HL&id=93

Major Mike said:
I don't think I'm going to finish the map. That is one of the reasons I made the post.

:O~~~

Anyway. I would suggest that you do try to make it as un-bland as possible -- mainly for practice, if this is not supposed to be any kind of "mile stone map" for you :smile:

I don't think I'm going to finish the map. That is one of the reasons I made the post.

For a map that is 80% complete it is very bland. You'll notice that word tends to get thrown around a lot here. Seriously though don't release it yet and spend more time putting detail into the map. You also need to work on your lighting. I hope this helps. I can't really give you much more because you don't have much to show in the screenshots.

http://www.xat.com/jpegopt/jpeg_optimizer.shtml is calling to you..

images should be less than 100k, preferable close to 50.

good luck with the map.

Thanks everyone for the help I'm updating the map now.

THe red light in the second screenshot doesn't strike me as subtle. Looks like a good solid start.

You have clearly got some decent mapping abilities but you are wasting them on this boxy architecture.

Spice it up...
http://www.snarkpit.com/editing.php?page=tutorials&game=HL&id=10

...and pump up the detail!
http://www.snarkpit.com/editing.php?page=tutorials&game=HL&id=93

[/tutorial pimp]

You've done a good job of capturing the HLSP feeling. I like the subtle red light in picture 2. Perhaps you should do the same in picture 3 as well.

The map looks ok, except it's kinda boxy. Get some interesting architecture in there.