[map] Forsaken

This is a a discussion topic for the map "Forsaken" by ReNo which can be found here

Map description:

This project began showing a lot of promise, and I was really inspired with it. Unfortunately due to a poorly designed layout, r_speeds became unmanageable. I essentially scrapped the level and took some time out of mapping, and eventually I decided to return to it and get it fixed up. A huge restructure ensued, and it was very beneficial to not only the r_speeds but also the playability. And so it was that my sixth release turned out far smaller than my original design, and is suited for 4-8 players. A CTF version is included in the AG modification, available here... http://www.planethalflife.com/agmod

Map screenshots:

My favourite hldm map ever.

Damn shame they don't update the HLDM maps anymore. This would be in it.

It great, but I found the weapon placement a bit erratic at times. Still really good though

Just an other one of those "straight cliff" maps by ReNo. Forsaken is based on an abandoned refueling station on a motionless asteroid. After ages of being abandoned, it is now a fighting ground for some HL warriors.

The level itself plays out nice and looks great for the most part. ReNo did put a lot of attention to detail in this map. Except for a few things this level looks excellent. The one flaw in the architecture would have to be that everything is oversized to the player. Doors are almost twice your size for example. But this isn?t a big deal as it gives the player lots of head room (maybe a little to much) but it doesn?t affect the gameplay in any way. Textures are also nice and put to good use as well. No texture problems of any kind here, go look elsewhere if you want to find some. ReNo did a real good job here, even the cliffs don?t look repetitive.

Ambience really makes you feel that you are actually fighting rather than playing on a computer. Weapon and item placements are good as a player is guaranteed to spawn close to something without having to take a 3 mile hike. The more powerful weapons like the RPG and gluon gun are in hard to reach places (gluon gun) and on the edge of the precipice (RPG) which would make getting these a fun task.

The level plays nice and looks great, however the one major flaw with Forsaken is that it doesn?t at all follow the theme. I know it was last minute thinking about a theme on ReNo's part however the level doesn?t resemble much of a gas station on a rock. For one, adding some low gravity would have added to realism as well as adding some sort of service bays or something of the like. I doubt that you'll hear crickets in space or even see a helipad either. If I didn?t know the theme first hand I would have think of it a waste facility on earth.

Still, this level was nicely made albeit the theme was not really put into play with the level. It's ok ReNo, we know it was a last minute addition. R's are also good throughout most of the level. And a sign identifying Forsaken as ReNo's work is part of the trademark as well as the straight cliffs.

Verdict

A great map to play if you weren?t expecting a refueling station in space.

Just an other one of those "straight cliff" maps by ReNo. Forsaken is based on an abandoned refueling station on a motionless asteroid. After ages of being abandoned, it is now a fighting ground for some HL warriors.

The level itself plays out nice and looks great for the most part. ReNo did put a lot of attention to detail in this map. Except for a few things this level looks excellent. The one flaw in the architecture would have to be that everything is oversized to the player. Doors are almost twice your size for example. But this isn?t a big deal as it gives the player lots of head room (maybe a little to much) but it doesn?t affect the gameplay in any way. Textures are also nice and put to good use as well. No texture problems of any kind here, go look elsewhere if you want to find some. ReNo did a real good job here, even the cliffs don?t look repetitive.

Ambience really makes you feel that you are actually fighting rather than playing on a computer. Weapon and item placements are good as a player is guaranteed to spawn close to something without having to take a 3 mile hike. The more powerful weapons like the RPG and gluon gun are in hard to reach places (gluon gun) and on the edge of the precipice (RPG) which would make getting these a fun task.

The level plays nice and looks great, however the one major flaw with Forsaken is that it doesn?t at all follow the theme. I know it was last minute thinking about a theme on ReNo's part however the level doesn?t resemble much of a gas station on a rock. For one, adding some low gravity would have added to realism as well as adding some sort of service bays or something of the like. I doubt that you'll hear crickets in space or even see a helipad either. If I didn?t know the theme first hand I would have think of it a waste facility on earth.

Still, this level was nicely made albeit the theme was not really put into play with the level. It's ok ReNo, we know it was a last minute addition. R's are also good throughout most of the level. And a sign identifying Forsaken as ReNo's work is part of the trademark as well as the straight cliffs.

Design
Well done bar the fact that scale was let go a bit.

Gameplay
Good connectivity and enough room to pack the recommended player load.

Verdict
A great map to play if you weren?t expecting a refueling station in space.

Pros
Nice architecture and weapon placement.

Design
Doesn?t follow the theme.