[map] op4_bounce

This is a a discussion topic for the map "op4_bounce" by unknown which can be found here

Map description:

Map screenshots:

(note: Review originally written 10/9/00)

If you've ever played deathmatch Half-Life, then chances are you've also played Bounce. This is the map that is 1 huge outdoor arena, complete with bounce pads that launch you a few hundred feet into the air, and several other connecting rooms and chambers. This map was one of the original Half-Life maps, and despite it's age (and the number of times you've probably played it) Bounce is still great fun. But now it's been modified for op4, which can only mean good things. The addition of the Barnacle weapon means players can now grapple across the entire level, Tarzan style, if you can't get the hang of the gauss. The addition of the sniper rifle also makes for even better sniping than before.

And this is one of the best features of the map. Everyone's camped at some point in their lives, and quite frankly, this is the best map to do it on (and it's acceptable to do so). Like the original level, the best camping spots are the lofty and dark crevices which are only accessible via the gauss gun. But if you, like me, are an average 56ker and find sniping a near impossibility, then you won't have to risk sniping and wasting your ammo- there are loads of other weapons that are well placed to choose from. The weapons and ammo placement is similar to the original, meaning it's too easy to get to powerful weapons, although you may need to master the bounce pad to get the RPG this time. There are enough batteries and healthkits dotted around to keep you going for a few minutes, and you'll rarely run out of ammo for less powerful weapons.

Thankfully, that great big wall in the middle of the map helps to stop the level from turning into a blatant blood bath. The small chamber with the water in also calms down the map- it's the place where you can pick up the long jump module, and where you're more than likely to have a pistol fight at least once during a round.

But despite the addition of new weapons, bounce retains the same problems as the original. The r_speed problem that people with lower end systems face is not helped by the addition of the Xen spores that grow from the rock walls, or by big green displacer balls flying around. Also, as it's fairly easy to get to the gauss gun, this map will frequently be dominated by one (or more, god forbid) people using it and escaping by long jumping onto the bounce pads or gaussing you when you're in the health room. Combined with the presence of snipers, this is not really a map for newbies or people with high pings alike. Oh yeah, and sometimes you can get stuck on the rocks behind the displacer room.

This is a fun map providing that there are less than 8 people playing, and that you're all equally matched in your deathmatch skills. It's a great map to play against friends and foes alike, and I'm glad they converted it over to op4.

Verdict

Brilliant for 2vs2 games or an all out clan practice, this map can/should/will be enjoyed by just about everyone.

(note: Review originally written 10/9/00)

If you've ever played deathmatch Half-Life, then chances are you've also played Bounce. This is the map that is 1 huge outdoor arena, complete with bounce pads that launch you a few hundred feet into the air, and several other connecting rooms and chambers. This map was one of the original Half-Life maps, and despite it's age (and the number of times you've probably played it) Bounce is still great fun. But now it's been modified for op4, which can only mean good things. The addition of the Barnacle weapon means players can now grapple across the entire level, Tarzan style, if you can't get the hang of the gauss. The addition of the sniper rifle also makes for even better sniping than before.

And this is one of the best features of the map. Everyone's camped at some point in their lives, and quite frankly, this is the best map to do it on (and it's acceptable to do so). Like the original level, the best camping spots are the lofty and dark crevices which are only accessible via the gauss gun. But if you, like me, are an average 56ker and find sniping a near impossibility, then you won't have to risk sniping and wasting your ammo- there are loads of other weapons that are well placed to choose from. The weapons and ammo placement is similar to the original, meaning it's too easy to get to powerful weapons, although you may need to master the bounce pad to get the RPG this time. There are enough batteries and healthkits dotted around to keep you going for a few minutes, and you'll rarely run out of ammo for less powerful weapons.

Thankfully, that great big wall in the middle of the map helps to stop the level from turning into a blatant blood bath. The small chamber with the water in also calms down the map- it's the place where you can pick up the long jump module, and where you're more than likely to have a pistol fight at least once during a round.

But despite the addition of new weapons, bounce retains the same problems as the original. The r_speed problem that people with lower end systems face is not helped by the addition of the Xen spores that grow from the rock walls, or by big green displacer balls flying around. Also, as it's fairly easy to get to the gauss gun, this map will frequently be dominated by one (or more, god forbid) people using it and escaping by long jumping onto the bounce pads or gaussing you when you're in the health room. Combined with the presence of snipers, this is not really a map for newbies or people with high pings alike. Oh yeah, and sometimes you can get stuck on the rocks behind the displacer room.

This is a fun map providing that there are less than 8 people playing, and that you're all equally matched in your deathmatch skills. It's a great map to play against friends and foes alike, and I'm glad they converted it over to op4.

Design
No sounds or anything, but a fun setting with the bounce pads and sniping spots. 4 marks

Gameplay
Great games from a simple map, something for everyone here, and the bounce pads add extra fun. Can get laggy for lower end syste

Verdict
Brilliant for 2vs2 games or an all out clan practice, this map can/should/will be enjoyed by just about everyone.

Pros
Bounce pads & Great sniping

Design
R_speeds are pretty high