[map] dm_urban_day07_b1

This is a a discussion topic for the map "dm_urban_day07_b1" by Jacfu which can be found here

Map description:

This map took a few days to build, and was conceived merely to take a break from another map I've been working on for a few months that was giving me some unforseen problems due to it's huge size. So this is another small urban themed dm map, hence I could get it to look kinda finished. I might still mess around with the texturing, as it's very grey=taupe looking at present.

Map screenshots:

Very American looking. As a contrast to all the Europeany maps out there, that's quite nice. Still too blocky, though

I'll d/l it.

[edit]

Had a look and love it.

You have such a relaxed way of mapping. It's all the stuff I feared to be lost since the days of HL1 mapping, perfectly adjusted for HL2DM. So fresh, so many interesting shapes, prop-placement, lighting. No brushes wasted and so many details to look at.

Two issues, though!

First: You have a lot of "dark spots", areas that might just look shady on your monitor but are near-black on mine. Often around ladders which makes things worse (they're hard enough to use anyway). Turn down your monitor brightness and you should see what I mean. I always found it a good tactic to make sure every square meter is either within the radius of a lamp or lit directly by the sun. If a spot has neither, you should give it its own light source. Don't be afraid to make your map too bright. Unless you're moving towards a fullbright/overexposed look there is no such thing as "too bright".

Secondly: You have a couple of (seemingly intentional) dead-ends. Well, I can't really say if they're an issue as I didn't play this on a server yet. But there are quite a few, so i thought I mention it. Could annoy some newer players if they have to explore the map at the same time as playing it.

Yea, that's pretty much all I found from a quick look. Really nice map. You know I like your style, keep it coming.