[map] Oceanic

This is a a discussion topic for the map "Oceanic" by Kasperg_JM which can be found here

Map description:

The map takes place in an aquarium facility, home to different species of sea animals.
It has a pretty big size and is better suited for long range weapons.
R_speeds in this scenario are also higher than what I usually do in HL1 because of the detail needed. The r_speed limitation prevented me from making the architecture I originally had in mind. I will probably make a Source map with a similar theme in the future.
The lightmap grid in the outside area is also something I'm not happy with.

The hardest part of making this map was probably setting up the aquariums themselves, because it involved creating a great deal of transparent textures.
While the fishes are func_rotating, I managed to use tracktrains for the mantarays, which makes them seem a bit more alive.

Map screenshots:

Wow that looks great.

Is that seal thing a sprite a texture or a model in shot #2?

I like Number one number 3 just looks way to busy

The seal is a texture.

Overall it has great layout, great detail, great lighting, great item placement, great custom stuff. I only wish there were some larger way of rewarding you other than marking this map a 10. I only have a few things:

While an aquarium is an interesting place to have a frag fest, I think its a little odd to have a shotgun in a child daycare center =P.

Also you can gaus jump to multiple places that don't offer any kind of reward, other than just getting a jump on your opponents. Maybe a battery pack or health kit might stir some things up

The Jessica Alba tribute was in plain sight (hehe). Personally its my own stylistic choice to place these types of things in a hidden cave or room thats hard to reach, then it becomes kinda a "treat" to find it. But I can tell you wanted to "get the message out there".

10/10

I know it's out for a while but I just played it on a server liked it, and absolutely loved the water-effects. Pure smartness.