I just saw, yesterday, that the Hl2 mod Zombie Master was released. You can download it here

http://gamefiles.virginmedia.com/blueyondergames/halflife2/modifications/ZombieMaster/zm_beta_100.zip

This mod is really interesting, in that it combines FPS and RTS ideas, pitting a crew of players against one zombie master, who can spawn and command hordes of zombies.

The mod was just released, and, like most new mods, server support is poor - good luck finding a game. You can, however, easily create your own server and start playing with the RTS controls - to get a feel for the zombie master role.

This seems like the perfect game for snarkpitters. I'm sure it would provide many laughs and a fairly non competitive environment to goof around and blast zombies.

Anyone interested? Is the snarkpit server still around, and does it get much use? If it just sits there barren - maybe we could convert it and test out the game? A private server is the way to go!

I installed it, if anyone wants to set up a server or jump into an existing one I'm down for a few games. I think the Snarkpit server got shut down a long time ago, IIRC.

Moddb link

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o

This actually sounds interesting. I'm up for a game when I have the time.

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What the Snarkpitters listen to!

Oh, that zombie mod. I've heard of this a while ago. Sounds great. Maybe I'll actually get to play it this evening.

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Why snark works.

I wish ppl would just make some nice, wholemeal, straight single player- fighting the Combine, blowing stuff up, general franticness. Instead they come up with bizarre ideas like this :redface:

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Just Kidding

Just Kidding

So get working, Flynn =D

<DIV class=quote>
<DIV class=quotetitle>? quoting Flynn</DIV>
<DIV class=quotetext>I wish ppl would just make some nice, wholemeal, straight single player- fighting the Combine, blowing stuff up, general franticness. Instead they come up with bizarre ideas like this :redface: </DIV></DIV>
This really depends on personal taste. To me this sounds like a mod with incredible potential. I haven't tried it yet, but if they manage to combine a well working RTS element with the zombie theme this could be a gem. I'd rather play something like this than a traditional HL2 single player mod.

How's the feel in this mod? Is it supposed to be scary/creepy like something from a Romero movie or a fun kill feast? Hopefully there's potential for both so the mapper can decide.

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What the Snarkpitters listen to!

Well, there is only 1 map sofar. Personally, I would go for a more straight-up horror themed map. The comedy of gameplay will be a nice contrast to the spooky map. Hopefully this mod takes off...it would be a fun one to map for, and a nice change from normal deathmatch.

If this mod turns out to be good/fun, I might even try making a simple map or two for it.

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What the Snarkpitters listen to!

i've got it, but I haven't checked it out yet.
i'll get back to you

I remember reading about this mod some time ago -- when I saw that it was released, I like, so started dling it.

Holy crap! :eek: 75% already! Trying it out right now.

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Breaking the laws of mapping since 2003 and doing a damn fine job at it

Post some pics plzzz :biggrin: !!

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What the Snarkpitters listen to!

Woa just checked their website ( http://www.zombiemaster.org/ ) and the game looks freakin awesome! Gotta fix myself a steam accout. If someone's willing to borrow me one that'd be awesome. :biggrin:

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What the Snarkpitters listen to!

I tried it, it's great.

It still has some typical, annoying "beta" issues, but I saw a lot of fun ideas.

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Why snark works.

I agree - it does seem to have great potential. I played a small amount this weekend, just to get a feel for it. I jumped into a nice group of peeps who seemed to be communicating well on the survivor side, while gathering truck parts for the objective.. this was cool.

It seems the biggest challenge is going to be on the side of the zombie master role, since people only get to play if every once in a while (the master is picked at random). A bad zombie master will really weaken the experience. I would love to play the game with a good master.

I've already started working on a map; it's a fun challenge, and a refreshing change from DM. You really have to think of ways to cater to the zombie master (choke points, dark rooms, environmental traps) - otherwise the game will be too easy for the survivors. Then, you have to think of ways for the survivors to strategize (must move in numbers through some areas - sniper points to cover certain areas - flashlight spots - environment uses).

Lags a bit too much and the servers are too big comparing to the amount of weapons in them and there are a lot of small bugs here and there, but I foresee great future for this mod once things get worked out. :smile:

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''Everyone wades in s**t until they're competent enough to walk on it. Jesus style.''
Dystopia - Empires

Good mappers would help the situation :wink: Get to work!

It's amazing what the little patch did to the game.

I just gave it another try and it's really an amazing mod. I got to play as a master once or twice and albeit a bit confusing it's great fun.

Ideas for maps start forming in the back of my head... :biggrin:

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Why snark works.

Just came to think of something that could be included in a map: An obstacle where someone will have to stay behind and push a button/turn a valve or similar to let all the other survivors through, and sacrifice his/her life for the others.

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What the Snarkpitters listen to!

I've already schemed up a Descent styled scenario, where the survivors must destroy a generator in a room filled with Radiation, and then escape from some random power plant before the places blows :biggrin:

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Breaking the laws of mapping since 2003 and doing a damn fine job at it

Have you been reading my mind?

The map I'm working on is similar - a power plant is leaking toxic ooze down into a populated area. Survivors must carry gas canisters to each of the generators. Once the generator has gas, it can be started (which will take a minute or two, where it has to be protected). Once ALL generators are started, power is converted to a large elevator which the survivors must wait for, then use to escape.

Not the most original idea, but it might be cool.

Lol, oops

My idea is bit different in some ways, but yea, two power plant maps? Maddness I say! :razz:

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Breaking the laws of mapping since 2003 and doing a damn fine job at it

Looks like they're following a 'release early, release often' policy, 1.0.2 was released yesterday.

Change log

• Added the MAC 10
• Increased drifter attack range
• Fixed Spectator panel bug
• Fixed flashlight effect not showing for other players
• Shamblers can't turn tables and crates into flying missiles of death
• Spotcreate power fixed
• New Delete Minion ZM power
• New map: zm_deathball
• Numerous changes to dotd
• Fixed ZM nightvision (was showing up black for some players)
• Fixed bugs with rifle shader

EDIT
I'm still unable to play for more than a couple minutes before it crashes =[

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o

• Shamblers can't turn tables and crates into flying missiles of death

What? D:

That made Shamblers useful! :/ It basically made them anti-baricade units.

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Breaking the laws of mapping since 2003 and doing a damn fine job at it

I'll be playing some... after compiling my BRAND NEW ZM MAP!!!!11111

yes.

The "Fresh Brains and Hot Chicks!" server mostly works best for me.

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Why snark works.

OOoo... post some screenies. I've been working on mine as well - hopefully will make some progress this weekend.