[map] Echo

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

Map description:

My fifth release was a diversion level to take my mind off the increasingly frustrating project "Forsaken", Echo was a 3 day project. As most of my levels took place outside I decided to have a crack at one that took place entirely indoors, and it came out a complete success. This is certainly one of my favorite creations, and it plays really well with 3-6 players. A CTF version is included in the AG modification, available here... http://www.planethalflife.com/agmod

Map screenshots:

This is absolutely one of my favorite custom maps to play on. All the good weapons are here, in exactly the right quantities. Since it isn't epic in size, the filesize is terrific - you won't join a game just to find half the server busy dl'ing. It's packed and flows great upstairs. I found the bottom to get a bit less traffic, but not in a poor fashion. Watch your head when you take the lift back up. I have nothing truly negative to say about this map. I feel it is what the official map Lambda Complex should have been.

The map is fun, but I found it just a tad to small. Still exceelent though.

I have to say that this is one of my favourite ReNo maps. I remember playing an (very) early version of Obsolete and Elixir before losing my net connection for a few months. On return, there was Echo, and you could instantly see the improvement in mapping skills (this in no way means that Obsolete and Elixir are rubbish...they're not) and understanding of gameplay and flow. And it's pretty damn good looking to boot. Nice variety in sections without being disjointed.

Very impressive

Yet an other damn good release by ReNo. Aside from a missing theme (again) there isnt much to complain about here.

I find this level to be an improvement over Forsaken as this time scale was much more token into account with the size of the player. The design itself is excellent with great connectivity and a ton (well, maybe a few 1000lbs of it :wink: ) of detail. Textures were nicely selected and matched together to create a unique look to the level.

Ambience is nicely integrated into the level as well. Sounds like wind would seem out of place in a small level as this, however they are not. And they actually add to the realism instead of just producing noise. Lighting also is done well with a few glow sprites to boot. Weapons and items are also put as you must be lucky not to get anything within a few moments after spawning.

Ok, so lets recap: Great design, great texturing, great sounds, great weapons and items placements. But what is this place? ... Really. Yet again ReNo has treated us with an excellent map however for those (like me) who enjoy a storyline to go with the level, well, Echo kinda lacks that. Not that it hurts the level, but it doesn't help it either.

Now for the cons. Expect this to be short. The only problems I encountered were a tad bit of lag here and there but not enough to cause major problems. And a miss-aligned wall texture was also found but again, nothing too serious.

Yet another great release from ReNo, with no major problems encountered here. Keep those gems coming!

Verdict

This is almost as good as maps can come.

Yet an other damn good release by ReNo. Aside from a missing theme (again) there isnt much to complain about here.

I find this level to be an improvement over Forsaken as this time scale was much more token into account with the size of the player. The design itself is excellent with great connectivity and a ton (well, maybe a few 1000lbs of it :wink: ) of detail. Textures were nicely selected and matched together to create a unique look to the level.

Ambience is nicely integrated into the level as well. Sounds like wind would seem out of place in a small level as this, however they are not. And they actually add to the realism instead of just producing noise. Lighting also is done well with a few glow sprites to boot. Weapons and items are also put as you must be lucky not to get anything within a few moments after spawning.

Ok, so lets recap: Great design, great texturing, great sounds, great weapons and items placements. But what is this place? ... Really. Yet again ReNo has treated us with an excellent map however for those (like me) who enjoy a storyline to go with the level, well, Echo kinda lacks that. Not that it hurts the level, but it doesn't help it either.

Now for the cons. Expect this to be short. The only problems I encountered were a tad bit of lag here and there but not enough to cause major problems. And a miss-aligned wall texture was also found but again, nothing too serious.

Yet another great release from ReNo, with no major problems encountered here. Keep those gems coming!

Design
So.. What is it? ... Really.

Gameplay
Aside from a missing, theme all is good.

Verdict
This is almost as good as maps can come.

Pros
The list goes on and on.

Design
?questionable? R's in some areas.