Just make it have normal refs, its a great look and layout. That gimmick of random refs wasn't what made it fun to play.
Just fixed the weirdest problem i had in a while. A res spot named "res8" (out of 12 spots) wouldn't work ever. Checked everything, from flat surface, models close by and even double names. Copied several other working res spots with their underlying surface but they stopped working once i placed them at spot 8 and renamed them. So i tried naming it "res13" and it works. What hammer has against the number 8 i do not know.
i made some files available for everyone to use at there leisure that enable easy introducing of random starts and random resnodes... its just a part of "wanting"
does it work for all preplaced stuff or only for the classic comm-rax-ref combo? and if so, why dont servers use it (at least for certain maps)?
I took quite a long break after redoing Bush. I've opened up Hammer again though, and i'll be working on Chain again. As always, the first weeks after i reopen a map things actually go backwards. Things i knew weren't right but couldn't be bothered to remake, usually get redone after one of my breaks. The changes i've made however are mostly about how the map fits inside the 3d skybox. It now feels much more natural, where the concrete areas somewhat follow the mountain shape. For example the concrete base wall is only present where there wasn't any mountain cliff present already. Mostly on the west side, the base's defense is mostly the mountain cliff itself. Most of the actual base buildings are now in the skybox, a little higher in the mountain. I guess no one actually cares about detail like this in empires, but it did bother me constantly. So with this replanned, i can start finishing up the textures and displacements. I'll only add minor brush detail to the base before releasing an alpha version of the map. With feedback from the alpha version, and with the improved layout, it'll be easier to add the much needed details . Edit: Some bridges are missing atm, as i'm redoing all the brushwork Spawn locations are picked randomly. Starting bases will be on opposite corners of the map, for example northwest vs southeast
I wish the map looked as good from below. I've been changing the lights and textures for weeks, and i just can't get it right. It remains bland and boring, which is why i only posted the minimap. But i still have a few things to try to improve on this, so i'm still feeling positive about it. I haven't played C&C since Generals really. I'm assuming the top down views have remained somewhat the same, but with less bright colors as that seems to be the trend in rts games
