Have I mentioned? I really really like this map. I like it the way it is, every match on this map has been very enjoyable for me.
Am I ok to include this in the map-pack I'm releasing? It'll be updated incrementally for map updates.
I've had at least one good match on this map. No real complaints about it. I like that most of the ridges are climbable by infantry, and that can be used to target the enemy main.
Beta 4 is ready. Here's the changelog: -Added a tower and reshaped the terrain in the eastern canyon area -Added a cabin to the western canyon area -Fixed some bad terrain alpha spots -Placed foliage along the roads leading to the bunker so commanders know stuff can't be built here (it was hard to determine the elevation from above, making it look like there was more room to build then there actually was -Fixed a seam in the road overlays -Added a bunkhouse to the coastal area -More trees/rocks/shrubs overall to increase the amount of cover on the map Basically this update is about making the level environment more varied. The new structures should make combat more interesting should it come to those areas. Please continue posting comments on the map so I know if it still needs more buildings or if the current amount is ok, as well as any bug sightings. Beta 4 Download Links: http://www.fpsbanana.com/maps/76348 http://raegquit.com/Tysn/emp_coast_b4.rar
I like the colours, its a change from normal emp colours but without being too far out. Perhaps the ground texture could use a detail mask, also, are the textures bumpmapped? If so maybe it could be improved.
Beta 5 is complete. Here's the changelog: -Lowered several floating props -Fixed the wooden supports brushes' polys being cut up by an invisible brush accidentally -Reduced the light in the bunkhouse slightly -Fixed more road overlay seams -Fixed the bleeding light at the base of the cliffs in the BE base -Added a cave tunnel to the northern area of the map The main addition in this version is the new cave in the northern section of the map. Previously compared to the beach, the north had less area to attack from as in the south you could always flank the enemy by traveling along the shoreline. With the cave the battle line in the north should be less static. Also, it should give a more varied environment to the map in regards to the comments about there only being cliff walls to look at everywhere except the beach. Here's a few pics of the cave: http://raegquit.com/Tysn/emp_coast_b50024.jpg http://raegquit.com/Tysn/emp_coast_b50016.jpg So far it seems that balance has been much improved. Every coast game I've been able to join so far has had a battle line forming approximately in the center of the map and teams don't seem to steamroll over eachother anymore. Please continue posting any positive or negative gameplay experiences so I know if the gameplay still needs tweaking. Beta 5 Download Links: http://www.fpsbanana.com/maps/76348 http://files.filefront.com/emp+coast+b5rar/;13326957;/fileinfo.html http://raegquit.com/Tysn/emp_coast_b5.rar Are you playing with hdr enabled? I set everything to look the best for hdr, but I noticed that the map looks a bit washed out without hdr. I set the fog to give the best effects for hdr but it doesn't look as good without it unfortunately. If you do have hdr enabled, then I'm not really sure what to say. The map has lower contrast by setting the tonemap controller lower than other maps but that's because I felt that a lot of maps in empires have too much hdr. I don't know if your dislike is just preferential but could you post some screenshots of maps that you think have good textures/color palette so I have something to go off of? I did make a bumpmap for the grass originally, but I removed it to increase performance. I could add it back considering shader effects can be lowered by each individual player, however I'm still hesitant to do so as there's that "I'm not lowering my settings for one map" stuff.
Yeah I wouldn't worry about a bumpmap on the grass, I was more interested in wether you use one on the rock textures? Also don't worry about people losing FPS from bumpmaps, so many maps use them that people will have them on or off anyway, your map isn't so hard on performance that people have to adjust settings for it, I think. Also, read up on detail textures: http://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/$detail and look at Empires textures and how detail maps are used to enhance large grass/sand textures that repeat often. I would have a look at your textures to comment better but the files are zipped in the BSP.
I would love it if these textures were made public ove: They are beautiful work, along with the rest of this map. Very, very well done, Tysn.
