Is there anyone out there who wants to step up and optimize emp_escort? It's truly horrible in the optimization department. There's no vis blocking going on, and there's a lot of empty wasted space. Critical parts of the level that should block vis are set as func_details. It causes terrible performance for both the server and for players. I want to do a full vis compile, but it has to be optimized first. I'm considering dropping emp_escort if it can't be optimized in time for release. Someone please volunteer to optimize this level: http://www.empiresmod.com/misc/emp_escort.rar
I'll try. Edit: I opened the map, and I hid all the entity objects. HOLY MOTHERFUCKING SNAIL, WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS? THIS IS MADNESS! Edit: after several Hammer crashes, I must admit this is too much work for me. I don't have the time. :/
hmmm I guess could have a look over it at the weekend to see if I can help Looks like swiss cheese at the moment :/
OMG! IF YOU DROP THE ESCORT OUT OF THE MAP CYCLE I'LL GET TO YOUR HOUSE AND HANG YOU TO DEATH! First you took the best possible map out which is CDR_Canyon and then you are going to take out the second best map out? What's wrong with you? Seriously.
no way escort rocks! it's just a bit laggy. well, i guess it must be for some people, i've never noticed.
Krenzo, Here's the deal. If you drop the Escort out. I stop playing Empires. Except when league gets launched. I have to support my clan. After that, you won't see me.
There have been attempts to fix this map in the past by forum members, I hope they can step up again Solo, work your magic.
Just look at the shots JJ45 posted. There's no vis blocking. The whole level is drawn along with everyone in it.
Yeah. I was thinking the same. The way this map was built makes it nearly impossible to optimize. Fixing it would take longer than making a new version of Escort from scratch. I think a new Escort with some realistic scenario would be a great option. A forest or something. Currently it looks like a TFC map, a boring concrete pipe. Also, I support Weedy, my fellow countryman: bring back CDR_Canyon! People have a lot more fun playing that, than default canyon, when there's like 6-14 players. I also think Emp_badlands could have stayed, if a few things were changed: lighting which doesn't make your eyes die, and no refineries on the middle hill. Seriously WTF? Not going to happen unless Krenzo loses his mind. Most people love Glycencity, as you probably have witnessed on the server. Escort is great too - I like it even if my FPS is low. It's difficult to balance though, but it's still brilliant. Emp_urbanchaos is good, but it needs a couple of more flags, to make it last at least half an hour instead of 5 minutes. Nevertheless, I remember a very epic 3-hour match on that map, long ago.
Just saying I wouldn't miss them. Unlike classic CV maps, the mission maps all seem to repeat the same strategy every time they are played.
Not only are infantry maps GREAT, but they are also useful for when there aren't many people playing, yet those who are playing, want an action-packed, well-flowing game going. Especially Glycencity brings a new depth of gameplay to Empires, and it's fun with even only 4 players. If the lack of vehicles gives one team an advantage in an infantry map, then it's the mapper's job to balance the game by giving the opposing team a counter-advantage in that map. If you don't like infantry maps, but others do, then that doesn't mean they should be removed. Otherwise good maps should only be removed when there's performance problems, like now, with emp_escort.
I don't think Empires should be trying to cater to servers with only a few players on them. Infantry-only maps with a ton of people are NOT fun. Small alleyways cause blocking, etc. They may be fun at the moment because of the low player numbers but they stray away from what makes Empires unique: RTS + FPS
