While I am learning more about Valve Hammer on my own pace, I have been brainstorming of different types of maps and their gameplay. Of course, they will all be Wal-Mart theme! Maybe a new "emp_walmart_xxx" convention? I haven't decided yet. Here are some ideas: Vehicle-map on Wal-Mart parking lot. Maybe against another store (Bestbuy?), or make it a strip mall?: Maybe a rat map would be easier to design first? I think a Wal-Mart checkout counter or electronics department would be ideal: How about an infantry map for the whole store? I want to avoid numerous strips of aisles and circular clothes handlers it isn't a game of hide & seek. Maybe make it a multi-level Wal-Mart? Any ideas and/or advices on gameplay, map-type, mapping, etc.?. Even constructive criticism intertwined with thick sarcasm is welcomed!
It would be cool to see a big map with two stores liek that, a comm map, with giant paved areas, and scattered buildings maybe between the two big stores. cool idea
Building maps based off real buildings is generally a very bad idea, because real buildings have pretty bad level design. Just make a map and stick some of the hl2 store props all over it.
So make it like emp_atomic? :p I am aware that ACTUAL building layouts are not designed for a map. No one wants to go through +12 aisles. For an in-store map, I'll use the general layout as a guide for what some of the buildings/props should be. I have a friend that can help me on textures and models if needed. If I do an infantry map, it will definitely need to be a multi-level store. Even though rat maps could be complicated, but I won't replicate every bit of detail in an actual store. It allows me to make an classical map inside the store. I imagine the map would be similar to emp_internetisforporn but BETTER! Another idea for a rat map is the toy aisle (I'm thinking Toy Story)! Moving/flying props would be nice, but that's beyond me atm.
Yes, as atomic has an actual layout. Don't make it multi level because empires can't show multiple levels on the minimap, you are limited to having multiple levels be nothing more than height differences, you can't have level over level or it gets very confusing. Don't make a rat map, they have terrible gameplay.
If you are a current student or employee of a retail store, I would advise caution. Otherwise, have at it.
That's why I'm working on my own pace. I presume my first map will be out by Christmas :p I know a clever solution to having a minimap for a multi-level map, but I'll just wait for that time to come. Maybe by then the devs will improve the minimap system I think you guys convinced me to not make a rat map (for now) as my first map and work on an urban parking lot map (as Deadpool suggested). It would be easier to design (especially if it is vehicle map) and have the flexibility to decide on the layout and theme. WalMart vs Kmart/Target? Strip mall with Walmart? Include highway? Classical (/w CV) or vehicle-only? Should infantry/vehicles be able to enter Walmart?
Actually thinking about it you might be able to use material modifiers to change the minimap depending on what level you're on, but it might not work. I need to try that sometime.
Harryhoot showed me a clever way of making the minimap simply more than a single image/frame. I could change the minimap periodically to show each floor, but icons would be pointless. This may be okay since minimap icons are bugged as shit anyway
minimap should work like gta4 (and other sandbox games) where it adjusts dude icons for different elevations relative to yours. multiple levels are irrelevant anyway because who needs a map to navigate a walmart? (not a super walmart)
