vertically layered maps

(chavo_one) #1

I was wondering what you guys’ views were on building vertically layered maps in ET. It seems like the command map system was not designed for this type of map.

I’ve got an idea for a map that has a multi-layered tunnel system underneath a playable terrain, but it seems that players would be confused as to where teammates were located on the command map.

Are these types of maps discouraged in ET? Or can you separate the map into separate “floors” and draw them next to each other on the command map?

(RR2DO2) #2

There is support for multi-level commandmaps, up to 3 levels iirc

(sock) #3

There is no discouragment for building maps with separate floors. Remember that alot of people have enough problems with 1 command map atm. If you add more floors to a map it will involve multiple command maps with up/down buttons. This will make things confusing for people new to the game or your map.

We did have one multiple floor map originally in the game but it was very confusing and unless you knew the map inside out it was hardwork flipping between the floors.

Sock
:moo:

(G0-Gerbil) #4

So basically you can map what you like, but it’s best to keep to 1 command map.
So not much of a choice really - multiple levels and get confused, or single level and realise you are basically creating an updated Doom level :wink:

I have to say, the map thing wouldn’t bother me if maps could run with target_locations, but the coordinate system basically sucks. It might be ‘realistic’ but when did that ever take priority over creating a much more playable game?

Of all the things wrong with ET, this has to be the biggest for me - it makes finding places / people / way around very difficult.

(sock) #5

The game has a full pop out command map feature (default key G) which can show you where people are on the map. Plus with the fireteam system you can quickly see where your team is at all times in game and on the command map.

Sock
:moo:

(G0-Gerbil) #6

But it’s still not the same as seeing exactly where someone is in your bar.
Popout command map means you are obscuring your screen and taking your attention away to look over whole map, locate people and mentally mark where they are.
Fireteam popup shows coordinates which are, to put it bluntly, rubbish.

Neither (even together) is as good as ye olde RTCW method.

I ‘understand’ why it’s in there, because of the map analogy it ‘makes sense’. But it’s still not nearly as simple or useful as target_locations, and makes multi-layer maps extra hard to play on.

It hasn’t escaped my notice that none of the official maps are very ‘vertical’ (IE multiple levels above each other) - certainly nothing on the scale of say mp_castle, or even mp_beach.

ET swaps ‘3d-ness’ for larger ‘2d-ness’. Maybe most people think this is a good thing and I’m bitching about nothing, but it’s a bit of a step backwards - particularly since the ‘helpful’ map system actually promotes keeping map levels simple :frowning:

(chavo_one) #7

I don’t think you’re “bitching about nothing”. You’re saying things I believe, but expressed in a milder form in my initial post.

(sock) #8

I have no problems with you expressing your views on this forum.

Sock
:moo:

(weasel) #9

I’ll agree with you on the coordinate system. The coordinates are meaningless. The old system of naming regions would work much better, even if you get an occasionaly unknown. Coordinates would be something it could fall back on if it couldn’t resolve a name. The command map, though, I’ve found to be very useful. It just takes a little getting used to. I’ve got mine bound to a mouse button, and I can usually see what I’m looking for in a quick half-second glance, now that I’m familiar with the layouts. It’s great for finding meaningful locations of teammates. I always use it before throwing a grenade around a blind corner or tossing an airstrike. I don’t think vertical ones would work, though. If it takes me more than a second to check where my team is, it’s useless. I can’t waste that much time looking at a map. Maybe it would work if you could use the scroll wheel to move up/down a level. I’d have to play with it and see.

(DerKammisar) #10

To be honest I don’t use the co-ordinates at all. And in wolf I didn’t use the compass much either. 90% of the time they’re irrelevant because you wind up spawning with a bunch of guys, then moving with one or 2 of em, dying, then re-spawning again with a bunch of guys. Or if it’s OLTL dying once.

What’s the most helpful to me is the place name locations on the text. That way I know, “Oh. So and so’s calling for help at xxxx”.

But I do like the overall big map you can pull up. Looks nice.