Requesting Layout Critique (1v1/TDM)

[ThreeSidedCoin]

Hi there!

I've been working on a map for a little bit aimed at small scale DM matches. I haven't really finished it, I'm still blocking it out, but I was wondering if anyone with more experience than I have could critique the layout of the map thusfar. I plan to start blocking out the 'base' location on the south part of the map there, but you can see where those parts connect already.

A note about my shorthand: the ROCK textures are going to be naturalized areas, the bricks and marble will be feeding into a temple style atmosphere while the bronze textured areas will be tech base-like. I'm still kind of inexperienced at creating maps, but I have a solid theme in the back of my head that I think will look awesome once done but won't stand up without a decent layout to make it sing.

Any help would be appreciated!

Also, please ignore the horribad mess of the water area's sector work, I'll fix it eventually >_>;;

Screenshots were taken with 120 FOV

[ThreeSidedCoin]

There's going to be some more vertical variation in the 'base' area, but this is what I had in mind. So, yes. Cover, definitely. Thanks, Decay. :D

I was trying to finish up the rest of the layout before I posted it, but I'm pretty close to it so here we are: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_nH1A ... sp=sharing

[ThreeSidedCoin]

Here you go:

https://fs12n5.sendspace.com/dl/31f9b4f ... hs_004.wad

Sorry about that

[Tiger]

Some notes:

• Please, next time compress the PWAD into a ZIP archive data file. I ask as this is kind-of a standard and also it makes my web browser freak out over these sorts of files. Maybe it's the service that you chosen, but IE's security gave me trouble downloading the .WAD file.
• The layout of the map mostly connects to itself, meaning - you have multiple paths for the player. However, this is only true in the outside portions. If the player goes inside the cave or whatever its supposed to be, the map defaults to a linear passage. Is there a way you can have multiple paths in this area? Maybe a teleporter?
• IIF (if and only if) the player drops from the helicopter pad, that player is stuck. There is no lifts to escape or some means to get unstuck.
• I generally don't like the aesthetics of the map texturing. It seems like you were unsure what textures to use, but you started throwing whatever textures you could into the map. Additionally, the sector references flats doesn't make sense with its own side-defs patches\textures.
• The map just feels way too open for DM; this map quickly reminds me of a Doom2 map 'MAP15', this map is terrible for DM.
• Lacking some life or detail, it seems way too basic.
• Your map contains warnings that should be addressed:

  Code: Select all

  map01 - entryway
  
  Starting MIDI playback failed
  (null): invalid ACS module
  Line 1122 has no first side.
  Unknown floor texture 'FLOOR3_9' in sector 110
  Unknown floor texture 'FLOOR3_9' in sector 122
  Unknown floor texture 'FLOOR3_9' in sector 123
  Line 1122's right edge is unconnected
  

Don't get me wrong I see serious potential here, but this map has some flaws that needs to be ironed out first. To help you and what I recommend if you are making competitive maps:

• Deathz0r's tutorial on 'Creating Competitive Maps'
• Tim Willits Speech about map design and competitive maps. [Time: 2hr.44min]
• Helpful guides for detailing and whatnot
• Doom Editing Tutorials (Doomworld)

I hope you the best with this map.

[Ru5tK1ng]

Some of the top pathways are barely large enough for one person. The entire South end of the map is just wasted space and has nothing interesting going on. However, I did like how you can traverse the waterfalls and maneuver to the top. I'm sure you have your own vision of what you want to do, but I'd just axe the large fat rooms in the south and just focus on the outside where the most interesting things are happening.


Also, deathz0r's guide is helpful in reminding everyone how bad gothic2 is and why it should be used as an example wad of what NOT to do in deathmatch.