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Heretic - Silverspring (One-Flag)CTF - Now with 45 maps and weapon balance!

Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2014 6:20 pm
by Joseph Hicks
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So I've been working on this for a couple of months, and now I have enough to actually post a thread about it:
Silverspring CTF!
Handy download links:
I don't know if it's just me, but there seems to be a deficiency of Heretic mods around (or at least I never get to hear about them), and since I've never made a CTF map before, and it's been quite a while since I've created a map, I decided to combine all three into this one pack.
Features:
  • - 50 2-way CTF maps, each and every one of them compatible with One-Flag CTF (40/40 complete! + 05 bonus maps + 10 extra maps pending);
    - New graphics (CONBACK, M_HTIC, TITLEPIC, CREDIT);
    - 203 new flats and textures (87 flats - 28 being animation frames + 116 textures);
    - Obituaries for all weapons, explosive pods and timebombs (work flawlessly offline, intermittently online, don't know why) (Complete!);
    - New flag sprites; (Complete!)
    - New medal graphics; (Complete!)
    - A new HUD. (Complete!)
    - Weapon balance mod ( First iteration - Ethereal Arrows now deal double damage and have double speed)
Pending:
  • - 05 extra community maps (0/5 complete)
Spoiler: Map List ----- (slot: name - size), kinda big (Open)
  • Episode 1 - City of the Damned Theme (Complete!)

    2W01: - Waterworks --- Medium
    2W02: - Citadels --- Large
    2W03: - Pathways --- Small
    2W04: - Altars --- Large
    2W05: - The Courtyard --- Small
    2W06: - Twin Docks --- Medium
    2W07: - The Pit --- Large
    2W08: - A Game of Thrones --- Small not as badass as it sounds
    2W09: - Tower Siege --- Medium
    2W10: - The Courtyard - Turbo Edition --- Small


    Episode 2 - Hell's Maw Theme (Complete!)

    2W11: - Volcanic Crossing --- Medium
    2W12: - Patio --- Small
    2W13: - Freezing Hot --- Large
    2W14: - Crossfire --- Small
    2W15: - Cauldron --- Small
    2W16: - Scorched Hills --- Small
    2W17: - The Glacier --- Large
    2W18: - The River of Fire --- Medium
    2W19: - Outskirts --- Medium
    2W20: - Caldera --- Large


    Episode 3 - The Dome of D'Sparil Theme (Complete!)

    2W21: - The Aqueduct --- Medium
    2W22: - Confluence --- Large
    2W23: - Riverside --- Small
    2W24: - Inner Garden --- Medium
    2W25: - Surrounded --- Medium
    2W26: - The Divination Pool --- Medium
    2W27: - Junction --- Small
    2W28: - Water Temple --- Small
    2W29: - Pass --- Small
    2W30: - The Trench --- Large


    Episode 4 - Downtown Silverspring - City Theme (Complete!)

    2W31: - Block Wars --- Small
    2W32: - Square of the Damned --- Small
    2W33: - Apartments --- Medium
    2W34: - Roundabout --- Medium
    2W35: - The Palace --- Medium
    2W36: - The Cage --- Medium
    2W37: - Atrium --- Small
    2W38: - The Graveyard --- Large
    2W39: - The Grand Cathedral --- Large
    2W40: - Valador's Legacy --- Small Probably the smallest map I've ever made


    Bonus Maps - Some nice edits and original versions of 2 maps (05 for the moment)

    2W41: - Citadel Core --- Small
    2W42: - Altar Run --- Medium
    2W43: - Indoors --- Small
    2W44: - The Mighty Glacier --- Excessive
    2W45: - Confluence - Confusing Edition --- Excessive


    Community Maps (0/5 complete)

    2W46: - N/A
    2W47: - N/A
    2W48: - N/A
    2W49: - N/A
    2W50: - N/A
Creating episode 2 and episode 3 themed maps is deceptively difficult. At least for me.

As the project now nears completion, I've opened a few slots for you guys to participate as well!
Guest map slots open!
Map Requirements - Link to Post

05 maps slots open - Silverspring 2-Way Texture Pack, V4
Spoiler: Map Contribution Slots (Open)
  • Episode 5 - Community Contributions (Varied)

    2W46: - <open>
    2W47: - <open>
    2W48: - <open>
    2W49: - <open>
    2W50: - <open>
I plan to release the textures and flats in a 4-way+ofctf texture pack when this gets released, so everyone can use them.
Of course, the screenshots.
Spoiler: The new HUD in action (Open)
Spoiler: Screenshot - SP (Open)
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Spoiler: Screenshot - CTF (Open)
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Spoiler: 12 screenshots for your pleasure - 3 new! (Open)
Episode 1
Spoiler: 2W05 - The Courtyard (Open)
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Spoiler: 2W08 - A Game of Thrones (Open)
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Spoiler: 2W09 - Tower Siege (Open)
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Episode 2
Spoiler: 2W15 - Cauldron (Open)
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Spoiler: 2W17 - The Glacier (Open)
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Spoiler: 2W18 - The River of Fire (Open)
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Episode 3
Spoiler: 2W25 - Surrounded (Open)
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Spoiler: 2W27 - Junction (Open)
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Spoiler: 2W28 - Water Temple (Open)
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Episode 4
Spoiler: 2W33 - Apartments (Open)
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Spoiler: 2W37 - Atrium (Open)
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Spoiler: 2W39 - The Grand Cathedral (Open)
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I really liked how the towers turned out in 2W09 for some reason.
A server hosting a release candidate version will be created when I'm done revising all maps for errors.
If you've got something to report, now would be a good time.
Not everyone has Heretic, so here's a handy link - Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders - Steam Store
Christmas sale is coming boyos
Thank you for your time and, though there isn't much to see in this post, your thoughts would be appreciated.

RE: Heretic - Silverspring (One-Flag)CTF

Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2014 6:23 pm
by Galactus
Looks amazing!

RE: Heretic - Silverspring (One-Flag)CTF

Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2014 6:53 pm
by fr blood
Beautiful screens, I'm not fan of Heretic, but this make me want to play it again.

RE: Heretic - Silverspring (One-Flag)CTF

Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2014 7:36 pm
by Marcaek
>Heretic
>One flag CTF
>32 playable maps

You're insane :P This looks to be a massive undertaking and I'm looking forward to seeing how this plays.

RE: Heretic - Silverspring (One-Flag)CTF

Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2014 9:06 pm
by Combinebobnt
Will def be looking at this

RE: Heretic - Silverspring (One-Flag)CTF

Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2014 9:16 pm
by Joseph Hicks
[quote=Marcaek]You're insane :P This looks to be a massive undertaking and I'm looking forward to seeing how this plays.[/quote]

Been working on it for 2 months, averaging a map every two days. I'm at the 4th revision of the texture pack, with a few more textures to be added, and the past few days were spent compiling everything and making the graphics.

Yeah, it's been quite the work, but I'm genuinely satisfied with how it's going!

I'm not sure about how it plays, because I haven't been able to actually sit down and get people to test, specially because not many people have/like Heretic, so my only testing so far has been one or two people take a look around and point out a few things.

I think I may have added too much health/armor/ammo to a few maps, while I may have removed too much on others to the point of brutality.

Also, some maps may be too easy to defend or trivial to attack.

My main focus is on 2-way standard CTF, but the maps are being built to work with One-Flag CTF as well. If, out of these 40, 15~20 play well, I'll have fulfilled my mission.

RE: Heretic - Silverspring (One-Flag)CTF

Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2014 9:13 pm
by Deadon
HOLLIIEEE SHIIIIIEEET, I'm in if you need some... assistance.

RE: Heretic - Silverspring (One-Flag)CTF

Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2014 9:50 pm
by Joseph Hicks
[quote=Decay]Hopefully they don't suffer too much from your usual huge-ass map custom![/quote]

I think I managed to get it under control this time, only 2W17 - The Glacier ended up Joseph-sized imo. Old term is ooold. That pic up there? that's just mid.

2W09 - Tower Siege, however, almost spiraled out of control, and I actually had to ditch the entire first iteration of the map (except the prototype of the towers), because it was going to end up bigger than Doom Center. Two castles and a full city in-between!

[quote=Deadon]I'm in if you need some... assistance.[/quote]

It's a bit of a personal challenge, to see if I can get something done, so I'm not taking help for the moment. You eagerness, however, has been noted!

I was thinking of having an early, 30-map build hosted on [BE] to see how it plays so far. What do you guys think?

RE: Heretic - Silverspring (One-Flag)CTF

Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2014 11:14 pm
by Joseph Hicks
Project update - The medals are finished! At least the first iteration.

I'll bundle them with the HUD, which will come in a separate file from the map pack, so people can choose whether or not to load them.
Spoiler: Here's a preview - All 21 of them! (Open)
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I think most of them turned out alright, but a few might be too big, or the outline too pronounced.

In order of appearance, left to right, from the first row:

Capture! - Defense! - Assist! - Termination! - Tag! - Victory! - Perfect!
Fisting! - Accuracy! - Precision! - Impressive! - Most Impressive! - Spam! - Llama!
First Frag! - Excellent! - Incredible! - Domination! - Total Domination! - You Fail It! - Your Skill Is Not Enough!


Notes:
-------
  • - I wanted to avoid using a team color for the flags on the ctf medals, but the only other option was black, so white it goes;
    - I think I screwed up with the Defense medal, but all other attempts ended up too cluttered or confusing;
    - I'm specially satisfied with the Victory/Perfect! medals. Heretic's Small Pillar makes for a fine little trophy; All it needed was a pair of handles and a paint job
    - I didn't know what to put for Impressive/Most Impressive, so that's what came out;
    - D'Sparil is a filthy spammer, with his teleports and minion spam, so it only made sense;
    - Excelent/Incredible! ended up too similar - maybe if I recolor the skull on the latter?
    - The Total Domination medal ended up SO METAL.
What do you guys think? Your feedback is appreciated.

8 maps and the HUD, and then we're set!

RE: Heretic - Silverspring (One-Flag)CTF

Posted: Wed Nov 12, 2014 7:31 pm
by Lollipop
In my opinion these medals compede with the normal medals!
You make incredible things, keep it up!

RE: Heretic - Silverspring (One-Flag)CTF

Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2014 5:51 am
by Tango
this looks like an extremely high quality project all around. maps look gorgeous, medals look awesome.

RE: Heretic - Silverspring (One-Flag)CTF

Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2014 4:52 pm
by Watermelon
This is the most amazing thing I've seen for Heretic ever.

RE: Heretic - Silverspring (One-Flag)CTF

Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2014 8:02 pm
by Joseph Hicks
I honestly wasn't expecting this kind of reception! I did foresee being called insane, but for all the wrong reasons!

As work on the final 8 maps continue and the project nears completion, I've decided to open a few slots for you guys too - besides the base 40. if you want to participate, all you've got to do is follow a few standard features and you're set.

Guest map slots open!

I was thinking of opening just 10 extra slots - 2w41 through 50, for a total of 50 maps. If somehow that's not enough, I think we can arrange some more slots. A 2-map limit per contributor should be enough, but if there's not enough people, we can increase or even remove this limit.

Requirements
Structure
- Map Configuration: Vanilla Heretic.
- Gamemodes: While the focus is on 2-way standard ctf, all maps must be compatible with one-flag CTF.
- Building standards: White flag exactly at 0,0 height irrelevant, my ocd thanks you and I've been avoiding placing the Firemace - use the Hellstaff instead.
- Extra: No scripting. No ACS - just standard features.

Resources
- Graphics and Music: standard (IWAD) tracks and skies.
- Textures: standard textures plus the Silverspring 2-Way texture pack.
- DECORATE: standard objects, plus objects 97 (Red Key Gizmo) and 98 (Silver/White Key Gizmo). Not included in the texture pack, that's texture/flat-only.
- Extra: Avoid creating extra routes accessible only by jumping/crouching. While they are allowed, keep them to a minimum.
-==-

Don't worry about the internal map numbers, maps will be grouped according to their sky choice and music: maps with the same sky will be grouped together, while maps with the same music will be placed apart from each other. When your map(s) are complete, feel free to post screenshots of them on the thread, but don't post the download links publicly - PM them to me.

Best case scenario, the project gets completed and released by the end of this month. Worst case scenario, by Christmas.
I'm finishing up the HUD, and when I do, I'm going to release the first version, with 30 maps, and have it hosted for feedback. If you guys see anything wrong - wonky item/decoration placement, structural imbalance, texture misalignments - feel free to post here or PM me about it.
-----

There will be a reference to this message in the main post shortly, along with a small update.

Most of the textures in the pack are recolors and/or edits/compositions of the base resources, which anyone with mspaint would've been able to make, so no credit is required for most of them (but still appreciated) - except for the flags, those took me a while to make.
Download Link: Silverspring 2-Way Texture Pack V4

If there's anything I forgot or anything else you guys want to ask, please do.

RE: Heretic - Silverspring (One-Flag)CTF - Now with bonus guest map slots!

Posted: Mon Nov 24, 2014 4:53 pm
by Joseph Hicks
Project update - The HUD is complete! hud_scale 1 is highly recommended.

I've finally learned how2sbarinfo, and I think the result is satisfactory.
Spoiler: Screenshot - SP (Open)
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Spoiler: Screenshot - CTF (Open)
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2w06 - Twin Docks.

It will be bundled with the medals. It's called Silvespring HUD for it was made because of this project, but it's not exclusive to this project - I'll post a download link shortly, just putting the fine details.

It's fully functional - there's a kill counter that shows up above the inventory for deathmatch and deathmatch-related gamemodes (possession, lms, terminator), there's a counter for secondary ammo above the primary ammo display, there's even a display for runes just to the left of the ammo counter. The keys go under the inventory. Still trying to get the AirTime, SavePercent and AmmoCapacity counters to work, though. Also, the Green and Gold score counters always showed up, even when the teams themselves were disabled, so they're disabled for now.
You're allowed to modify the HUD however you want to suit your project's needs and redistribute it - just say it was based on this hud.
The medals too. Just be reasonable and give me credit for them.
Say your project has extra keys (red and silver are popular and logical choices) - a minor edit to the right side of the hud will give you enough space without breaking the visuals. Or, maybe you want to display the weapon on the HUD - a few IsSelected cases should be enough. Maybe you've got better background images, or maybe you just didn't like it and want to start your own HUD - go on ahead and twist it or use it as a reference.
[BE] - silverspringhud_v1-1.pk3
Anything I forgot? Should I make this the normal hud and make another, even more minimalist hud as fullscreen?
What do you guys think? Your feedback is appreciated.

RE: Heretic - Silverspring (One-Flag)CTF - Now with download links!

Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2014 5:10 am
by Joseph Hicks
Notice - The servers are up! Download links here and on the first post!

So, the HUD is finally complete, and I've uploaded a 32-map test version. There are two servers up, if you guys want to take a look:

---- One for standard 2-way CTF and another for One-flag CTF.
  • :: [BE] Montreal :: HERETIC - Silverspring CTF! 2Way-CTF PUB Test
    :: [BE] Montreal :: HERETIC - Silverspring CTF! One-Flag CTF PUB Test
If they're down, just send me a message and I'll try putting them back up.
If you guys find anything wrong in there - texture misalignment, wonky item/decoration distribution, etc - don't hesitate to tell me, by posting here, PM, IRC - your call.

Development will continue as usual - 7 maps to go!
The extra 10 guest maps are not restricted to this project's deadline - which is by Christmas - they'll be all added together to the compilation when they're all done.

Handy download links: Anything I forgot, bugs to report - drop a message.

RE: Heretic - Silverspring (One-Flag)CTF - Now with download links!

Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2014 2:46 pm
by jwaffe
You've got an extra http: on the first link
Joseph Hicks wrote:

Code: Select all

[url=http://http://www.[bad site]/download?file=silverspringctf_test_v1.pk3][BE] - silverspringctf_test_v1.pk3[/url]
[BE] - silverspringctf_test_v1.pk3 Fixed link

I'm really looking forward to trying this out on a server... I'll try to get some games going later!

Also I think I still have a couple really old Hexen CTF maps, if you start working on Hexen CTF let me know and I might fix them up if you're interested. Strife CTF sounds cool too!

EDIT: side note, if you do make hexen CTF note that the fighter will be a little bit of a challenge because the only thing that translates on him is his belt.

RE: Heretic - Silverspring (One-Flag)CTF - Now with download links!

Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2014 5:00 pm
by Joseph Hicks
[quote=jwaffe]
You've got an extra http: on the first link

[quote=Joseph Hicks]

Code: Select all

[url=http://http://www.[bad site]/download?file=silverspringctf_test_v1.pk3][BE] - silverspringctf_test_v1.pk3[/url]
[/quote][/quote]

You're right! Links fixed! That's what I get trying to post stuff 3 in the morning. Thanks a lot!

[quote=jwaffe]I'm really looking forward to trying this out on a server... I'll try to get some games going later![/quote]

Oh, please do - these maps have minimal testing - considering the number of maps involved, opening the server to the public and asking for feedback seemed like a sound choice. The only "testing" they got were me with some bots.

I was thinking about priv servers, but online Heretic games don't seem to have anywhere near the popularity of Doom games so I opened then to the public.

[quote=jwaffe]Also I think I still have a couple really old Hexen CTF maps, if you start working on Hexen CTF let me know and I might fix them up if you're interested. Strife CTF sounds cool too![/quote]

If I do, I'll probably open 10 guest map slots just like this one, so your maps will be surely welcome! If you've got more than 10, that won't be a problem, we can always open up more slots. Strife CTF has been on the back of my mind for quite a while now, but I'd need a weapon balance patch, because things can get... unwieldy in multiplayer real quick. I'm looking at you, NUCLEAR GRENADE LAUNCHER.

[quote=jwaffe]EDIT: side note, if you do make hexen CTF note that the fighter will be a little bit of a challenge because the only thing that translates on him is his belt.[/quote]

I'll keep that in mind. Maybe if I include a base skin replacement for the fighter, wearing some sort of body armor?

RE: Heretic - Silverspring (One-Flag)CTF - Now with download links!

Posted: Thu Nov 27, 2014 2:19 am
by Joseph Hicks
We've had a massive play session today! ~20 maps in one sitting! And I think the server almost reached full (24-player) capacity!
Loads of people showed up once we managed to get a 3v3 going, and things escalated form there. Thanks to everyone who showed up, and you guys who got more people coming!

We played Standard 2-way CTF. Some interesting points came up during the game - suggestions, commentaries, bugs, concerning various topics - and I've been thinking about a few things as well:

Weapons Stats, appearance, code.
  • - Sharp increase in projectile speed for the Crossbow, because its projectiles are too easy to dodge;
    - Team-colored projectiles, because most weapons are projectile-based, and quite visible, creating some visual havoc;
    - Check obituaries again, because they're still working intermittently.
Maps Item placement, layout.
  • - Replace (most) Mystic Urns because runners end up hoarding them and becoming effectively immortal;
    - 2w09, flag ended up in an unreachable location in the mid tower, near the top, investigate;
    - 2w11, lower flag lift by 32 so people can see whether or not there's someone at the flag position.
    - 2w12, decorations near the flag end up disrupting gameplay, (re)move them;
    - 2w22 ended up just confusing, as predicted - review layout, add more directional cues;
    - Test 2w14 again in particular, with a small number of players and weapon modifications.
HUD
  • - Investigate disappearance of the HUD timer (from the hudtimer mod) after a few minutes of game time/after blue scores a few points (maybe because of the point counter's position, don't know);
Server Server configs, etc.
  • - sv_doubleammo 1, never forget;
    - Remove excessively large maps (like 2w04, 2w17 and 2w22) from pub rotation;
    - Host priv, but only with the small maps, and maybe with a lobby map because of the space between the map numbers.
So, what do you guys think? I was thinking about leaving it as vanilla as I could, but the crossbow issue and visual spam became quite evident, so I think I'll have to address these. Anything else you guys want to add?

The servers are down for the moment, working on the weapon patch.

I was going to post a demo, but it ended up fragmented because of a few connection hiccups on my side, and the start was pretty slow for a while.
If someone else has a more solid recording, feel free to post it.

RE: Heretic - Silverspring (One-Flag)CTF - Now with more stuff done!

Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2014 9:22 pm
by Joseph Hicks
Project Update - The last few maps are now complete! All 40, at last.

The missing eight are now complete!
Spoiler: 8 screenshots for your pleasure (Open)
Spoiler: 2W33 - Apartments (Open)
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Spoiler: 2W34 - Roundabout (Open)
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Spoiler: 2W35 - The Palace (Open)
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Spoiler: 2W36 - The Cage (Open)
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Spoiler: 2W37 - Atrium (Open)
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Spoiler: 2W38 - The Graveyard (Open)
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Spoiler: 2W39 - The Grand Cathedral (Open)
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Spoiler: 2W40 - Valador's Legacy (Open)
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2w40 - Valador's Legacy is probably the smallest map I've ever made.

I'll make another pass, visit every one of the 40 levels, rectifying various mistakes before posting a release candidate.

If you've got anything to report, from texture misalignment to layouts being just confusing (like 2w22 - Confluence), please let me know. Really. Now would be a good time. You can post it here, send me a PM, or drop a private message on IRC - you can find me on #te, #IEFL or even #Zandronum.

I was thinking - maybe I should place the truly large maps (like 2w07 - The Glacier) at the end of the pack and place smaller versions on their original spots. What do you guys think?

As always, you opinion is welcome.

RE: Heretic - Silverspring (One-Flag)CTF - Now with more stuff done!

Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2014 3:17 pm
by Mysyk
How I missed that thread? Oh man. You are a champ.
Could you post a config of server? I want to host your WADs. What order of wads should I make in launch params?