de_mob_paradise

[showNOmercy]

No need to be gentle, this is my first attempt at mapping!


1st off, thx to all the people helping, so much useful info here.

The clan (family) I am a part of recently got into CS:S. I've always wanted to map and picked up hammer. End result is that I am hooked like a freakn Snook.

Here is the map so far:

http://usadesignz.com/Mobsters_Paradise/042605/

The map is set at dusk for use with NVG's. Not many CSS maps that cater to them. I still have so much to do: lighting, sound, displacements, 3-d skybox detail, optimizations... and as you all know the list is long.

I think It's to a point where I could get some feedback to help me improve and refine.

I think that my skill with this is more technical than artistic. I need to learn how to apply ideas from real world structures!

I am starting to pay attention to scale. Wasn't so concerned in the beginning cause I fig I'd just change it later. Saves time to include proper scale techniques in the start of map construction!!!!! DUR!!!.... I'm a block head at times but feel I'm starting to grasp many of Hammers functions.


Thanks for the constructive criticism. (Bad or Good)

[JakeParlay]

looks nice man. did you make the railings on the stairs (4th and 5th shot i think) with models or with brushes?

[Cr4ig]

Not bad for a first map, but needs a 3D Skybox and some more texture variation.

[Spartan]

This is the best "first map" I have seen so far. Most first maps are just test box maps. I'm glad to see you put some work into it for your first time. It helps too. As long as you keep improving with every map you'll become very good at map making sooner than you might think.

[showNOmercy]

looks nice man. did you make the railings on the stairs (4th and 5th shot i think) with models or with brushes?

Thank you.
All brushes tied to func_detail. I don't know how to make models yet!

Not bad for a first map, but needs a 3D Skybox and some more texture variation.

Agreed!
Question, when making maps is it best to get your map like 90% complete then do the 3D skybox? I've found that I keep changing my mind about things and end up scraping any 3D skyboxes and starting over. I have decided to just leave it out till I'm ready to dedicate most mapping time to the skybox... (Once the layout is solid).

I'm curious what build stages experienced map builders use?

This is the best "first map" I have seen so far. Most first maps are just test box maps. I'm glad to see you put some work into it for your first time. It helps too. As long as you keep improving with every map you'll become very good at map making sooner than you might think.

Thank you for the kind words. I'm seriously trying to pull this thing off so its fun to play and cool to look at with neat interactions. (Yes I know I said NEAT)

[Nav]

Not bad, but you might want to add more detail outside (and add more props)

[TheMiede]

Not bad, but you might want to add more detail outside (and add more props)

He said that he hasnt learned how to implement models.. but i see models in the map. I am a bit confused.

[showNOmercy]

Not bad, but you might want to add more detail outside (and add more props)

He said that he hasnt learned how to implement models.. but i see models in the map. I am a bit confused.

Huh?

I said i have not learned how to create them. Actually make the model from scratch.... Placing models is not a problem.

[YokaI]

This is the best "first map" I have seen so far. Most first maps are just test box maps. I'm glad to see you put some work into it for your first time. It helps too. As long as you keep improving with every map you'll become very good at map making sooner than you might think.

Well ofcourse tehre are errors in the map like any other map.

But your probably right in the fact he will get better x.x

[ReK0]

I dont want to come off as harsh but I dont like it. It doesnt seem that it will be fun gameplay. In my opinion you didnt take advantage of the power of Source. Realism plays a big part in Halflife2, its what makes people want more. Keep it up tho man, i dont mean to be harsh like i said. props on gettin that camera workin in the plasma. im still a noob in that area.

[showNOmercy]

I dont want to come off as harsh but I dont like it. It doesnt seem that it will be fun gameplay. In my opinion you didnt take advantage of the power of Source. Realism plays a big part in Halflife2, its what makes people want more. Keep it up tho man, i dont mean to be harsh like i said. props on gettin that camera workin in the plasma. im still a noob in that area.

The many people Ive had play testing would disagree with you on the fun factor but I agree with you on the realism factor!!

I think my biggest hurdle is creating life like scenery. I give big props to those talented folks who do! Once I figure out how to make models and seamless textures, hopefully that will help me. I made everything in that map from my imagination. (I know, my imagination sucks!!) so it's time for mucho reference pics.

Thanks for comments, this motivates me to produce better quality stuff.

[YokaI]

I just cant tell where its located just by playing the map, that doenst help the player at all....

[showNOmercy]

I just cant tell where its located just by playing the map, that doenst help the player at all....

What are you referring too, the camera and monitor?

[KiGrind]

Nice! This looks like it could be one of those VIP maps as well as a bomb map.


Does CS:S support those VIP escort missions anymore?

[Vash.]

Looking very good, keep it up.