tbd_tron

[Pieface]

After seeing the movie I felt inspired to make a TBD version of Tron. So far it's somewhat like a hybrid of grotto, focus, and scrapyard with more appropriate graphics (reminiscent of Stack's old maps). Fartface helped create the layout and I've done the graphic design so far.

Some relevant info:
- Map size is 4200x1400, the same as Grotto.
- All objects were created as simple vector graphics with a glow filter in After Effects and can be scaled without reducing the image quality
- Currently being hosted in ladder as a test map and sporadically in the server "tbd_tron Testing Arena" if you want to try it out.

Without further ado:

TBD_Tron

v1.5
Download Map Here

Version History:
v1.5 - Added extra turret behind base, adjusted turret properties
v1.4 - Bases no longer angled in order to improve bottom route, fixed jagged object problem (everything smooth now)
v1.3 - Removed central powerup + adjusted PU spawn time, changed angles of bases + added more room for top route at end
v1.2 - Created background concept, powerups over base now on 30 second timers instead of 10
v1.1 - New obstacles, reworked layout, team powerups over base, turrets adjusted, scrapped neutral version
v1.0 - Original concept

Look forward to hearing any and all feedback.

[wolf'j'max]

maybe make this map team bombs, because this map is like, focus just the bases are on a different angle. if you do that, make the middle PU which was a bomb intentionally a HP spawn. so no walls or anything, just HP.

[Demuyt]

I like it and I'm going to try it very soon! On a first view I think there's a bit too much of empty space in the bottom, but I don't know yet.

By the way, did you learn After Effects from the website you are linking to?

[Pieface]

I'm ok with trying a team bomb based map if people seem to think it would work better. I also think I might need to rework the layout to make it more viable for explos.

Demuyt, I learned the basics of AE from that website and a couple tutorial books I own.

[deno333]

Originally Posted by Pieface

- Currently being hosted in the server "tbd_tron Testing Arena" if you want to try it out.

Can't find server.

[Demuyt]

Originally Posted by Pieface

Demuyt, I learned the basics of AE from that website and a couple tutorial books I own.

Alright, thank you !

[Premier Stalin]

Looks like an awesome map, Ima go that server now.

Also how much did u guys pay for AE. Is there anway i can get it cheaper or free? I got a new camera and really want to start making some cool videos. Or any other good programs?

[Demuyt]

Originally Posted by Premier Stalin

Looks like an awesome map, Ima go that server now.

Also how much did u guys pay for AE. Is there anway i can get it cheaper or free? I got a new camera and really want to start making some cool videos. Or any other good programs?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Adobe-CS5-Af...3140116&sr=1-1

So, yea, try getting the student version. Also free = illegal

[Premier Stalin]

haha its called sharing didnt ur parent tellu to do that :P but yh i dont have that money just to spend :L

[Pieface]

Sorry bout that, left the house and closed the computer so my server went down ^^ It's back up now (will be up on and off the next few days), and has both a neutral bomb and a team bomb version of the map on rotation (download links included in top post).

The student version of AE slashes something like 80% off the price. It's hard to get much better than that.

[Demuyt]

Totally off-topic, but how was the movie? Is it worth watching?

[Flexio]

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/10011582-TRON_legacy/
I heard the soundtrack is great.

[Pieface]

Plot was average, graphics and music were amazing. I ended up buying the soundtrack later.

NOW GET BACK ON TOPIC AND TEST MY MAP!!!!

[deno333]

(General: Not an experienced reviewer, but have been playing for a while. Hope I can provide helpful feedback)

Flew on your map(solo), and I really enjoyed it. Most of my criticism was on power up placement and turrets, but since you mentioned that you'll rework them, all I have to suggest is make the turrets more powerful.

I like the placement of the objects, and I don't think the height of the map is too short. If you intended to have a lot of space in the map, I think there is a good amount of space to fly in.

Because of this, how would you make it more viable for explodets? I think they're fine within the layout as it is. (Haven't flown explo. though, but I will later)

[Pieface]

Originally Posted by deno333

...

Thanks for the feedback! My concern was actually that there would be too much empty space, so explodets would have trouble bumping people into objects. I'll have to wait for a more comprehensive testing session to hear about that though.

From the small amount of testing so far people seem to think the map works better as a team bomb one and also agree that the turret placement needs to be fixed to allow for less camping.

Hopefully I'll get another version out in the next few days to incorporate some of the changes. I'm trying to get the general layout worked out first and then I'll focus on the background.

[trendy11one]

Nice looking map. In fact, im big fan of tron, so i will love this.(sad, that people learn about it only after new film, not after 1982y film and game tron 2,0)
Some thoughts after first sight.
Top area around plane spawn seems unused, maybe add here some obstacles, like it was on grotto and focus.
Low area between low turret and gorizontal line too empty i guess, runners here have no cover, so it much easier to push and from top => low route unused.

[Greekjr14]

Originally Posted by Pieface

Thanks for the feedback! My concern was actually that there would be too much empty space, so explodets would have trouble bumping people into objects. I'll have to wait for a more comprehensive testing session to hear about that though.

From the small amount of testing so far people seem to think the map works better as a team bomb one and also agree that the turret placement needs to be fixed to allow for less camping.

Hopefully I'll get another version out in the next few days to incorporate some of the changes. I'm trying to get the general layout worked out first and then I'll focus on the background.

pie, I liked your map until you said "less open space and turret placement for camping."

[Pieface]

v1.1 update!!

Got some 5v5 tests done in ladder, after hearing general feedback I made these changes:
- new obstacles to fill open space + make map more viable for explos
- reworked layout
- team powerups over base
- turrets adjusted
- decided to discontinue neutral bomb version

You can see the screenshot and download the new version of the map in the first post. Version 1.0 is currently up for testing on the ladder servers - hopefully SSD can update it to the current one soon.

[Pieface]

Here's the first concept of the background I created:


It was really hard on the eyes when flying around, so I tried out several different variations:

• 50% opacity
• Lowered brightness and contrast
• Combined the previous two
• Blurred the combination

I think the third one works the best. It's nice enough to use as a background, but subtle enough that it doesn't hurt the eyes. Of course, you can always turn off parallax to use the original black.

[Pieface]

v1.2 update!

- Added background (3rd version above, feedback welcome)
- Changed powerups over base to 30 second timers instead of 10

Picture and download link updated in OP - ignore the lines in the picture, those just show in the map editor for some reason due to the import large png thing cutting it up. The map might be a bit turret heavy at the moment, but I'll need more 5v5 tests to know for sure.

[ufo]

needs moar olivia wilde imo

[Pieface]

v1.3 update:

- Removed one of the central powerups
- Lengthened all central PU spawn time to 15 seconds from 10s
- Reduced base angles to make lower route + lobs more viable
- Played with turret settings
- Moved object above base to add a little more room for top route

Screenshot + download link updated, this should be almost ready to go thanks to lots of ladder testing recently. I appreciate it guys!

Next I'll be experimenting with a bit of parallax and making any minor adjustments people think necessary.

[Pieface]

v1.4 update:

- Base angle removed in hopes of improving the low route
- Fixed problem where smooth vector images displayed jaggedly (thanks lam)

Download link and screenshot updated. Still need to work on giving the background a bit of a parallax effect.

[Inofaith]

ok I've got some things.



1. (green) the rear turret should have a full 180° range, or at least cover the top part.
You mentioned the top 2 turrets (purple) being there against camping, but you can easily camp behind the 2 turrets, and the rear turret won't shoot at you.

2. The background should parallax-scroll. 3 layers should be enough (frong buildings, mid buildings, far distance+sky). and maybe put some fog or clouds inbetween them to really get some depth going. just sublte movements not so ppl's eyes bleed out. :P

3. The overall turret placement should be considered.. or at at least their angles/ranges because when playing it I could easily just fly into the base and bomb at the beginning of the game (when there were just a few planes defending).
On most official maps you get almost killed by just flying into the base cuz of the turrets... So they should be more of an obstacle (at the beginning of the game) imo.


oh and erm... what's up with the angry face?

[leggomyeggo]

Off topic: I lol'd when I realized the angry face, xD. Ever seen the face in grotto?

On topic: Definitely agree on the turret thing, but I'm too lazy to type any more about Ino's other stuff..maybeh laterr

[Inofaith]

You mean this?



First time in grotto I was like HOLY CRAP?!

[leggomyeggo]

Originally Posted by Inofaith

You mean this?

*bigimage*

First time in grotto I was like HOLY CRAP?!

Nah, you forgot the eyes up at the top

gg, n00b.

[Pieface]

v1.5 update:

- Added one turret behind object above base to prevent camping.
- Adjusted turret properties (distance, angle, etc.)

Background parallax coming soon. Look forward to hearing how this works when played in the upcoming tourney! I'm also interested in hearing people's thoughts about whether they still believe this would work better as a team bomb or if I should experiment with neutral again.

[Mt.Vesuvius]

Now that I think about it, it looks like it could be a neutral map...

[MajorPayne257]

Two things...

Originally Posted by ufo

needs moar olivia wilde imo

+1111111111111111111.99

Originally Posted by Inofaith

You mean this?

*image etc.*

First time in grotto I was like HOLY CRAP?!

Better comparison imo

I would attempt to give some advice/feedback, but my knowledge of tbd is a tad limited.

[Inofaith]

Originally Posted by MajorPayne257

Two things...



+1111111111111111111.99





Better comparison imo

I would attempt to give some advice/feedback, but my knowledge of tbd is a tad limited.

this.

Leggo. wat u mean eyes at the top? photoshop/mark them plz cuz ur clearly seeing things different than we see m.

[[Y]]

Imo collidable walls don't fit very well with the background. It seems a parallax'd grid would be better as a background, since it's tron and all.

Oh, and I'm still waiting for that hidden para false pic. All maps need hidden eye candy.
1de_coop_missionimpossible was just the beginning (!!!)

[andy]

do you have a new version ready or should i upload this?

[Pieface]

This is the current version for now. I'll be adding a parallax background later and consider reworking the graphics/layout a bit but for tourney purposes this should be good to go!

[andy]

Originally Posted by Pieface

This is the current version for now. I'll be adding a parallax background later and consider reworking the graphics/layout a bit but for tourney purposes this should be good to go!

ok i have sent the config with this version. can you give me the third post in the tournament thread please.

[elxir]

still like this map a lot

i liked the old background more tho

[sunshineduck]

Originally Posted by elxir

still like this map a lot

i liked the old background more tho

way to imply that you don't play every map with parallax off anyway

[number 3]

i say make this map a little bigger imo. mabe a LC size map? i think grotto and cave seem to short more less another small map

[silent skies]

At least some of the foreground objects' colors are a bit rough on the eyes. The yellow / orange stuff in particular. Even if it's okay to look at on an unmoving map preview image, in-game it gets to be uncomfortable (at least for me).

I've learned through trial-and-error that it has more to do with how intense a color is (how far removed it is from a dull gray) rather than brightness (how close it is to solid white / solid black). Even a darker color can be unpleasant on the eyes if it's still an intense color.

I would recommend just selecting those areas and turning down the saturation a bit. Compare left (unsaturated a bit) vs right (original values):



My 2 cents.

[silent skies]

Also, semi-relevant rap theme