Map making tips

[michael]

Hello, I thought it would be beneficial to the altitude community to have a list of tips from some of the better map makers on how to make good maps, mistakes to avoid, etc.

I actually don't claim to be a map maker at all, I've never made one, but these are some of my observations from playing on the experimental server. Feel free to add your own.

1- Test the map! Make sure turrets, items, and spawns and the correct teams, respawn rate, direction (no spawning into walls please), don't cluster items, etc. Regarding items, look at the official maps! Most maps have 3-5 powerups, don't overdo it.

2- Make it easy to tell what is a wall and what isn't. People want to spend time playing the map, not trying to figure out where they can fly.

3- Put a border on the ceiling! Most maps have a 0 damage ratio border on the ceiling, if you forget it, the ceiling is an instant death.

4- Avoid too many tight tunnels, or open areas. They take alot of fun out of dogfighting (no where to run, no choices of where to go).

[Luke]

There are two types of mapmakers.
Those who think about a concept, design a map, make the artwork and test it.
Those who just add a bunch of polygon, powerups and turrets everywhere, and claim they have map a map (ò_O).
First ones i'm sure already know your observations, second ones will continue to upload crap on the server.

Anyway.. i hope your thoughts will help someone. =)