It's never a good idea to boast your own skills, even when it's clearly warranted. Humility goes a long way.
I remember the architect of MoMA (which just underwent a grand remodeling) said in an interview that he thinks his structure is plain and not noteworthy--just a box with an inner garden. This is stated despite widely acclaimed praises from critics world-wide.
Some of the best mappers I know are extremely humble. They proclaim that their maps need a lot of work and is imperfect, and yet everyone who ran their maps exclaim that these are really true works of art.
Sometimes being a bit humble and understated can make one even greater than he/she already is. For a true expert, the praises come from others, not him/herself.
Forum posts
Who are you, Anonymous? I bet everyone wants to know your true identity. Why not sign-in when you post?
But, Spartan 34, your DOD map on SnarkPit doesn't have any screenshot, so it's hard for people to appreciate your skills. The Bootcamp map at TWHL doesn't help to showcase your work either.
I think, before you make any claims, you have to be ready to back them up with maps that rock. Otherwise, people might be tempted to call your bluff.
Personally, I think it's very feasible to become good at mapping in nine months. It's a matter of how much time someone puts into mapping. Three to four hours a day, seven days a week would make nine months a long time for any learning process.
I think, before you make any claims, you have to be ready to back them up with maps that rock. Otherwise, people might be tempted to call your bluff.
Personally, I think it's very feasible to become good at mapping in nine months. It's a matter of how much time someone puts into mapping. Three to four hours a day, seven days a week would make nine months a long time for any learning process.
What about some concrete debris and twisted metal beams?
What kind of wreckage is it? A plane crash site? A train collision? A suicide-bomber zone?
What kind of wreckage is it? A plane crash site? A train collision? A suicide-bomber zone?
So, J.C., in your experience with other types of map editors, how does Hammer compare?
I've only mapped using Hammer, so I have no idea where it stands. But from what I read about in these forum, it's a highly regarded editor (even compared to UnrealEd).
I tried running SandBox (for FarCry), but it takes too much resources that my hardwares can barely handle it.
I've only mapped using Hammer, so I have no idea where it stands. But from what I read about in these forum, it's a highly regarded editor (even compared to UnrealEd).
I tried running SandBox (for FarCry), but it takes too much resources that my hardwares can barely handle it.
Yeah, that was never my intent. Noobs need to post their maps so they can learn from the input of those who are more experienced. It's the best way to learn how to map and design levels. That's how I learned in the past two months, and I don't think there is any other way to replace this valuable learning method.
But what's equally important is to download other well-designed maps and walk around in them, learning from the finished products of those maps. Isn't it embarassing to post box maps when you see others are making these incredibly beautiful cities using the same tools and engines?
Elevate the quality of your maps, and you'll elevate yourself.
But what's equally important is to download other well-designed maps and walk around in them, learning from the finished products of those maps. Isn't it embarassing to post box maps when you see others are making these incredibly beautiful cities using the same tools and engines?
Elevate the quality of your maps, and you'll elevate yourself.
I am glad that you understand what I was trying to say in the first place, Spartan 34.
I am all for freedom of speech and I would vehemently oppose any sort of limitation in that regard. But I also want to lift the standard of everyone's maps and prevent any embarassment by n00bs when they post these box maps. Most people realize the beginner quality of their maps without having others telling them so, but some out there appear to be less clued in to that.
It'll just help them to heed some advice, so six or seven months later, they wouldn't look back to the days and regret that they ever uploaded those maps in the first place.
I just started mapping in September (two months ago), so obviously I am still very new at it and got lots to learn.
I am all for freedom of speech and I would vehemently oppose any sort of limitation in that regard. But I also want to lift the standard of everyone's maps and prevent any embarassment by n00bs when they post these box maps. Most people realize the beginner quality of their maps without having others telling them so, but some out there appear to be less clued in to that.
It'll just help them to heed some advice, so six or seven months later, they wouldn't look back to the days and regret that they ever uploaded those maps in the first place.
I just started mapping in September (two months ago), so obviously I am still very new at it and got lots to learn.
I would never dared to claim that I am an expert, but I am just recommending that people should put in more thought into the design process before they post the final result.
My maps are by no means great. They're always fun to play, but they're not much to look at compared to some of the master mapper's works. In fact, some of them are just down right ugly.
However, the gameplay is always well thought out. I usually play them at least twenty times and fine-tune them carefully before I release them in the vault. I usually draw a schematic diagram on paper before I even load up Hammer to make sure that the idea would be a good one.
I am not for censorship either (you can read my previous post), but I do encourage more thoughtful design. I bet those people who released overly simplistic maps didn't put a lot of thought or planning during the design process.
This doesn't just apply to mapping, but even in other aspects of life. It says a lot about a person who is a careful thinker and planner, and puts a lot of time and energy into a project. I am sure most people would agree to what I say. You can clearly see these characteristics in those master mappers whose works would be deemed masterpieces by almost anyone.
My maps are by no means great. They're always fun to play, but they're not much to look at compared to some of the master mapper's works. In fact, some of them are just down right ugly.
However, the gameplay is always well thought out. I usually play them at least twenty times and fine-tune them carefully before I release them in the vault. I usually draw a schematic diagram on paper before I even load up Hammer to make sure that the idea would be a good one.
I am not for censorship either (you can read my previous post), but I do encourage more thoughtful design. I bet those people who released overly simplistic maps didn't put a lot of thought or planning during the design process.
This doesn't just apply to mapping, but even in other aspects of life. It says a lot about a person who is a careful thinker and planner, and puts a lot of time and energy into a project. I am sure most people would agree to what I say. You can clearly see these characteristics in those master mappers whose works would be deemed masterpieces by almost anyone.
And, besides, Seventh-Monkey is just one of a kind! 
Well, what happens when you click on the brush? Are you using Hammer 4 or 3.4? Did you just upgrade the editor recently?
Check the option (for 2D editing view) whether any of the items on the list is accidentally checked.
Check the option (for 2D editing view) whether any of the items on the list is accidentally checked.
Yeah, age definitely has something to do with it. But there are many who would prove the generalization wrong. Many people (and mappers) are wise way beyond their years.
And I think as a thirty-something, I've earned enough maturity over the years. However, I do see plenty thirty-year-olds doing immature stupid stuff still.
Age doesn't define everything. Maturity varies based on individuals.
And I think as a thirty-something, I've earned enough maturity over the years. However, I do see plenty thirty-year-olds doing immature stupid stuff still.
Age doesn't define everything. Maturity varies based on individuals.
The discussion becomes philosophical, and in a good way. I never thought the thread I started would bring out all these great ideas from people. But it's a good demonstration that TWHL can still churn out high-quality and mature discussion on interesting topics.
I believe the various stages of the training process is similar in all trades of life. I am in the medical profession, and I could just as easily apply the description of each stage to years during residency. The interns are always so eager, but half the times, they don't even know what's going on. And when shits hit the fan in the hospital, they just stand to the side, scared shitless.
Anyways, I am glad of the out-pouring of ideas. But I gotta go to see more patients now.
I believe the various stages of the training process is similar in all trades of life. I am in the medical profession, and I could just as easily apply the description of each stage to years during residency. The interns are always so eager, but half the times, they don't even know what's going on. And when shits hit the fan in the hospital, they just stand to the side, scared shitless.
Anyways, I am glad of the out-pouring of ideas. But I gotta go to see more patients now.
Just to clarify, you're using Hammer 4 and running on Source, correct?
Thanks, P.
I had problem registering with SnarkPit yesterday. I couldn't join them as a new member. I just kept getting an error message, over and over.
I'll try again today. Maybe I'll get lucky.
I had problem registering with SnarkPit yesterday. I couldn't join them as a new member. I just kept getting an error message, over and over.
I'll try again today. Maybe I'll get lucky.
Because they sure can write lots of stuff and bad-mouth other people's high quality maps.
But then again, there might be extraordinary circumstances in their personal lives that made them mentally unbalanced. Their fathers could've deserted them when they're young, so they crave love and attention from all the wrong places?
Actually, the above statement is quite harsh. I might have crossed the line on that one.
But then again, there might be extraordinary circumstances in their personal lives that made them mentally unbalanced. Their fathers could've deserted them when they're young, so they crave love and attention from all the wrong places?
Actually, the above statement is quite harsh. I might have crossed the line on that one.
That story about the EA employee is not only true, but official. In fact, I also read about it on the Los Angeles Times (very respectable journal).
Here is a link that contains the original text of the letter:
http://www.livejournal.com/users/ea_spouse/
If anyone is looking for a career in gaming and still want a social life and maintain his/her sanity and health, consider yourself forewarned.
Here is a link that contains the original text of the letter:
http://www.livejournal.com/users/ea_spouse/
If anyone is looking for a career in gaming and still want a social life and maintain his/her sanity and health, consider yourself forewarned.
Thanks, trapt and Rabid. I hope it'll help that I recently upgraded the memory to 512 MB.
I tried to run FarCry on my machine, but it's just a joke. My old granny comp is pathetic when it comes to these new games.
Hey, but I can run WordStar really fast!
I tried to run FarCry on my machine, but it's just a joke. My old granny comp is pathetic when it comes to these new games.
Hey, but I can run WordStar really fast!
You've got a very good point, [VDC] Rad Brad. I am not for censorship.
But I also get annoyed when people boast their maps when they've put in absolutely no thought or imagination into it. Why invest in the creative process when one's too lazy to put in the time and effort to make it worthwhile?
And I am very grateful to have this forum and community to discuss all about mapping. But perhaps certain guidelines should be laid out so it's clear what's "imaginative" and "creative", even before mistakes are made?
Hmm, perhaps it's a good idea to write a tutorial on what comprises of a high quality SP and MP map. That way, we don't have a torrent of maps that are fully lit or have monsters that are half stuck in brushes.
But then again, most noobs don't even read the tutorials anyways. So I am not sure how much good that'll do.
But I also get annoyed when people boast their maps when they've put in absolutely no thought or imagination into it. Why invest in the creative process when one's too lazy to put in the time and effort to make it worthwhile?
And I am very grateful to have this forum and community to discuss all about mapping. But perhaps certain guidelines should be laid out so it's clear what's "imaginative" and "creative", even before mistakes are made?
Hmm, perhaps it's a good idea to write a tutorial on what comprises of a high quality SP and MP map. That way, we don't have a torrent of maps that are fully lit or have monsters that are half stuck in brushes.
But then again, most noobs don't even read the tutorials anyways. So I am not sure how much good that'll do.
Hey, twain088. You've been a member for a while, but I haven't heard from you before. I joined in September.
I have a Radeon 9200. Would it be sufficient to run HL2? I am not talking about at a high graphics setting, but towards the low-end.
I can already see it happening: noobs everywhere would throw together a "junk yard" type of map, with no architecture whatsoever and models of various junked vehicles stacked to the ceiling. Some of them badly positioned so that the player can get trapped easily.
Secondly, another type of "racing" map would simulate those typical racing game (like some NASCAR game). This would completely defeat the purpose and spirit of the FPS game that Half-Life is.
These types of maps (and many other ones that completely lack any imagination) should be strongly discouraged and perhaps banned from the vault.
Any opinion on this proposal?
Secondly, another type of "racing" map would simulate those typical racing game (like some NASCAR game). This would completely defeat the purpose and spirit of the FPS game that Half-Life is.
These types of maps (and many other ones that completely lack any imagination) should be strongly discouraged and perhaps banned from the vault.
Any opinion on this proposal?
Does anyone have any experience with info_node and monster AI for HL2? Are the monsters (particularly, Combines) any less dependent on the info_nodes? Are they any smarter in negotiating maps by themselves? Do they still have the suicidal tendency of detonating a grenade at their own feet when they see the player?
One thing we do know is that we cannot escape or avoid progress, whatever it is. It's as nebulously defined as politics or fashion, but no one can deny its existence and power.
We just gotta roll with it, go with the flow. Antagonizing it and despising it doesn't get anywhere, because progress has no emotion and it doesn't care about the people it affects.
The game development industry is particularly brutal in that respect. Next to the entertainment industry, it's probably the most demanding and most whimsical career that anyone can pursue.
Have you read about the fiance of the EA employee? It was widely publicized on the internet, and the "hazard" of working for a game company is well known. People have to be prepared to face such a struggle when they decide they're going to go into the industry. It's cut-throat and cruel.
We just gotta roll with it, go with the flow. Antagonizing it and despising it doesn't get anywhere, because progress has no emotion and it doesn't care about the people it affects.
The game development industry is particularly brutal in that respect. Next to the entertainment industry, it's probably the most demanding and most whimsical career that anyone can pursue.
Have you read about the fiance of the EA employee? It was widely publicized on the internet, and the "hazard" of working for a game company is well known. People have to be prepared to face such a struggle when they decide they're going to go into the industry. It's cut-throat and cruel.
Even though Andy has a point regarding the people in Asia and South America, but they're not relevant to our community. Do we even have a single member from Asia at TWHL?
And true, it's not a bad thing at all. Progress is good. That's how humanity improves itself.
I can't imagine going back and play the original Doom. There wasn't even mouse freelook! And the original Wolfenstein? It didn't even support mouse movement.
And true, it's not a bad thing at all. Progress is good. That's how humanity improves itself.
I can't imagine going back and play the original Doom. There wasn't even mouse freelook! And the original Wolfenstein? It didn't even support mouse movement.
You proved my point, J.C.
The technological momentum is relentless. The latest version of anything takes over the predecessor. It's just the cycle of life, plain and simple.
Half-Life 2 will take over the original, and there isn't anything anyone can do about it.
The technological momentum is relentless. The latest version of anything takes over the predecessor. It's just the cycle of life, plain and simple.
Half-Life 2 will take over the original, and there isn't anything anyone can do about it.
That was me. I got logged out before I realized it.
How old are you, Rileymo? How old is your dad?
I might be even older than your dad. But isn't that cool--to have father and son playing in a deathmatch map? Talk about Freudian conflict!
I might be even older than your dad. But isn't that cool--to have father and son playing in a deathmatch map? Talk about Freudian conflict!
Did you actually select the texture you want to apply to your brushes or did you just use the default "aaatrigger" texture of HL?
Have you had a chance to browse through the tutorials yet? It might be very helpful.
Have you had a chance to browse through the tutorials yet? It might be very helpful.
My plan is to keep the Half-Life executables, so I can have to option of running HL1 maps. But like most people, I am switching to mapping for HL2.
I am sure there will be a continuous demand for HL1 maps for some time to come, but it'll gradually trickle off.
When was the last time you played a cassette tape for music?
I am sure there will be a continuous demand for HL1 maps for some time to come, but it'll gradually trickle off.
When was the last time you played a cassette tape for music?
I don't believe that's feasible with the original Half-Life. I am not sure about HL2.
Which entity are you referring to? You have to be specific, because they're implemented differently depending on the context.
In addition, they're not fully supported by Hammer 3.4/3.5. I believe they will be for Hammer 4.
In addition, they're not fully supported by Hammer 3.4/3.5. I believe they will be for Hammer 4.
BlackViper, why don't you convert the photo to JPG format? Why use BMP? It's such a waste of storage and download resources.
And of course, ZombieLoffe, after you told everyone not to look at 6.jpg, everyone is going to check out your head shot in the shower!
I thought you said your desk is "tidy" as well? I guess we have different definition of "tidy".
Here is a picture of the view in front of my apartment. I just love my neighborhood.
http://www.bol.ucla.edu/~llyoung/images/Ocean%20Sunset.jpg
http://www.bol.ucla.edu/~llyoung/images/Ocean%20Sunset.jpg
I am an obssesive-compulsive freak, so my desk reflects that. It's absolutely clean and organized.
Here is a picture of it during the day time:
http://www.bol.ucla.edu/~llyoung/images/Desk%20Euclid%20Apt%20day.jpg
Here is it at night:
http://www.bol.ucla.edu/~llyoung/images/Desk%20Euclid%20Apt%20night.jpg
Notice the Qanta magazine in the latter photo. This picture was taken soon after I returned from Australia with my fiance. I proposed to her in Melbourne.
Here is a picture of it during the day time:
http://www.bol.ucla.edu/~llyoung/images/Desk%20Euclid%20Apt%20day.jpg
Here is it at night:
http://www.bol.ucla.edu/~llyoung/images/Desk%20Euclid%20Apt%20night.jpg
Notice the Qanta magazine in the latter photo. This picture was taken soon after I returned from Australia with my fiance. I proposed to her in Melbourne.
Seriously, I don't think anyone actually understood what Tetsu0 was asking.
I, however, believe I grasped his question...
He's somehow stuck in multiplayer mode. He actually wants to be in SP mode, but he can't switch to it. It's an unusual problem. I would assume that the configuration file was probably altered at some point, and it needs to be changed back to the default setting.
As far as how to accomplish that, I am at a loss. I am still a relative noob, so I don't know which config file to change and etc.
I, however, believe I grasped his question...
He's somehow stuck in multiplayer mode. He actually wants to be in SP mode, but he can't switch to it. It's an unusual problem. I would assume that the configuration file was probably altered at some point, and it needs to be changed back to the default setting.
As far as how to accomplish that, I am at a loss. I am still a relative noob, so I don't know which config file to change and etc.
Hmm, sounds simple enough. Thanks ZombieLoffe.
I've been looking through some of the HL2 entity documentation, but I don't have a good grasp of the usage of input/output fields.
If anyone has mastered it and can concisely and clearly pass on his/her knowledge to the rest of the civilian population, he/she would be idolized as a demi-god.
This concept of input/output is key to master the new entities for Source.
If anyone has mastered it and can concisely and clearly pass on his/her knowledge to the rest of the civilian population, he/she would be idolized as a demi-god.
This concept of input/output is key to master the new entities for Source.
Thanks RabidMonkey777. That's the high quality, prompt support we have at TWHL.
I know it's a relatively simple (a noob) question, but I want to know how to set ZHLT parameters (such as chop level and set RAD to smooth). I would also like to review a comprehensive list of all the possible parameters.
I couldn't find this information from the tutorial section, and I couldn't easily locate it from the VERC documentation for ZHLT. If anyone could just refer me to a URL link for this info, that would be sufficient.
Thanks in advance.
I couldn't find this information from the tutorial section, and I couldn't easily locate it from the VERC documentation for ZHLT. If anyone could just refer me to a URL link for this info, that would be sufficient.
Thanks in advance.
Yeah, I wasn't planning to port any of my old maps to Hammer 4 (because my maps so far aren't high-quality enough to deserve the hassle). I was just wondering, just in case, when I feel extremely bored, whether it's something that can be easily done.
Apparently, it isn't. And I should heed Andy's advice that the best thing to do is move on and design brand new maps from the ground up using Hammer 4.
Apparently, it isn't. And I should heed Andy's advice that the best thing to do is move on and design brand new maps from the ground up using Hammer 4.
Yeah, fame alone would be enough. Who needs fortune?
Jahzel, have you seen "Shaun of the Dead?" It was released this year.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0365748/
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0365748/
Wow, sounds very impressive. The thematics and ambience are already well established. Even the grand finale!
I can't wait. Just don't make it too good so the people at Valve won't become jealous of your mod.
I can't wait. Just don't make it too good so the people at Valve won't become jealous of your mod.
Yeah, but we only have so much tolerance for childish behaviors, even for 7th.
I'm impressed that people still log on TWHL once HL2 is released. I thought everyone would be too busy loading up the Combines with lead.
What about slamming the vehicle into a column and watch part of the building collapse onto a crowd of zombies? But of course, the player must get out of the car before the building collapses, or he/she will join the zombies to be buried alive (or perhaps become a zombie too).
Hmm, and how about driving the car out of a elevated parking garage and break through the railing and land on the roof of an adjacent building? That would be cool.
...and then, of course, the vehicle would be surrounded by more zombies!
Hmm, and how about driving the car out of a elevated parking garage and break through the railing and land on the roof of an adjacent building? That would be cool.
...and then, of course, the vehicle would be surrounded by more zombies!
Hey, it's all fun and good. If they know what we're referring to, then they're old enough to laugh at it.
I know, but you're violating the same rule!