Mapping Techniqe Created 18 years ago2005-09-04 12:04:04 UTC by Stupid Troll

I have always wondered how the mappers of HL1 made it look like...HL1. I have tried millions of other maps, and none of them looked like their maps. I have tried, and failed. This also applies to their HLDM maps like crossfire, subtransit etc. How? Their maps dont even look that detailed

almost everything is about atmosphere, if you manage to make it like theirs you're a genius. Also architecture and other stuff are important too.

yeh..its what drives people to play these maps...

Simple things, like a trim to the wall..a border for the window makes a real good effect. And backround things like pipes and vents. Stuff you'd see in an underground complex, or a semi-submersed DM arena.

Agreed wit SpaG.. That "feeling" of fear given by intensity, puzzles and the atmosphere of the whole game made Half-life a hit.
I mean I got really freaked out, when I saw the tentacle the first time..

You can acchieve the atmosphere of half-life with:

1. Ambient sounds
2. Good lighting.
3. Gameplay

Read the tutorial on more info.

Generally speaking, it takes insight to create good maps.

Mister Plod, what do you think make your maps different from Valve's maps? Can you pinpoint a certain thing, or certain things? If you can find out your maps weaknesses, then you're half the way up on improving them.

For ecample, my weakest point is creating layouts. I usually started detailing some rooms and adding rooms and all that, untill I got stuck at a point that I couldn't get a good flow into it. So, I started reading articles about it, looking at other maps and all, and changing the way I'm working. Now, I've got a decent layout ready for a HL2DM map and am busy doing the looks of it. Now, I want to be sure that it plays well before I start detailing it even further.

Yes, what you guys all said defertly are true. I think the most important thing that made their maps look like they are was : Realism. They made it all look very life-like, and as though it wasnt designed as a SP level, but for the sole purpose of say, A science facility, if you know what I mean. Most SP maps here look as though like obstacle courses designed only for 1 person, as opposed to a fully operating science facility, or whatever. Also HL1's maps were very spacious, and also interesting. Not just tunnels > Rooms > Tunnels > Rooms. Damb, after saying that I am bleeding to do some more HL mapping

There are maps that have a similar feeling to Hl1, like the ones made by darkphoenix_68. Lighting is very important, and so is sound. It really isnt as difficult as it seems.

Yeah, Im about to try the Valve style right now