HLDM Layout. Created 17 years ago2006-11-30 08:28:37 UTC by FresheD

I've readed all the HLDM tutorials about gameplay and layout but I'm still suffering problems when I try to make a layout.

I keep ending up with layout in the form of a 8.
These layouts are overused and to linear imho.

Seriously, it begins to annoy me.
I would really like some pointers.

What makes a good layout?
How you start one?
When do you decide to put down a lift?
I would like to hear your opinions and advices.

Thanks in regard.

Watch movies, play other games, search on Internet.

Most mappers first draw a simple layout on paper. When you have a basic layout that you like, you begin adding heights (if you want to have different height levels in your map). Then you draw spots for player starts, weapons items etc. When you. When your're satisfied with it, map it in Hammer.

yeah, i always do mine on paper first..

Make sure you always have a height factor too.. Deathmatch sucks when it's all on one level.

Play a deathmatch game like Turok for the N64 or Goldeneye and get some layout tips..

Make sure there's always more than one way to get to a major part of a map...

erm..

Make sure there's always at least 2 wide-open areas for combat...

traps are fun too..

It'd be good if there was a program which generated a DM layout, including style, levels, etc. And then the layout design could be printed out. That would be good. If not a little bit like, cheating.

It'd be good if there was a program which generated a DM layout, including style, levels, etc. And then the layout design could be printed out.

You're describing my wet mappers dream.

I was just thinking of this very question myself, and besides texturing, it's probably one of my weakest mapping skills.

Muzzie's method sounds pretty good, but when I ttry to draw out layouts on paper, I end up just doodling and coming up with "matrical" symetricalish crap too.

As everything in mapping, making a layout can be done in multiple ways and techniques.
Drawing a layout on a flat paper is one of those, but (as it also happens when making an architecture project) a flat floorplan will inevitably make your map have a weaker vertical gameplay, added as an afterthought.

A good layout is self-flowing (no dead-ends), three-dimensional (the game is played horizontally as much as vertically) and intertwined (meaning and the rest of the map is still present even if you change from one area to another. For example, some stairs lead you to a bridge looking over the room where you just came from)
These basic principles can also be applied in architecture, but the difference is that architects have money limits instead of r_speeds limits.

A good layout also needs different exits and escapes from each room. Players need more than one option to choose from.
Spawn and weapon placement defines gameflow and in the end will be responsible for the success of the layout.

As an example, here's a cross-section of my upcoming map, "moltengold". As you can see, the map's basic layout was thought vertically instead of on a plat plane, because there were certain objectives and desired combat situations (see the red line)

http://img71.imageshack.us/img71/1776/seccionlh0.jpg

I was just thinking of this very question myself, and besides texturing, it's probably one of my weakest mapping skills.

Same.

Well, thanks for the advice guys.
I'll try to sort something out.

sk3tch.

Rimrook, you're journal sketch is pretty fly - I like it a lot