Need help (making a map) Created 14 years ago2010-11-11 21:54:35 UTC by 2muchvideogames

Ok so I have been making this map since last year, and now I think it needs a...renovation. Originally, the player is supposed to pick up a bunch of brush-entity green rods on the floor and press "use" on a target (indicated by a decal) to use the rod on the target, causing a fun explosion that will allow player to proceed.

The problem I have, however, is that it is not immediately obvious that these green rods are supposed to be picked up. Even worse, the entire area is a big firefight where the player must constantly be in cover. THEREFORE I am looking for a method to indicate to the player that the green rods on the floor must be picked up and "used" on the target decal which is located elsewhere in the room. I tried creating a func_wall flag with a big arrow pointed at the rods, but it looks stupid and out of place. I also tried using arrow decals but the it makes no sense to be on the floor that I used.

I don't want to use game_text because it is not very creative and also players may be too occupied with finding cover to read effectively.
An ammo_pickup sound is also bad because the firefight is going to drown out any sounds and some tube spamming is also present.

If you give a feasible solution, your username will be added to this map's readme. Thanks.

Have it make sense in context, so that the players will automatically attempt to do that. Maybe have someone explain that the green rods are magical explosion creation devices.

...Or uranium rods, if that's the case.

Really, explanation is the best form of introducing a new gameplay concept. Maybe show an NPC attempting to do it, but being shot at the last second?

Thanks for such quick responses. Twhl is so awesome.

I didn't want to use an explanation because it will be hard to hear speech with the firefight going on. Also making custom wavs will require me to research and find the software setup etc. etc.

Jeff, with your suggestion I looked thru NPC model animations and I found a "waving" animation. I think that's the best way to go.

Thanks everyone! When I finish this map I hope you all enjoy it.