Halloween community map? :D Created 10 years ago2013-09-19 04:36:48 UTC by Alberto309

Hey guys!

How about making a good Halloween community map to be released on the 31st of October (which is also my birthday D:)?

I was thinking to create single zones of the map, one for every mapper, doing a similar thing as the ROOMS mod, but just smaller because it's just only a single Half-Life Deathmatch map. And then someone to compile the whole map. Or, if someone have a better idea, who wants to collaborate, feel free to comment! I thought that "dm_halloween2013" could be good for the name, but anyway, we can discuss this later of course.

Every TWHL mapper/modeler/texturer/spriter/etc... can join the project!

So, what do you think?

spooky.
I like it.

Go map something, i might involve

Great! I'm gonna upload some screens of what I've done for now later. The problem is: I've used some AoM:DC models to make a small forest (brushwork trees, bushes and grass with transparent textures are not good ways to respect VIS :P), but I don't know if I can use ruMpel models. Maybe someone of you have some good spooky environmental models to share? Or making some newer ones can be a good idea...

Anyway, back to mapping. u.u

Best idea ever, pls hurry up on the base map!

Sounds pretty neat.
Speaking of sound, need to finish Captain Terrors map a song compo

yup, AND Floating Island Reboot, AND Tet's Elevator COOP.. Lots of these compos/coops about

You have to admit though mapping for Halloween in GoldSrc tho will be fantastically fun =P

We need to organize more. One by one for starters, than latter multiple why not.

Thing is people will lose interest.
I made my shitty airship for the map i want to make for map a song, now all thats left are some small details.

I picked my song and started finally =)

On Topic
If this turns out good, we could easily port this to CSGO dm/de/cs and get it on the workshop as well.

I can make a map, but it cant be multiplayer

just old good singleplayer WON halflife map..
I'm not sure

@Stojke:

What do you mean with "One by one for starters, than latter multiple why not"? Not even Google Translate could translate me what you've said lol. Sorry for my (sometimes <.<) english ignorance.
Anyway: 5-6 mappers are enough I guess... no? More?

@Platoon:

A lot of mappers still use WON HL and build multiplayer maps too, what's the problem?

@Mr.Terror:

I can't map for CS:GO atm:

I Can't connect Steam and download a half year missed updates (+ CS:GO & SDK updates) with an USB stick until I get a new connection (cash permitting). But yeah, if we do this with GoldSRC and then, in the future, port it to CS:GO, it could be awesome! But, if we are gonna make a DeathMatch map for Half-Life, so are we gonna port it to CS:GO as a DeathMatch/Arms Race map, right? It's pretty hard (and not so satisfying, I guess) to play a DeathMatch map on the classic CS:GO mode. Am I right? xD

I made a lot of multiplayer maps before
no one interested/played them so they are in the past..(7-10 years)
now I do no more mp map
I got bad connection to play with multiplayer through..

@Platoon:

Well, your choice mate. Anyway, I've got some really interesting projects for TWHL in the future, so you'd better come back mapping again, my friend.

TO ALL:

Victorian Age (1700) style map? Spooky environments, mysterious, foggy, abandoned neighbourhood. What do you think? :3 The "Vampire Slayer" MOD could help you out.

http://www.moddb.com/mods/vampire-slayer

All i'm saying is it would be a piece of cake to port regardless. And you don't need steam(well you would need a steam account to be credited on the workshop)

And a BIG YES on the victorian-age classic horror stuff! =P

@Mr.Terror:

Ohhh that's what you mean! xD You want to do the work all by yourself eh? Haha, just joking. I thought you wanted to port the map and do the same thing toghether. Oh well, that's better somehow lol.

Yeeep! Victorian Age style b****es! Can you map something really generic for the layout? I can't find something useful in my stupid mind today... <.< No inspiration whatsoever...

Idk, maybe a halloween rats map?

This way you could make the house layout nice and simple(a few rooms really), and everyone could claim and detail a chunk of it?

@Mr.Terror:

I don't know really... I've never created a rats style map, so I'll certainly mess up with proportions : I could give it a try, but somehow rats style maps look less "professional" than standard sized maps, and they are somehow not so spooky since they not represent reality in its proper form. People like to imagine theirselves projected inside the map (emotionally speaking), having pretty much the same sensations as if they were there in real life. And I've also done a simple layout last night with some roads and lanes between abandoned houses and such, I'll post some screenshots asap, just to make you guys having a momentary idea. Let's try to get some ideas on multiple environments and layouts, so we can pick the best of the "list" and then map everything focusing on THAT one. Image editing programs could help drawing a perimeter and so on.

I got a environment idea, we can make a map similer xeno world

its not about halloween much, just talkking..

lets think about space, you are jumping on floor of one unknown planet, if you jump too far, you can get lost in the space, thats the main horror idea everything should be under the player controll.

we can add air recharge positions so player don't have chance to survive outside for so long. it will be controlled by many trigger_hurt.

space is scary enough for me

Love the idea as well platoon!

Berto: I agree, just an idea to simplify your base map

@Platoon:

Your idea seems cool, really. But, as you say: "its not about halloween much". So I don't think this could be used as a "selectable" idea for our map : . But it could be used for another future map for sure!

@Mr.Terror:

OT: Hahaha! Only my brother calls me "Berto" or "Betto". xD You are the first non-italian person that calls me like that! xD

IT: Anyway, yes. As soon as I have something more understandable, I'll sure post some screens. If anyone of you needs some Halloween GoldSRC ready models, you can download THIS pack, made by Corvalho from GameBanana.

P.S.: Where's Mr.Stojkovic?

Ok, here I got some screenies to share. Take a look at them and tell me what do you think for the basic layout (may change during development):

I've represented it in a Victorian Age style:Here's a modifyed overview of the map, with numbered sections. Each section can be created by one of you (one section per person):I thought that this was a good idea because anyone of you could create a segment of the map AT YOUR COMPLETE DISCRETION (focusing on the map theme and textures, of course). I've already chosen the section number 5, so 5 more sections are available for 5 different mappers.
If you think that this idea could not work for you, please let me/us know that by writing a post with the motivation(s) and suggesting me/us an alternative idea we could use to make people work toghether on this map as best as possible.

The map's name could be "dm_halloween2013_twhl", or just "dm_halloween_twhl" specifying that we created it for 2013's Halloween on the description/readme.
If you're wondering, the textures I used are from Day of Defeat 1.3 (because they're rusty, old, and much more detailed than the standard HL textures), plus one modifyed by me for the middle of the streets.

And here's a momentary logo (which I'm still working on it), just for the sake of aesthetics when the map becomes available for the download :3 :Last thing: We need few more mappers. And (optional) someone that could create some custom sounds (such as the map ambience, various sounds, etc...), and (optional) a texture artist. The optional things could be useful to create a more personalized and unique map. For a long story short: let's create something that people wont forget so easily!

That's all for now, folks. Generic suggestions are still helpful.

Haha yeah, It's ny nickname too since my name is robert =)

Great organization so far keep it up! for the name I don't think it's crucial but I would include the year

@Bertooo:

Oh, really? xD Interesting. lol.

Thanks by the way! The layout is now finished, I just polished a bit the whole layout and reduced the polycount for a better performance. Now it's pretty much done! I've just sent a PM to Rimrook asking him if he could help us with this project. His mapping skills could be of BIG help for us since we all know how fantastic Rimrook creations are. <3 As soon as I get an answer from Rimrook (and/or another mapper), I'll release the .RMF to make you modify the sections you've chosen. What about you, Mr.Terror? Did you already selected a section? If so, please tell me, then I'll write the sections relative to each mapper, so we could easily speak toghether while the construction is flowing to prevent misunderstandings and/or common problems with some entities (lights/sounds/etc...) that might interfere with someone elses section, and then fix every issue.
Oh, and be sure to let everyone be updated with our work! For the same reason as the one above.

"In the meantime... this is where I get off." [cit.]

tbh, It's hard for me to make out the pics using android; I'd like to have the basemap first, but I will definitely participate

Mr.Terror:

Oh so you didn't seen the screens already?
Anyway, good to know you're in! Now we are 2! xD Let's wait for the others :3 What about Tetsu0 and Stojke? <.<

So we all build things to put on the same map area? Sounds a bit limiting but could be fun. I might scrounge up an idea, but no promises.

@Rimrook:

Hey Rimrook! Glad you're here with us!
As I said:

"If you think that this idea could not work for you, please let me/us know that by writing a post with the motivation(s) and suggesting me/us an alternative idea we could use to make people work toghether on this map as best as possible."

So post your suggestions! That was just MY idea, since this project involve everyone who want to participate, you can suggest different ideas if you think it's better! Creating an alternative layout is not that hard (or at least not for me). I'll be happy to read different ideas and suggestions. Especially from experienced mappers like you, Rimrook.

I was thinking of something along the lines of trick-or-treating where the player visits different houses and places. It would be more similar to the rooms project, where each person has a map file of their own. We can still use a template for the maps as it would be easier to connect them if the player came out to a street each time. But that's just a suggestion.

Like if I was trick-or-treating and a gargantua answered the door, I'd totally accept his candy.

Thoughts?

You would accept his candy.
Accept
Gargantua
Candy
....

Anyway I like the trick-or-treating idea.
I also like the street layout with lots!
I'm thinking about making a haunted house or something?

Haha Tet, your new avatar is priceless =P

I thought you actually meant building a victorian-age haunted house, and we would all contribute to building the inside! my bad

Perhaps we could do both? Maybe have a main haunted house on "the hill" that memebers can coop, and then in the township you could have the seperate member houses and trick-or-treating possibly?

Level changes would probably be in order to have enough resources. Anyhoo whatever you-all decide i'm in; i freaking love halloween =)

Nice bats and a pretty splash/logo btw =PP

@Rimrook:

This was my first idea! I hate you! xD But just because I've already seen this on "Sweet Cheese Halloween" mod (very old) I thought that it was bad to recreate a similar thing, so I've decided to involve everyone here at TWHL and see which ideas you got.

@Everyone:

If you find acceptable the Rimrook idea, we can work on it without problems, except one: What about the Deathmatch/Multiplayer side of the map? A trick or treat map means we have to create a neighbourhood, which my pics above represent in a very, very simple way.
Otherwise, I suggest to use both the ideas Rimrook and Tetsu0 suggested, or rather creating a trick or treat type of map, but somehow hunted. If you feel that you want to provide some pics or an RMF of a layout created by one of you, I'll be glad to take a look at it of course!

Anyway, do you think you could join the project, Rimrook and Tetsu0?

I have a lot going on right now.. I'm still working on my compo map and I'm not sure if I'll have the time or motivation to dedicate to it.

I was just throwing ideas out.
If you propose a deadline I'll have a better idea of what i can or cannot do.

Haha Tet, your new avatar is priceless =P

Thanks Capt
I get REALLY bored sometimes, and I just finished repairing a chair.

@Mr.Terror:

Don't worry pal. The hill is fantastic, but not so easy to reproduce in GSRC (for me at least). If you could teach me how to do it, or if you want to provide me and RMF that tells how much detailed must be the hill. Could we create the hill with Twister using the "Dome" structure maybe? Anyway, I really like this idea!
This evening I'm gonna post some pics of my "section" (re-usable even if the layout changes). You gonna like it. And I also wish an opinion by Rimrook. :3
Oh, and thank you for the splash/logo compliments, I'll finish it as soon as the map starts to have a full theme. And the bats, they're from They Hunger or PVK, don't remember. D: Btw I didn't created the model. :3

@Tet:

The deadline is Halloween!
Just because Halloween is not like the "Xmas period". We have only 2-3 days to upload it once is finished. And so we have at least to release the map in these 2-3 days (31st October, 1st and 2nd November). If you think that this date is too much short for a deadline from now, we can postpone it later by 10-20 days , but only if we certainly know that we can't finish the map in time. Is it cool?

Try The Lathe method for brushwork on the hills, if you're still having trouble

@Mr.Terror:

Wow! I'm wondering how did I miss this! Outstanding! :3
I'll certainly give it a try. But, how about giving to YOU the "honor" to create the hill, since you seems to be the best candidate to use this technique? Could you create a simple or "informative" hill to make us know how much things we can place on it? I've already built a "Inn" for the map. I'll post some screenshots later (I didn't yesterday because I was really tired and I fell asleep at 11.30 lol).

I would build the basemap for you if i didn't have 2 other contests to work on at the moment... Hopefully someone else here like Rimrook can help you, OR you can simply use blocks and ramps to approximate the area/terrain you want, and they can be made pretty later

Do you have any form of useable basemap built now? If yes, i would post a link here, so people that want to help you have something to start with.

Hey guys! My pc was crashed so I had to reconnect Steam to test my maps and such. I hope I can provide you some screenshots and an RMF to work on asap!

Ok guys, here I am. Sorry for the long wait but I had got some problems and I was a bit busy with other things at home.
But I got something for you!
For the moment I provide you with a pack with a .BSP, a custom WAD, detail textures, models, sprites, and a momentary custom skybox (already found a better one, I have to change it).

As for "the hill" thing, I'm not feeling so comfortable to make it by myself, so for the moment the map is "flat" and it need more work.
Optimization wise is pretty much done on this map, I only need to remove some models for performance purposes, and down't worry about the fireplace lighting, I know I have to fix it because it's too bright.

Ok, here's the pack:

http://www.mediafire.com/?j0cghdv2gvzxg11

I hope you like it, and I wish you can start creating something (don't worry about the "sections" thing, do whatever you want, we'll think later on how to implement your piece).

And I decided to move the deadline 15/20 days later, so we have more time.

Cya!

wicked!
Now that the compo is over i can do this
I dusted off goldsource and remembered that hammer doesn't like the new videocards. Time to give Sledge a proper test drive.

wicked!
Now that the compo is over i can do this
I dusted off goldsource and remembered that hammer doesn't like the new videocards. Time to give Sledge a proper test drive.

Yeah!

So, tell me, Tet: What do you think about my current work for the moment? Since is my first ever released GoldSRC work and the first you've ever played?

Be honest. A simple "review" could be of help. :3

I didn't see anything in the maps folder when browsing in hammer.

Would love to, but can't. I've got Pre-Mocks for my IGCSE's this month to dec. TwT What luck...

I'd really want to give it a shot, but again, I'm a source mapper, never done goldsource or HL-1. :c

Its the same thing but with lower res textures, weak lighting, smaller world bounds, a primitive triggering system....

However its really quick to get into.
The HL1 download takes about 5 minutes on a good connection..
Get Hammer and the latest compile tools.. unpack the gcf to get your textures and you're off to the races =]

You'd be missing some of the great features of Hammer 4 though.

I didn't see anything in the maps folder when browsing in hammer.

That's because I didn't included any RMF in the pack. You should just play the map on HL. I will provide the RMF just if who's interested in working in this project (you and maybe Rimrook for now) agrees with the theme and type of map. If you're gonna tell me that my current work fits the theme well, then I'm gonna provide you the RMF and you can start build something.

I'm a source mapper, never done goldsource or HL-1. :c

As Tet says: is pretty much the same thing, just a bit easier to build in it. You just need to download the right things, such as a modified version of VHE which supports models and sprites render in the 3D view, and the latest version of the Vluzacn's ZHLT, which is a modified version of the Zoner's Half-Life Tools (FGD + Compiling tools such as Rad, Vis, Csg, Bsp. Like on Source). The bad thing is that you have to set up the program manually. Or you can simply download the Half-Life SDK on Steam (I've never tried it, but it should be easier to set up).

Hope it helps.

guys I'm said before in shoutbox maybe I can help with this contest.
I made a map with alberto pack wad's few days ago. well actually its not a map, its more like resource for other mappers, check yourself:
screenshots:
http://t1310.hizliresim.com/1g/u/tx4xs.jpg
http://o1310.hizliresim.com/1g/u/tx500.jpg
http://s1310.hizliresim.com/1g/u/tx50q.jpg
http://o1310.hizliresim.com/1g/u/tx51r.jpg
http://s1310.hizliresim.com/1g/u/tx521.jpg
http://o1310.hizliresim.com/1g/u/tx52n.jpg

I'm really carefully builded this house, first thing I can say;
all unseen brush faces selected as null texture I think it will effect performance very much,
there is no error,
I'm not filled interiors with furniture, door or any other object. so you can build inside anything with your taste,
there is a roof floor,
texture corrections,
worked for quite a few hours.. and I wont tell about other objects..
anyone can use it for this event.
link:
http://www.dosya.tc/server18/P3MHhx/hallowplatoon.rar.html
alternative:
http://www.megafileupload.com/en/file/464105/hallow-platoon-rar.html

alberto:

Im checked your map, you should know there is 2 minor error showed up:

halloween2013lumber.mdl
customtrasigbrunsoffa.mdl
files not found

but dont worry, im replaced them with fake models to see the map

dude that house plan is so cool, brushes detailed as well..
I liked how you attached hanging man to second floor, this kind of stuff is important when you make a detailed maps. maybe you can give darker ambient around, player should get the cold area feeling , you know..
I think there is need a lot of ambient sounds.
maybe player can cross windows to reach locked rooms..

remember, too much blood decals around killing environment,
also player is going to track clues to what happend here before, it should be less recognizable. it will make feel haunted and there is always more thing to investigate..

good luck for everyone who is working for this event...

Another reason why we need a contest mod so we don't miss fun opportunities like this would have been as a official contest/coop

Unfortunately, I'm not working on this project atm because of the lack of mappers and time. And also, I'm not feeling comfortable (not at all!) to work on this map in a hurry to release it in time exactly on the 31st of October, nor I want anyone of you to work with me in a hurry. I am EXTREMELY fincky (if this is the correct word), and I like things done in a specific manner and with professionalism. A map done in a hurry, is a BAD map. Or at least this is what I personally think.

I think I'm gonna make this project more bigger than that, and give to every talented TWHL mapper the possibility work with me (us?) with calm and time. All this for the next Halloween, of course.

Mapping/Modding is not a game, it's pure work and dedication, and it must be respected with calmness and time to ensure that everyone can have the inspiration needed and to make sure everyone can work properly.
And since I don't want this project to go die, I want to offer everyone the opportunity to continue this project in an appropriate way, as it should be. If you agree, I'm gonna move the end date of the project at the next Halloween.
I think one year is enough to create a well done and respectable map, and because of the extremely long time, the chances to make it sensational are so many!
I also recommend to build the map for CS 1.6 instead of HLDM, because it is much more played in multiplayer than Half-Life. Or even for CS:GO if I'm able to buy a new computer at the end of this year or in the beginning of next.

@platoon:

Thank you for your comment and for your suggestions, my friend.
I apologize for the missing models, that's becuase I've done the pack in a hurry due to the lack of time I'm having this time, and I forgot to add those 2 new models I used in my last map edit. Sorry. I'll provide you the 2 missing models asap.

As for the darker ambient and sounds, I was still working on it. I was adjusting the fire light because it's too bright, and I was gonna add the moving fog effect used in Afraid of Monsters: Director's Cut, done with a "func_conveyor" with a fog transparent texture. That should do the trick for the cold/abandoned neighborhood.
If you could be more specific about this: "maybe player can cross windows to reach locked rooms..", it could be helpful.

As for the blood decals, I was testing a specific ambient, and I wanted the players to ask themselves: "What's going on in there!?" - "What happened here!?". And also, the map should have a story that we'll provide to the users in the Readme file and in the description in the download sites (here, GameBanana, 17Buddies, etc.).

I'll check out your work asap! I like the style you used, except for the brushwork grass and trees. For this it would be better to use models imho. And also, the textures I provided aren't converted properly. I was just testing some textures to make the map have a proper horror and Victorian Age look. I need to convert them to indexed BMP one by one and instead of using "Easy Wad Maker" I'm gonna use "Wally" for better quality, of course.
Thanks a lot for your suggestions and for your comment again, platoon! I appreciated a lot!

@Berto!

Well... THIS is the time to propose this cooperative work like an official community project (not contest, since no one is competing with anyone)!
Who knows: this could turn into an horror MOD if we want...

@Everyone:

Suggestions are still appreciated!
Sadly, I didn't seen too much replyes to this thread, and that's why this project can't be finished in time this year, and also because of the last contest "Floating Island", people here were too busy with that. So this project has not arrived at the right time, unfortunately. But since, as I said, I don't like to see this project going to die, we can still do this!

I want to thank everyone that were/are interested in this project, and I really hope we can do this thing toghether. Working with you will be such an honor.

P.S.: Sorry for my english... If I could express myself so well in english as I do in italian, I would obviously do less mistakes and I would explain myself better!

And now, back to mapping, folks! <3

Sorry. I'll provide you the 2 missing models asap.

its not a problem really, I'm enjoyed to see your map design, its enough for me

If you could be more specific about this:

its just a idea, I see there is a wooden bridge on the rooftop in your map, I think there could be a locked room with treasury where we need to sneak inside through the windows, it can be ammo, weapon, triggerable event or something like that..

except for the brushwork grass and trees.

well they are extra stuff I'm testing environmental effects for some reason. maybe there is better design outthere but I think this is the best I can do with brushwork

I dont know about that fog effect but im sure its awesome..

I hope there will be more mapper next year
just for fun guys good luck all

@platoon:

Oh, ok then. Glad you liked it.

And yeah, I was thinking to make these things like secret areas and such. We'll see if my mind does not betray me on inspiration.

Oh, and about your brushwork, is no that I don't like it. The "func_pendulum" technique for the moving leaves is awesome, but if you go on the second floor and then look down on the ground where the grass is, you can easily see that the grass has been placed by following the grid, and this doesn't give a realism feel and also it doesn't follow the same map style. If you have Day of Defeat, you could easily find a lot of grass, trees and bushes models ready to use in your map. If you want I can modify your RMF with your permission to make you see how your map should look like.
Also, there isn't any entrance to the building, and this is pretty strange imho.
Oh and, have you played my map with "r_detailtextures 1"? If not, you should try it again, it increases the map detail a bit at a cost of some performance.

Thank you for your reply, platoon. I hope to see some more interested mappers during the development of this project.