Second version of my map is now released! Its whole new cave to discover.
While creating this map. I learned lots of things. Example, in this map I started to use Source engines Entity Input Output system to create scripted doors and traps. I also learned howto create doors.
As this is my second map, it may not be as great as it could be. But I would really like to get some feedback from this level. If you can/want, I would like if you would record demo from playing this level trough, and then sending it to me so I can see how the level works.
There is some things I could improve. There isn’t lots of props and some of the materials can look awkward. I also don’t have any assault/nodegraph system build, so most of enemies just wait that you come and kill them.
In case somebody wants to see what I have done, but can’t/doesn’t want to download the map, here is a video from the map. Please note that it is major spoiler.
Download links are at my project page. Please let me know what you think about this map.
Battle for Wesnoth is open source strategy game for windows/Mac/Linux. Now somebody have ported the whole game to iPhone/iPod touch.
All the maps, units and rules are the same. If you have played the battle for wesnoth on your computer, you will learn iPhone version without any problems.
Major changes to pc version is only the controls (obviously) and framerate. Controls are good and hitting small buttons is pretty accurate. I haven’t got any major problems controlling the game. At first it may feel bit difficult.
As the iPhone isn’t as fast as the computer, it feels bit slow some times in terms of framerate. On large maps the scrolling can be pain because of this. (but the “next unit” action helps here) The load times are long for iPhone game. It takes about 1-2 minutes to get to the game… So its not for quick game.
There is also multiplayer game included, but I haven’t looked into it yet. The game also supports Openfeint platform. Openfeint is same kind of gaming community like Plus+, but it offers much better way to communicate with friends/other people. Openfeint has also achievements juts like Plus+.
The prize (4e) is bit high for a port from a free game, but if you like Battle for Wesnoth on computer, buy it. If you haven’t, check the pc version first, as it is free.
Movement in this game is awesome. Controls are simple, but also very powerful. In couple if minutes, all of the tricks are easy to make when needed. Climbing, sliding, jumping… Everything is just so smooth…
Graphics are very unique. Lots of bright colors and bloom. In my opinion, this game has one of the best graphics details. It’s not technically great, but it just looks great. I like some small details like red paint on white floor, etc. And lots of bloom!
Level design has to be good in this kind of game, and it is. There were only couple of times when I got stuck and mostly it was because of the overpowered enemies, not because of the level design. But sometimes this game feels way too easy…
At technical side of the game, I got some problems. First is lack of support for normal resolutions, so I had those annoying black boxes on my screen… Second problem is Physx problems on my Ati card…
It was short, but a great game. I recommend to try it. (I got it for 3e from Steam holiday sales so the length wasn’t problem for me )
Today I have released my first map to Episode 2. It is also my first custom map to 3d games. (I have done couple maps to LieroX, etc)
As this is my first map, it is not perfect. But in my opinion, for first map it isn’t bad. I have couple of things that I would have done better. Example the orange dev material at start. But I have succeed in couple of things in my opinion well. Enemies are balanced, and there isn’t too never too much of them. And there is still challenge. I also really like how the lights works. Example the cave entrance at first room looks nice.
Most of the people won’t download the map anyway, so I uploaded a video so they can watch it. Please note that the video is one huge spoiler for this level. Watch it only if you don’t want to play the level.
TF2Lobby is website that helps random people to get to the competitive side of the tf2. It is much like gathers, but it doesn’t require IRC client.
After creating an account and logging in, you can join to lobby, talk at the main chat, see who is online and create new lobbies. After joining lobby, you choose side and which class you want to play and when the lobby is full 6v6 and everybody is ready, the match starts. TF2 is launched via the steam link that will automatically connect to the server and use the password. When the teams are ready at the server, its time to play.
The system is nice and works well. There is couple of servers dedicated for tf2lobby and the system how they work is very similar to l4d2 matchmaking system. Server that are dedicated for tf2lobby are running without admins 24/7. When a lobby is starting a game, the tf2lobby sends couple rcon commands to the server setting it up, then sends the password to the users who can connect. System always checks if there is players already on the server, so active games are not stopped if there is new game starting.
It is also possible to use own server with this system by giving server ip and rcon password. Tf2lobby will remotely setup the server via the rcon.
Currently the system has some kind of karma system. You gain karma by playing games or by getting rated by other users. You lose karma by leaving from game. The system looks nice, but so far there isn’t any way to see somebody’s karma. But I think that in future players that leaves in middle of match aren’t problem. There is also nice system that asks new player to join the game if somebody leaves before the match has been finished.
TF2Lobby also needs more EU servers. But there is usually somebody with their own EU server.