Blackmesa

[Nero]

My reason for loving BM in the first place was that I could find a use for every class. Before BM, I had like 2 hours in as a sniper...now I have like 40, lol. Choosing pyros as an example is unfair, because pyros these days are good on most maps...ever since they got updated they have become powerful. I play medic most of the time on BM (since we never have enough) and I kill lots of pyros

 

[Monkeybits]

I had the good fortune of getting to play Blackmesa from its early stages and have gotten to see its development. I love the map, I enjoy playing with the designer, and play it whenever I get the chance.

I really don't think pyros dominate the map. Try rolling as a soldier. It's fun. Snipers can cover the middle point very, very effectively. And of course, if Sandman or Lafinass get behind you, it's all over...

 

[Iceman]

I tell you what dominates blackmesa...ME! But yea, sure it is overwhelming at first, just ask monkey I pmed a few times when I first tried it out and was like this map is SO confusing and blah blah, and now it is my favorite map.

 

[subtle_turtle]

Bugen, Blackmesa has a learning curve, and when you figure it out, you find strengths and weaknesses for all the classes. I play soldier and scout on it most often, and both have their value on the map.
Like most things that are difficult at first, the payoff is worth putting the effort in. Once you figure out the patterns, and the hiding spots, and the angles, it's a stunningly great map.

 

[OgreSamanosuke]

Blackmesa is awesome, Dragonhill did an amazing job.

 

[koolaid]

that map is awesome when i first played it i liked it it was confusing at first but i got used to it

 

[OSVG]

I am sorry to complain again but capture times influence turtling and stalemates. One person on L shouldn't be able to cancel two people on B, and likewise one person shouldn't be able to cancel 2 people capping L while being on A (canceling meaning they cap before the previous) The center point should take the longest to capture as this is where the toughest battles should be fought. The action is meant to be in the center, and as a reward for your effort the next should come easier time wise, but easier to defend. This reduced time in comparison to the center makes it more critical to have a tight defense influencing better teamwork. In Black mesa, with time increasing in needed for cap as the points progress and still having harder to defend points, this discourages the team with A to play an aggressive offense. With both sides playing defense It tends to become slow. I am not saying that the final point is never capped, but the team with better teamwork doesn't show there reward for this nearly as much. this also doesn't influence the Defense to tighten up and work as a team as much.

Also the spawn exit can easily be camped. With only one narrow hallway to exit spawn, a demon can sticky and a heavy can kill mow down people exiting. Throw a medic with either of them (and a little competence ) and it takes just about an ?ber to kill a skilled camping combo.

I also dislike one way doors; however, this is just out of bias for the old blackmesa that I did like.

 

[Dragonhill]

OSVG,
your comments are noted.

i was planning on changing most of that for next test version of V2.

the current cap point times were meant to increase match time..and they do...to an almost unbearable amount...

next version ALL cap times will be the same..and..may decrease over match time..yes..this means as the match goes on and on the ability for each team to take a point decreases which hopefully increases the odds that the match does not end in stalemate.

also,,captures add NO additional time,,matches will be set at either 20 to 30 mintues..meaning a match should NEVER last longer than that..but will most likely never end less than 10 if both sides are really trying

~D

 

[Super88]

How dare you! Blackmesa is like the greatest map in world history....

 

[Bugen]

It may be, but I'm looking for the best map in the universe.

 

[Dragonhill]

It may be, but I'm looking for the best map in the universe.

That is a noble goal.

My objective was not to make the best map or the map that has no equal. Rather I wanted a map that i knew i would play and never get tired of while also being inspirational to other mappers out there. And a final objective that the map would be used as reference when gamers want to describe different types of fun and game play. At this time I think i have.

In doing so I have run into an interesting problem. Blackmesa has a following of dedicated players. I now feel an obligation to see Blackmesa through to a state that could be considered "professional" on all levels (gameplay, artistic look, balance, longevity).

God have mercy on my soul

~D

 

[OSVG]

Dragonhill I really should give you feed back of what I do like better b/c i don't think the map is crap (that is the impression that i felt i was giving).

I really like the new vent system. Larger vents help diversify routes and game plan. This also helps spies move easier, where as before it was nearly 50% chance you'd be discoverd.

Spiral stairs from A to B / K being open makes it much less annoying to make combat in. People can get out in a hurry which helps a ton.

Middle point is by far more fun. I like the water of death and the second floor.

I wan't trying to discourage you or anything, just had to vent a little.

 

[Paraplegic_Ballerina]

Bugen,

Blackmesa is an advanced map...it was not really ment for noobs.
that being said, any map with teams not really playing is always hard for others that are trying to win

Also note, this was a test version for new cap times and total time. It was a success as far as keeping the map round alive for as long as possible..to the point of even making me batty some times..so...next test version will have new time rules

30 minutes start...No additional time added for caps.....ALL caps will have same cap time.. Start of map will set cap times to a high numbers.... Ever 5 minutes the cap time will be reduced... last 2 minutes will have "sudden death" where the first team to cap will win match no matter who owns what.

why do this?
1) it stops teams from "rolling" the other at the beginning of match (un less attackers pull a scout rush"
2) it allows players to know how long the match could possible last.
3) speeds up possible win near the end allowing teams that have been beatin down a chance to win

yea, sound pretty lofty goals don't it?

Also more vents and exits for spawn to reduce spawn camping...water raised and sharks swimming in the water...did i mention maybe a visit from the g-man?

~D

No matter what you do to change it Dragon I'm there.

 

[Bugen]

Lol, I was just being smart. I do like the map. However, I just think it could be better. If valve would listen to me, I would be all over them on their maps too. What I need to do is get off my tush and make maps again.

 

[Dragonhill]

Bugen,

What maps have u made?

~D

 

[brett9001]

If it wasn't for Blackmesa, I wouldn't have joined eGO.

 

[b|3nd3rh34d^]

I played it a few hours the other day, and although I found myself lost a few times, it grew on me quick. And superduck does have a point on the medic role allowing a quick guide to the layout.

 

[Bugen]

Mostly made Warcraft 3 maps though I made a couple CSS maps as well as helped out on quite a few maps and skins for CSS. Obviously CSS got boring so I kind of stopped. Haven't touched Orange box SDK. Currently and animation student. I love making stuff in Maya.

 

[Dragonhill]

Mostly made Warcraft 3 maps though I made a couple CSS maps as well as helped out on quite a few maps and skins for CSS. Obviously CSS got boring so I kind of stopped. Haven't touched Orange box SDK. Currently and animation student. I love making stuff in Maya.

ok..think i know where you are coming from.. i used to be old school CS hl1 myself along with tfc.... i'm trying to make "technical" maps for the advanced player yet allow noobs or "casual" players a wack at the fun of learning maps that have personality. Basically this means anyone that knows the map cold has a chance vs the uber player. the problem ussualy is when the uber player knows the map too..

When i find myself dominating certain parts of blackmesa i re-evaluate that part and see if i can "dumb" it down.. (basically remove camping spots that are near impossible to attack) OR add alternate routes so any one that gets pissed at being pwned can change their tactics.

i think blackmesa is getting closer to this.

~d

 

[TheEagerBeaver]

Blackmesa is my favorite map...hands down! While my favorite class on the map is demoman I have played and enjoyed every class on the map and that is one of its' attractions - it is fun for any class. Great job Dragonhill. It is also the reason I joined eGo.