Atrium Version 1.2

Download Atrium Here!

Update: Version 1.2 is now up, and has been published at Bungie.net unlike version 1. The link above has been changed accordingly, and if you could leave a rating or comment at the Bungie.net thread that would be just super duper. Thanks!

Introduction:
Inspired heavily by the two maps that influenced it’s (practically unused) codename ‘Intersanguination’, Atrium is a map that stemmed from the mega-big map Intersection and was stirred together with my habit of making enclosed, far-too-small maps, namely Ensanguination. The result is a symmetrical, multi-leveled job with a distinctly urban feel to it. Making this map was an educational experience for me, I tried a lot of new things and I’ll admit I ‘hit a wall’ close to the end with next to no resources, a highly escapable map and an unfinished segment with a giant (****ing) claw hanging in the way. With a section cut out of the way, progress continued and the map was completed. It’s taken a long time, but I’m happy with what’s come out of it. If you were the least bit impressed by Habitat Beta, you will love this map.

This map has Starting Points for a maximum of 8 players, I was running extremely low on resource-space by the time I got to spawns. 3v3 should be fine, but 4v4 may yield some iffy spawns, especially in slayer. I had to use Areas pretty sparingly but with a sensible amount of players it should run smoothly.

Description:
One centre platform 2x2 Boxes in size and at one box high. From each corner of this platform stems a building that goes from the ground floor to two floors up and in some cases a bit higher. In between the buildings, coming off the four edges of the centre box, are ramps, two leading down to the ground floor, and two leading up to the second floor. At the bottoms and tops (respectively) of these ramps are sections that link up with each of the buildings. You could run a circuit through the outside of the map, through the buildings and the sections at the ends of the ramps, without going through the middle.
The map works in Objective matches on a classic risk/reward level. If you run through the open middle section, which most players will automatically avoid, you run the risk of being attacked from any number of directions. If you take an alternate route through the outer buildings, you can move through cover, though the trek is longer and gives enemies plenty of time to catch up.

In Slayer it functions like an open arena. Since the map is effectively square, and features four separate buildings, play spreads out evenly across the field and a balanced selection and placement of weapons helps reinforce this. Atrium is set up for every major gametype, although for some it might be better suited than others.

Two of the buildings in opposite corners act as the ‘Bases’. They are the hubs of Starting Points and Objective items and are the two taller buildings. They twist down stairs to the ground level, or up a ramp to a sniper perch at the maximum height Foundry will allow a la Halo 2’s Ascension. In the two other corners are shorter buildings with elbow joints from the ground level up to the second floor and featuring a Fence Wall platform that can be easily jumped to from the upper stairs.

In the very middle of the map on the platform is a single crate, and on top of that a Rocket Launcher. If you can successfully get to the middle of the map and away again then you’ve earned the minimum of two kills the Rocket Launcher should be able to net you on this map.

Interlocked into the upper ramps from the centre on either side is a Single Box with a Machine Gun Turret, an excellent defense in Objective games.

Well, it’s no surprise how long it took me to make this map, considering how many words it’s taken just to describe it, here's a topdown plan of the map made by an expert in Microsoft Paint. The colours show what level each part of the map is on, with lighter blue at the bottom and the darker blue at the top. The view doesn't show areas obstructed by other sections above them. Grey areas with arrows show ramps and stairs, and point in the direction that they ascend.

Weapons/Equipment:
6x Battle Rifles [2 Spare Clips, 60 Second Respawn]
2x Sniper Rifles [1 Spare Clip, 180 Second Respawn]
2x Submachine Guns [1 Spare Clip, 60 Second Respawn]
2x Plasma Pistols [60 Second Respawn]
2x Plasma Rifles [60 Second Respawn]
2x Maulers [0 Spare Clips, 120 Second Respawn]
2x Machine Gun Turrets [150 Second Respawn]*
1x Rocket Launcher [0 Spare Ammo, 120 Second Respawn]

4x Frag Grenades [20 Second Respawn]
4x Plasma Grenades [20 Second Respawn]

1x Bubble Shield [150 Second Respawn]
1x Power Drain [180 Second Respawn]

*The Machine Gun Turrets are a slightly special case. They have been set to not spawn at the start of a match, and spawn two and a half minutes in to avoid boring shoot offs with them at the start of the game. Also, the Attackers side Machine Gun Turret does not spawn in asymmetric gametypes.

This is a balanced weapon set, spread evenly and carefully around the map. Plenty of dual-wieldables are available, but a more powerful combination might take a bit of time to get your hands on. The Rocket Launcher was originally set with 2 spare rockets and a longer respawn time, but it was found that it was overpowered, particularly in objective games.

Screenshots:
If a picture tells a thousand words, I have a short novella coming up.
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q1/weremidget/34776521-Full.jpg

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q1/weremidget/34776689-Full.jpg

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q1/weremidget/34776590-Full.jpg

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q1/weremidget/34776692-Full.jpg