MLG Vestige v3 (Updated)

http://www.andrewfinzel.com/html/images/fh/main.jpg
^Click for an overview.

6/17/09: VERSION 3 COMPLETE (with lots of changes).
See Changelog below for details! I still need testers! Message me or F/R if you want to help test it. I consider this the "final" version of the map, with only small changes/tweaks from here on out (if at all).

Please post your comments to keep this thread alive! Thank you to everyone who has helped me test it thus far!

"MLG Vestige S/C" = MLG Vestige Slayer/CTF
"MLG Vestige A/K" = MLG Vestige Assault/King of the Hill
Download the Map (Slayer/CTF Map)
Download the Map (Bomb/King Map)

Click here to Download MLG TS
Click here to Download MLG CTF Ons
Click here to Download MLG Bomb
Click here to Download MLG King

Changelog:

Version 3 changes:
- Rockets removed in center and replaced with 2:00 Active Camouflage.
- Created a second variant of the map with MLG Bomb and MLG King settings. This version DOES NOT HAVE A CAMO! Camo was too powerful in center with the bomb spawn and one of the hills being spawned there.
- Semi-major changes to Dark/Light base structures. See screenshots below. Opened it up a lot and made it flow better.
- Replaced center jump-up with Block Talls. This helps the map to flow better, and the jump is no longer awkward.
- Re-did CTF spawns. After some testing, they seem to be holding up well.
- Changed the Ring 3 jump-ups to have less cover and better flow. In addition, there is much less cover and less advantage to holding Ring 3.
- Plasma grenades moved to be underneath the Dark/Purple bridges.
- Small aesthetic fixes including more removal of z-fighting.

Version 2 changes:
- 4 Frag Grenades now instead of 8 before.
- Added jumps to "Ring 3" (so you can get on top of center structure).
- Added path to get on top of Dark and Purple Bases. See screenshots below.
- Some Z-Fighting cleaned up as well as other small aesthetic fixes.

Ves·tige
Pronunciation: \ves-tij\
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin vestigium footstep, footprint, track, vestige
Date: 15th century
Definition (1): a trace, mark, or visible sign left by something (as an ancient city or a condition or practice) vanished or lost.

Recommended Gametypes:

This is an MLG map designed for use with MLG rules. It has been set up and tested for optimal use with the MLG TS, MLG CTF, MLG Ball v5, and MLG CTF Onslaught game variants.

Map Description:

This is the first map I have posted and have spent a significant amount of time on. When I set out to make a map, I decided to build off of two of my favorite classic MLG maps: Sanctuary and Warlock/Wizard; if you like either of those maps, you will love Vestige. This map is not a remake of either map, but you will notice elements of each of them both aesthetically and in the way the map "feels." Though they are great maps, MLG Onslaught, Amplified, and Lockdown all have a very similar look and feel, so I wanted to create something totally different. I spent about 15 hours designing it in SketchUp, and roughly 40 hours forging it/updating it.

Important Note: The flag spawns are in the top center of the Red and Blue bases.

As you will see, I was very intentional about making the map easy to call out. There are essentially 4 bases: Red Base, Blue Base, Purple or Light Base, and Dark Base.

It plays seamlessly as far as I have tested. I worked many painstaking hours (40+) to get rid of every bump, crack, and exploit; as a result, it plays very fluidly and is also aesthetically clean. There are a few flickering interlocks here and there, but they are on ceilings and in places where you won't see them in normal gameplay. Vestige is fast-paced and plays similarly to Amplified, Sanctuary, Warlock/Wizard, and Onslaught. There are a few tactical jumps designed to give higher skilled players a slight advantage, to encourage sneakiness, and to give players more movement options.

I feel that Vestige strikes a very good mix of long, mid, and short lines of sight, making the Sniper Rifle and Rockets powerful, but balanced by a good BR and team-shooting. There are several power positions throughout the map, each having multiple attack routes. The map is intuitive to set-up on, and spawn control is difficult except for highly skilled teams; this does not result in frequent "bad" spawns. I used respawn areas to try and keep spawn camping to a minimum and to encourage set-ups and teamwork.

My favorite features:

- Red-to-Blue snipe shot (see in screenshot "Red Base Snipe Shot" below). I specifically designed one very long, relatively narrow line of sight that makes it possible for a sniper standing at top red to snipe the flag runner about to score at top blue (and visa versa). This creates an awesome opportunity for clutch snipes and many intense moments.
- Sniper windows. You can stand at these windows and snipe people, and if you crouch your head is completely safe. You can jump up into each window, which has proven through play-testing to be a significant traffic area.
- Spiral staircase. The center has two spiral staircases similar to Sanctuary's center. I think they look really cool and create an interesting element to battle in the middle. You can also crouch under the lowest stair, which can be used as a hiding spot.

I appreciate any feedback positive or negative and any suggestions for further improvement. I consider the map finished, but am open to suggestions especially regarding respawns and weapons.

Weapons & Powerups:

1x Active Camoflage; 120 second respawn.
4x Battle Rifle
2x Carbine
2x Sniper Rifle (1 spare clip); 180 second respawn, Drop Spawn
4x Frag Grenade
4x Plasma Grenade

Updated v3 Screenshots! Click the pictures for larger versions.

Screenshots:

MLG Vestige v3
http://www.andrewfinzel.com/html/images/fh/main.jpg
Click Picture for a Larger Version

Running Flag down Front Blue
http://www.andrewfinzel.com/html/images/fh/a2.jpg
Click Picture for a Larger Version

Blue 1 and Blue 2!
http://www.andrewfinzel.com/html/images/fh/a3.jpg
Click Picture for a Larger Version

Epic Battle at Blue 2 for Blue Flag
http://www.andrewfinzel.com/html/images/fh/a4.jpg
Click Picture for a Larger Version

The updated Purple/Light Base
http://www.andrewfinzel.com/html/images/fh/a5.jpg
Click Picture for a Larger Version

Red Base
http://www.andrewfinzel.com/html/images/fh/a6.jpg
Click Picture for a Larger Version

Battle for the Ring
http://www.andrewfinzel.com/html/images/fh/a7.jpg
Click Picture for a Larger Version

Sniper down at Back Dark
http://www.andrewfinzel.com/html/images/fh/a8.jpg
Click Picture for a Larger Version

Escaping from Ring 2 to Light Bridge
http://www.andrewfinzel.com/html/images/fh/a0.jpg
Click Picture for a Larger Version

Blue Base
http://www.andrewfinzel.com/html/images/fh/1.jpg
Click Picture for a Larger Version

Red Base Snipe Shot
http://www.andrewfinzel.com/html/images/fh/8.jpg
Click Picture for a Larger Version

Tactical Jumps:

Blue/Red 2 to Mid 2
http://www.andrewfinzel.com/html/images/fh/jump1.jpg
Click Picture for a Larger Version

Front Blue/Red to Dark/Purple Bridge. This jump doesn't look quite the same as in the screenshot, but it is still possible and much easier now.
http://www.andrewfinzel.com/html/images/fh/jump2.jpg
Click Picture for a Larger Version

Again, I welcome your comments. I am proud of this map and am eager to see how the community interacts with it.