Welcome to Arcusphere

This is a slightly modified version of one of my submissions to the Forge Hub 2v2 Throwdown contest.

Arcusphere is a small, symmetrical, 2-level map. While It was designed with the 2v2 contest in mind, It will play well with two teams of four as well. The map supports all game types except for Invasion and Race.

The upper level of Arcusphere features a central dome structure surrounded by a relatively open combat area. The lower floor consists of and open basement area under the domed room above with multiple pathways leading to various areas and weapons on the map.

The dome started out as just a map I made quite a while back to test the feasibility of constructing a realistic dome in Forge. The file had just been sitting around collecting virtual dust because I was working on other maps and hadn’t taken the time to incorporate the dome into a playable map.

Unfortunately, one of those other maps I was working on for the Forge Hub 2v2 Throwdown contest became a little to big for that competition, so I looked through my Forge concept test files and decided that the dome could make a good central feature in a smaller map.

From the outset, I made a conscious effort to make this map with the tightest budget I could (to nullify frame rate issues) while still offering an interesting and beautiful arena for people to play in. I’m very happy with the outcome. While Arcusphere is relatively small, parts of it have a larger feel. Players will experience a nice combination of confined and open spaces. Similarly, sight lines are a mix of short, medium and long.

I’ve arranged weapons, objectives and other items on the map in a layout that promotes the full use of all the areas and paths on the map. The 2v2 Throwdown version of Arcusphere featured an armor ability midway along one of the sides of the map. This has been replaced in the current version by a camo power up in most game types. The exceptions are CTF, Assault and Oddball. In these game types, the neutral objective is located there.

Below are the floor plans of Arcusphere. Be sure to click the bar at the top of each plan to see the plan more clearly.

Check out this walkthrough so you'll know where the pictures below are taken.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBg4qRnG61Y

Overview of Arcusphere

Blue base (Red is mirrored on other side of map)

Dome interior

Looking up toward the oculus

Level One (basement) center with shotgun

Level One sniper location

Level One moving from center to Red health

Level One moving from Blue health toward lift and map center

This path takes you to a DMR and a ramp up to Blue base.

Camo hallway. Neutral flag, bomb and Oddball are located there instead in those respective game types.

Fun in the dome

Fun from a different angle

Prelude to an assassination

Doesn't know what's about to hit him.

Weapons:

(2) Needle Rifle
(2) Plasma Pistol
(1) Assault Rifle
(3) DMR
(1) Shotgun
(1) Sniper Rifle
(1) Rocket Launcher
(4) Plasma Grenade
(4) Frag Grenade

Have fun on the map and let me know how you like it. I'm open to constructive criticism so let me know if there's something that might be improved.

Download Arcusphere!