http://www.bungie.net/Stats/Reach/FileDetails.aspx?fid=23047066

Ark
Light the Darkness

Description

Ark is an asymmetrical 2V2 map, a rather unique one in the sense that it utilizes long hallways and clever flanks in its design scheme. With alternating medium and long range DMR battles, one can be certain that the gameplay is noticeably different than the usual 2V2, be it a good or bad thing. I tried to keep the idea airtight, vigorously testing every aspect I could, from gametypes, to health pack placement, to aesthetics, in hopes of pushing the project in the direction I had envisioned. Although it required me having to totally wreck it and start again multiple times, I'd say that in the end it paid off. The basic concept I've raved on about, is simply put, a test of awareness. The concussion rifle is incredibly useful in this environment, even though you only get one clip. The thing drop spawns two minutes in, at the foot of the green panel. If you know what you're doing, you may be able to get around four kills with it by using it to strip shields. Pushing back to the panels, you'll notice that there are some bright noticeable rectangles on the walls, set to define certain areas of the map in callout formation. The lift, also a huge part of the design, plays out differently in each gametype. Universally however, it functions moderately as a sniping point. An easily flankable, hallway based sniping point. One of its most notorious purposes tends to be taking out anyone going for the concussion rifle. The aesthetic callouts are certainly helpfull, and define areas as "blue" or "green."

The whole design generally forces players to do a lot of weaving, and if that's a stratagem you've been looking to play on, you won't be disappointed.

Video

In HD!

If you're not planning on watching it in HD, prepare for a shit-storm of epic proportions and blurry quality.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_O2_odqrdU

Weapons

DMR-4
Frag-4
Plasma-2
Concussion Rifle-1
*Radar Powerup-1
Assault Rifle-2
Spiker-1
Magnum-1

*With the game being based on awareness, one can assume this would make it quite a cinch to hold the upper hand.

Gametypes

As both gametypes have been tailored for the map, it is strongly recommended that you grab one rather than playing on a default setting. Believe you me, you won't regret it.

Ark 2V2

The physics of the first gametype are for players with a more relaxed style of gameplay. Players that are more focused on having a good time than being overly tactical will find themselves a good time here. Having infinite sprint with limited speed, risk associated with moving around the map is strongly emphasized, keeping players on edge, listening for panting. This encourages use of control points when possible, rewarding those who've developed a "moving camper" strategy, not leaving the area until the adversary has been put away. The buffed damage and shield regeneration make the firefights quicker, but they can also be drawn out with the usage of complicated flanks and maneuvers. In short, a less competitive way to play the map to its desired concept.

Ark 2V2

While many prefer the former variant, some players have a tendency to try to be more tactical, naturally executing attemptable tactics and practicing skilled aim. These players tend to prefer a battlefield in which one's raw skill is what is being compared. There is no way to camp, and the goal is to find the enemy before they can find you. The gameplay is very fast paced, with players weaving in and out of areas, attempting to distract and lead opponents into ambushes and flanks. A slower kill rate than the style means that headshots matter that much more, and strafing and teamwork are both key in combat. Although it may not be as unique as the former gametype, it certainly portrays the key concepts form a tactical point of view.

Other Pointless Information

Being up to version twenty-two, I've had to do a lot of testing and make a lot of changes. I think that one of the most complicated issues was the spawning, which alone progressed through eight different versions to get where it is. I've had to rebuild the entire map twice, and the aesthetics and health packs have also been subject to a multitude of tweaks.

Special Thankies

So many generous souls tested and provided insight, that it would be impossible to even attempt to list them all. I can however, try to list the people who went a little further, and really made a difference in the end. Thanks to Chron and Broccolipie for collectively testing it well over ninety times. Thanks to Rorak for showing me that I desperately needed to rebuild most of it, and BlazeisGod and Rho for the structural and aesthetic advice. Thanks to Sky, Equin0x, and (I think?) Mockknizzle for rendering stuff and stuff, and to ChronoTempest, Psychoduck, a lot of the people here before mentioned, and the people I know I'm forgetting for help with spawning. If I'm forgetting someone, please do not hesitate to knock me over the head with a mitten full of lube.

Pictures

Download

+Ark

Ark 2V2

Ark 2V2