This is actually the first ever space map I've tried to make, and it definitely surprised me how much went into making a space map. However, it's also probably the most polished map I've made, and it's definitely the one I'm proudest of at the moment.Story wrote:Abraxas Platform, 2 ABY
[static]...
...and I'm not sure what they did, but the Imps are pretty riled.
You don't know the half of it. Along with the destroyers they're sending, apparently a detachment of their new prototype TIE Defenders will be engaging the pirates.
Seems like overkill, don't you think?
Rrrrraaaggghh!!
Yeah, Chewie, at least we know why they called for us, then.
It's true, Captain Solo, we need someone with your special talent for escaping sticky situations here. We need you to get in, scout out those new TIEs and get a report on their capabilities. Just an added warning, th...[static]
[static]...that's what you need, we'll get in there. It can't be much worse than this iceball of a planet.
Best of luck, Captain, and may the F...[static]
...This was the transmission Felnor caught a bit of the other day. It would appear that we have in fact gotten under the Empire's skin something fierce.
How is that even possible? This station is little more than an outpost; it's hardly a military installation!
As it would turn out, Gar'dya got her hands on a particularly valuable piece of information from a friend back on Bothawui. Something about the Imps building something... but no matter, because in a matter of hours, we face this Imperial force described on this Rebel chatter we just heard. I'm sure they don't realize this, but with our combined starcraft, we can make a formidible opponent.
But what's in this for us? With this advance warning, we can just hyper out, no problem.
Then we face completely losing Abraxas Platform. To many of you - and I know, because I've seen you in and out of here for years - Abraxas is like a second home. There may be no credits on the line here, but can we really put a bounty on this station?
[murmured assent]
Now come on! Let's get out to our ships. Those eyeballs won't know what hit them! So go, and for what it's worth, may the Force be with us.
Right now it's about 95% done, with the only things left to do, in order, being finding a "special"-class ship for the pirates, and then beta testing.
----
This is how this map works. It features, instead of the Rebels, a "Pirate" side, versus the Imps. There are still the 3 basic classes of fighter - light, interceptor, and heavy. Additionally, there will be a special class for each side. This map was inspired by Tie Fighter / X-Wing series, and as such the gameplay is a little more in line with that. You've got limited ammo in your fighter, although by returning to your dock you can replenish that ammo. Most of the fighting you'll find yourself doing will be gunfighting, though.
Each of the fighters is a little different.
PIRATES:
The Z-95 Headhunter:
The Z-95 is a "light" fighter, and as such it has no armaments other than its laser cannons. However, due to its light spaceframe, it is substantially more maneuverable than the other classes. (This fighter can sustain boost for an extended period of time, and it doesn't use up energy to do maneuvers).
The T-Wing:
The T-Wing is an "interceptor." That means that while it is the least hardy of the starfighter classes, it is highly nimble and carries a payload of Concussion Missiles, which are nearly impossible to dodge.
The R-41 Starchaser:
The R-41 is the pirates' "heavy" fighter. While it is still faster than most bombers, it lacks the speed of the Z-95 or the T-Wing. It carries a payload of Proton Torpedoes, and in addition to its standard laser cannons, is also outfitted with ion cannons, which can be used to rapidly take down opponents' shields.
ATR-6 Assault Transport:
The ATR-6 fills in as the pirates' "special" starship. Unlike most fighters, where getting into the fray is key, the ATR can sit back, slow to nearly a stop, and use its main guns and turrets to pound at an enemy from afar. However, should you try and go in close, the thick armor will protect you... which is necessary, given the proverbial crawl you travel at. The ATR also carries two types of mines; the Mine Type A, and the Mine Type A-2, with the former being a standard space lasermine, and the second being equipped with a concussion missile launcher. This assault transport is truly the behemoth of this battlefield.
IMPERIALS:
TIE Fighter:
The TIE fighter functions similarly to the Z-95, its only real differences are that it is somewhat weaker but somewhat faster.
TIE Interceptor:
Likewise, the Interceptor is similar to its pirate counterpart, the T-Wing. Its only differences are also that it is faster but weaker.
TIE Bomber:
The TIE Bomber is substantially different from the R-41. This fighter is truly a tank. It is the slowest fighter in the map, but it also carries a massive payload. In addition to its primary laser cannon, it carries a small compliment of Proton Torpedoes. The bombardier has access to Proton Bombs, slow-moving but highly effective projectiles. (Here's a plus: the AI actually knows how to use them when its your copilot!)
TIE Defender:
The TIE Defender represents the "special" class of the Imperials. Possessing the best attributes of the TIE Bomber and the TIE Interceptor, it is truly a formidible foe. Its one weakness may be that it has a very limited amount of energy - however, when at full energy it can boost quickly enough, if timed right, to outrun a torpedo. In addition to its primary lasers, the TIE Defender carries Advanced Torpedoes.
----
Oh, and I'm not sure if I mentioned it, but the pirates don't have a capital ship. They have a space platform. It's pretty cool, if I do say so myself. I'm sure I've forgotten some pertinent details, but I'll let them slip once I remember. Without further ado, some screenshots:
EDIT: Oh, yeah, there are a load of credits that go with this, but the big ones at the moment are AceMastermind, for the MF model, for teaching me some XSI stuff, and doing all my exporting, psych0fred (and maybe Lord Bandu?) for the TIE Defender, xwingguy for the linkedfrigates script, and Zerted, Rends, and MajinRevan for an array of tutorials.
) In fact, some of the textures on the space station flat-out suck, but I'm not changing them simply because once you start playing, you don't even really notice. A lot of this also represents a progression of learning to do original texture work. You can almost even see it if you compare the craft side-by-side. I made the Z-95 first, then the R-41, and then the T-Wing. And the textures get better; Z-95, then R-41, then T-Wing.
