*Updated: Aug 12, 2006

Beta version released, check here: http://www.gametoast.com/index.php?name ... pic&t=6451

*Updated: Aug 04, 2006

Leapin fudge-cakes! I fixed the AI issue with the Jedi Mind trick! No more constant on-and-off action with the lightsaber and now it actually uses it properly. I've also changed it so when Force Kill/Explosion are fully charged the targeting reticule appears indicating so. This both informs the user it's ready, and lets them aim it more easily too. Now if only I could get the AI to use charging secondary weapons, but it seems that it might not be possible. The AI only seems to use secondary weapons that are instant fire. Anyone know how to overcome this?

*Updated: Aug 03, 2006

I’ve been attempting to expand myself beyond just modding, so I’ve been toying around with the mapping tools with some success (in my opinion). Every other map on these forums has some sort of special feature to distinguish it from everything else, but since this is a first for me, I’m learning as I go so the (so far) unnamed map isn’t anything fancy. It does have the a few features at the moment though, and they are listed as follows:

Updates:
- Rearranged/added command posts
- Modified some more of the game rules in terms of force bleeding and unit locking

Things it has:
- The inclusion of my Jedi Support mod units (hey, I like Jedi)
- Increased unit count to better cover the map’s several paths (2x whatever the user selected from the map selection screen, ie default 16 becomes 32)
- AI controlled flyers that roam the sky bombarding the ground with massive firepower (It’s a fairly small map so no player controlled flyers, sorry)
- Starting CPs on each team are not captureable until the team’s reinforcements are sufficiently reduced (home base style concept)
- Addition of automated anti-vehicle turrets
- Modified reinforcement bleeding (different for each side) - *Changed
- Increased reinforcement count
- Min command post requirement for access to Jedi units - *Added

Things I still need to do:
Add GCW era and Flag/XL gamemodes (Only the CW conquest mode is functioning at the moment)
Adjust the AI (right now it’s too easy for the player to tip the scale) - *DONE
Figure out why the addition of water makes the map unstable
Figure out how to add a “leaving area” boundary - *DONE
Adjust the visible range for object opacity - *DONE
And finally...
Experiment with other interesting stuffs (like objective/gamemode scripting)


This is still an experiment in leaning the tools, so any suggestions on things I might want to try would be appreciated. Well enough rambling, here are some of the better screens I’ve gotten so far:

List:
*Added - http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h83/t ... 7a0a59.jpg
*Added - http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h83/t ... 488561.jpg
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h83/t ... adb3a0.jpg
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h83/t ... f26b96.jpg
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h83/t ... 04a6a3.jpg
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h83/t ... fd6a07.jpg
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h83/t ... 402910.jpg
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h83/t ... 9aa415.jpg
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h83/t ... 2e59b5.jpg
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h83/t ... f1d816.jpg
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h83/t ... 3279ab.jpg
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h83/t ... e5e77d.jpg
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h83/t ... db7e1d.jpg
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h83/t ... cac6a4.jpg
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h83/t ... 279030.jpg
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h83/t ... 0673a9.jpg
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h83/t ... 375eeb.jpg
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h83/t ... 3c1806.jpg
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h83/t ... 3d3abc.jpg

Samples:

*Edit: Updated image:



Take care of yourselves,

- Archer01 (Theodranis)

This map is very promising. But there's one thing I want you to do: Edit the skins. It's boring with the normal 501'st Troopers...

- Linus

that Magna guard has an axe LOL. From the looks of this map you've been toying with the tools for a while this is a really nice looking first map. Oh and i like that minimap.

@Linus
That would add a lot to the experience actually. Any insider info on how to keep the file size down when reskinning? I'm trying to avoid a huge download...

@General_Grievious_4
There is a bit of a story behind that mini-map. It took forever in photoshop to fix a stupid error I made early on. *Note to self: When using an editor screenshot as reference for the map, remember to use the orthographic view instead of perspective.

@Linus
That would add a lot to the experience actually. Any insider info on how to keep the file size down when reskinning? I'm trying to avoid a huge download...

Well, reskin the units that you are using in-game and delete the stuff that you are not using.

- Linus

i noticed the objectives, so is this gonna be somewhat like castlewars or something?

Sort of, but not intensionally... While the two teams each have a command point that isn't captureable (along with defense turrets) that they use as their home base, the real reason behind it is to stop an easy conquest capture victory using the Jedi units.

I like games that rely on crushing the enemy numbers, not sneaking into their base. If I can get the AI to balance out a little better, I'll add back reinforcement bleeding. That'll add more urgency to the capturing of the other posts.

Looks pretty good so far. I like the fact that u made objectives. U can use an .rar format instead of a .zip (When u release this). That will help u reduce the file size. Some other GameToasters can help u with file size reducing, such as Teancum, DanBoeing, etc.

Archer01: Remember that I'd rather DL a map which is 50 MB Bigger with new skins etc. than if it was 50 MB smaller but didn't feature anytihng new to the units!

the bigger the better; in maps and so says the girls!

Offtopic: Qdin, some of these modders are kids who don't know or shouldn't know what you are talking about.

Ontopic: I like the idea of how you need to destroy a certain # of enemies to be able to attack the CP.

WOW! this makes my map look like crap! (on which I REALLY need some help!!!) Though, mine's on Mustafar, not much there. (except for lava, which I REALLY need some help with!!!)

For a name, I suggest somewhere on Yavin or Kashyyyk, or make up your own random planet!

valiant wrote:Offtopic: Qdin, some of these modders are kids who don't know or shouldn't know what you are talking about.

Youngest GameToaster here is 12 (I think). Most of us know what it means. Dont worry. Its not like any of the GameToasters r little kids (10 or under).

What is the commonly shared opinion on large downloads? Am I the only person stuck in "bandwidth" saving mode, or are there others out there like that?

@Hebes24
I took a look at your Mustafar Valley v2.0 thread, and it looks like you have a good design in the works so don't go giving up or anything. I wish I could help you with your lava issue, but I've got water problems of my own so I'm useless in that regard. Also, if you're wondering about the amount of detail my map seems to have, I should mention that this isn't my first map ever, just my first SW:Battlefront map. I've made other maps for a game called "Battlezone" in the past (which was also made by Pandemic, before they became Pandemic).

Well my map that i'm working on right now has a pretty hefty file size. But i personally don't mind large downloads. In fact I think it makes the map more appealing.

mcdestroyer wrote:

valiant wrote:Offtopic: Qdin, some of these modders are kids who don't know or shouldn't know what you are talking about.

Youngest GameToaster here is 12 (I think). Most of us know what it means. Dont worry. Its not like any of the GameToasters r little kids (10 or under).

Off-topic : Really, I know that a member of
the GameToast Forum-Boards is 10 years old...

- Linus

General_Grievous_4 wrote:Well my map that i'm working on right now has a pretty hefty file size. But i personally don't mind large downloads. In fact I think it makes the map more appealing.

I don't mind either, as long as it's worth it! this map sure loks worth it!

Thanks for the compliments archer!

BTW i like the new name

Here's a question: Where do I post a link for an Alpha version (or get some alpha testers for that matter)?

I know that Beta releases go into the "Released" forum, but this is still in Alpha (only one gamemode, the odd pathing issue, etc) and I wouldn't classify it as ready for release, but I would like for some other people to test it.

I can!

- Linus

archer01 wrote:Here's a question: Where do I post a link for an Alpha version (or get some alpha testers for that matter)?

I know that Beta releases go into the "Released" forum, but this is still in Alpha (only one gamemode, the odd pathing issue, etc) and I wouldn't classify it as ready for release, but I would like for some other people to test it.

you could post it in this thread or ask for testers and send it to them.

I would happily alpha-test for you, archer01. This map is looking better by the minute.