[TIP] Props: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Apr 19, 2009
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Props, the oh so fine detail that can pull a map from sub-par details to something worthy of art. However, there is a collection of props that are abused to no end and don't do a thing to help the map.

The first group I like to call "The Untouchables"

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The Untouchables are the props that if placed in a map will scream "Hey look at me! Its me! That prop from that map!" As soon as they are spotted the player will instantly think/say of the map of its origin and not of your map breaking the immersion factor. I apologize in a advance but a good showcase of why not to use them is Conveyance mainly because they stick out horribly, sucking people away from the map and to the land of cp_freight. Avoid these props at all cost!

The scound group are "The Backup Untouchables"

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The Backup Untouchables are just as bad as "The Untouchables" They are not a easy to abuse as their "The Untouchables" in most cases and for the most part are not not used as much and are easier to blend in with the map. Now I would give an example for these props but thankfully they are not used often and so far they have been used correctly like in Wildfire. Fell free to use these props but be careful!

Group number three rolls in as "The Modules"

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The Modules are a group of 2-3+ props that make up a prop like the ones mentioned above with all the fame to boot. However, these can be broken up and made into something else. A good example of the use of the nucleus prop is in Vector. These props can be used as much as you want, but not as a whole peace.

The forth and final group of props are "The Dynamics"

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The Dynamics are the most interesting when it comes to overused props because they can be used in almost any map as is. A good example the Viaduct prop is in Blazewalk were it able to stick out as a defining feature but at the same time not looking like it was ripped from its original map. A very good use of the Badlands prop is in Coldfront because it naturally blends into the map without any fuss. Lastly we have the Granary props and well all know were these fit; good old Yukon not only makes very good use of the prop but also does it in a dynamic way that was not seen before.

In conclusion, props can be overused and negativity impact a map. However, if use properly they can bring a map to it full potential and really bring out some fun game-play.
 
Last edited:
Nov 14, 2009
1,257
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Fascinating tutorial. Although, I do disagree with the fact that some of the "backup untouchables". If you are trying to make a Hydro themed map, for example, one would use some of the Hydro props, like the observatory.
 

Jetti

L5: Dapper Member
May 2, 2010
226
111
Hmm. I wonder if it is okay to use the Pipeline prop is heavily "Disguised" ?
 

J4CK8

L11: Posh Member
Mar 4, 2009
820
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Wait a second, the 2fort fence wasn't in ANY of those groups?! :O

Nice advice although I always think of Scoville when I see the nucleus props.
 

Harribo

aa
Nov 1, 2009
871
851
Wait a second, the 2fort fence wasn't in ANY of those groups?! :O

Nice advice although I always think of Scoville when I see the nucleus props.

It's right next to the Nucleus point in Group number three: 'The Modules'