Yes, at long last, a winner for the very first (and hopefully not last) TF2M mapping contest has been decided. I realize how long it's taken, and for that I apologize. But it's finally decided now, and the winner has been notified. First a little summary;
After testing and much discussion, the impromptu judges narrowed down the entries to 2 choices; cp_spywinder by MangyCarface, and cp_bloodstained by Youme.
http://forums.tf2maps.net/showthread.php?t=2033
http://forums.tf2maps.net/showthread.php?t=2050
Spywinder offers wicked fast-paced action, with a logical cp setup and simply breath-taking details. Bloodstained is an enjoyable multi-stage cp map with fun custom decals and good balance. The gameplay styles and pacing of the maps are as much fun as they are different. Balance-wise, both are about the same, offering multiple routes and unique fighting areas. Bloodstained does provide for some interesting confrontations as well, with a good setup around the cp's. And Spywinder not only looks good, but it looks unique as well.
On the not so good side:
Bloodstained is a fun little map, but seriously lacking in the visual candy. The custom decals are humorous, but easy to overlook. All of the areas are rather bland, lacking unique architecture and texturing. A decent skybox, both regular and 3d, would go a long way here. The 'middle of nowhere desert rocky setting' is one we've seen many times before, and is worth a yawn at best. As for Spywinder, there aren't many bad things I can say about it. It's a little easy to get lost, but not so much that you can't understand the layout after a few games. Unfortunately, the biggest flaw of Spywinder is that it consistently crashes any server it's played on
And that's a real shame, b/c if the map could go even a couple hours w/out the crash, all of the other awsomeness would overcome being able to play it for only a couple hours at a time. Btw Mangy, please see me, b/c I have a pretty good idea why this is happening.
In short;
Spywinder plays well and is freaking amazing. While Bloodstained isn't much to look at, the gameplay and balance are about the same. And most importantly, Bloodstained is stable. So I am pleased to award Youme with a brand-spankin new Geforce 8800. Course since he lives across the globe, he might have to settle for a picture of the graphics card And kudos to everyone who participated. This is something we definitely want to do again, so suggestions are always welcome. And we now have a professional review-crew, so feel free to ask them to go over your map and find ways to improve. Till next time guys, happy mapping!
After testing and much discussion, the impromptu judges narrowed down the entries to 2 choices; cp_spywinder by MangyCarface, and cp_bloodstained by Youme.
http://forums.tf2maps.net/showthread.php?t=2033
http://forums.tf2maps.net/showthread.php?t=2050
Spywinder offers wicked fast-paced action, with a logical cp setup and simply breath-taking details. Bloodstained is an enjoyable multi-stage cp map with fun custom decals and good balance. The gameplay styles and pacing of the maps are as much fun as they are different. Balance-wise, both are about the same, offering multiple routes and unique fighting areas. Bloodstained does provide for some interesting confrontations as well, with a good setup around the cp's. And Spywinder not only looks good, but it looks unique as well.
On the not so good side:
Bloodstained is a fun little map, but seriously lacking in the visual candy. The custom decals are humorous, but easy to overlook. All of the areas are rather bland, lacking unique architecture and texturing. A decent skybox, both regular and 3d, would go a long way here. The 'middle of nowhere desert rocky setting' is one we've seen many times before, and is worth a yawn at best. As for Spywinder, there aren't many bad things I can say about it. It's a little easy to get lost, but not so much that you can't understand the layout after a few games. Unfortunately, the biggest flaw of Spywinder is that it consistently crashes any server it's played on
And that's a real shame, b/c if the map could go even a couple hours w/out the crash, all of the other awsomeness would overcome being able to play it for only a couple hours at a time. Btw Mangy, please see me, b/c I have a pretty good idea why this is happening.In short;
Spywinder plays well and is freaking amazing. While Bloodstained isn't much to look at, the gameplay and balance are about the same. And most importantly, Bloodstained is stable. So I am pleased to award Youme with a brand-spankin new Geforce 8800. Course since he lives across the globe, he might have to settle for a picture of the graphics card
And kudos to everyone who participated. This is something we definitely want to do again, so suggestions are always welcome. And we now have a professional review-crew, so feel free to ask them to go over your map and find ways to improve. Till next time guys, happy mapping!
