Unofficial Christmas Control Point Gift-a-thon Voting!

Pick a winner!


  • Total voters
    50
  • Poll closed .

lana

Currently On: ?????
aa
Sep 28, 2009
3,075
2,778
IN BEFORE DEADLINE

Get your hot entries here (7zip, 36 MB) :
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3532367/ChristmasContest/entries/entries.7z

Featuring one more map than Rexy's silly contest!
Exciting voting action!
Your authors need you!


Remember to check out each entry before voting, it really only takes a minute!

ctf_sleighride (Dense_Electric)
sleighride.jpg


holiday_cynick
holiday_cynick0002.jpg


holiday_godslayer
mwbe6h.jpg


holiday_j4ck8
holiday_jackypilk30003.jpg


holiday_moose
holiday_moose0000.jpg


holiday_nitram
holiday_nitram.jpg


holiday_pl-7764
holidaypl77640005.jpg


holiday_spank
holiday_spank0001.jpg


holiday_void
holiday_void_20002.jpg


Check out the maps in detail - it won't take long!

Pick whichever map you like - the most Christmassy, the best looking, the map with the most shiny things!

Remember: Big prizes, big money! Votes are due by the 7th.
 
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J4CK8

L11: Posh Member
Mar 4, 2009
820
243
Nitrams .bsp is not in the pack...only the .vmf is.
 

Pocket

Half a Lambert is better than one.
aa
Nov 14, 2009
4,694
2,579
pl-7764's has missing textures. Should I consider him disqualified?
 

J4CK8

L11: Posh Member
Mar 4, 2009
820
243
pl-7764's has missing textures. Should I consider him disqualified?

They are included in the download, just not in the .bsp. I don't think it was in the rules to make sure it was packed so I wouldn't count it as a dq.
 

lana

Currently On: ?????
aa
Sep 28, 2009
3,075
2,778
They aren't included in the download.
 

PL-7764

L6: Sharp Member
Aug 4, 2009
376
84
What parts aren't working for you? I just downloaded the files, replaced my existing ones with them, and ran the map, and everything looked fine... are you sure you didn't perhaps miss something when extracting the stuff from the archive? Or is it possible you're using the first version I uploaded rather than the second (which I think should be in the big archive)? The first one really was broken because Pakrat is a useless wad 50% of the times I try to use it.

I packed everything into the BSP and triple-checked that it was there, but even if it's not all the files are there separately, I can see them and don't find any missing...
 
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Sep 1, 2009
573
323
Its sooooo hard to choose which one, as I can't vote for myself even though i don't even have a vote D:
 

J4CK8

L11: Posh Member
Mar 4, 2009
820
243
They aren't included in the download.

There was a materials and models folder in the .rar I downloaded inside pl's entry...

What parts aren't working for you? I just downloaded the files, replaced my existing ones with them, and ran the map, and everything looked fine... are you sure you didn't perhaps miss something when extracting the stuff from the archive? Or is it possible you're using the first version I uploaded rather than the second (which I think should be in the big archive)? The first one really was broken because Pakrat is a useless wad 50% of the times I try to use it.

I packed everything into the BSP and triple-checked that it was there, but even if it's not all the files are there separately, I can see them and don't find any missing...

I ran the map without adding the materials/models folder and there were models but they didn't have their textures.
 

lana

Currently On: ?????
aa
Sep 28, 2009
3,075
2,778
I included the extra models/materials. I thought you were talking about something else.
 

Pocket

Half a Lambert is better than one.
aa
Nov 14, 2009
4,694
2,579
My rough assessment of every entry, because I feel like qualifying my vote very thoroughly. Keep in mind that my standards of judging are subjective and stupid. Feel free to skip past this whole silly wall of text, but I encourage you to look at the final paragraph, which brings up something important you might have missed.

CTF Sleighride: Pros - Rare use of sunny winter environment that I found refreshing; unique take on the "Christmas" concept; tower affords a neat vantage point. Cons - use of HL2 texture; spiral staircase, which also has an improperly aligned texture around the walls; way too high-res lightmaps; no snow on the roofs with no explanation why.

Cynick: Pros - Good use of indoor/outdoor; clever calendar overlay; actual slippery ice; gentle snow; shiny balls; use of Rexy's Christmas props. Cons ... None to speak of, really, except for some issues with snow texture alignment and maybe the use of the crappy cobblestone texture.

Godslayer: Pros - Nice cozy environment. Cons - Maybe a little too cozy. Not much to say about this one.

Jack8: Pros - Good use of indoor/outdoor contrast; like the ice texture and bridge; very appropriate use of waterfall; like the gently falling snow. Cons - Waterfall is just as noisy everywhere you go; no particles at base of waterfall.

Moose: Pros - Particle effects and soundscapes appropriate to the environment; used env_sprites for the light glows. Cons - Not a fan of the harsh winter theme; lights don't all attach to the wires; outside buildings are transparently flat.

pl-7664: Pros - Custom models; cleverly designed tinsel rope; warm, inviting theme. Cons - Very simple custom models (this is a detailing contest after all); flames don't line up with wicks properly; prop placement makes the scaling issues much more blatant than Mann Manor.

Spank: Pros - Another unique take on the "Christmas" theme; loved the evil robot Santa even if it's made of brushes and displacements. Cons - Use of the tree hat which displayed some ... very ... interesting physics properties when I looked at it; no way back up to the balcony from downstairs; dynamic shadows from the presents that shows through the static crates they're sitting on, and some were physics while others were not, creating a scenario where I was able to knock one out from under another and it kept floating.

Void: Pros - One hell of a big, fancy environment; LOVED the way you pulled off a plausible ski lodge theme; use of Rexy's Christmas props; expert use of indoor/outdoor contrast; great example of what the new textures can be used for outside of Medieval Mode; nice demonstration of what the new clock model can be used for; probably the most effective use of the limited space. Cons - No direct, human-accessible route from one level to the other; blend textures for snow/stone is noticeably flat-looking; jarring outdoor fog indoors; use of PDA model for elevator control was a bit cheap.

————————

CONCLUSION - This looked locked up good and tight for Void. But then I went back to re-check the maps and refresh my memory of what I liked about which entries... and I discovered the SECRET UNDERGROUND BASE IN JACK8'S ENTRY! It was almost as extensive as Void's entire map, and I loved the elevator and the lights coming on as I passed through the hallway. Even with the sound environment bug, I have to give this one the win.
 

J4CK8

L11: Posh Member
Mar 4, 2009
820
243
My vote went to cynick becuase it was one of the few that actualy felt like it was christmas to me. I felt some of the walls were a bit bare but loved the iced over water and christmas lights/star on the tree.

Voids also felt quite christmassy but I disliked the lack of spawn points and functioning door, but as it's a detail contest, I'll let that slide. Indoors it was great, I liked the countdown downstairs, was almost tempted to sit and stare at it for 24 hours and see if it moved ;) I just felt like outside was lacking a little and to me, it's what's outside the makes it feel christmassy.

The robotic santa in Spanks felt like the only christmassy thing in there tbh, and the whole thing felt rather overdone with an industrial theme (Though I know I may have started to go this way at some point in my entry). I didn't actualy notice the christmas lights until I took a second look. I did like the little touches with the robot though such as the fuel pipe and the paint can which gave me a slight chuckle.

Those were my favourite 3, but well done to all who entered and good luck!

Cons - Waterfall is just as noisy everywhere you go; no particles at base of waterfall
I hate working with waterfalls becuase of the sound. I never seem to be able to get it to just be in a certain area and totaly agree with you. As for the particles, I completely forgot they exsisted.
 
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bob+M|M+

L6: Sharp Member
Mar 31, 2008
346
394
Some great entries all around in this contest. It was not an easy choice!

Sleighride
This theme couldn't be any more appropriate for this contest. very fun idea. reminds me of the nostalgic christmas spirit I had when I was a kid. great architecture, the exterior christmas lights are a great touch.

Cynick
Great feel to this one. A small townsquare enclosing an iced pond and a christmas tree. the reflection off of the slicked ice makes the glowing lights and the blue sky/moon feels all the more enchanting.

Godslayer
Being snowed in is a nice touch to this small room. However it's a bit dark and "boxish." Perhaps you could have added windows or the feeling/appearance that there was more than just the boxed room and a couple doors.

Jack
My favorite. The texture composition is fresh. I would love to see a whole map in this theme... OH WOW I didn't even notice your easter eggs. awesome =) makes this map all the more my favorite. Good job.

Moose
I LOVE the dilapidated architecture in this theme. very original and non-formulaic. That's always a big plus. I would like to see this as a finished map =)

Nitram
This one stands out as a bold theme to me - red barn in the snow. I like it. As a whole, the map feels like a real place, and the basement has a lot of love to it. Nice job.

pl
Excellent details in this map, such as the holiday reefs and the golden rope/ball hanging pattern, as well as the vase-like wooden supports for the railings. So much attention to detail in this one. very good =)

Spank
LOL awesome. Is that santa brush-based ?! not to mention overall its a very detailed map. This would make for an epic KOTH, or final cap.

Void
Easily the most professional entry. I love the way you made the snowed-in entrance and the carved logs on the exterior. You made custom textures and models. I love the little touches such as the holiday calendar girl and the countdown. Overall great entry. Although Jacks is my favorite entry, this one gets my vote. Good job.
 

LeSwordfish

semi-trained quasi-professional
aa
Aug 8, 2010
4,102
6,597
Nitram's is the only one i feel i have anything interesting to say on: It was an excellent, solid, map, that simply didnt have the "Wow" factor, and i hate myself for using that phrase. The level of detail would be fine for a playable map (see also: cynick's) but didnt have the stand-out cool and attention to detail of Void's or J4ck8's, or a centerpiece as dramatic as Spank's.

In the end, the lights going on decided my vote for me.
 

Cynick

L4: Comfortable Member
Feb 7, 2010
153
284
Thoughts:

ctf_sleighride Pros: :O Dat control tower. Also, I like the "santa's runway" theme, it's creative and fits into TF2 perfectly. Cons: That spiral staircase is a pain to navigate and the outdoor area's are a little bare. (nitpicking i know :p)

holiday_cynick best map in whole contest easy winner lololololo

holiday_godslayer57 Pros: I like the "snowed-in" hallways, it's much more interesting than just having closed doors. Cons: It's a little dark and cramped especially with the chandalier not lit, it almost feels like halloween at christmas. I think maybe some windows would help, even if they are just to the sky.

holiday_j4ck8 Pros: Where to start :eek:hmy:. You managed to put a ton of detail into the small space provided without making it feel cramped, which is pretty amazing. The skybox choice was great and the lighting made it stand out (in a good way) even more. The underground base was awesome, although i never figured out what exactly happened when i picked up the intel. Cons The waterfall was loud, i had to turn my sound down. Also some of the cliffs are kind of blocky (the tunnel right near spawn). Overall awesome job.

holiday_moose Pros: Does a great job of feeling cold and desolate. Definately looks like it could be a real place. I like the skybox as well, it fits the theme. Cons: The map doesn't quite seem "complete" but that's mostly because of the size limitations of the contest making the buildings on the edge really thin. I think this theme could be really good in an actual map with no 2048x2048 limit so you could make the rest of those buildings.

holiday_nitram Pros: The detailing on the inside and outside of the barn was top notch, definately looked more like a barn than anything i've seen in the official maps. the basement was a nice touch. Cons: The skybox wall is mostly visible around the edge of the whole map. This is kind of unavoidable due to the size restraints, but i think a few trees or even a fence would have made the edge look 10 times better. (Also, soundscapes!)Overall, great work.

holiday_pl-7764 Pros: Can't comment on much specifically here because it was all very good. You did an excellent job using the mansion props without making it feel like halloween. Also those displacement wreaths fit in perfectly, i thought they were custom models at first then i was like :O. Cons Soundscapes! Other than that i got nothing here except maybe that, some of the ceiling beams have misaligned textures. Very good job.

holiday_spank Pros: Robot santa. nuff said. :p Also the wreath and christmas lights were a nice touch. The windows prevent it from feeling cramped. Cons I can't get back to the balcony :(. Also, lack of soundscapes :/. I know it was a detailing contest but I hate when maps are completely silent. Overall, very good job, (btw when i saw the screenshot in the upload thread i spent like five minutes looking at robot santa just like :O)

holiday_void_2 Pros: All around amazing ski-lodge theme. Love the architecture on the lodge itself and the door that caved in under the snow. Cons Spawns are broken, and I didn't like having to noclip to each floor, but the contest is about detail, so that's not a huge deal. add soundscapes though, silent maps are boring :/. Overall, definately one of my favorites. (unrelated: if you shoot the clocks in the basement, there are two bullet holes for every bullet that hits the clock :O)

Overall, amazing work to everyone. I only expected to spend two minutes or less on each entry, but i ended up running around each for at least ten. Good luck to all of you!

Overall favorites: J4CK8, void and nitram. Tough decision is tough