PL Shimmer (Stage 3) A2

Shimmer (Stage 3) - The third one, before the other two

The third stage of Shimmer. Making separate threads for each stage to make it easier to keep up with each one.

The third stage of Shimmer is unique amongst Payload maps in that it does not have a middle point. Blu has 5 minutes to get the cart to the end of a short stage, the map is very Red sided as a result. I'm hoping for a powerful fight for map control between Red and Blu, thanks to the small size and quick rotations between areas.

MAIN THREAD: https://tf2maps.net/downloads/shimmer.10984/

Shimmer's third stage had a solid debut on the US server. So here's a decent sized update addressing the feedback I got and some extras from me.

Changelog:

- Increased the round time from 5 minutes to 6 minutes
- Decreased Setup time from 45 seconds to 35 seconds

This change gives Blu some more time to set up a good push, turns out 5 minutes goes a lot more quickly than you expect. Decreasing setup time is to encourage Red to set up closer to their spawn.

- Changed Red respawn wave time from 9 seconds to 11 seconds
- Changed Blu respawn wave time from 5 seconds to 6 seconds

This change should help make the map slightly less chaotic.

- Added patches under health and ammo kits
- Added signage near Blu spawn to point out the left flank more

These changes simply improve readability around the map.

- Changed geometry in Red spawn
- Changed geometry of the full kits building by last

These changes are focused towards giving Red a better ability to defend when they're alive, but increases the time to exit spawn and rejoin the fight.

- Made ramp to Blu spawn battlements longer
- Raised the grain pipe through the level
- Raised the wood wall near Red spawn
- Fixed Non-Solid fences near Blu spawn
- Fixed Red team being able to see their own visualizers

Just various polishes and changes.

Read the rest of this update entry...