Dockside

[Frymonmon]

Howdy, all.

This is my 5th or 6th map, but my first one to be officially posted here, or else where. I'm planning on making this into 3 Stages, but I'm simply stuck on the first stage. But I though I would post it here first to see what kind of community feedback I could get.

I don't claim to be any expert with Hammer, so any suggestions or tricks would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Agentkid]

Great start
trick i learned displace the top of the cliffs to different heights (z axis) to make it look realistic (if you are planning a 3d skybox throw a somewhat visable building up there (in skybox))
well good luck to you and this map

 

[dr_digital2]

Props are very important to make a map look better. Also try making the buildings less square or rectangle. And some areas that stick out a bit.

 

[Swordz]

You used nodraw on a displacement. Don't do this

Also, put every setting on the max when getting screenshots.

 

[Lockhart]

Looks interesting, I'm not expert on displacements (still have to teach myself soon) but your cliff is overlapping the fence in the third screenshot. Also, you can see a bit of light leaking from under that same cliff in that screenshot. Is it floating a few squares above the ground?