TF2Maps.net Mapping Contest #6: (A)Symmetry CP

AxiomaticFrood

L1: Registered
Aug 18, 2010
22
9
Question: does it matter how the symmetry is applied to the map? As in, if I were building an a/d map that was symmetric "down the middle" is that symmetrical or asymmetrical?

(By "down the middle" I mean like the letter "A" where one team is attacking from the bottom of the A and one team is defending from the top of A. This means game play is asymmetrical while the map itself is symmetrical.)

I have no idea if anyone will understand what I'm talking about. Later I'll do a scribble version...
 

tyler

aa
Sep 11, 2013
5,100
4,621
What you mean (I think) is rotational versus mirrored symmetry, yes? Either would be fine, I imagine.
 

Pocket

Half a Lambert is better than one.
aa
Nov 14, 2009
4,701
2,583
A word of caution, though: Mirrored symmetry is generally not a good idea in a multiplayer map because it basically makes players learn to play the map both ways. That, and it interferes with their natural inclination to turn right. Different teams may find themselves favoring different routes instinctively, leading to one doing better.

In theory this would be the same way for Arena and KOTH maps, but for the sake of simplicity designers tend to make those mirrored anyway, and it's probably less of a big deal because they're smaller.
 

J4CK8

L11: Posh Member
Mar 4, 2009
820
243
I'm making a U shaped 5cp map. Not sure how it's going to play out but I predict people won't like it. It's sort of an experiment but if it's generaly disliked due to the layout, I'll probably scrap it. I've spent days trying to make a suitable plan for a cp map with no results :(
 
Apr 13, 2009
728
309
Question: does it matter how the symmetry is applied to the map? As in, if I were building an a/d map that was symmetric "down the middle" is that symmetrical or asymmetrical?

(By "down the middle" I mean like the letter "A" where one team is attacking from the bottom of the A and one team is defending from the top of A. This means game play is asymmetrical while the map itself is symmetrical.)

I have no idea if anyone will understand what I'm talking about. Later I'll do a scribble version...

My assumption would be that it would play like an assymetrical map, except less varied because left or right is the same thing mirrored. So I don't know what the players could gain from that. :bored:

I really can't tell where it would fit in the contest but I question the basis behind the idea in the first place.
 
Mar 23, 2010
1,874
1,699
I'm making a U shaped 5cp map. Not sure how it's going to play out but I predict people won't like it. It's sort of an experiment but if it's generaly disliked due to the layout, I'll probably scrap it. I've spent days trying to make a suitable plan for a cp map with no results :(

U shape would be pretty cool. doppler had one awhile ago, didn't play amazing for other reasons. stick with it though!
 

tyler

aa
Sep 11, 2013
5,100
4,621
I like mirrored symmetry for smaller maps, like KOTH or Arena. Lumberyard is a great example I think. That's tiny though.
 

Sgt Frag

L14: Epic Member
May 20, 2008
1,443
710
I'm making a U shaped 5cp map. Not sure how it's going to play out but I predict people won't like it. It's sort of an experiment but if it's generaly disliked due to the layout, I'll probably scrap it. I've spent days trying to make a suitable plan for a cp map with no results :(

I honestly don't think the overall shape of the map matters at all. Whether the points are in a straight line, S shape, U shape...
It's the small details that the player has to go around, over,under.. that make the gameplay area.

I saw another thread yesterday that pointed to a study of map shapes (the map from top was one big straight line, but players don't travel in straight line.

A U shape could be beneficial in NOT having foward spawns on a 5 CP map, just shortcuts that open/close to change distances. (but might also lead to an easy steam roll if entire attacking team uses that while one scout stays back and caps to lock the door behind them.
 

J4CK8

L11: Posh Member
Mar 4, 2009
820
243
It will still need forward spawns I'd think. There is a building between the spawns, (which are at either side at the top of the 'U') which i guess could be used to create a shortcut to bypass cap 2. It's a not exactly as small map though. I'll prob get some pics in the WiP thread or maybe have it uploaded this weekend.
 

KingOfSandvich

L1: Registered
Jan 18, 2011
26
12
Alright!

I've been mapping for a while, but I officially registered on the site to enter this contest. I really need to actually make a releasable map, and this is a good start.

My project: cp_Space_Station

A Gravelpit type A+B>C map, entirely indoors, but with big windows showing awesome views of Earth under you. BLU is trying to stop RED from firing an ion cannon.

I won't make a thread until I at least have some screenshots...
 

grazr

Old Man Mutant Ninja Turtle
aa
Mar 4, 2008
5,441
3,814
poppycock. The last contest was won by someone nobody really heard of. Literally anyone could win the contest if they just tried hard enough.
 

re1wind

aa
Aug 12, 2009
644
588
I'm going to assume that i can take bits and pieces* of an unfinished map of mine (cp_sandstone) and use them in this contest?

*partial or entire buildings, structures, terrain, etc.
 
Apr 13, 2009
728
309
poppycock. The last contest was won by someone nobody really heard of. Literally anyone could win the contest if they just tried hard enough.

"Not everyone can become a great artist, but a great artist can come from anywhere."