surf_nostromo

[horsefeathers]

Hello everyone,
I have been working on a new map for a while now, and I would like you guys to see it. Its a linear t4-5 map that is inspired by maps like 4dimensional, island, and sci-fi. It has a science fiction theme which uses landmark tps overtly to induce a sense of high technology. I am using two texture packs heavily to achieve the look: pk1 and pk2 (they are great, go download them). The name is from the ship in alien.

The main course is done, but there is a lot of detail work still left. I want to add some bonuses, but I only have an idea for one so far.

Here is a pretty recent video, although the end has changed since then: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQqQ46rLSKA

Here some fresh pics:
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/17419604/2015-03-23_00003.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/17419604/2015-03-23_00005.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/17419604/2015-03-23_00006.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/17419604/2015-03-23_00010.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/17419604/2015-03-23_00012.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/17419604/2015-03-23_00013.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/17419604/2015-03-23_00020.jpg

Here is a download link to the alpha: https://www.dropbox.com/s/4ogyb7sd43t0v5x/surf_nostromo_alpha2.bsp?dl=0

Give it a try and tell me what you think. I hope all of you enjoy it.

[bigsurfprohere]

Idk, I like the metal textures.
the surf has good flow and looks good

[fr3shz]

The surf is brilliant and I'm loving the futuristic sci-fi theme. Good stuff, can't wait for it!

[horsefeathers]

Yo,
So I had an idea for a nameplate which I worked on today and yesterday, and it turned out really good. It fits the theme and looks sharp. Here is an example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cT_idY0121o&feature=youtu.be

There are two textures that go into the effect, one for the scan lines and one for the name. The problem is that both of these textures are about 30,000kb in size (for reference, this is about the file size of surf_overgrowth). At this point, the packed map would be about 100,000 kb in size, and it would probably get larger as it gets more finished. So I am wonder if its worth it. One solution would be to nix the animated name and just use the scan lines which is only 10,000kb; I plan on using the scan line texture more in other areas for signs as details.

Is it important to keep the file size down? Also does any one know a better way to do this?

[Juxtapo]

Is it important to keep the file size down? Also does any one know a better way to do this?

You could just make a scrolling texture for the scanlines (See here [https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Creating_a_Waterfall_Material] or just look at the source of a waterfall/river texture) What format did you convert to vtf when making your name? .png is smaller than .tga IIRC

Looks really cool btw. If you can keep the map under 150~ people won't mind as long as the map as a whole is good (lt_unicorn is about 160mb and nobody would complain about that, however people will probably remove fruits2 and froots from their HDD since they're just 200mb of puke)

[truktruk]

The map looks super fun, I'm looking forward to trying it out!

[horsefeathers]

thanks for the tip jux, I will definitely look into that. I was going to try png to see if I could get some compression out of it.

Edit: png didn't save any datas.

[Sacred]

If it's worth wasting that much space for putting your name into your map...

[horsefeathers]

So I guess you think its not worth it.

[Sacred]

I personally don't put my name into my maps anymore so no, I don't think it's worth it.

[horsefeathers]

Hello everyone,
I have an update here. I worked on the spawn and balanced the end a bit. The end is now harder and I added a half circle ramp connecting the two curved ramps. I also almost finished the detail work on the second part. Here is a link to the download:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/xbl8m595athnpoe/surf_nostromo_alpha3.bsp?dl=0

Give it a shot and tell me what you think.

[horsefeathers]

Hey dudes
I finished the details on the main map and worked on a couple bonuses. There are still details and polish so some areas might not look perfect, but the textures and lighting are tentatively done (I might sharpen some shadows or brighten areas based on feedback). One of the bonuses has robust brush work done but the lighting isn't done and the other bonus is only the skeleton. There are no entrances to the bonuses on the main map yet, which is another thing left to do, but the release is approaching.

Hence this is a beta release, here is a download: https://www.dropbox.com/s/7uf39c7d8j9sgj0/surf_nostromo_beta.bsp?dl=0

Feedback is always appreciated.

[truktruk]

I tried out the version before your current release and I thought it was fantastic. Gonna download this version and give it a go within the next few days. :)

[Sacred]

116 MB wat..

[Sacred]

I swear I'll decompile the map, delete those 60 MB signs and make _ksf version if you don't optimize it.

I hope it's just all those custom textures and not just the signs that make it that big.

[horsefeathers]

Chill your tits.
First of all, I removed the expensive name animation a while ago. Secondly, I optimized the hologram effects just now by cutting out the parts that weren't being used. I saved about 75% from each holo effect, so the total spent on animated textures is now only 6mb. I could save more by making them scrolling textures but I tried that and I didn't like the way it looked. The entire map is about 103mb now; besides the 6mb on animated texs, the rest is spent on custom textures and some cubemaps. The map is just going to end up being big; I'm not going to remove the animated textures.
dl: https://www.dropbox.com/s/0c856u6vcx20hbv/surf_nostromo_beta2.bsp?dl=0

[horsefeathers]

Hello everyone
I have an update here; I'm pretty far along now and nearing completion. I finished both bonuses and made an end area with the credits and access to the bonuses. The bonuses can also be entered early from hidden spots in the map. What I have left on the list is: make more detail signs and decals, rebuild some of the ramps and other things that got destroyed by hammer, clean up ugly shadows, and place cubemaps throughout. This version is fully functional and is basically a pre-release version, although the final will have some more shit in it.
Here is the link to the map: https://www.dropbox.com/s/5yg8d5ppu6th2lm/surf_nostromo_beta3.bsp?dl=0

And here are some pictures of the end and one of the bonuses
bonus:
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/17419604/2015-04-26_00001.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/17419604/2015-04-26_00002.jpg

end:
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/17419604/2015-05-08_00001.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/17419604/2015-05-08_00008.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/17419604/2015-05-08_00009.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/17419604/2015-05-08_00013.jpg

[streebree]

this map is really pretty. I don't see why 100mb is a big deal. I'd rather have a nice looking map than and cheap map and the signs add a lot to the environment.

Anyway, I tested it. I didn't beat it but i got pretty far. I don't notice any problems with the surf. Really cool aesthetic and fun to surf.

[Prostagma]

I played the map today on random csgo server. Did both the bonusses and savelocced the map but couldn't get around to finishing the map normally. I really like the style and it's overall just a good map. Great work! ^^


Sacred plz add.

[fr3shz]

I played the map today on random csgo server.
You're welcome :o

As for the map, it's awesome and flows insanely well. The bonus stages are super fun too!

[horsefeathers]

The map is pretty much done and after a few more meta things are finished I will post it; it should be not more than a couple more days. I wanted to get peoples opinions; out of those who tested it, what tier do you think it is?

Also here are some screen shots:
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/17419604/map%20screens/2015-05-08_00004.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/17419604/map%20screens/2015-05-22_00004.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/17419604/map%20screens/2015-05-22_00014.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/17419604/map%20screens/2015-05-28_00032.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/17419604/map%20screens/2015-05-28_00022.jpg

[truktruk]

All the download links are 404'd for me. I'd love to try out the latest version.

[horsefeathers]

pics should be fixed. Also I deleted the other beta versions because they were taking up space. I reuploaded the last beta right now though.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/p9aad5g24szbr5v/surf_nostromo_beta_v5.bsp?dl=0

[Mooster Cow]

um nice file size

[Crayz]

um nice file size

bhop_badg3s = 500mb, makes this map look micro.

never forget

[truktruk]

It's definitely a harder t4 or an easier t5. Either way it's a great surf, I enjoyed playing it very much!

[horsefeathers]

I finished

http://css.gamebanana.com/maps/186084

[fr3shz]

sick map

[Sacred]

What about the new sc skipping the whole thing after CP3, horsefeathers? Do you want it to be removed?

[horsefeathers]

I knew about this skip and knew it was possible on 100t but not on 66t so im fine with it.