FreeFall Returns

[takwu]

FreeFall... The only stock map that is "love it or hate it". But even if you're in the "hate it" crowd, you can't deny that FreeFall is special, and it's a part of XMP that cannot be taken out.

So as part of the XMP resurrection - FreeFall Returns!

This time, I try to make it play more like a normal map, yet retain as much of the original map as I can. First up: no more low grav! I changed the gravity back to normal level. Also the mutator is removed, so you do get fall damage.

Now you need a way to get around, so I installed a network of walkways. On these walkways you can literally walk from DP to Arti to Gen and back and again... No more falling, unless you try something stupid, and fail...

Now you can play the map like a normal map, with a FreeFall taste. It's still very much a Ranger map, with lots of sniping opportunities. Gunners can really take shortcuts with the conc jump, but watch where you land... Techs are most effective on blocking all those narrow paths, so brush up on your Pac-man strategies.

Batman Returns. Superman Returns. Just as you thought it was all over - FreeFall Returns!

http://members.shaw.ca/takwu/XMP/XMP-FreeFallReturns.zip

 

[Leo(T.C.K.)]

Could you add there somewhere the Sanctuary generator pit with the heavyskaarj? Because it was meant to be in that asteroid actually, the alpha had it, although in samller version and it was not generator at all, but there was that with the lift. It could be cool if you could add the grappling hooks (tractor beams) to the game as it was meant before to ply this map.

 

[Jackal]

could'a used jumpads.

That'd be pretty cool too.

 

[takwu]

Leo,
I actually think the generator pit would be kinda nice in an XMP map, for wall dodging and stuff. Not sure how it fits in FreeFall, but as it is, that area, including the outdoor part, would work with XMP characters and vehicles as well.

Jackal,
You have no idea... I spent an entire day (10+ hours) putting jumppads on almost every asteroid. The problem is, jumppad directions are fixed. So each jumppad needs to be optimized for a certain destination - i.e. another asteroid.

The problem with that is 1) you might want a few jumppads on each asteroid, for a few different destinations. Especially considering the changing priorities during XMP gameplay (RGB is not XMP...). 2) it's hard to optimize. The jumppad has a 3D vector (XYZ) for the velocity, and you basically put in random numbers until you get it right. UT2004 jumppads use destination point instead, for that very reason. 3) your freedom is restricted due to the jumppad's limitation. You can't really say "I want to go there" because you are on an asteroid in the middle of space with jumppads that let you go "here, and here".

So after dinner, I started from scratch. The walkways are comparably less restrictive (still somewhat). At least you can pick which way to go, at any time. I built the network of walkways till the next morning. I re-considered using jumppads while building the walkways, to get to high places. But in the end there was no need.

For example I used two ramps to get to the giant turret control, where I could've used jumppads. That was more because of my fatigue than anything: at that point I was so efficient building the walkways I didn't want to bother with that dinky little jumppad actor. But it turns out the ramps are more fun in that room than the jumppads would be.

Having said that, a few thoughtfully placed jumppads could certainly improve the map. It's just a bit too much work for me to do it properly The only stock maps that use jumppads are NaKoja and Alcazar, in both cases they are used to get to higher places.

Hopefully, the walkways alone are fun enough for everyone to enjoy this map. And we can all say "GG" in FreeFall Returns

 

[(GR)Killer]

We need a map that has sandy white beaches, crystal clear water, and a palm tree forest that leads upwards to maybe a volcano. Maybe have 1 base ontop of the volcano, another at the other end of the island. The island size? hmmm, maybe alittle big but not too big.

 

[zombiewoof]

We need a map that has sandy white beaches, crystal clear water, and a palm tree forest that leads upwards to maybe a volcano. Maybe have 1 base ontop of the volcano, another at the other end of the island. The island size? hmmm, maybe alittle big but not too big.

werkin on it.

 

[Leo(T.C.K.)]

Hint how to do the destination of jumppad quickier, place an actor where you wanna have the final destination, copy the xyz location (in movement menu), then delete the actor and place the locations on the jumppad destination.

About the pit: It was a part of the base inside the asteroid, it was smaller than in sanctuary, but it had same pillar lift inside and the pit wasn't open from top (it was open from side a bit I think), only at the lift or something.
the asteroid t3d might have it or something.

 

[GreatEmerald]

...and it's a part of XMP that cannot be taken out.

False. Look at UTXMP! Would love to see Freefall there though.

We need a map that has sandy white beaches, crystal clear water, and a palm tree forest that leads upwards to maybe a volcano. Maybe have 1 base ontop of the volcano, another at the other end of the island. The island size? hmmm, maybe alittle big but not too big.

You are talking about XMP-IslandHop, aren't you?

 

[takwu]

Leo,
like I said in UT2K4 you can do that with jumppads - just set the destination. But in U2XMP, jumppads don't have destination, just a velocity vector, so it's hard to optimize

GreatEmerald,
UTXMP is missing a lot of stuff that defines XMP. FreeFall is only one example. Therefore, UTXMP is not complete!

 

[Leo(T.C.K.)]

Ah now I looked at it at editor, yeah well it's just set by velocity.

 

[BlueX]

wow ppl are still buildin maps for xmp. cool

 

[Pinkey]

That's no reason for you to come back though soldier.

 

[GreatEmerald]

By the way, if the jump pad has only a vector thingie, then it's no jump pad - it's a Kicker!