MnP Map Development and Release - Derelict!

[hundreds]

- this space reserved for the release -

[hundreds]

With MnP Squatters finally in our rear view mirror, we'd like to start up a new MnP dev thread concerning our next map project:

MnP Derelict!

The map has been in development for a little while now, but I have recently been trying to break out of a creativity block, so I have forced myself to start working on it today.

Without getting to wordy, the basic idea behind this map is: a space station was right smack in the middle of a run-of-the-mill exploratory mission when without warning it was bombarded by millions of small meteors. This left the ship a complete disaster and, noticeably, cut in half. Derelict will play out as a fort style map, with worms battling from across a chasm that is primarily made up of particles and chunks of what used to be an intact space station. It will be possible to cross to the other fort with the right kind of jumping or roping, but it should be tricky enough to frustrate or delight you.

I have attached a nice little preliminary screenshot below so let us know what you think!

http://www.mnpp.net/files/worms/inwork/Derelict1.jpg

[Rodent]

That looks awesome for now... as usual! I suppose that scheme will contain unlimited amount of low gravity utility? If armageddon wasn't so powerful weapon, scheme could be awesome with that one in unlimited amount too... maybe :D

[Lex]

This is a great idea. If you release a low gravity version scaled to double the normal gravity version's size, that would be super-impressive too.

[hundreds]

Yeah I have a feeling that is going to be a difficult bridge to cross when I get to it. The first thing everyone thinks of with a "space hulk" map is low gravity. Problem is, there really isn't an easy way to emulate it in WA.

Sure, you could give plenty of low gravity utils. But it isn't REALLY low gravity at all. Couple it with the fact that by the time this map is done, there will be hundreds of things floating in ZERO gravity while your worms are jumping around clearly controlled by SOME sort of gravity, and you get a weird situation.

Top it all off with the fact that we design for both WA and WR and really aren't going to be releasing two different sized maps (due to the serious length of time required to do that). WR doesn't even HAVE a low gravity util. :(

I think, unless someone has a better suggestion, what we will wind up doing is giving low-grav utils to the WA crowd in the scheme as a limited resource, and make sure it shows up in crates often. This way you will get that "outer space" feeling and it might not be abused. In WR, there won't be anything like that.

In the end, I am pretty sure I am going to come up with some goofy mumbo jumbo about how worms have developed an immunity to gravitional oddities and therefore it is totally natural for them to be hopping from a floating piece of debris as though they were on earth.

:)

[Lex]

I thought you guys used vector art recently, meaning that scaling to double size would be trivial. Was I mistaken? (It's okay to just say "yes".)

[CyberShadow]

In the end, I am pretty sure I am going to come up with some goofy mumbo jumbo about how worms have developed an immunity to gravitional oddities and therefore it is totally natural for them to be hopping from a floating piece of debris as though they were on earth.Magnet boots! (Well, worms don't have feet, but that's the general idea :p)

[hundreds]

Perfect.

@Lex: Yeah it's vector, but trivial is about as far from the truth as it gets. Doing something like that would result in a sort of "zoomed in" look (albeit still crisp), with items and objects just too big to still look good.

The fact is that we design the maps literally piece by piece to match the target style of game play. I would have to start "almost" from scratch and adjust each part of the map. As it is, once both sides of this map are complete, I will have to design a... debris field... that actually can be traversed using jumping and it must work for BOTH games. Not looking forward to it.

[bonz]

Magnet boots! (Well, worms don't have feet, but that's the general idea :p)
Or the worms have swallowed some magnets from WR. :)

[Explorer]

I will have to design a... debris field... that actually can be traversed using jumping and it must work for BOTH games. Not looking forward to it.

Like a platform game? That would be fun. :)

[hundreds]

I estimate making around 1000 different chunks of debris in varying sizes to allow multiple paths across the open space between both parts of the space station.

The idea is to encourage the opponents to cross to the other fort - although at a risk (kinda like Family Feud). I am even going to throw some limited ropes to allow worms to gain access to the other forts by that means as well.

[mushroom]

what's mnp?

[bonz]

what's mnp?
http://www.mnpp.net/

Hundreds is one of those guys. Not sure if he's the meat or the potatoes though.

[CyberShadow]

His signature answers everything.

[hundreds]

Hah. I'm da meat. Jer is a vegetarian.

[hundreds]

Well I've got another nice little screenshot. Work on the "space hulk" is tedious and extensive. I've actually got a little outside help on this one too; Sheldon from the UK is helping with some creative research to keep me motivated to complete the map. Thanks!

Well here it is:

http://www.mnpp.net/files/worms/inwork/Derelict2.jpg

[Drury]

What about "SSV MNP"?

[hundreds]

Please enlighten me.

[Drury]

http://masseffect.wikia.com/wiki/SSV_Normandy

Although, ISS (international space station) would be better too. It looks like space station to me... I just don't get why it is "USS"

[Wormetti]

SSV = Sailing Ship Vessel. It doesn't seem suitable to any space craft.

HMS = Her Majesty's Ship. It has a US flag, so that's highly unlikely.

USS = United States Ship. This seems fine but ISS sounds good too.

[Esbern]

Looks great! Really looking forward to play on it! :D

[Drury]

USS is mostly used by US Navy, not space stuff... But yeah, it's just small detail.

[Muzer]

USS is used in Star Trek ;) (standing for "United Space Ship" or "United Star Ship" - as in the United Federation of Planets)

[hundreds]

See? This is exactly why I make these threads. I had no idea WHAT to use and now I am going with "ISS MNP". Not sure if I am going to leave the US Flag, even though I think the Shuttles are mainly US. Might be looking for suggestions on what to put there instead.

Thanks!!!