Project Z

Tex · 07-28-2008

Project Z

By: The ABCrew
(Shad0w Viper & TxsOutlaw003 (Tex))
Don't know who The ABCrew is?
Click Here.

Other maps by The ABCrew:

Project S (Original Thread)

Project S (Featured Thread)

Project U

Project X

Map Description:

Our first asymmetrical map. Even with its asymmetry, it plays well symmetrically. Something that is really hard to find, but we had to pull if off, and I think we did.

We also implemented a switch in the map, something we haven't done yet. I know it is a very petty switch, but it makes asymmetrical games that much better. NOTE: The switch is only there for asymmetrical games, in symmetrical games there is no sender/receiver node.

A few of the better things about the map? Well, the entire map is just about merged with the ground, removing those pesky grenades-falling-under the boxes problem. Also, Shad0w came up with a really sweet design, shown in the picture at the top of the page. There is more, but you will have to point them out yourself in your posts.

We also implemented some asymmetrical/symmetrical weapon layout. In asymmetrical games, we have a flamethrower on top of the little "Kentucky Tango." As for symmetrical games there is a machine gun turret and a sentinel beam. There is a bit of re-arranging from asymmetrical to symmetrical in the placement of the bubble shield aswell.

Much love goes to Kentucky Tango by Cosmic Rick for his original design of the star pattern.

And more love goes to Draw the Line & Chipsinabox for helping with spawns. Without their help, it wouldn't play nearly as great as it does.

Especially thanks to everyone who helped in testing! <3 you guys.

Gametypes Supported:

ABC Flag (Multi-Flag)

ABC 1Flag (1-Flag)

Territories

Team Slayer

FFA

Suggested players:

3v3 to 4v4

Film:

For Better Quality, Click Here

A review by The Review Hub:

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Yellow

Map Name: Project Z
Author(s): Tex & Shad0w Viper
Reviewed by: The Yellow

Enjoyment: 9/10

Ok, I'm sure by now everyone who is reading this is familiar with the ABC crew, if not, well then shoot yourself in the foot. Project Z, the map this review is about, maybe the best Project release yet. For the first time ever, Tex and Shad0w Viper have created an asymetric map. Frankly with how it turned out, I'd like them to continue doing so. It was so fun. Last night E93, Pegasi, Gunslinger and a few others, and myself, played Project Z. We played a few games of Slayer and ABC Flag, (Bomb didn't work, but as Tex said, it's k). We all enjoyed this. There was always something happening. It was a great assortment of blasting, hopping, doging and ducking. Just overall fun. The geometry made things seem different, not just plain old Foundry.

Balance: 9.5/10

Balance is a thing many map creators fail to think about when constructing their maps. Often times one area becomes a mosh pit and one player can easily control the map. But with Project Z, dun wry guys, it goin b k. I don't know how they did it, but this map, wow, almost perfectly balanced. Maybe it is the great layout of weapons, each has it advatnages and disadvantages all over the map, keeping things go'in and flow'in. Maybe it is the perfect combination of cover and jumps. All these factors were obviously painstakingly thought out, tested, and re-tested. My only complaint abou balance was that at times players on top of the center wall seemed a bit too powerful, with rockets they could rain down hell. But only for a short time before Tex is like "bish get down here". But all in all, terrifiengly well balanced map.

Durability: 9.5/10

Now, I know what most of you are thinking. 9.5/10??? Well, I actually managed to find a way out of this map. I saved the video as well if proof is later needed. Now, I'd say that for most people you wouldn't be able to get out. I know though that if someone figured out how to it's likely it could be done in game, but really, it serves practically no purpose. That is the only reason this didn't score a perfect 10, but overall, this map was blocked off well and the blocking looks good too.

Aesthetics: 9/10

This map looks so clean, so well merged, and I didn't see any of that annoying little "flicker" from interlocking. The entire map looked as one, all the structures looked liked they belonged and were all part of a whole. I was also in love with that double box merged way at the back near the covered doors, great job on that. Probably the only thing about it is that there isn't anything so radically different that you stop in game and ponder and drool over it. There just didn't seem to be anything like a signature piece such as the octagonal hall in Reflex that everyone all knows. But when it comes down to it, when a map plays this well, it doesn't really matter that much about aesthetics.

Originality: 8.5/10

Yes yes, making maps fashioned after letters in te English alphabet is a rather clever idea. The map did indeed have some use of geometry I have never seen before. Especially the nice use of Foundry's back area. The map did have those little "star" boxes such as in Kentucky Tango. They did look good, but weren't completely original, even though a new touch with bridges was added. And building a map centered around a form of a dividing wall, well, it's been a good number of times. But hey, I mean come on, it is still a big Z so there's not much more someone can want.

Overall: 9.5/10

All in all this is a map that I'm certain no sane person would want to miss out on. Excellent gameplay... A weapons layout that is perfectly balanced and fun to utilize. Numerous jumps that can provide some amazing kills or saves. The spawns were as close to great as one can achieve with a map on Foundry. And the fun that one will have while playing on this magnificent playground of destruction... well... you'll just have to find out for yourself. I can't really put it all in words

Pictures:

It's apparent that I must post an edit here...SO:

Quote:

Originally Posted by evan12075

There was only one thing i was disappointed with aesthetically... that turret structure made with the corner walls... i dont know if it was a crooked geomerge or interlocking, or if you meant to make it crooked like that.

Glad you enjoyed the map overall, though, I really want to stress that the crooked corner walls, although crooked, serve a purpose...actually, 3 purposes...

A) Smooth walkway

B) 3 points of cover

C) Not a fucking standard boxy look...ewwww boxy look...

And some old pictures that kinda show the map a little better:

Here is the "switch" in action:
*Switch is only there for asymmetrical games.

Notice how you can't enter it right away.

Run to base 2's gate side (Far back right if looking at large doors).

Get the barrel out of the way.

Now for the rest of the round, you and your team are free to use the teleporter.

Again, here is the link to download.

DomiBoy · 07-28-2008

I wanted your first post to be worthy of this map, reserving this space was a must. Sorry everyone behind me with the itchy fingers, maybe next time!

My oh my, so this is the final turnout of what was once my amazing (failure) collaboration map competition... wow, looks like I would've been beaten to a pulp, on account of both my map still being no where near finished and just looking at the beauty of what is project Z. Looks like you've gone and earned that poopy color for yourself now, even though I doubt you'll want to leave your purple-dome.

Onto the map; I love it, completely and thoroughly. You've mastered the art of using window panels perfectly to keep game play flowing to a maximum extent and everything you've done is so neat and accurate it's something one could say "Wow, how did they manage that? I'm still a bit disappointed over the fact that my suggestions were trashed after Foundry decided to eat your boxes, but that's okay considering you've implemented an equally cool Kentucky Tango styled tower in it's place. Even your (lazy) switch incorporated into game play works great!

Fantastic work, Tex. Hope to see more alphabet soon, Sir.

eguitarplaya33 · 07-28-2008

Wow amazing map 5/5 got my download

Scratch that ^ That was spam sorry posted a long time ago

Ok, its an project map meaning it should be great, and it is.
I love the originality of this map, gameplay is incredible and all the weapons are just perfectly placed throughout the map.

Great Map 9.5/10

Chipsinabox · 07-28-2008

Omg this is so cool it my favorite map of all time great job man. I love the massive amounts of interlocking and geo-merging it makes you map look so cool. 5/5

lol.

I see you used my photoshopped pictures. To everyone, this is a Grade A foundry map variant on our hands here. The ABCrew always develops maps that are as good as homemade. I have only played ABC flag twice on Project Z so far, but it has been some of the best gameplay I have had In ages. I greatly recommend Project Z to gamers of all tastes.

(this message has been approved and paid for by Tex)

Paulie Walnuttz · 07-28-2008

wow tex, you did it again another great map, i really like the towers and the tall feeling in the pics, 1 flag looks really fun, i shall download and play it looks really fun, ill get back to you, with great feedback im sure.

philthyphillup · 07-28-2008

Out of all your Project maps, this one seems out of place (not in a bad way), because besides Project U it seems really open. I think this looks like a terrific map , ill DL as soon as i get room to do so. Now just make a Project P!

Chipsinabox · 07-28-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paulie Walnuttz

wow tex, you did it again another great map, i really like the towers and the tall feeling in the pics, 1 flag looks really fun, i shall download and play it looks really fun, ill get back to you, with great feedback im sure.

Learn to read dumby. This is Shadow Viper's map as well. If you haven't noticed by now, all Project maps were made by Tex AND SHADOW VIPER.

LOCKdownN · 07-28-2008

yay, it finally done, i remember playing at this with chips and Shadow viper

it looked amazing even when it wasn't finished.

i love how you made it a "Z", yet mad in aysemetrical. once again another great map from you 2

evan12075 · 07-28-2008

i was looking forward to this ever since you posted about how this was supposed to be your 2000th post. from the pics it looks really great and i guess i can kinda see the z... well thats not the most important part. i'll have to DL to take a closer look and play it. i'll be back after doing so.

thesilencebroken · 07-28-2008

fantastically amazing. the star design has never worked so well before. i really really love the layout and everything. this map is truely unique man. ill definately be downloading and playing soon. i see you in brown-red soon enough. :D