Legendary Sahara of Snow

[aMoeba]

Download Map

:Preparation; a short:

The frigate picked up transmissions from the surface of the planet, excavating the resources. The vessel was on an operation – one to seize the rebels. The rebels had come a few years ago and wiped out the inhabitants, no military reserve was within proper distance. They had no plan of evacuation or any form of defense. The frigate came down close into the atmosphere, scanning the bases. Bases 1 and 2 were cleared out. The rebels were on protocol. There were no further than a hundred of them – sitting in the desolate wasteland of frost. The rebels were preparing a new hydraulic system to extend the power of their currently most important project, the gravity shift. The frigate, along with its crew, knew that the time left was diminutive.

The navigation computer’s electronic voice ran over the comm: “We will be dropping in a single hour. All soldiers be armed and ready for battle.”

The squadrons dashed to the armory, where they collected their firepower. A nice arsenal of standard Battle Rifles and anti vehicle weaponry should suit them well. The freighter’s bays leisurely opened, illuminating the base of operations. It would plunge a temporary base down the planet, which the troops would utilize for munitions and medication purposes for the duration of combat. The rebels were no simple chore – they are more acquainted with this position more than us. Dropping in with low intelligence on the perimeter wasn’t the smartest initiative, but it’s the risk that had to be taken.

“Rick, what would you suppose our chances of survival are?”

“Heh.” Rick sneered. “None.”

“That’s a bit of a drastic opinion, don’t you think?”

“Not at all,” he said, his voice diminishing in volume, as he left to the bays.
Jason pondered the situation. No survival rate? He bowed his head and said his prayers, hoping that there would be a way to win.

“Hey, you!” The sergeant barked at him, motioning for him to get to the bays. “We got to go, now!”

Jason pulled himself out from his seat, wiping his tears. He took long strides to the drop – base, and swiftly turned to find the seating area, everyone ready apart from him. He ran into his accommodate, grabbing the holster and putting it over his chest.

The captain came in, looking at the AI. He glared at Jason, not sympathetic to his demise, then reverted his eyes to the AI. “When are we dropping this thing?”

“As soon as you get seated, Captain,” the AI replied, her feminine voice seeming to calm the soldiers of the impending doom. The captain approached the observation window, and strapped himself in.

The AI began running system scans. “Engine… online. Schematics… online. HUD… online.”

A flash of information was displayed in each soldier’s helmet, which was wirelessly and magnetically connected to all of their equipment. It displayed their heart’s bpm, their ammunition count, and all basic and advanced information regarding their well being and suit status. The siren blared, signifying the freighter had been hit, conceivably with an anti air missile. The drop – base was ruptured, all the while the hinges slowly began to snap and unfold.

“Prepare to drop.”

The seating chamber separated from the base in mid air atmosphere. The feeling of gravity pulling down on you at this rate of movement was incredibly exhilarating. The massive pod rumbled, gaining tons of atmospheric friction as it pulled into descent. It plowed into the snow and its pieces imploded into the area. The drop – base came moments later, sending a wave of aftershock throughout the soldiers’ bodies. The harnesses rolled up, and simultaneously each soldier stood and turned on their suits.

It was time.

:The History:

This long awaited map, Sahara of Snow, is finally here. Scheduled for release in August, things came short and I didn’t feel I had enough testing. I continued to test and made some more major changes. Finally balancing it, I felt it ready for release. I patched up the last few things and posted it in my file share, followed by a preview here on FH. Sahara of Snow has come a long way in its forging history. Back in early July, I felt that I never made a map showing what I could make with the forge, which truly exemplified my skill. Every time I made a map – it would end up short in one area or the other. I would start not caring about aesthetics, or gameplay, among other things. That lousiness was over. Propelling myself into the two month project that Sahara of Snow was, it was a very quickly made map. Though two months may not seem like much for this map, I assure that’s not all. Two months of effort, and over 110 hours of work. The first version with just construction hit about 85 hours, much before ghost merging originated. This was planning, designing, and testing various gameplay elements before beginning to actually test it. On the first version, I had included a cavern as an entrance. During testing I had realize this was an extremely fatal flaw so I blocked the cavern altogether. Additionally, I made many weapon changes and vehicle changes. Sahara of Snow was playing great, but there was something that I didn’t feel brought out its potential, and I think everyone else thought the same. I moved the objective closer to the outside of the shotgun room and did some final touches. I had hit the spot. Sahara of Snow harnessed excellent gameplay and amazing aesthetics. I felt it was truly worthy of now being posted. Sahara of Snow is my pride and joy. My hope is just that you play this map, and enjoy it. I have put countless tiresome hair ripping hours into this map, and to see my work become appreciated by the community is all that I wish.

:Map Specifications:

Name: Sahara of Snow
Author: NewbAmoeba
Version: 0.99
Player count: 12-16 (16 recommended)
Weapon defaults: BR primary, AR secondary
Gametypes: One Flag/One Bomb recommended, supports Territories and One Sided VIP.
Time spent: 110+ hours

:Weapon List:

Weapons:

Battle Rifle x 1 (BR starts is recommended after all)
Sniper Rifle x 3
SMG x 4
Spiker x 2
Magnum x 2
Plasma Pistol x 3
Needler x 2
Brute Shot x 1
Rocket Launcher x 1
Spartan Laser x 1
Machine Gun Turret x 2
Missile Pod x 2
Carbine x 2
Mauler x 2

Equipment:

Plasma grenade x 16
Bubble Shield x 1
Power Drain x 1
Trip Mine x 1
Regenerator x 1
Radar Jammer x 1
Deployable Cover x 1
Active Camo x 1

:Tips and Strategies:

:Tips:

Defender tips:

• Take out the Hornet quickly.
• Get to neutral sniper and eliminate incoming enemies.
• Throw the trip mine into the middle entrance to prevent an early rush.
• Do not under any circumstances waste the missile pod.
• Sniper may have 0 extra clips, but it respawns every 60 seconds.
• The goodies are on top of the base, and the objective is on bottom. Have a fair balance with your team.
• Watch out for people sneaking in from the far entrance.
• You must jump into the teleporters to get into them.
• There are two strategically placed ghost edges used to assist getting around.

Attacker tips:

• Rush for the Hornet.
• If the enemy gets the hornet, you have two plasma pistols and a missile pod.
• The active camo in the open single box near the defender's base is extremely useful.
• If you get to the neutral sniper first, use it to snipe and cover your allies as they retrieve the objective.
• To the right of your spawn is a tower where a sniper is located up top which can be used for defense or otherwise.
• There is a radar jammer near the cavern entrance at your base.
• Sneak around, there's a needler.
• There's a back up mongoose at the sub base, with rockets. Rocket Race anyone?
• Wraith spawns later in the game. Watch for it, and make sure your enemy does not get it.
• Do not leave the intended playing area. It is blocked by teleporters.

Strategies:

Attacker Strategies:

Creator: NewbAmoeba
Strategy #1: The Rush
Required participants: Six
Gametype: One Flag/One Bomb
The Strategy: Have 3 men quickly pile up in the hog, side seat carrying bomb if its One Bomb. Have 2 men get into a Mongoose and go to the far side and sneak in, then go up top and eliminate any defenders you see. The hog should rush in from the middle entrance and the gunner has the responsibility of eliminating any trip mines. Have a final man get in the Ghost and boost to the Hornet. Use the hornet to assist your teammates and be a secondary pick up option for a flag carrier.

Creator: MultiLockOn
Strategy #2: Safety
Required Participants:1
Gametype: One Bomb / One Flag
The strategy: Grab the sniper at spawn and bubble shield and take out the defender's sniper on their tower. Go towards hornet and dispose of any visible players from there. From then, either grab the hornet, or go through the teleporter to gain the neutral sniper giving you an amazing view of the defender's base. Once you move forward grab the camo and assist any players in the base.

Defender Strategies:

Creator: NewbAmoeba
Strategy #1: Map Control
Required participants: Six
Gametype: One Flag/One Bomb
The Strategy: The first person must get in the mongoose and quickly drive over to the Hornet. If you can, steal it and cover their missile pod. Do your best to prevent the attackers gaining the hornet. Three more men should go up top at the beginning, one should grab the sniper, one should get the missile pod, and a final one should get the spartan laser. Use them cautiously and defend the base of all vehicles. The fifth man should go through the man cannon and grab the neutral sniper, picking off any dangerous enemies and supporting his allies. The final sixth man should grab the trip mine and mauler and stay on the lower level. Defend the bridge and middle entry. Only throw the trip mine if there is a warthog about to run into it. The sixth man should be able to communicate when the enemy is about to obtain the objective.

Feel free to tell me your own strategies with this format, and I will add them.

Outside defender's base overview


Inside defender's base overview


Attacker's base overview


Attacker's sub base overview


Blue starting spawn


Red starting spawn


Bridge entrance (now changed to make it easier)


Middle entrance


Third entrance not shown

Sniper tower


Neutral sniper spawn


Outlands (you sneak in from over here)


Rolling Valley


Safe spawn


Bridges


Mancannon (you land over by the single box)


The halfway mark. Don't cross! Nothing over there.


Sub base teleporter to neutral sniper


Tower teleporter


Trip teleporter to second story


B.net rendered video - you'll see more of the map then action, large but inactive party (you'll see myself go AFK a few times) but its on the most recent version of the map.

It shows that I'm playing on default button layout although I actually play bumper jumper.. strange

Testers list (90 or so, thank you all!) bolded special people

MultiLockOn - Helped with most, if not all patches and tweaks. Attended all tests.
Zachary9990
AceOfSpades0707
XxAbstainxX
AngelzFire
xXHysteria08
Cory021
Conkerkid11
Slash34715
Twitchy Bacon
used man
ExtreemKablooie
XIpUn15h3rIX
Urban Myth XXXX
Master Debayter
Bartoge
TheSteelKnight
IceIsNice
TM I GoDShoT
Staguel
SPAR7AN 018
Frozen Banshee
jabob bradely (wish you weren't here)
cptpwnage1996
FH RacingLeague (lololol)
SilvenRobinGood
irishALBO
SIROIS1218
Silver0range - Offered great suggestions.
Jackoooooooo
DoWw - Offered great suggestions and there for many tests.
x Tucan Sam 5 x
DarkDeveloper
RawRgasim
St33lyDaN76
BicMac003
iTz Fuzzywig
Lunarnious
Son of Sue
KWDzero
MASTERMAN187
CostlyAxis
Zoa The Wind
Boykin91
mista tipsta
AuSam
general alarm
DOA PRODIGY07
meltyourtv
Artiver
policedylan (why do I even mention his name, I know not)
jmen77
TopOfHer
PsychoBucket
owndbiglime1
bandana pirate
Chin Brothers
iWiggums
Stonato - Here the whole way. Motivational support.
xSharpshooter94
Tylyr1
FiendishCash
Supreme KILA 54
Viperforce One
Whats A Scope
Ultra Magma Man
Arsalan Rehman
InnerSandman15
Playerhata27
Squirrel Rider
Halo Nemo
Broc Rambo
R0FLninja
bos45redsox
Pelgore
Scorched Fire 2
Yuri Brute
My Drunk Buddy
L1ZARDLuvr
sooke e sam
Cryptokid
POTWINKLES
MNM1245
Xx Taisho xX
mista tipsta
Skittlemeister0
ell3ment
Vincent Torre
STORMTROOPER118
ernadc
DreamCrusher11
lVlR SlUSHee

Thank you so much to all my testers, this map couldn't have been tweaked to perfection if it weren't for you guys. Most of you left after two minutes, but at least gave me a motivational splurge. If I missed you, I'm sorry, thanks to you. If your name is mispelled/incorrect feel free to post and I'll fix it.

That concludes the thread. Thanks to you all who read the whole thing, this thread took me a long time to make. Download link at the top or the following:

Download Map

[MultiLockOn]

Truly a beautiful map. During testing people had trouble playing the first couple games because they were still taking the entirety of the map in. Beautifully done aesthetically, gameplay as you kindly pointed out probably surpasses even Castleanche. I'm going to personally say right now this is hands down the best one sided Flag and Bomb map I have ever played, ever. Your hours of testing definitely payed off, as I saw the map transform throughout the weeks, even though you had to sacrifice much that you loved about the map. I can't tell anyone who haven't played this map how balanced it is, it really is a beauty.

[mista tipsta]

There is no doubt that this is a great map. For the more serious games, and the fun games people get from Big Team Battle. and you had great use of the objects available to you on Avalanche!
This is just sooo... Awesome! I cant get over it.

[Death YoYo]

Originally Posted by MultiLockOn

Truly a beautiful map. During testing people had trouble playing the first couple games because they were still taking the entirety of the map in. Beautifully done aesthetically, gameplay as you kindly pointed out probably surpasses even Castleanche. I'm going to personally say right now this is hands down the best one sided Flag and Bomb map I have ever played, ever. Your hours of testing definitely payed off, as I saw the map transform throughout the weeks, even though you had to sacrifice much that you loved about the map. I can't tell anyone who haven't played this map how balanced it is, it really is a beauty.

This is an understatement. Thank you for sending me a pm, and I will definately downlload this immediatly. I have never played a one sided map this amazing, and never one this even. No matter how long you go around looking at it, not matter how long you play it, there still is only one possible thing you could have trouble with in any situation. The stupid random color generator for double boxes on avalanche. Once again it takes an absolutely amazing map, one definately worthy of outstanding praise for it wonderful gameplay, and makes it seem almost sloppy. Dont let that fool you at all. You will play this for quite some time before you get over the sheer awesomeness of how cool it is, then you will be once again overwelmed by the splendid gameplay. Download this, regardless of what your first impression is. 10/10

...do I hear a feature!?

[JumpMan]

Certainly not everyday that you get to see a map this well thought out and awesome! This loks like so much fun with 16 ppl... Hopefully we can play this next TGIF. I will be sure to play this when i can, btw nice description.

[Dow]

The reason this map beats most asymmetrical avalanche maps is the fact that it completely involves the player with the flow of the map. Almost every path is well thought out in coordination with points of interest. When I pick up a sniper rifle, I think to myself "damn, I am really glad I have a sniper rife in this spot" and not only that, but not one single spot is too overpowered when it comes to lines of sight.

I was glad to help test, and think the map came out really great.

5/5, and is one of only 2 Avalanche map with a home on my hard drive.

[cory21]

Wow, I barely remember testing this, though now I remember it. It is an interesting map, and definitely something unique in terms of Avalanche. Although something I'm noticing now,but not during playtesting, is that you can get out. Easily... Why didn't attempt to make a little more 'intimidating' barrier. The teleporters are a little odd.

Also, I like the effect you put on your pictures, I might try that; though it is a little messy in some places.

[MultiLockOn]

Originally Posted by cory21

Wow, I barely remember testing this, though now I remember it. It is an interesting map, and definitely something unique in terms of Avalanche. Although something I'm noticing now,but not during playtesting, is that you can get out. Easily... Why didn't attempt to make a little more 'intimidating' barrier. The teleporters are a little odd.

Also, I like the effect you put on your pictures, I might try that; though it is a little messy in some places.

Well to tell you the truth, the only way aMoeba managed to update the map is by deleting items, he literally has no items left. Besides, there's literally nothing at the other side of the map, anyone that goes there is wasting their own time. It's not supposed to be intimidating, it's supposed to act as a warning. But as I said, as much as we wanted to make a barrier, aMoeba couldn't scrape that many items together. It doesn't take away from the map at all regardless.

[used man]

IMHO, this map is perfect in every way. it's balanced, well forged, and well planned out. definitely deserves a feature and a spot in matchmaking. 10/10

[Gollygeeanelite]

The Story was all right. I just wouldnt suspect ODSTs were P****** or anything. The map looks really good and the video hows the smoothness. I wish budget permitted so you could put a wall up behind the attackers base. It really doesnt matter either way but it would bring out a little, I dunno the word...The geomerged structure just made me so surprised. I never have see such a thing.

I wish I could have been a tester, it would have been a really big honor. All your forging looks 95% natural to Avalanche. Just...a good map. And don't worry, someone would have to be insane to bad mouth this map....