Cheers for the early feedback, I'm glad you're taking the time to play the map in this clunky state.

For a2 I am focussing upon a few key problems you've stated in your feedback and that I've noticed when running around the map:

• Too few connections between the two levels which are a key feature of the map
  
• Not enough clear chokepoints
  
• Overly complicated mid for what it is
  
• Overall too many routes between areas
  
• Narrow, "trench"-like connectors

I'm glad to hear you find the overall idea promising, and I'm definitely looking forward to working with all this feedback.

Indeed!

Huge thanks to uberchain, DiscoSwan and The Scurvy Orange for the poster art, and JackyLegs for the initiative!

Most recent release:

cp_cargo_a5 download: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/2447457/cp_cargo_a5.bsp

Original post:

Hey everyone!

Now that Snakewater has more or less reached it's ultimate form (for now), I couldn't help myself from getting started on a new map project. Thus I proudly present

cp_cargo_a1, download: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/2447457/cp_cargo_a1.bsp

Cargo is a new competitive control points map in a harbor/granary setting. For now it's in alpha state, so the visuals are yet quite barebone.

The design of the map has been governed by three design intentions to work well in a competitive setting:

• Distinct arenas with varying gameplay possibilities
  
• Dynamic connectors between areas which reward offensive play
  
• Fun and progressive rollouts for all classes

It would be great if anybody would want to run around and get a first feel of the map. If anybody would want to arrange a double mix I'd be happy to join in, but perhaps it's better to wait a few iteration before putting the map to the true test.

Here's an imgur album with screenshots: http://imgur.com/a/gtp2M

I also made a horrible rollout video to get your imaginations going: https://youtu.be/HezJjAQczp0

Please give me your feedback and impressions, and I'll be sure to keep updating the map rapidly over the next couple of weeks!

Cheers,
chojje

Have a look under mid :))

Hey guys,

Updated to u10: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/2447457/cp_snakewater_u10.bsp

Changelog u10:

Major:

* Returned half of the canopy at the saw-mid connector
* Fixed hiding spot in kitchen

Minor:

* Fixed stickies on forward spawn door
* Removed some clutter
* Fixed some clipping bugs
* Cleaned up some details
* Returned the ledge beneath the window
* Added cheese
* Commemorated a memorable moment
* Added appropriate amount of snakies

Unless some gamebreaking bug appears this is likely to be the final updated version.

It seems like the canopy change near saw has been controversial and problematic. This just goes to show how tiny changes can have huge impact on the map flow!

Thanks for all your help, and please be sure to comment on this version if it is to be the final one.

Cheers,
chojje

wtf is shootmania

I came into this with the goal of fixing bugs and streamlining the map; not reworking it completely. Having tried a couple of gameplay changes during these iterations, I've immediately found that any tiny change means a massive butterfly effect of unexpected gameplay alterations. Considering this, I feel it's better to keep the map we've all gotten to know, with its perks and quirks. The last point may be problematic, but it is also different and I think it's an interesting aspect of the map.

Hopefully I'll be able to take what I've learned in Snakewater to another level in my next map, where I'm more free to experiment with a clean slate.

Thanks benroads, as always a pleasure to go through your posts.

I really hope the u10 version released this weekend will be the one shipped to valve. This means it's a good time to spam your feedback right now, especially considering the map has been played in the first week of the ETF2L season.

The main concern that I've been made aware of is the canopy above the saw-2 connector which has had two negative consequences:

1. Making medic chases from saw to lobby far too easy
2. Making bombs onto saw too efficient when defending 2

The current solution is to pull back the canopy halfway to its original position - I firmly believe this change will make the map flow faster, and it also helps rollouts, so I won't revert it fully for now.

Huge thanks to anyone who's submitted feedback so far, and please keep at it until we've got a perfect version to ship to Valve.

Cheers,
chojje

I really can't comment on the lighting unless you supply screenshots - on my setup it looks fine but I'm running rather high quality settings, maybe fps configs or other variables affect the appearance. Now it should be pretty much reverted to _final1 (literally the same lighting settings), which I personally think looks far worse but which probably plays better.

Hey guys,

Updated to u9: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/2447457/cp_snakewater_u9.bsp.bz2

Changelog u9:

* Repainted RED lobby (already in u8)
* Removed clutter in lower lobby (already in u8)
* Fixed top right roofs on mid not being mirrored
* Fixed lobby "shelves" not being mirrored
* Fixed corners of top left roofs on mid
* Removed beams and clutter in spawn ceiling
* Kind of fixed being able to stand on clip walls (apparently it's a known Source bug)
* Improved lighting further
* Fixed some shadows leaking through walls

If you can get me screens of where this happens I can start adding "shadow blockers" where necessary.

As for the lighting, this version is now slightly darker than the stock one. I suppose this is a matter of design preference - I think the current version is fine in terms of gameplay and doesnt look nearly as flat and bland as _final1.

Also, thanks for the bugfinds. I hope u9 will be veery close to the final version.

Thanks Bilbert,

I didn't have time to fix these bugs as I compiled u8 over the day. Here's the download:

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/2447457/cp_snakewater_u8.bsp.bz2

Changelog u8

* Improved clipping near window
* Fixed not being able to jump from fence to cheese
* Fixed some texture bugs
* Fixed some more edges
* Fixed some misaligned clips
* Fixed a weird hiding spot
* Improved log splash behaviour

It seems like bugs keep cropping up; but it's good to get this in depth. I really feel like the stable version is creeping closer.

Thanks for all your assistance!

http://puu.sh/oEtfv/eb1862a3ca.jpg

I can't reproduce this one, what are you standing on?

http://puu.sh/oGjBd/43da462281.jpg

What am I looking at?

Here's u7 just in time for the preseason cup:

Download link: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/2447457/cp_snakewater_u7.bsp.bz2

Changelog u6

Major:

* Made the map brighter

Minor:

* Improved clipping on mid
* Removed some obstructive detailing
* Fixed floating stuff
* Fixed some missing clips
* Fixed clips blocking off window
* Fixed some visual bugs

Hope you'll enjoy this version in the cup.