W.I.P. Sea Lab 2021

[timech187]

Finally I have a map that is working as intended. While not complete, the map is working, leak proof and bot ready. I have yet to place all the props other entities. I also have some texture work to finish, but so far, so good!

The premise of this map is that the terrorists are coming into a sea lab in order to blow it up. Actually, it may be the counter-terrorists coming in to prevent the terrorists from setting off explosives...not sure yet.

However, the tough part was figuring out how I would make it "feel" like you were in a lab under the ocean. Thank goodness for env_bubbles .

I am not finished adding windows looking out into the ocean yet, but I do have two main ceiling windows that look out into the darkness of the ocean with bubbles periodically going by. I will also eventually have ambient_general for ocean sounds.

The map consists of several entry points into a large room with underwater control equipment. It is sparsly populated.

Anyway, here are some screenshots:
http://www.boredskm.com/HL2/images/sea_lab_big20000.jpg
http://www.boredskm.com/HL2/images/sea_lab_big20001.jpg
http://www.boredskm.com/HL2/images/sea_lab_big20002.jpg
http://www.boredskm.com/HL2/images/sea_lab_big20003.jpg
http://www.boredskm.com/HL2/images/sea_lab_big20004.jpg
http://www.boredskm.com/HL2/images/sea_lab_big20005.jpg
http://www.boredskm.com/HL2/images/sea_lab_big20006.jpg
http://www.boredskm.com/HL2/images/sea_lab_big20007.jpg
http://www.boredskm.com/HL2/images/sea_lab_big20008.jpg
http://www.boredskm.com/HL2/images/sea_lab_big20009.jpg
http://www.boredskm.com/HL2/images/sea_lab_big20010.jpg
http://www.boredskm.com/HL2/images/sea_lab_big20011.jpg

Images look really dark on my computer at work, though the lighting is brighter. Not moody enough, but again, something I will be working on.

I won't be changing the layout of the map as it is. I will eventually add more hallways or entry points. I will be adding more things to hide behind, props and most importantly, area_portals and hints. Although, when playing with the bots, the game ran well. I do understand it will be different online, so expecting to do optimization work.

Please feel free to download and play with the map. I am not sure if you have to run nav_generate again, but it couldn't hurt. The bots don't use the one door I have, but I will get that working too. They do use ladders, stairs and talk a great game .

Download .BSP
Sea Lab 2021

Thanks for any comments!

Timech

 

[sabre0001]

looks VERY dark in screens...but as you said, it may be brighter in game.

 

[johnmedz]

this is a great idea for a map. Many of my hl2 buddies are into sealab as well so I think the idea should go over well. I was working on a map a while back with somewhat of the same premise but I ran into problems when i tried to make windows that looked out into the water. This aggravated me too much so i quit work on that particular map. I wish u the best of luck and would love to know the technique u use when u find out how to add windows that look out into the water

johnmedz

 

[timech187]

johnmedz,

My technique is very simple. I will be using a box cover the window on the outside made of textured with the no_texture. This keeps my map leak proof for when I use a window texture.

Next, I texture the inside of my map with the window texture, making it look out into the void. Then, depending on how I want it set up, I make a block the same size as my window, just on the outide of the window, but still inside the no_texture box the seals the map. I use this block and tie it to env_bubbles.

Hope this makes sense, if not, I can upload the .VMF soon to show you how it's done.

Timech

 

[short recoil]

Yeah not bad, it would look sweet with bulk heads and more "butress" type structure.........portholes are another detail that would make it look better.

As for gameplay you might wanna add a few more little bits of cover.

 

[timech187]

Yup, like the original post said, I will be adding in cover, props and whatnot from here on out. Going to try to make it look as underwaterey as possible. When I add in more windows to the outside with bubbles, hopefully that will give it more "atmosphere".

Going to look up bulk heads and butress type structures like you mentioned and see if I can't add something....

Thanks

Timech

 

[Crispy]

Next time you post screenshots can you do it without the HUD (some bot pics are good in rooms where there are no recognisable props to get an idea of scale), and choose some nicer angles for the screenshots. One nice way of doing it is to start with a shot of the CT spawn and then do another shot to pick up the journey where the last one left off. Make a sequence of pics that give more of an idea about the map as a whole and how different rooms connect together. The pics you've given just give me a disjointed view.

What's "Sea Lab" anyway?

 

[timech187]

Agreed, but that's why I also posted the .BSP, so folks can get an actual view of the map.

Sea Lab 2021 is a cartoon on Adult Swim. It's a pretty funny adult themed show, not unlike the Simpson's or Futurama. The entire show takes place in a sea lab.

I kept making maps that had no real focus or plan. It's when I really started thinking about an idea that I had not seen already that I got inspired. At first it was going to be a normal lab, but then I started messing with the env_bubbles and the idea hit me.

It is the first time I have built my map using all the skills (although limited) that I have learned on these and other furums. My first with no leaks and no large 2d skybox.

As for the name Sea Lab 2021, it's just a name that might catch someone's attention...especially people who watch Adult Swim at night.

Timech

 

[Osilo]

The maps too dark. I downloaded the BSP and it's really dark in-game aswell.

 

[timech187]

Thanks Osilo, that helps. It is quite light on my computer at home, at least the large open room. However, it is quite dark here at work.
I will have one section of hallways that are dark with flickering lights. You will have seen this section as it is covered in water on the floor...

I will be doing some light stuff tonight as well as props, to get it a little more playable.

Timech