Quake 4 FFA map 'Sottosuolo'.
This is a remake and rescale of my Q3 Turtle map entry. The theme was inspired by some research I did into underground Roman cities in Rome and Naples. I have really been enjoying modelling terrain and have always been attracted by Gothic architecture (although in this case that should be 'Classical' architecture).
Inition kindly allowed me to convert his lovely Q3 Roman style texture set for Q4, so I was all set. Organic rock and attractive architecture....just what I like to see:)
In order to develop the level further from the original Q3 version I made a few little extra models (torches, lanterns, plants and smaller rocks) to add interest and increase the over all sense of the atmosphere. Modelling is enjoyable, and it increasingly seems, the future of level design.
The map is fully optimised for bot play and a bot file is included that can be used with the sabot mod or q4max. Bots play acceptably well, if you can live with their obsession with the jump pad in the quad room. Although no replacement for human opponents, bots compete well enough to give a feel for the level.
It may be that the 'pro-gaming' fraternity feel that the map is a little tight in places. It remains, however, visually fresh and fun to play.
Some design notes:
The map makes no use of level wide ambient lighting, and is not intended for play in vertex or ambient modes. Q4's strength is in its lighting, and it was intended from the outset that this was something to be emphasised by this map. Performance is very good through out, with a slight drop in frame rates in one area only.
To my mind there is a lack of Q4 maps being produced that show imagination, development, use of new assets or even good technical use of the editor, it is hoped that in some small way this level can contribute to correcting this situation.
//UPDATE
Now compiled for Q4 1.4.2 and includes a new bot file