30 Mar 11, 11:05AM
I like to map in "phases" or break the progression into stages, so as to not just map randomly and thus get bored or loss the enthusiasm I once had for it. You can break it into any kind of schedule you want, I find if I have a structure/outlined process I'm more likely to stick with it.
Here's an example of some stages I usually use,
If I don't do this and start a map on the fly with no thought about layout, theme, or intended modes in mind. I get distracted, and the map slowly becomes disjointed/doesn't flow. And then followed by getting frustrated with the map in the beginning/early stages of the mapping process.
Also another good thing to do is when you've got a solid map going show it to a select few other friends and/or other mappers. I don't just mean show it off to people and have them say "good map, its going good" but actually get ideas and tips from them, and brainstorming with them about changes and even whole new directions for the map to take. You don't even have to show it to mappers to get good opinions and ideas, just good players who enjoy the game. They may not think in a mappers point of view, but as a player..you get the essential things the player(s) want, need and notice.
And you can do that as many times as you want, and just keep changing and improving the map slowly but surely.
Also like someone said, co-oping can make things go faster, and sometimes turn out really good and flow easily with 2 or more people putting out ideas. But of course you can get the opposite of that as well with clashing ideas, among many others..
I never work on a map for more than a few hours at a time, unless I've got a real roll going. I let time for things to "sink in" if you will so I can gauge and judge as I'm building and adapting.
Hope that gave u a few ideas.
PS: I'm liking some of the suggestions already, maybe if we get a few more good shots I'll sticky this, or someone can when/if they think its got enough food info
Here's an example of some stages I usually use,
Quote:brainstorming central idea
sketching Layout
blocking in
Looking over layout and making changes(maybe with someones opinions)
Picking main Textures
etc etc
If I don't do this and start a map on the fly with no thought about layout, theme, or intended modes in mind. I get distracted, and the map slowly becomes disjointed/doesn't flow. And then followed by getting frustrated with the map in the beginning/early stages of the mapping process.
Also another good thing to do is when you've got a solid map going show it to a select few other friends and/or other mappers. I don't just mean show it off to people and have them say "good map, its going good" but actually get ideas and tips from them, and brainstorming with them about changes and even whole new directions for the map to take. You don't even have to show it to mappers to get good opinions and ideas, just good players who enjoy the game. They may not think in a mappers point of view, but as a player..you get the essential things the player(s) want, need and notice.
And you can do that as many times as you want, and just keep changing and improving the map slowly but surely.
Also like someone said, co-oping can make things go faster, and sometimes turn out really good and flow easily with 2 or more people putting out ideas. But of course you can get the opposite of that as well with clashing ideas, among many others..
I never work on a map for more than a few hours at a time, unless I've got a real roll going. I let time for things to "sink in" if you will so I can gauge and judge as I'm building and adapting.
Hope that gave u a few ideas.
PS: I'm liking some of the suggestions already, maybe if we get a few more good shots I'll sticky this, or someone can when/if they think its got enough food info