gm_ijwtb

[daigennki]

So, there seems to be a conflict between people on here about what map to use for this year's Halloween event. Well, I have a solution - why not make one ourselves?

Now, some of you may be wondering,

"wtf happened to the last map you were working on?"

Well...

I abandoned it.

Yes, you heard me right. I abandoned it. For the second (third?) time. I once again thought I could do better, but hey, gotta keep trying, right?

But regardless, here it is folks, gm_ijwtb! I have been working on this for just 2-3 days, but it's been going pretty well. So far, I've only been working on the night version since I'm making this for the Halloween event, but we can keep on using it after the event, of course. I'll make a day version later, too.

Here, have some screenies.

Just outside spawn:


Inside spawn:


Overall map layout:


Currently, this map is in the ALPHA stage. This means not all features are implemented and will be implemented in the near future. There may also be some bugs, so if you find any (once the map is released of course), please tell me on this thread. Please read my latest posts in this thread for information on the current state of the map.

[Sammeh]

Awh mah gawd! It looks great! :D I can't wait! Is gon be so fun! ^0^ Also, if you can, pls make amazing lighting that doesn't glitch out, on the day version of the map. :D

[Christian]

I CAN'T READ THAT D;

[daigennki]

Thought I might as well say in this thread that Thomas put the map up on the server for testing. Feedback is appreciated!

[daigennki]

Alpha Version 4 is now ready. Also, I'll be posting changelogs from now on to those who are interested.

Changelog:

Alpha version 4 (a4):

• Extended train tracks a bit
  
• Fixed problem with some parts of train tracks not being solid
  
• Changed road layout a bit
  
• Removed Halloween props
  
• Added day version
  
• Added 3D skybox
  

[daigennki]

Hey guys, sorry that the next version is taking a while. I've been having a few problems with models I made that are used in the map. I'm trying to fix these issues, and the next version will be available shortly after I get these issues fixed. On top of that, I've got school. Thank you for your patience and your understanding.

[daigennki]

Sorry to keep you all waiting! I've sent Alpha Version 5 to Thomas. This should hopefully fix the issues some of you have been having with the materials/textures/models.

Changelog:

Alpha Version 5 (a5):

• Replaced some brush train tracks with model train tracks (yay no more gettinng off da railz)
  
• Changed and removed some models and textures to fix issues
  
• Proper train station added at spawn
  
• Changed skybox to a custom one
  

[daigennki]

Sorry for the holdup everybody. I now have another project for school that involves mapping (not this map), so I'm putting this on hold until that's finished.

[daigennki]

I hate to break it to you guys, but I have some bad news... The map is now officially cancelled. Why?

• Various maps that we already have on Build, as well as some of the maps currently being suggested, fulfill the needs that this map would've fulfilled.
  
• I've lost all my Blender files. Poof. I looked everywhere, but they're nowhere to be found. Among those files were many models crucial to this map.
  

Again, I sincerely apologize for this, and I hope all of you understand... Sorry...

[[IJWTB] Thomas]

Sorry to hear about that :(

[daigennki]

Oh shit, I'm so sorry for the scare - I found those lost files, I just remembered that Windows had them backed up because they were in my user folder. Nevermind that, it's not cancelled, guys. Again, sorry to get you guys scared.

[Scott]

Use some sort of source control god damn. :D

[daigennki]

Whew, finally... I've sent a6 to Thomas - expect it to be available very soon! [img]images/smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

[Zoe Says]

It would be nice if it was the default map again.
 

[daigennki]

I actually asked Thomas to NOT make it the default map because it was very incomplete. I don't know about this version, but it's still in development and not all the features I originally planned are in there yet (see: alpha) so I wouldn't make it the default map.

[Zoe Says]

I was able to check it out and I like what is going on. I'm not sure if its in your plans at all but I would suggest an easy way of getting in and out of the water.

[daigennki]

Will add that, but probably not until later on - features planned at the beginning are at higher priority.

Also, about the default map deal - this is also another reason why it isn't the default map: http://forum.ijwtb.net/showthread.php?ti...6#pid12556

[daigennki]

Whoops, forgot to add a changelog. Lots of new additions in this one.

Alpha version 6 (a6):

• Added bridges that were missing under some of the tracks
  
• Added new train station
  
• Added car garages near spawn
  
• Added soundscapes
  
• Added new roads
  
• Added drag race track
  
• Added car suspension testing area
  
• Changed lighting in some areas
  

[daigennki]

I am pleased to announce that the next version is now ready and it has been sent to Thomas. This one's a pretty exciting one!

Alpha version 7 (a7):

• Finally fixed reflections/cubemaps (whew, that one was giving me nightmares)
  
• Fixed collision mesh on the curved railroad bridges
  
• Fixed derailments occurring at the very top of the train track slope
  
• Added some foliage (trees, hedges) by movie theater
  
• Populated the movie theater with seats
  
• Added lights that can be turned on/off to movie theater
  
• Added lighting to concourse of underground train station
  
• Extended platform of train station above spawn
  
• Extended overground train tracks, in preparation for a trainyard/garage
  
• Made the spawn room a little prettier
  
• Modified layout around spawn a little
  
• Some other minor changes to appearance
  

[daigennki]

Hello people. First, I forgot the last changelog, so here it is:

Alpha version 8 (a8):

• Huge overhaul to spawn
  
• Completely revamped train station at spawn
  
• New 3rd train station (underground)
  
• Drag race track moved underground
  
• Some texture modifications
  
• Some skybox appearance and lighting changes
  
• Other minor appearance changes
  

Next, this may disappoint some of you. I will be going on a hiatus as for this map development. I have been busy with school, and I am also making the move from Blender to 3DS Max, since I actually found out I can get it for free as a student. I've also got my new computer, so it might take a while to get Hammer and such set up to work properly. I do not know how long the hiatus could be, but it could be as long as until this summer break, as short as until this spring break or even within a few weeks. I apologize for the disappointment, but I hope everybody understands.

As for me being moderator though, I will hop on every weekend or so but most likely only on times when other staff aren't on, to "fill in the gaps".

 

[Admiral Leviathan]

I have a small criticism of version 8. The lighting is probably way too bright;




If you turn off HDR, the reflections are fullbright especially in dark areas;





This is what the map looks like when you load it with HDR off;





Here is a comparison shot with A7, same settings as the above screenshot;



The lighting on A7 is a lot better, do you think it's possible to go back to that?

 

[daigennki]

Oh crap, forgot I needed to fix that. I will make a hotfix in just a moment if I can get everything set up. Don't expect anything more, though.
 

[daigennki]

Well I managed to fix that quicker than expected. I've sent it to Thomas.

Alpha version 8.2 (a8_2):

• Hotfix, recompiled with no HDR, is now LDR only
  

 

[[IJWTB] Thomas]

Currently on Build #2 at the moment.

[daigennki]

Alright, so just to prove that I have NOT FORGOTTEN about this map, here is a screenshot showing recent progress in the map:

Here is what I have gotten done so far since the last update, in case you cannot tell from the screenshot:

• Raised the altitude of the runway a bit. Hopefully this should make it somewhat easier to use the runway with airplanes.
  
• Added an apron next to the runway. Hangars will eventually be added.
  
• Added a road leading to the airport.
  
• Added a fence by the entrance to the airport.
  
• Added a border around what is to be the trainyard.
  
• Because of multiple requests, the water area was stretched some more, getting rid of the land which nobody uses and turning it into water that people will (probably) actually use.
  
• Changed road layout a bit to accomodate the water area being stretched.
  
• Also moved the underground drag race track to accomodate the water area being stretched.
  
• Lowered the giant bumps in the suspension testing area to a practical height.
  
• Some other minor changes to buildings.
  

I do not feel that it is in a releasable form with just these changes, but if you people think that I should release it now, then let me know and I will do that.

My apologies for the wait though, I have been busy with school and such.