TheFlynn AK - Maps | Forums

[rlmergeuser]

So, I'm finally joining the forums so I can get better feedback on the maps I've been making.

My first three maps were 'normal' trials:

Escape From Vesuvius:
I didn't realize that the driving line was soooo long until I was half way through building the map. I think it's got some great challenges and I learned a lot. The most frustrating challenge is the 'log pits'. So, I made a standalone of those for practice purposes.

Bride Lake:
This title is a play on words from Groom Lake, the secret military base. I think this track turned out magnificently;dare I say gorgeous. It does have a couple weak spots that could have been better fleshed out; particularly the end of the 'Close Encounters' room.

The Universe:
This was an attempt to make an Easy map that just looked visually stimulating. Maybe I drifted away from this mode toward the end. I wanted to make a flyable UFO that abducts you at the end. That part really needs work... Maybe later.

Then I started making skill games:

Spool:
Maybe it's too hard to get on the Spool...? I was hoping that one of you hillclimb experts would show me up on this one.

Throw Up:
A giant bike launcher made of ever faster wheels. I intentionally expand the physics bubble and change the camera effects to create a slow-motion mode when you enter the launcher. During the build, I discovered that if the bike is allowed to just roll into the launcher with no input, it lands in the same place almost every time. I started making series of explosives that would re-launch you into the air, bouncing from place to place. However, adding objects to the map would randomly change the landing location. I also discovered that the landing location changes after upload. So, I made a version that has enhanced Mario Physics attached to your head. The faster you are moving, the more effect you have.

Stay on the Ball:
This one was an instant hit. A giant ball (made of circus tent pieces) rolls down a steep track toward a sudden stop at the bottom. Good times.

Then I started experimenting with free-roam and alternate vehicles.

Bat Buggy:
A really fast vehicle has several issues... First off, there seems to be a bug in some surfaces where a Truck Tire will STICK. So, you're lined up for a jump. hit the throttle and one of the tires grabs the ground throwing you around. Highly irritating... Whatever the case, I made a track that I think is a really fun challenge with 12 'checkpoints'. You don't have to collect them all to complete the map. But, (of the thousand-plus players who downloaded the versions of this one,) apparently, nobody can get more than 5 of them... :/ Most unfortunate. If you give it a try, please play the 'fix' one.

SnoGo (betas):
An attempt at a snow-machine mod. The skis sometimes stick in things. I'll get around to making a whole winter-themed map, some day.

Phat Bike:
This was a suggestion from my friend's young son. He wanted a giant bike. So, I made it so big that your motorcycle could fit inside it. I uploaded a couple versions as Trials and got little attention. Since the bike is connected to the Phat Bike with a physics joint, checkpoints actually work. But, since I've made the rider invulnerable, I decide to make it a Skill Game and add a speedometer. I may flesh out the map and re-upload later on. Strangely, I was able to finish in 1:45 before uploading it and set that as the Platinum time. After uploading, that seems to be an unobtainable time... It is worth noting that there is a directional force attached to the top of the bike pushing down with the throttle, (as represented by the flames coming out of the exhaust.) Use this force to fly further (if you're going fast enough) or to get back on the ground (if you're not). There is also a force on the front forks that pushes your front tire up or down, depending on your Left-Stick. It would also seem that the weight of the different bikes makes some difference in performance. The heavier 450 seems to work best, but I've also played with the bicycle a lot (mostly because it's funny that he's peddling a 9000 pound vehicle.)

That's it, so far. I know that some of my maps have too much fine physics interaction and that playbacks don't work very well, if at all. Sorry about that.

Any suggestions, feedback or questions are welcome.

Thanx!
~TheFlynn

[D2Dahaka]

I'll have a look next time Im on and I remember.