Linear maps vs Non-linear maps

Post by **NiGHTMARE** » Tue Aug 22, 2006 3:29 am

What's stopping you from having multiple exits, even? With ZDoom, you could have them lead to different maps.

Post by **Graf Zahl** » Tue Aug 22, 2006 4:10 am

Or like SSD have multiple exits leading to different starting points in the next map.

I always wanted to see a map where you can open a shortcut or an additional exit leading to a secret area in the next map.

Post by **Jimmy** » Tue Aug 22, 2006 4:12 am

Non-linear. That's why I love Strife.

Alterworldruler · Post by **Alterworldruler** » Tue Aug 22, 2006 4:24 am

Pretty nice idea for shortcuts graf

Phobus · Post by **Phobus** » Tue Aug 22, 2006 5:15 am

I don't care what a map does as long as I enjoy it. It could be a perfectly striaght line if it played well.

jallamann · Post by **jallamann** » Tue Aug 22, 2006 5:18 am

[insert zdoomforums.wad]

Post by **Vader** » Tue Aug 22, 2006 10:21 am

Bio Hazard wrote: A lot of maps have you flip a switch and then exclaim "NO POWER!", then you have to go find some switch that turns on the power. Many times there isin't good signage around to help you identify is the power switch so it's essentially a switch hunt. When you do find the switch, it becomes obvious because "POWER RESTORED" or something prints and usually some kind of machine that looks more like a pump than an electric turbine starts moving.
I hate that kind of thing. Most times it could be fixed with some signage.

Recently played Z1M3 again?

Anyway, I voted for non-linear maps!
I just love to explore the world I'm in.
Of course an author can go overboard with it, so you get lost and don't know what to do next, but most straight forward maps are just boring IMO.
Simplicitys maps are an exception, though I wouldn't really call them linear either.

Shadelight · Post by **Shadelight** » Tue Aug 22, 2006 10:25 am

Same here Vader, I love levels where you have to explore!

chopkinsca · Post by **chopkinsca** » Tue Aug 22, 2006 12:37 pm

KingofFlames wrote:Same here Vader, I love levels where you have to explore!

Me too, hopefully some good ones will pop up in the future. One reason I'm looking forward to Foreverhood is because it seems like it will be something you have to explore in.

Ixnatifual · Post by **Ixnatifual** » Tue Aug 22, 2006 1:43 pm

Graf Zahl wrote:re you can open a shortcut or an additional exit leading to a secret area in the next map.

Hmm... That sounds like a cool thing

Wills · Post by **Wills** » Tue Aug 22, 2006 6:24 pm

I like maps where it's possible to go from A to B to C, but at B you can check out D, which leads to E and F, and F can lead to C - i.e. controlled nonlinearity - go straight to the exit or check out a couple of side paths on the way.

Belial · Post by **Belial** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 10:36 am

Non-linear like kaiser_22 or completely open like HR2 map32.

Nmn · Post by **Nmn** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 12:33 pm

People seem to like my "Dreadful change upon us" wad, so yeah, nonlinearity.

Also, from the mapper's point of view, nonlinearity is better-you can re-use already done maps for further purposes, with just replagueing them with opponents and adding some new areas to undergo upon revisiting the map after completing some quest. It also adds a lot of exploration. I believe System Shock 2 makes best use of nonlinearity. But Unreal 1 is a good example of it too. I just love the SunSpire and the UMS Bodega Bay (from the expansion pack. Awesome!).

Like Kaiser said, new fpses suck. The new games are similair to those interactive movie-games from the past (a ride through an interactive movie). Not my style of games.

From Doom wads, RTC is really top-notch example of non-linearity (as in maps, not quests)

Amuscaria · Post by **Amuscaria** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 2:14 pm

The only thing I refer are "good" maps. Doesnt really matter if it's linear or not. Maps clustered with monsters at all the corners and with little ammo are generally bad.

Post by **Graf Zahl** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 2:19 pm

Nmn wrote:People seem to like my "Dreadful change upon us" wad, so yeah, nonlinearity.

... but I didn't particularly like your Waste Site - because it was far too linear!

Like Kaiser said, new fpses suck. The new games are similair to those interactive movie-games from the past (a ride through an interactive movie). Not my style of games.

Mine neither. I was bored by Doom 3, massively unimpressed how Q4 wasted its potential to create a shitty railtrack game where the player was unable to make any choices whatsoever. (interactive movie indeed!) and more often than not am put off by the excessive violence that seems to be necessary in modern shooters. What has been my favorite genre has almost lost its entire appeal due to the technical advancements and how they are used to ruin the fun of playing.
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Linear maps vs Non-linear maps

Which do you prefer?