Submitting this (final?) version with hopes it will make it in to the second build in time!
Black Metal Fortress
Map 01, and in the test build, it is map 57.
Changes are as follows (when comparing the version in the test build):
-Expanded almost every 'zone'. The gray castle looking area that was previously part of the base zone has now been made into its own zone, with new music added for it.
-Base zone music changed and a new music track added to a sub-zone within the Black Metal Fortress.
-Added 'roadblocks' to some zones to prolong their life. Mostly done for the sake of increasing the time a music track is heard.
-Added more enemies and items to previous zones.
-New mid level ammo types added for better balance and less clutter.
-Each zone has 2 secrets. Some are pretty devious/
Guide Dang It secrets.
Maps stats are now:
(Old > New)
Monsters - 99 > 290
Secrets - 3 > 10
Items - 41 > 92
File size is now 2.75 MB
Overall, the map is a more challenging experience, compared to the earlier versions. However, I am not sure if it is balanced towards the later half, as I had to edit some areas a few times to account for the increased difficulty, and I really couldn't restart a test run when adding in an extra medikit and etc. because that would have taken even more time! But note that I tried a run to see how balanced it is without finding any secrets, so it may be easier than I believe if secrets are taken into account. I am also unsure as to whether I should move the Super Shotgun to an earlier location or not, for as it stands now, you get it rather late in the map, towards the final areas.
Other notes:
I had fun creating this map, and I can see why some Megawads had a long development time! This map alone took me the whole month to create and polish! Not to mention the custom props and textures, some created specifically for the map. I still would like to one day release a Megawad of my very own, similar to Scythe or Revolution, where the maps are short but still fun. Thanks to this project, I learned how to use Doom Builder along with new tricks, as before, I was quite inexperienced with it. This is also my first Doom II map!
I also get a very strong SNES vibe from my map, but that may be due to the map exclusively using SNES music. I also love Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, and it shows in some parts of the map, especially with the concept of zones and music changes.
In the end, I enjoyed the project and would be interested in the next!