DescentBB

One more map I had in mind for a while. Just like Crossfire Canyon, there's two versions of it, but I tried to rope myself in when building this level to keep it from being too oddball like some of my previous offerings. It's a largely techbase level with some views out into grated-off icy scenery for ambiance, and while it has just as much added detail as my previous maps, it should be a little more "traditional" in terms of playstyle. The main attraction is most likely going to be the dogfighting room with the grated pillars (especially with the weapons loadout of the D2 version), but I made sure everything else, even the tunnels, would be good-looking as well as nicely flowing.

Special thanks goes to Blarget for most of the custom textures (I only take credit for creating a couple new ones using the others as a template). I think the less unconventional weapons loadout should make the D2 version more comfortable as well, so definitely give it a shot as it's less built around the super weapons than my previous offerings. I've tested it in a game with both new and veteran Rangers and I think it was a hit, so feel free to try both versions.

Weapons loadout for the Descent 1 version:
-5 Quad Laser upgrades
-10 Laser level upgrades
-4 Vulcan Cannons
-4 Spreadfire Cannons
-5 Plasma Cannons
-2 Fusion Cannons
-4 Concussion Missiles
-8 Homing Missiles
-12 Proximity Mines
-5 Smart Missiles
-15,000 Vulcan Ammo rounds

Weapons loadout for the Descent 2 version:
-8 Afterburners
-6 Quad Laser upgrades
-6 Super Laser upgrades
-5 Vulcan Cannons
-4 Gauss Cannons
-5 Spreadfire Cannons
-6 Plasma Cannons
-5 Fusion Cannons
-2 Omega Cannons
-14 Flash Missiles
-12 Homing Missiles
-8 Proximity Mines
-6 Mercury Missiles
-5 Smart Missiles
-12,500 Vulcan Ammo rounds

D1 download link here:
http://www.enspiar.com/dmdb/viewMission.php?id=664

D2 download link here:
http://www.enspiar.com/dmdb/viewMission.php?id=665

Looks sweet! Maybe it's time for me to try and audition for the Rangers

Do they play new and nontraditional maps now?

I've gotten a few scored games in Darkflamewolf's maps from last year, if that says anything. I always try to promote a few unconventional ones here and there because variety is the spice of life, and I'm not the only Ranger to do that.

Although as I said in the description, I tried not to create anything too oddball and I think I hit the right balance between traditional and experimental with this one. Playing more levels has made me realize more of what works, as well as my own tastes, so I try to hit three criteria which I see in other levels I love to play: the levels have to 1) flow very well, 2) look pretty good and 3) dare to be a little different. That's my goal with most multiplayer maps I'm building from here on out.

I'll definitely be happy if these maps get more traffic within the Rangers as well as outside of them. I'm not the best at promoting my own work it seems, and I can't host multiplayer games, but you can usually find me on the Rangers' Mumble server if you want to hit me up for a game or two. Can't promise I'll be much of a challenge, but...

The majority of the levels played in the Rangers fall into one of two categories:
1) Same old stuff everyone has played before
2) Stuff that nobody has played before

So you're good for about two weeks

But still, requests can always be accommodated, but only if they are made.

Bumping this thread to let anyone who's interested know that I've updated the D2 version. I've gotten much more into D2 multiplayer over the last several months, which encouraged me to go back and include support for Capture the Flag and Hoard, as well as place weapons according to the way Parallax meant for them to be balanced. The re-balancing HAM idea didn't go over very well anyway, so I took it out and slightly changed the weapons loadout to better accommodate the default weapon stats. See the original post for the updated weapons loadout, and re-download the level from the same link.

I will probably be doing the same for two of my other early D2 levels fairly soon if I can get help with testing them. They were intended to make more use of the high-power weapons like the Helix and Phoenix (and one was even a Shaker map), so help outside the Rangers might not be a bad idea.