Poll: Left 4 Dead (2) Level Design

[Yonnick19]

Hey, I'm busy creating a level for L4D but I would like to know from you
what you are most insterested in, so:

What do you value the most in terms of Left 4 Dead level design?

Please comment why you choose that option and, if you would rather have a night/day -time level.


Thanks.

 

[Yonnick19]

Could use some help

 

[Hiphophippo]

I think my favorite thing about the official Left 4 Dead maps is that they feel open ended despite there being a simple path through the level. It's intuitive level design that railroads you though a level while giving the illusion of non-linearity.

 

[An Gealt]

`Well I have preferred L4D1 to number 2 but thats mailnly because i enjoyed the creepier atmosphere surrounding it. I think its worse moving through a town at night towards an (obviously) infested hospital is so much more exciting to, say, moving through a town in mid day that seems to have a light and airy atmosphere.

 

[Manhattan2112]

I feel there aren't enough urban environments (And I know there are lots) in the L4D games. I mean, there are just as many rural as there are urban, but I like Urban more. Maybe it should take place rooftop hopping and eventually going to a... waterpark. Or a skate-park. Or like, an ultimate BMX dome thing, where you have to sound the fire-alarms to get out for some reason.

 

[Ekonk]

Keep in mind that 'interesting locations' very often MEANS 'map story'.

And some good panic moments. But the AI director creates those, right?

 

[TheyTookOurJobs]

Surely if the location is uninteresting then you don't have much of a map.

 

[Yonnick19]

Keep in mind that 'interesting locations' very often MEANS 'map story'.

And some good panic moments. But the AI director creates those, right?

I see what you mean but what I ment with "Map Story" was, how they got there, if they are carriers etc.
(I changed it to "Survivor's story" to avoid confusion)

Also, you can set up panic events yourself to some extend.

 

[Deriaz]

I voted for Map Story, but in the sense that I like how the Survivors are moving from Dead Center to The Parish in a test of survival. If you supply me with a reason why we're here, and how we're going to get out, then I'm pretty content. Some nice in-map hints to other side-plots or other survivors and their trials is a-okay with me too! EDIT: Looks like that's what ya meant by it, given the post you snuck in right above mine.

I know Left 4 Dead 2 is probably not the place to look at for story, but I still appreciate what little hints there are to one.

 

[Yonnick19]

Keep the comments coming.

 

[Ekonk]

Keep in mind that 'interesting locations' very often MEANS 'map story'.

And some good panic moments. But the AI director creates those, right?

I see what you mean but what I ment with "Map Story" was, how they got there, if they are carriers etc.
(I changed it to "Survivor's story" to avoid confusion)

Also, you can set up panic events yourself to some extend.

Ah right. Well, what VALVe tends to do is to place certain objects in their maps that tell the story. I don't know if that's possible with what you have in mind though.

 

[Doc Incognito]

I'm a huge fan of open-world games, so I like maps when there are lots of nooks and crannies to explore, and if possible, multiple routes to the end. It would be cool if each route had different advantages / disadvantages, instead of just one being easier than the rest.

 

[Yonnick19]

Ah right. Well, what VALVe tends to do is to place certain objects in their maps that tell the story. I don't know if that's possible with what you have in mind though.

I can practicly make an exact copy of the official maps

 

[TheGreatCoolEnergy]

Interesting locations. Even though they are all really just Point A-Point B, I like the idea when they don't feel the same. For example, Dead Center Felt nothing like The Parish, which is good because thats how it is in real life: no two cities are the same.

 

[MercenaryCanary]

I really would like a level with some fucking snow.

 

[Orcus The Ultimate]

Could use some help

your avatar is disturbingly addictive...

 

[Wicky_42]

Maps are always the best when you have an idea of where you're going or why you're doing what you are - aimless wandering shooting random stuff gets old fast, but having multiple ways to assail a clear destination makes life more interesting.

 

[Daezd]

Sweet, and creative crescendo/panic events are really fun for me. The race across the bridge in The Parish, the concert in Dark Carnival, etc etc.

These were very atmospheric and intense finales, and there should be more like them.

 

[CoffeeOfDoom]

I really would like a level with some fucking snow.

I second this, though I think this would fit in more with the first L4D.