Clinton Ma
Level Design
Deathmatch: Alien Cult Bunker
Engine: Unreal 3 / UDK
Development Time: 2 weeks
Number of Players: 2 - 5
Theme: Close-quarters combat and environmental hazards
I set out to make a tight, deadly and claustrophobic map for up to 5 players. Having been raised on the classic arena-style shooters like Quake 2 and the original Unreal Tournament, I wanted to constantly encourage that "run n' gun" mentality for all players by using the following techniques:
- No safe camping spots
- Low density distribution of armour, weapon & ammo pickups
- Jump pads & lifts only for speedy elevation changes
- Narrow & short sight lines
The player who stands still is the player that places near the bottom of the scoreboard. The main contested area of the map is the central lift supported by five pillars that span the two main levels. Atop the center pillar is the coveted Rocket Launcher. Health vials are scattered in the "pit" at the base of the pillars. This is a high risk, high reward area, as players jostle for positioning and control of the Rocket Laucher and nearby Shock Rifle.
The ammo for these power weapons is sparse and located elsewhere in the map, forcing players to circulate and pick their shots carefully. Health pick-ups are also hard to come by unless players venture into the pit to grab some vials, a trip that leaves them vulnerable to attacks from above or perhaps an untimely crushing death beneath the central lift.
It's no walk in the park for players who choose the high road. The central lift rises nearly flush with the ceiling of the bunker and will crush any player that overstays their elevator ride. Footing is also precarious up there; it's easy to get swatted down to ground level by a well-placed rocket or shock ball. The upper level opens out into a secondary room that yields some powerful pick-ups like armour and Mega Health but the jump pad access combined with the close-quarters design ensures that players need to work for every reward.
Finally, I added a side lift that wisks players up into a "secret" air duct built into the ceiling. Health vials and a Shield Belt await players who prefer to retreat up here for a breather. A tiny opening allows players to survey the action below but camping/sniping opportunities are limited. They can drop then down smack onto the pillars of the central lift, which is both a blessing and a curse. They can nab the Rocket Launcher as it respawns but they could as well be dropping right into an ambush...
Download Alien Cult Bunker
Screenshots
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Paper Layout
 |
 |