Terrain Discussion: Flanks
Next up on the map/terrain discussion train; flanks. Most maps in multiplayer shooters have multiple pathways of engagement. This includes many things (teleporters, portals, wraparound maps (thing o...
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@stukapooka A good point about the Zgypt point on Seeds of Time. The left flank for the zombies has the other secret lane where you have to stand on that one sarcophagus and the wall opens, leading to a path that not only flanks the point, but also gives some extra high ground and has a few traps. Not using these 2 extra routes enough is probably why a large percentage of games on Seeds of Time ends at that point.
I would add though, that flanks existing at all add a lot to a map's design. It's one piece of a tactical puzzle that may not be as appreciated in general as it should be. Designing maps that are fun, interesting, and memorable isn't all that easy, and the maps we love most are often exactly because the devs put a lot of effort into the work.
@Iron_Guard8I literally did not know about that sarcophagus for a year until I found it on youtube. Generally everyone by now knows of the bowling pit though. AI games almost always end on zgypt becaus of that.
I'm not disagreeing as good flanks make a good map memorable simply that im arguing that if it really doesn't add anything to the map than maybe the devs should reconsider its design and make sure it has a valid reason to be used.
@stukapooka Yeah, I knew about the bowling alley first too. I think I found that camel switch when playing solo to hunt down gnomes back near launch. It wasn't until quite a bit later that I found out about that other flank. Even later than that, I found out about getting that moon worm to appear on Moon Base Z thanks to Zero.
- @Iron_Guard8 The flanks really help zgypt and they're pretty fair as defenders can see them activate with the walls raising and there is risk to using them that's inspired by Egyptian movie booby traps.
The worm is so difficult as it requires multiple players. They should've added a sign that at least said "taunt here". At least you can see the big guy in the mines.
