[Blocked Image: http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/230/jslmap1wv4.jpg]
[Blocked Image: http://img352.imageshack.us/img352/2192/hl22008031101282028wo8.jpg]
[Blocked Image: http://img352.imageshack.us/img352/3512/hl22008031101285456jv7.jpg]
[Blocked Image: http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/6121/jslmap2xq4.jpg]
This an experimental map to see what I can do with very, very large scale outdoor scenery in Source. The skybox is about 1/4 the size of the entire Hammer grid, multiplied x16 by the engine, making it several miles across. Here's a pic in editor of the skybox:
[Blocked Image: http://img393.imageshack.us/img393/5153/dfmap3ja2.jpg]
I originally terrain mapped the entire grid, then after testing it ingame deleted the parts of the grid that weren't visible to the player, and pulled back the water brush. The empty spot in the middle is where the actual play area fits in.
The only real problem I've had with this is texture alignment where the skybox touches the play area. I have to make the play area much bigger than I really need, scale textures, and distort the border with props and decorations to disguise it.
I've yet to add anything to actually do in it yet, though. The "play area" is just a rectangular opening in the hills.
(it also looks less impressive than it might be capable of because I'm running in DX8 mode by necessity (Stupid Radeon 9250, not having SM2 support...) and compiled the map with rad in fast mode)
what do you think about it?!
(((
:lol: 
.