[Mod] 'Magus' - a rework for the 'Mandala' map

Hi all,

I have managed to rework the 'Mandala' map lua in order to introduce additional portals capable of spawning reinforcements whose goal is to overthrow the opponents citadel. I have added new chaining for the reinforcement pathing, as well as some additional defensive structures in order to balance things out a little more.

I have placed 2 screenshots at the following location:

http://cid-d5efaeea8ac83a70.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/DGMods/magus01.jpg

http://cid-d5efaeea8ac83a70.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/DGMods/magus02.jpg

for anyone interested, the mod can be downloaded at http://cid-d5efaeea8ac83a70.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/DGMods - try out the map and let me know how it goes ...

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I really congratulate you to your work. Nice done. You surely had work with it (i know what modding these maps is like)

I have just one ... single question. This map (and your other map), what is the idea of it? I mean, I also could create a map just replacing old flags, old portals, old gold mines and so on.

But what was your thought when you created this map? Shouldn't there be a master plan, any idea what you were willing to do? In how far will another portal improve the map?

I really would like to see more mods out here in this forum. But mods with a interesting idea behind them. A mod with a soul [lol] You are able to mod these maps. So, next time, please please think as long as you think you have a maybe new, maybe great idea of what you are planning to do?

So if there was a plan about this map, and i just did not get it, I'm sorry, i did not want to critizise your map. I just really would like a more special one.

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Thnx for the feedback ... the underlying motivation behind this (as well as the other map mods) is simple really - basically to inject a little more pace / strategy into each maps distinct design.

Actually, I think 'Mandala' is a good example of a lost opportunity - especially with regards to the reinforcement portals (which seems too simplistic for a map of this scale). That is in essence how the 'Magus' mod came to be - with the goal being to introduce a better fitting portal arrangement capable of extracting more gameplay from the existing map layout.

I am not really interested in creating something extreme or unplayable - my motivation is simply to mod a number of these maps in order to enhance existing (and open up new) elements of gameplay ...

It seems unlikely that any new 3D maps are going to appear in the near future for this game, so guess were stuck with the 8 maps in the game, and seeing how we can further extend the gameplay and lifespan of each of these...

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unfortunately, mandala was already a HUGE map with a lot going on. Adding more portals would more than likely make the map completely unplayable for many people due to system requirements (massive lag for the whole group).

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Well, that's not entirely true.

mrappard found that even if you remove the 3D map, the surface area of the map is still defined. If this is the case, then one could drop out the graphics (thus decreasing necessary resources, by at least 50%). Another option is to keep the graphics of the map and just drop out the on map effects, the sky, and the background. That would also drop system resource use. You can test this for yourself by turning off the environment. It wouldn't be as pretty, but it would still be playable.

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Fair points...but after numerous playthroughs, I kinda felt that mandala was still lacking on the design side; it just didn't seem "epic" enough for a map of this scale.

Guess given the networking problems associated with the game, this is probably a map best played locally using the AI; hopefully, some of the other mods currently pursued in this area will help enhance the AI in order to make for a more varied, challenging single player experience.

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Been checking out the other screen shots, I like the idea of crucible having towers on each side and put a portal in place instead of the gold flag.

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