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Fissure is a project that I have worked on for months on end, testing and re-testing, perfecting again and again. I wanted the best gameplay possible, then I wanted to achieve the best aesthetics I could, without harming the gameplay. I enjoy Custom Games just as much, if not more, than I enjoy designing a map. I think that a well-forged map is nothing without solid gameplay. And after testing and re-testing, and making drastic changes 83 times, I am satisfied.

I submitted Fissure to matchmaking today in Atlas, and I look forward to seeing my results, whether Fissure is accepted or not. If not, then I will go back to the drawing board. Either way, I enjoyed the process. Anyways, enough about my journey, on to the map.

Fissure is an advanced map with a unique layout, that utilizes all of Foundry but the back hallway. Its unique rows of boxes divide the map horizontally, and bridge hills provide cover while providing a unique atmosphere. Fissure combines long lines of sight and a competitive feel with unique battle tactics. It has a number of landmarks including the back sniper towers. Although the map, divided into two sides, is asymmetric, the gameplay is perfectly even, and each side has the same attributes and advantages. An interesting quote arose, stating that Fissure "played like Avalanche," but on a smaller scale. I can see where that came from; the map itself may appear to have little cover, but the natural geometry and hills provided the protection. The middle wall dividing the two teams is now inaccessible and completely redone. FIssure utilizes many complex techniques, such as geomerging immovable objects, geometry interlocking and geomerging gravity lifts, but always maintains a "gameplay first" mentality.

A standard complaint that has been asked about time and time again is "if there is enough cover." Yes, there is. Just because I didn't have geomerged walls or barriers spreaded around my map, doesn't mean cover is non-existent. It is just a different type of cover. The map itself, the rows of boxes, the bridge hills, they provide enough cover. Please do not ask about cover. There is enough, and if you ever play the map you would agree with me.

The map can play anywhere from two to fourteen players successfully, but it works best with four to twelve. Any more, and it gets crowded. Any less, and the power weapons become a bit too common, and the map is too open, with too little action. As for symmetry of the map, you could argue both: by its geometry it is asymmetric, but the sides have the exact same attributes, weapons and landmarks.

Below are the screenshots, with captions photoshopped in.

Extra Files

Optional Gametypes

These files are not required to play Fissure, but they do improve gameplay. The most notable change from the default is the lack of radar. It also makes flag capturing a bit easier, because the flag carrier is a bit tougher than normal and walks at normal speed.

Fissure Slayer - Fissure Flag

Map Variants

These will be submitted to Matchmaking along with the default Fissure. I have a version modified for Team SWAT (Only one bubble shield, now in middle, Carbines on map) and a version for Team Snipers (Beam Rifles on map)

Fissure SWAT - Fissure Snipers

Credits

Big thanks to:
- ArrrghSAM, Furry x Furry, IrishRebelA07, Crusty Inferno and Golfer43815. Teh gang. For all their help testing in the past and supporting my ideas.
- Testers including Devinish, Sdrakulich, GDBlueDevil27, and Insane54.
- Insane54. Again. No explanation needed, it's Insane.
- The Ghosts of Onyx. Great group.