Download Colonnade Here

COLONNADE : Amongst the cold steel pillars. These combatants evade no imminent danger. 4-8 players.

Overview

Colonnade is my first foray into the new Forge. It is a two base symmetrical map in which I wanted to explore the intricacies of the fine tuning aspects of the new system. The angles of the Forerunner architecture really allow for some interesting building. For the most part, I went in with a blank canvas and free-forged the vast majority of the map knowing only that I wanted to create a well balanced map that used different angular positioning yet was also aesthetically pleasing. Therefore without further ado, I present to you .... Colonnade. (Weapon times and gametypes after the eye pleasers)

Red Base Front : This is the front of the Red Base. The vertical "colonnade" in front provides angular cover from certain angles, and none from others. This is the main aspect of the majority of the map to promote constant movement.

Purple Tower : Purple tower presents a three level midway point with options. The angled floor creates more cover the further you are towards the center of the map. Also, notice the ramp from the Blue pyramid that takes you to top center. These ramps are located on only one side of the base creating some LoS cover from other areas. This allows from some nice opening top-center battles. Also be aware that it is possible to get to what would be a P3 or so. But I will let you figure that one out for yourselves.

Bottom/Top Center : The center of the map consists of the AA pickup Evade. With only a single player being able to use the power-up at a time. This creates a gameplay dynamic similar to the OS with a movement based power-up. Teams actually fight over this AA. Plus it's FUN. Anyways, Grenade Launcher spawns top center. This weapon really shines on this map with so many different angles to bank your shots off of.

Green Side: Spittin' image of Purple. Plasma Pistol and a Health Pack on G2. Stickies above them.

Red Back Back: These are actually the original items I placed on this map from step 1. The upside down bridges at odd angles to produce ramps is the first thing I did. The rocks add good cover for retreating players to the Health Pack and Frags.

Red Pyramid: The four pyramid's located at the four corners of the map are essentially the movement hubs for the rest of the map. They have a slight height advantage on the floor and have great shooting lines to certain areas of the map. Hologram is located on each bases "Weak" sides, or essentially the sides that don't have access to top center. The Claw above center is there for strictly aesthetic value. Along with the walkways around the main bases these areas have hard kill zones. So don't get backsmacked by The Guardians.

Weapons and Power-Ups

Grenade Launcher : 120s - 3 extra clips
Plasma Pistol (2) ; 90s
Needle Rifle (2) : 60s
Magnum Pistol (2) : 30s
DMR (4) : 15s
Frag Grenade (4) : 30s
Plasma Grenade (4) : 30s

Evade : 1s (after users body is despawned from battlefield)
Hologram (2) : 1s

Gametypes Supported as of 10/19/2010

Slayer
Team Slayer
3/5 Flag CTF
Neutral Bomb Assault
Oddball

Enjoy! The main thing I have concerns with are the spawns which it has taken me some time to wrap my head around. Any advice is welcome. Criticize as much as you like. In the end it only makes things better!!

Thanks, Syn.

Download Colonnade Here