Minimum Number of Players: 8
Best Number of players: 12-16
Map Type: Extensive
To be played with: Virus Strain 57
Human Defence: Vertical Fallback

Rooftops is the last built map in the Virus Strain 57 series (See original post here for more info). Rooftops has a unique design structure which provides an unpredictable, open feel to its predecessor, Lockdown. Human survivors face an uncertain fate as are forced to defend a half built post-apocalyptic skyscraper with the sides’ wide open. Zombies descend from the surrounding buildings and ensure that the humans have a hard time fighting to defend their base: who will make it to the rooftop alive?

Unlike the previous maps, weapons are within view and on the same level as the humans, but are placed on opposite skyscrapers. This means humans must cross pedestrian sky bridges to reach them. The other skyscrapers are even more dangerous than the central base, with zombies able to leap off inaccessible skyscrapers and wipe out the humans who decide to stay too long. The zombies are highly agile across the rooftops, so forcing the infected into open space is vital for survival. This is best achieved by getting as high up the building as possible. The zombies start with only one route through, giving the humans a very easy start off. But, more routes open up, providing access to the several floors of the structure. The infected always have the edge on height advantage, some routes opening at opposite sides to the players. The zombies gain access to the floor above. When the humans reach the roof, they will find that they have a decent line of sight for shooting incoming zombies, along with a MTS positioned on the far side of the centrally defended skyscraper. Whilst weapons and generally a safe position, the sides are vulnerable to being flanked, so humans should consider collecting the MTS after a certain amount of time. The humans must survive long enough to reach the rooftop if they really want a decent chance at defeating the zombies. All 5 entrances cannot be viewed at all times from one position, so humans must be wary to keep their eyes open for non linear zombies taking a more adventurous leap over the skyline. For the infected, agility and variety of attack is the best method of wiping out the humans. The entrances for the infected can be used not only for entering the map, but also as shelves for the infected to use to climb to significantly higher floors than the humans, offering dive bomb style attacks. While climbing to these levels can prove particularly difficult, the rewards of being able to flank, outmanoeuvre and overwhelm the enemy guns are worth the risk. Close quarter weapons should be considered for the central skyscraper, whilst long range weapons should be used to pick off targets as they leap across the rooftops.

Screenshots

The humans start on the bottom floor, facing the zombie onslaught after 10 seconds.

Zombies spawn behind the adjacent building.

Indigo Beef fights endlessly to keep the undead hordes at bay. AHEM BEEF...

The humans make it across to the first sky bridge, choosing weapons over height.

The gun runners struggle to push to the second floor.

The humans hold off swarms of attackers with a hail of gunfire.

An unsuspecting human is impaled by a zombie.

The infected leap onto the floor above as the third route opens.

A zombie gets through and descends upon the unsuspecting humans.

Failing to move upwards, this human meets a painful end.

The remaining humans fall back to the third base.

Another human is sent flying off a sky bridge as their numbers dwindle.

A human’s battle rifle runs dry and switches to a shotgun.

Regrouping, the humans re-stock on ammo and move to the roof, a zombie falling in the background.

Humans pick off descending infected with deadly accuracy.

A zombie sends a fully armed human hurtling downwards as it lands from the fourth infected entrance, leaving the last man to fend for himself.

The last human hiding downstairs is picked off; even with his back against the wall still isn’t safe from the zombie horde.

A video will be arriving soon courtesy of BL00DF1R3

To establish, out of the 8 months of thorough testing, in an 8+ player game, the map like my others, remains unbeaten.
Please Comment and let me know if more information about the map is needed, as I will be happy to provide more tips specifically for the map, info on the stages of evolution Rooftops went through and more.

Dowload the Map Here

Download the Mode Here

Thanks and Happy Hunting,

T.G.