You want to play multiplayer. You might even want to host as well. Where do you
start.
First off you need a connection: Obviously if you're reading this, you have at
minimum a 56k connection. Some would argue that A DSL or cable connection is
the best for gaming. Nonetheless some of the best player manage quite nicely
with a 56K connection. So the choice is yours.
Alright, while connected click on Multiplayer on the main menu.
A menu pops up, and you see;
Player setup
Join Internet game
Join a Lan game
Host
Player Setup gives you the option to give yourself an online identity and persona.
Pretty self explanatory.
So You want to join an Internet game: This is when you realize.
"There are maps that I don't have in my repertoire of maps" So I can't
play why?
There have been Official Updates and Mappacks released since the launch of the
original game.
If you load these onto your computer and game will have everything available. Then
joining a game is as easy as clicking on Join Game.
Some of the favorite Retail maps are:
DM
The Pad
Chillkill
Highlands
SerpentClaw
AM
Hydro
Oasis
Blizzard
Stasi
"There are still some maps I haven't got."
There are also a whole slew of Custom made maps. Players just like you, decided
they wanted to make a map for NOLF in their spare time. They must really love
the game. Currently NolfGirl.com has 42+ custom made maps ready for download.
Check out the most comprehensive collection of NOLF maps here: Multiplayer
Maps
Alright now you know how to load the maps. The tough part now is which
ones. There is an interesting little quirk in the engine where you can only load
11 rez files at any one time. So you must be discriminating on which maps to
choose.
So which CUSTOM maps should I use or have?
Check out the Map Reviews by Wiky,
a veteran NOLFer and mapper.
There seems to be a divergence of AM and DM players of late. SO, before
you decide which maps to host, you have to also know what type of player joins
which games.
Generally speaking, though this is in no way a rule, newer and less experienced
player, tend to play DM, simply because it is not as rigorous as AM. Less rules,
more chaotic, and since it is every player for themselves, more forgiving.
AM is by definition a team game. Thus the demands of the team play factor in.
If you are just learning to use the controls, then AM is a tough place to learn.
But to get you started
Here is a few map reviews to help you in your decision. This is just an opinion
on some of the user made CUSTOM maps in the NOLF repetoire.
Here's the format
Title:
Mapmaker's name: (check the readme.txt)
Brief theme description: (the idea of the map, if there is one)
What was liked and/or disliked:
I've checked most the maps as they come out, I've only written reviews for the
ones I can say good things about.
BUNKER DM
by Alpha
Ported from a goldeneye deathmatch level. Set in an underground Unity Bunker,
its just rooms and corridors and semi secret passages and is just a well executed
and great map. Good weapon placement, multiple entrances to each room (no place
to camp)
Can be played 4-8 people, and should be on more servers.
The LANDING_AM
HC_Stalin
Amazingly ambitious concept. The landing at Omaha Beach (Normandy France) Second
world war. (Saving Private Ryan) Its massive and really cool as an idea. Three
huge guns randomly bombard the beach, troop carriers sit disabled in the water.
There's a bunker complex underground. that's a clautrophic hoot to play in. Very
nice. I have some concerns in the texturing, and the refinement of the look of
the level but in terms of game play and execution it rocks. It is still in Beta
me thinks, But when this one comes out, get it.
Its a huge level, not sure how it will play on smaller machines. But if you can
get 6 a side, or 12 total. If Stalin refines the textures, and the look and adjusts
some of the play characteristics, (just tweaks) this map will be awesome.
DRUGBUST_AM
by modmaker
SIDEARMS_DM
by brazen and Modmaker
SIDEARMS_TEAM
by Modmaker and Brazen
Commando_Lybia_DM
by Xkillir
DUST_AM
by ZeRein
This is a great port of a famous CounterStrike map de Dust. Admittedly I haven't
played the original, but if this map is any indication, it is probably great.
Ze rein the one of the originals of the NOLF community and the quality of this
map is superb. In a post on the official forum, he states that he meticulously
used two monitors side by side, one with the original CS map and one with the
Dedit build DUST, he worked on it for a month, the results speak for themselves.
(since it was already designed, he expended all the energy on detail and texturing.
Very nice original custom textures too, w/ graffiti) Its a desert fort, complete
with ever present sand, it has excellent weapons placement and enough nooks and
crannies for some fantastically fun gameplay. There aren't very many User made
assault maps but this one definitely should be on your list to play. Lets hope
the servers take notice.
KatnMaus
by Eisbear
This is a European Village setting, complete with a Church in the middle of the
town square and Moat surrounding. I couldn't help but get a feeling of the second
World War, and Saving Private Ryan, with all the great nooks ad crannies, and
the sniper points. Though there are a few technical brush issues, regarding the
water, and the main gate doors, its a fun level. (The most important thing in
map making is a consistency of theme in your level. A sense of place) Eisnbear
does a good job.
Little Italy
by Xkillir
Speaking of consistency of theme, Now we're in the South of France, near the
Italian border. A small enclave, complete with music playing through the windows,
clothes hanging in the summer sun out to dry, There's a few AI henchmen, to keep
things interesting.
This level is so much fun, just to explore, let alone play. It takes a while
to figure out the upper level of the rooftops, but once you do the gameplay is
well thought out and dynamic.
In regards to a sense of place, this map is the best representation of use of
SOUND to create mood and environment. There is a dynamic sound scape that ebbs
and flows like reality. Very impressive. (should note That the ocean has some
minor glitches, but I'm certain these will get fixed. Its a bummer not being
able to come up for air)
STALAG by Teal'C
Temple of the Jaguar
by Wiky
Mayan Temple, in the jungles of Central America. With traps, traps doors, hidden
rooms, swimming fish, a Three level working elevator (which is a huge accomplishment),
triggers, gas chamber, spikes from the ceiling, spikes in the floor. And this
real cool sculpted cat with a wagging tail. For the first 20 time you play you'll
die more by suicide, and the environment then by your deathmatch compatriots.
It is a large level, it might lag with a lot of players, or slower machines,
but for the sheer experience, and the fun of location, this one is Awesome.
I've spoken to Wiky, and I'll be writing a guest review of TOTJ for the map review
site. More later.
Warehouse_DM
By Poo-al
This is a tight little maps, perfect for 4-6 players. It is well designed and
organized. Think an basement warehouse, in the old part to town. With vaulted
ceilings, and crates strewn about, it works well as a small scale DM. The main
room has tunnels circling around it, and a half open garage door, offers access
to the ante chamber. Include it in your list of game levels.
WINTERBERG_DM
by Xkillir
WHAT'S THIS. Artificial Intelligence?
In addition there are now two new AI maps specifically designed for new players
in mind. These maps have Working AI that shoot at you, and offer you the option
of learning play styles and tactics in private, without the stress that could
be associated on line.
Sniper_Training_AI_DM
by modmaker
Learn to use the Geldmacher with scope.
AI_Training_Arena_DM
By Modmaker
Learn to use the AK-47 with scope.
Both are invaluable for newbies to acquire the skills for on line play. You can
host your own game with any multiplayer map and lock the server.
You say you don't know how!
That's what the next part is about.
