Goonhub
09-18-2019, 05:03 AM
I think the problem here is lack of variety for mediumpop maps that are in space and are enjoyable by most of the community.
I think an analysis on why Cog1 is such a popular map is in order, honestly.
If I had to guess, Cog1's layout is the biggest factor. It's a very linear map; one long primary hallway that doesn't loop on itself. The departments aren't massive and empty or cramped, and there's plenty of nooks and crannies. The layout is very easy to get used to, and each part of the map is fairly distinct. You can easily tell where you are. Compare that to Cog2, where there's areas that look EXTREMELY similar to one another (typically the areas near the air bridges, as well as Escape/Arrivals), so it's a bit confusing at times.
Clarion, while of a similar scale, has quite a few branching hallways that make navigation a bit of a pain in the butt. Some of the departments are also a bit cramped and/or weirdly laid out (not necessarily bad, but some people don't like it).
While the Horizon is also really neat and of a similar scale in terms of departments, and has a single linear hallway, it's fucking LONG and a bit hard to navigate.
I also think a big part is just people being super used to Cog1 and being familiar with lots of its mechanics (Toxins, TEG, etc.), as well as many little hidden nooks and crannies and useful features (e.g device analyzer in the warehouse, chemmaster in maint, easily accessible tools, etc.).
I think an analysis on why Cog1 is such a popular map is in order, honestly.
If I had to guess, Cog1's layout is the biggest factor. It's a very linear map; one long primary hallway that doesn't loop on itself. The departments aren't massive and empty or cramped, and there's plenty of nooks and crannies. The layout is very easy to get used to, and each part of the map is fairly distinct. You can easily tell where you are. Compare that to Cog2, where there's areas that look EXTREMELY similar to one another (typically the areas near the air bridges, as well as Escape/Arrivals), so it's a bit confusing at times.
Clarion, while of a similar scale, has quite a few branching hallways that make navigation a bit of a pain in the butt. Some of the departments are also a bit cramped and/or weirdly laid out (not necessarily bad, but some people don't like it).
While the Horizon is also really neat and of a similar scale in terms of departments, and has a single linear hallway, it's fucking LONG and a bit hard to navigate.
I also think a big part is just people being super used to Cog1 and being familiar with lots of its mechanics (Toxins, TEG, etc.), as well as many little hidden nooks and crannies and useful features (e.g device analyzer in the warehouse, chemmaster in maint, easily accessible tools, etc.).