[Now on IdGames] Hellevator - 32 maps Community Project Boom Megawad

[ViolentBeetle]

 

 

Hellevator is speedmapping community project built around time and space limitations. Each map was built in 3 days with only small balance, textures and bugfix adjustment allowed afterwards.

 

The premise of the project is simple: Demons are trying to invade Heaven and have built a skyscrapper to reach Heaven and conquer it. And they did it right in your backyard! So you must ride 30 floor tall building all the way up to the roof to stop them.

 

Due to different people of different skill level mapping in different times, there's certain discrepancy in difficulty level and style. A few difficulty spikes (And a few difficulty dips) here and there were inevitable and couldn't be easily smoothed out by moving maps around. Don't be afraid to use IDCLEV if you hit a snag. All maps were designed for pistol start.

 

The mapping format was Boom, tested primarily in PrBoom+

gzDoom was partially used without issue, but not fully tested in it.

Mouselook is not recommended, at least it's not recommended to look out of the window, might break the illusion.

 

The table of contents is too big for this post, so here's the link

See also CREDITS.TXT inside archive for the same list

 

Random screenshots from some of my favourite levels:

 

Spoiler

 

The main coordination discord is hosted on Blue Pineapple's channel: https://discord.gg/bK8p7pR

 

GET THE FILE FROM IDGAMES NOW

 

Former content with rules:

Spoiler

 

The rules for mapping are following:

- The format is Boom for Doom 2. Testing port is PrBoom+ (Please please please don't test them in zDoom only). If you are so inclined, you are allowed to only use Doom 2 effects, since those are all still valid.

- Difficulty must be implemented. Co-op is not required (Might interfere with Voodoo scripting)
- The level must incorporate elevator template, including the voodoo control sectors. The playable area is a plus-shaped area marked by kebab decorations.
- The level must incorporate elevator template, including the voodoo control sectors. The playable area is a plus-shaped area marked by kebab decorations. Non-playable area is allowed to extend outside it.
- IWAD is Doom 2 and only Doom 2 stock textures are used.

 

- To claim your slot apply to #slot-claiming (Or in this topic)
- Only one slot per participant can be claimed at a time, but you can claim another after you completed
- You will have 72 hours to turn in your map after claiming. Only small balancing and bug fixing will be allowed afterwards.
- Anyone can claim a map

 

- You can use any style of textures - techbase, hell or mixed.
- SSG should not appear before MAP07. Plasma should not appear before MAP12. BFG before MAP21
- If you are making outside area, make sure to draw outer walls along the kebab line. Extra decorations like support beams are allowed. Also make a trim on top and bottom to separate it from unseen upper and lower floors. Coordinate design between adjacent levels if necessary.
- Exit is always locked by a red key card. Ideally you should not use red scull anywhere on the level, but if you absolutely must you are allowed.
- MAP15 must contain a secret exit - window in a northmost wall. Secret level is basement and start in small cavernous pit outisde the kebab bound and not in the elevator. Super-secret level is a sub-basement. Basement should have a hidden switch that will make final switch move elevator down (I can help modify the voodoo script if necessary, should be easy)
- MAP30 is on the roof.
- MAP01 is the lobby and starts at the front door (can be along either wall)
- Don't make height different too great. It's just one floor after all
- Custom MIDI is encouraged. Make sure to credit it properly

 

Edited January 25, 2021 by ViolentBeetle

[Repugnus]

Count me in, boss. Quick question, if this is a speedmapping project, is there a set time limit we have to abide by?

Edited September 26, 2020 by Repugnus

[Walter confetti]

Love in the hellivator lol

[Biodegradable]

A kind of spiritual successor to Cyriak's notorious Going Down? Sounds like a neat idea to me! Just don't make it as relentlessly difficult please hehe ;^)

[Captain Toenail]

Sounds interesting. Sign me up.

[ViolentBeetle]

I updated rules on weapon progression, please take note. Also I realized it should be spelled Hellevator so I fixed it. Don't know what got into me.

[Mr Masker]

i might think about joinin this but just wondering... how long is the speedmapping period?

 

[ViolentBeetle]

Overall, the aim is to make as many maps as possible in a month. I think the most practical would be to claim a slot and then have 72 hours to turn it in.

[Mr Masker]

I think this could be fun. What sort of mapping skill are you looking for?

 

Also will this have a discord or is it just in this forum?

[ViolentBeetle]

We'll move on discord when time comes. One of the existing channel's owners offered to host it, so we'll probably go there rather than creating yet another channel. This will remain as back-up communication platform.

[Mr Masker]

what about the mapping skill thing?

[ViolentBeetle]

Understanding the basics of layout making and balance is obviously important, but I don't have a very high bar. If Boom is the problem for you, you can settle for only using Doom 2 actions, all the mandatory things has been set up in the template.

[Mr Masker]

id say im fine with Boom. I might actually join this, Im sort of doing these sort of community things to get better at mapping and this could be one of em. Sign me up!

[NeedHealth]

I do a map.

[Dranyan]

Cool concept. I'm actually interested joining, but i'm not entirely sure. But for know, consider i'm in.

I hope you're being serious and now how to organize community project, also willing to look for more mappers.

(Maybe you should add "Community Project" or "Looking for mappers" in the title, just to let people know)

Edited October 13, 2020 by Dranyan

[ViolentBeetle]

44 minutes ago, Dranyan said:

(Maybe you should add "Community Project" or "Looking for mappers" in the title, just to let people know)

Why not both :)

[Antkibo]

Seems fun, count me in.

[Captain Toenail]

I have some questions

 

1. How does the speedmapping work? Do we claim a specific map slot, then the 72 hour countdown begins? What if we are busy and can only map at certain times?
2. Will you be providing tileable skies?
3. Can I include a custom midi for my level?
4. Can I add colormap files for deep water effects?
5. Can I modify the elevator exit switch in my map so that it specifically requires the red keycard, so I can also use the red skull key elsewhere?
6. Will the outside of the tower have a consistent look throughout the wad, or does that matter?

Edited September 27, 2020 by Captain Toenail

[ViolentBeetle]

7 hours ago, Captain Toenail said:

I have some questions

 

1. How does the speedmapping work? Do we claim a specific map slot, then the 72 hour countdown begins? What if we are busy and can only map at certain times?
2. Will you be providing tileable skies?
3. Can I include a custom midi for my level?
4. Can I add colormap files for deep water effects?
5. Can I modify the elevator exit switch in my map so that it specifically requires the red keycard, so I can also use the red skull key elsewhere?
6. Will the outside of the tower have a consistent look throughout the wad, or does that matter?

1. You claim a specific map and countdown starts. You should do it when you are confident you will be able to finish.
2. Hopefully. I haven't found any to my liking yet, though, so if you have any suggestions, that'd be great.
3. Of course, as long as you are able to credit it properly.
4. I'm not sure how it works, but probably.
5. I would prefer you didn't do it to avoid confusion, but if you absolutely must I will allow it.
6. Yes, it should have consistent shape and texture. I will decide on what exact texture when we start.

 

[Juka]

Following the thread, this sounds really fun!

[obake]

Sure, I'll join!

[DFF]

I loved going down, this sounds super fun and I'll definitely take a map or two.

[ViolentBeetle]

I have added a few stylistic guidelines. A feedback is welcome.

 

All the rules will be rewritten in a single unified code when mapping starts.

[maxresdefault]

Hi, I would like to join and make a map!

[ViolentBeetle]

Sneak peak of provisional Intermission Screen art. I hope at some point I either figure out how to make it cleaner.

[Captain Toenail]

Thanks for the info ViolentBeetle. I have a great idea for a later map. Will the project be starting soon?

[45th Parrallel]

Hell, I'll give it a go. Count me in.

 

[ViolentBeetle]

2 minutes ago, Captain Toenail said:

Thanks for the info ViolentBeetle. I have a great idea for a later map. Will the project be starting soon?

The elevator release and claiming process will be open on October 1st.

[DFF]

Is the "the X floor" naming scheme concrete, or will there be some play for creativity? Like rather than have "the lobby" it could be "lobby of doom" or "square 1", or something as example.

 

Not a big or important question, just wondering if it is going to be "the grave room", "the tech-sinew room", "the gloomwood room"? And such.

[donevan427]

This sounds super interesting and fun, but I'm not very good at making maps, only made maps in doom in doom 2 format, and have idea how to use voodoo dolls. Can I still try my hand at making a map?