I've never been completely satisfied with the official version of the Solomon Islands maps. Originally, when building them when I was part of Team Pacific I made it a thing that since we were in the very beginnings of map making that the team not use any special textures or objects, to make the addition of the map as easy as possible. Here's what always annoyed me with the official release:
1. I had intended the 2D map to look like a navigation chart. I wanted to be able to see elevation nuances on the 2D map. I didn't want it to look like the old default 2D maps. TD didnt see it that way and changed it to suit the character of the previous maps. I also wanted the chart look to come out as if the map was folded paper.
2. The TD rework turned the map into a [IMHO]cartoon. The original maps had dark foreboding jungles, and the surrounding textures helped in making you feel like you in lush tropical environments. The official product turned the jungles lime green, and added brighter textures to the airfields.
3. I have never been satisfied with the shallows. When I saw what Redko had done to Palau, I drooled. Those shallows where what was needed in the Slot.
So, I have started a very WIP version of these maps.
1. 2D Map:
2. New Textures, inspired by Redko's work. In some cases I've used some of his textures, and modified them to suit the maps:
Still not satisfied with everything here, still working on things. The jungles will be a challenge to get right. I've made new textures for the Copra plantations.
3. I haven't gotten this far yet. I've lost the original layered files used to create the maps in a HDD crash a few years ago, so reverse engineering the map_c file will take a while, plus I'm not quite sure how to go about detailing the shallows as on Redko's Palau...I'll have to ask for his advice if he's still around.
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Topic: Solomons rework (Read 2443 times)
