(07/29/99)

Editor used: Qoole2.5
Compile time: 2.5 days
Computer: 333 celeron, 256 RAM, Creative Blaster TNT, with Win95
Includes: Textures, sky, sounds, jpegs, .bsp & .map file.

Unzip the folder to your favorite Q2 game folder, ie: Quake2/baseq2, Quake2/lithium, Quake2/action...
If you don't plan on using the level for a mod then just stick with baseq2.

In the console, type:  

set game (your favorite Q2 game folder)
map thebigblock1

Introduction:

I'd like to say first off that there are stolen textures from other mods in this map, and only the ones in 
the russ folder are actually mine.  The Big Block was my first attempt at map making, and it shows.  My 
early ignorance has caused me to make a level so big that it is limited to higher end computers.  I 
strongly recommend not trying this level in software mode.  Only recently have I decided to go ahead 
and compile the level for online testing.  Therefore, this is clearly a test, and I'll try to clear up 
as many of the graphic and gameplay problems before the next version comes out.

Problems:

The editor of choice has been Qoole2.5, not because I think it's the best, but because it's the only 
editor I know how to use.  Anyone who's worked with Qoole knows about the unbearable problems such as:
Poor brush alignment, no "skip brush" texture property option (well, I've never seen it work), no opengl
support, and I couldn't get animating textures to work for some reason.  Anyways, you can see some of 
Qoole's bad work in alot of alignment with polygons, and for some reason certain textures didn't align
the way Qoole said it would.  Another problem is with the actual design of the level.  It sucks, I know.
This is entirely my fault, as I wanted to have a finished version of the level with light before playing
it online.  I should've just used bots.  I can see now that the level is generally too big, and could 
use more items in other areas of the map to keep it interresting.  There are also areas that are a little 
tricky to get through, and I liked that at first, but after playing the level online I realized those 
features were basically just being avoided.

For version 2:

- Add more items to the boring parts
- Add more homes
- Get the televisions to animate
- fix those damned alignment problems
- Add a playground in the empty area at the back
- Add single player and CTF options
- Try to get the level to run smoother
- Add far off buildings, streets and houses to the sky
- less abient moon lighting

I'm sure there's more but who cares, this is really just a test.  Regardless of the problems, I am 
most pleased with the overall look of the level.  I've never seen a good suburban like map before, so 
I hope I've atleast created a level worth looking at.  Well, try to have fun too.  And BTW, this level 
is free to be altered in any way, so knock yourself out and make it amazing.  E-mail me if you do, I'd 
be interrested to see the changes.

							RUSKULL
							fxruss@home.com
