Checkmate (ctf05) has always been a favorite among RF players, but the map's gameplay often leaves much to be desired. Checkmate Pro sets out to solve those issues to the greatest extent possible, while retaining as much of the classic gameplay as it feasibly can.

The first version of this map was uploaded nearly two years ago. Since that time, the map has been played hundreds of time and tweaked along the way. Today, I'm releasing the final version - ctfcmpro.rfl.

Hope you enjoy!

For anyone who played the last version of this map (RC1), here's a changelog between that version and the final version:
- Fixed jumppad orientation
- Fixed texture issues on jumppads
- Fixed texture issues on rusty metal bars in each base
- Fixed minor texture issue in red base
- Reduced fog density

Here's a full listing of the notable changes between the original version of Checkmate and Checkmate Pro:
- Added second upper route out of each base (as it appears to have originally existed in Volition beta screenshots)
- Added additional health, armor, ammo, and SMG pickup to new upper route
- Added 2 new spawn points in base (on platform to new upper route)
- Added a new spawn point to mid for each base (on platform to new upper route)
- Added non-geo regions to floor sections
- Added non-geo region to large pillar in center of base
- Removed geo from bridges in mid
- Removed rail driver from each base, replaced with rocket launcher
- Removed rocket launcher from mid, replaced with rail (and raised up to require max length jump)
- Removed rocket ammo from mid, replaced with grenades
- Removed flamethrower and ammo from base, replaced with rocket ammo and assault rifle ammo
- Added super health to each base
- Normalized pickup heights and made pickups symmetrical
- Aligned all pickups and spawns to grid
- Increased fog far clip plane from 70m -> 145m
- Added decorative wall inset to either side of mid with team color coded lights
- Resolved minor texture, lighting, and portaling issues

ED BUNGHOLE · Fri 22 Dec 2023, 7:50 · 0 User Rating: 👍 Recommended!   I reviewed one of the betas back in Feb. of 2021 and said, "Cool map! A common complaint I've heard over the years from CTF match players is how boring CM can be 3v3 or 4v4. I think this map solves that problem. " I'm here to report back that the vast majority of competitive CTF match players clearly prefer this map over reg CM and the problem has been solved! Whether it is matches/pub/Gamenight, this map is a modern classic that exceeded expectations imo. Simply put, the added routes/weapon changes/reduced fog/better geo make it MUCH better than default CM while also maintaining enough of the classic CM feel/gameplay. Nice work Goober!