An open combat arena comprised of platforms and jump pads - basic formula, but it gets the job done and plays well.

When I first played this map, my initial thought was that some longer range weapons would be a good idea. Thinking back, I actually really grew to appreciate that the longest range weapon available here (I think) is the SMG - it adds a unique twist on what would otherwise have been a straight meat grinder if it had PRs or Snipers scattered around. I don't know if keeping the long range weapons out of the map that conventional wisdom would say is well-suited for them, but I like the effect it had. Seeing an enemy 50m away when your best weapon is a Flamethrower is a memorable experience to say the least

My only major suggestion for the map would be that geo should probably be disabled. Even if lights were calculated (so the map didn't turn dark when geo happened), and even if the geo hardness were increased, the map would still have the unfortunate problem of players being able to collapse platforms by taking out the supports. There are ways to work around this, but for how little geo actually adds to this map, it's probably a better idea to just turn it off.

I had a ton of fun playing 4v4 3D Chess - great work!

As a first map, this is as good as they come. You should be very proud, and I certainly look forward to watching you grow as a designer and playing more of your work in the future!

Great first map! Awesome job modelling all the chess pieces. The layout is good and it played well at game night!

Couple suggestions for the next version, if you want geo you also have to add lighting otherwise the map gets dark and gets that weird look once someone geo's. Also with geo you have to add a couple giant portal faces to split the map up, otherwise eventually the map soft crashes and everything disappears. Id also take a look at the developer resources on this site and find a higher resolution skybox to use, that wouldn't have all the visible seams. Lastly there was one face on the side of one of the platforms you forgot to texture but no biggy. With these quick fixes it would be a perfect map.