The Killing Pits

So having updated the thread for my never-ending mapping project, I realized that at this moment what I really want is just feedback on this particular map, The Killing Pits, a sprawling Hell map that I think has the potential to be awesome with some tweaking

It's one of the more ambitious maps I've done, especially among those I've actually finished (not that there's many in that category).  What I set out to make here was a highly nonlinear outdoor map, one with lots of room to explore and lots of approaches to the end.  Atmospherically I wanted a map that was oppressive, gritty, inspired by the best of the E3 Hell aesthetic, and as the name would suggest, emphatic of the death-and-pain part of Hell.

The problem the map has had is in the navigation, and one of the lessons I've learned sharing this around with some of the good folks here is that nonlinearity and exploratory gameplay are virtues that can become vices if taken too far, or done wrong.  I look back now at some of the progression decisions I made, all the switches and climbing and puzzling about needed to get anywhere, and wonder what the hell I was thinking.

This version of the map is still large, still non-linear, and honestly that's not going to change because I do enjoy such maps myself and I think it can be exciting and not madness-inducing if done right; but I've made some key changes to the progression, mostly by eliminating a lot of the switch-hunting needed to get through.  I realized in a map this size that having lots of steps to solving the level is a severe detriment, and I've reduced the progression to basically a couple of keys and one or two switches that control nearby platforms and such.  As a result, most of the map is optional, but again, I love that kind of level and know other people do too.  I've also tried to improve the telegraphing in parts of the map, putting in switches instead of walkover linedefs and enhancing the visibility of key color markers.  There's also more stairs and gaps in walls about to improve navigability and interconnectivity, so it's easier and more intuitive to get from one side of the map to the other (I hope).

As far as difficulty levels: UV is meant to be pretty punishing, with lots of turrets in the open core of the map, and if it's too much I do recommend playing the map on HMP.  I used to do a really poor job of implementing difficulties, so I'm trying to overcome that (or maybe overdo is a better word?) in this map and the set it belongs to.  HMP thus is kind of the "normal", intended difficulty for the thing.  HNTR is pretty gentle, relatively speaking.

Anyway I have put a lot of time into this map and will appreciate any further help in making it not suck (if I’m lucky then aforementioned changes will have lessened the suck to some degree)

DOWNLOAD

REQUIREMENTS AND NOTES

• Any limit-removing sourceport.  Primarily tested in Crispy Doom and GZDoom.
• Jump and crouch are forbidden!  But freelook is ok, at least that's how I play it myself
• Mods might break some of the Dehacked decorations so bear that in mind
• Occupies MAP01 slot
• If playing on UV then don't be shy about saving mid-level pls

SCREENSHOTS