[sek929]

Heh, actually we are working in our woodshop here at my house. In order to go anywhere right now we'd need a ****ing boat.

[The Final Dakar]

Have you considered building one?

[mattyb]

No luck here joining matches. 600K people on. Can't even get to the 'old' game types.

The maps are large but seem to be a good mix for player types. First impression in a private match with only me playing so take that for what its worth. Aircraft might not be as effective due to the building and other cover. Good I say.

[Leonard]

Originally Posted by Calvin Blair 

Played some demolition, sabotage, just not my day, I don't have all the time in the world to play but man I got frustrated today, nothing went right for me.

Yeah, I've had some days like that. Sometimes it's just a matter of timing in the game or being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Sometimes, though, it's the team you're playing against, they use the UAV or heartbeat sensors to their fullest and they know exactly where you are and where your going before you do.

[Leonard]

Originally Posted by The Final Dakar 

Have you considered building one?

Build a boat! Woodshop...

[Jawbone54]

I went home during lunch and started the dload. It had better be fixed for later tonight...

[The Final Dakar]

They claim it was mostly functioning an hour ago, but mattyb's post (and the IW forums) indicate otherwise.

[boy8cookie]

I guess I should go home for lunch to download at least.

[sek929]

Works over here, placed me in a CTF match within seconds.

Played on the snowy level and it's waaaay better than Derail. Think of a condensed Derail with multiple two-story structures and back-alleyways.

[The Final Dakar]

Salvage? The previews made it look like Quarry meets... I forget what I said.

[::maroma::]

So how would this botched launch compare to other botched DLC launches? I recall Bethesda messing up on some Fallout 3 DLCs that got people's panties all bunched up. But I don't think it screwed with other basic XBL services like I hear this one did.

So who's the sorry sucker who's getting fired for letting this out the door?

[The Final Dakar]

No one will ever be as bad as Gears of War 2.

But Mw2 is really trying.

[sek929]

Both first Fallout 3 DLCs were totally borked. The second one was actually removed for a few days while they fixed the problem.

[sek929]

Originally Posted by The Final Dakar 

Salvage? The previews made it look like Quarry meets... I forget what I said.

I only played a half match but I thought the map was pretty cool. I was held up in a building FAL'ing guys out in the open not realizing how easy it was to rush me from behind. The buildings are small and have easy entrances.

[The Final Dakar]

The preview advertised it as "one level" so news of multiple stories and buildings is good news.

[Leonard]

Originally Posted by The Final Dakar 

Salvage? The previews made it look like Quarry meets... I forget what I said.

I think you said Scrapyard... let me check...

Yep, you said:

Originally Posted by The Final Dakar

Salvage: Awful. Looks like a cross between Scrapyard and Quarry. Takes the flatness of scrapyard and combines it with the death valleys of Quarry. They also mentioned it was the smallest map. Veto.

[sek929]

It's alot like Scrapyard, but instead of plane bits it's small two story buildings scattered about.

[The Final Dakar]

Logging on shortly...

[mattyb]

The maps are good. Bailout really is too big though. It brought back memories playing on Crash again.

Now the idea to give double XP is good. The idea to limit double XP to the stimulus maps only isn't good. The idea that you have a rotation of sh1te like Sabotage and Demolition in amongst TDM and S&D justifies sacrificing IW employees' newborn children. What twat thought that one up?

I was looking forward to playing but just got pissed of having sabotage matches go on and on for hours. Bravo IW, you have once again proved that the people with the best ideas are no longer in your employment.

[The Final Dakar]

Originally Posted by mattyb 

The maps are good. Bailout really is too big though.

Shut your mouth. I suppose Invasion is too big as well?

I still managed to get spawn killed with regularity on Bailout, mostly thanks to there being no B spawn in Domination.

[Jawbone54]

I was only able to play one match on Bailout before leaving home and going back to work. Game mode was Sabatoge, and it took all of 20 minutes. I did horrible (first time to ever play Sabatoge), and was blown away by how much bigger this map was than I expected. You can definitely spend nearly the entire match indoors if you want.

One thing that stood out was that it was more difficult for me to pick out enemies than on the original maps. There are so many artifacts, rubble, cars, and more for players to blend into.

[boy8cookie]

Originally Posted by Jawbone54 

One thing that stood out was that it was more difficult for me to pick out enemies than on the original maps. There are so many artifacts, rubble, cars, and more for players to blend into.

On this note, I think all the maps should have randomly generated destructible items (cars, boxes, rubble, debris, etc). This would make the maps a little less static, and allow some more stealth game play without having the exact same hiding spots utilized every time.

[mattyb]

Originally Posted by boy8cookie 

On this note, I think all the maps should have randomly generated destructible items (cars, boxes, rubble, debris, etc). This would make the maps a little less static, and allow some more stealth game play without having the exact same hiding spots utilized every time.

+1, think that I saw someone call this 'dynamic maps'. Wonder how possible it is to do before a game starts though. Dunno how much (more) info would have to be sent to the players.

Back to Bailout. Maybe its just because I played Demolition (or was it Sabotage - they both suck IMHO) on it. A good ground war might change my views.

I saw 100K in Stimulus and 60K in HC Stimulus last night, so if I estimate that there was probably more on later, say 200K in total, thats 240,000,000 MS points. Not bad. Long weekend coming up in Europe, bet that they'll sell even more. The bastards.

[sek929]

Bailout is the stand-out map for me so far. Of course playing Sabotage and Domination on the other maps didn't help my opinion.

[The Final Dakar]

Originally Posted by The Final Dakar 

YouTube - MW2 Stimulus Map Pack Preview
Analysis

Bailout: Looks great. Like a happy medium between what Derail and Favela were trying to do. That probably sounds crazy, but the houses seem large, not cramped, and the outside seems deep but not "wide" open. Projecting this to be my favorite, if I can grasp the CQB/Long shot switching.

Salvage: Awful. Looks like a cross between Scrapyard and Quarry. Takes the flatness of scrapyard and combines it with the death valleys of Quarry. They also mentioned it was the smallest map. Veto.

Storm: A little less keen on it after seeing this video. That warehouse seems to be more of a central location than the style of the level. Might be like a smaller less diverse Pipeline. Still, holding out hope.

Let's review:

Bailout - Not sure it reflects any map, really. Unique. Still, I was right that its the best of the bunch. The only flaw I've found is the C spawn on it is horrific. Leaves you on the low ground, meaning anyone who spots you while you're trying to go, you know anywhere useful, will have the upper hand and ground.

Salvage - Nailed it? The center area with the dog house (where I saw two people hide together in it in two S&D games) seems to be where all paths want to lead you to. Don't hate it per se, yet.

Storm: A mild cross between Pipeline and Downpour. Loving it so far. Lots of different paths and options.

[sek929]

My only thoughts are that if we plan on doing a lot of play in the Stimulus playlist I'm going to need a serious overhaul of my classes.

All the maps are new to me so I haven't yet made any final thoughts. I like Crash, but I'll need a duplicate main AR class with Claymores to make full use of those buildings.

Best game of the night was the first game on Bailout with Kavvika...where he proceeded to get a nuke on his first time playing on that map.

[The Final Dakar]

Originally Posted by sek929 

My only thoughts are that if we plan on doing a lot of play in the Stimulus playlist I'm going to need a serious overhaul of my classes.

Yeah, I'm with you on that. I was falling back on my Stealth class a lot, but the lack of a shotgun on it was a little debilitating.

Originally Posted by sek929 

All the maps are new to me so I haven't yet made any final thoughts. I like Crash, but I'll need a duplicate main AR class with Claymores to make full use of those buildings.

I swear, Crash and Overgrown accounted for 2/3rds of our games last night. So glad I bought the map pack so could play all the maps I already played before the entire night in gametypes I loathe. I think I played two TDMs all of last night.

Originally Posted by sek929 

Best game of the night was the first game on Bailout with Kavvika...where he proceeded to get a nuke on his first time playing on that map.

I'm excited for him to Prestige, just to hear what aspects of having no shit irk the hell out of him. Hurry up with those nukes -- unless I'm in the game.

---

Thanks to people incessantly bitching on twitter, 402 announced they're putting the new maps into rotation on the rest of playlists (why wouldn't you do that already?) and extending double xp to them. While this is welcome news, I'm still up for Stimulus package playlists shenanigans this weekend. The 15k xp games are a little enticing.

Also, total Fatty moment last night -- getting called out for using a modded controller! ****ing love it. Really atypical game, dunno how I went 14-0 on S&D when no one got more than 3 kills but I'll take it. Definitely one to remember.

[The Final Dakar]

So, I have to say I really like the CTF game. The return time, however, is utterly shocking compared to Halo. I suppose its passable since the maps tend to be way smaller (Note: When you grabbed on for the first time, sek, I was waiting for you to start throwing it and regrabbing as you ran). Not to throw a backhand complement, but the mode also seemed to work for Crosbie (A man without care for his k/d is a dangerous man!).

Demolition is too bad either, aside from the 20 minute rounds. What was Sabatoge? One bomb? Meh-rrific.

Is there any disadvantage to having the flag? Looked like everyone retained running speed and weapon control with it (Yes, I returned one last night but I forget). The lack of challenges for CTF sucks since I actually enjoyed it.

FYI, boycookie, stogies Pepsi Knife is from the Prestige Knife Veteran IV challenge, one of the easiest Prestige challenges to complete.

[sek929]

With the flag you have the same abilities, in one CTF game last night where we destroyed the other team I actually got a Predator Killstreak while having the flag on me.

I like the very shortened return times as compared to Halo, but I can't help thinking that an extra second might make things more interesting. If you get killed with the flag it's getting returned, no question. In Halo it was cool to be able to lose the flag, but then rally as a team and recapture it.

Still, out of all the Objective games CTF is my favorite. I'd love to see how we do with a full party, I think we could be absolute beasts at CTF.

[::maroma::]

I played a little last night as well. I'm not familiar enough with the regular maps to be able to judge these so early, so I'll spare you all my opinion on those.

I did get to 70 though, only to discover that I have to go through lvl 70 in order to Prestige. Damn! I was all excited when I ranked, then immediately was defeated and went to bed.

Should Prestige in the next couple days, just in time to spend the weekend getting as many levels as possible.

Question: Do you lose your challenges you've completed or are currently progressing on when you Prestige?

[::maroma::]

Oh also, I had never played any game type other than TDM before last night. I was so lost on everything except CTF. Which I also enjoyed the most out of the game types I played. I like defending the flag or escorting the carrier.

[sek929]

CTF is certainly one of the most balanced and enjoyable Objective games.

All of your challenges reset after pretiging, and you gain a new challenge type called Prestige. Those challenges accumulate through all pretiges (except the knife and silenced weapons ones, for some reason) so you can look forward to "Kill 1 dude with a gun" challenge unlocking at level 1.

[The Final Dakar]

Originally Posted by sek929 

Still, out of all the Objective games CTF is my favorite. I'd love to see how we do with a full party, I think we could be absolute beasts at CTF.

Too bad its worthless for challenges. I think that and the illusion of extra xp will have me in th eplaylists this weekend. Even though its dumb since I won't complete any III challenges, but whatever.

Originally Posted by ::maroma:: 

I did get to 70 though, only to discover that I have to go through lvl 70 in order to Prestige. Damn! I was all excited when I ranked, then immediately was defeated and went to bed.

BWAHAHAHA

Originally Posted by ::maroma:: 

Should Prestige in the next couple days, just in time to spend the weekend getting as many levels as possible.

Hit 51 (the half-way point) last night. Time to see how fast one man can blow thorugh a Prestige.

Kinda sucks though, I'm blowing through the good levels (i.e. I have all the stuff I want).

---

Anyone notice the new local matchmaking? I imagine it'll make finding games a botch for boycookie. God nows it felt like it took twice as long for me, because it had to keep trying til it hit 80 ms games.

[The Final Dakar]

I figure all these are possible this week. Anyone up for trying to do these with me?

Search and Destroy Victor I Win 5 Search and Destroy matches.
Search and Destroy Victor II Win 15 Search and Destroy matches.

Sabotage Victor I Win 5 Sabotage matches.
Sabotage Victor II Win 20 Sabotage matches.

Bomb Down Kill a bomb carrier in Sabotage or Search and Destroy •

Bomb Defender I Kill 3 enemies while they are defusing the bomb
Bomb Defender II Kill 10 enemies while they are defusing the bomb

Bomb Prevention I Kill 3 enemies while they are planting the bomb
Bomb Prevention II Kill 10 enemies while they are planting the bomb

Defuser I Defuse 2 bombs. •
Defuser II Defuse 10 bombs.

Last Man Standing Be the last man standing in Search and Destroy •

Saboteur I Plant 2 bombs.
Saboteur II Plant 10 bombs.

• Already finished

[sek929]

I'll play the Stimulus playlist, and nothing but. I have the same challenges you have sans Defuse 2 bombs.

Wonder if there is a challenge for bitching about Objective games, but I guess we would have already unlocked that one.

[The Final Dakar]

Does this mean you'll hold hands with me and back out of Domination games rather than waste our time?

Edit: Headquarters, too. At least on Crash.

Edit 2: I still like Crash, but I never thought it was a fun map for Objective type games.

[sek929]

I'll back out of any Domination lobby, we can also escort eachother for the Bomb challenges.

[boy8cookie]

I'm down for whatever, I'll be on a lot, too.

P.S. I got another nuke after everyone logged off. CTF on Overgrown, from my usual spot. 4/10.

[boy8cookie]

Originally Posted by sek929 

Best game of the night was the first game on Bailout with Kavvika...where he proceeded to get a nuke on his first time playing on that map.

The best part of that is I was using a Marathon/Lightweight/Commando setup with a P90 (no attachments!). Once I got to 7-0, it was all kill streaks.

[The Final Dakar]

Originally Posted by boy8cookie 

I'm down for whatever, I'll be on a lot, too.

P.S. I got another nuke after everyone logged off. CTF on Overgrown, from my usual spot. 4/10.

I'm rooting for you to finish soon, because I want to see how your Prestige goes and also so the lingering threat of 1 death and the possible curbing of a great game haunt my existence.

Originally Posted by boy8cookie 

The best part of that is I was using a Marathon/Lightweight/Commando setup with a P90 (no attachments!). Once I got to 7-0, it was all kill streaks.

You sicken me (The latter part).

[boy8cookie]

I seem to do my best with just one other friend in the game. When we get our larger groups going, there aren't really enough kills to go around. I especially like playing with Fatty, since our play-styles are decidedly different, it allows me to play off his aggressiveness and wreak havoc. Good times.

[sek929]

...and your killstreaks, plus people wanting to seek revenge on you, makes me able to slip around the level catching people off-guard.

[Leonard]

Originally Posted by sek929 

All of your challenges reset after pretiging, and you gain a new challenge type called Prestige. Those challenges accumulate through all pretiges (except the knife and silenced weapons ones, for some reason) so you can look forward to "Kill 1 dude with a gun" challenge unlocking at level 1.

To add to this, you also gain two challenges to all your weapons which accumulate across prestiges. So at 500/1000/2500 kills for each weapon you get a new title or emblem. And at X amount (I forget the amounts) of headshots you get an ew title or emblem.

[Leonard]

Originally Posted by boy8cookie 

When we get our larger groups going, there aren't really enough kills to go around.

Yeah, that's the problem with:
- playing with good players
- having a 7500 point limit on matches
- having a 10 min. limit on matchs with few players

I think they should have a couple of playlists with point limits greater than 7500 (say 10000). Or have a 10000 point weekend.

[The Final Dakar]

It's a tough call. If you're getting slaughtered you just want it to end. If everyone is camping (or you're on Derail) you just want it to end.

I wouldn't mind if two teams are having a close game (within 500 points) when they hit 7000 it would give a extension to 10000.

[boy8cookie]

Originally Posted by The Final Dakar 

It's a tough call. If you're getting slaughtered you just want it to end. If everyone is camping (or you're on Derail) you just want it to end.

I wouldn't mind if two teams are having a close game (within 500 points) when they hit 7000 it would give a extension to 10000.

That seems like a weird situation to extend the match. I don't think the SC matches being 30% longer (always) would be that unbearable, even when you're getting creamed.

[The Final Dakar]

Originally Posted by boy8cookie 

That seems like a weird situation to extend the match.

The general idea is "overtime", but I don't necessarily disagree. But an increase in match kills by 33% is a lot.

[Leonard]

All I know is I've had a few good TDM games, and you get your killstreak rewards, but you can't use them that second, so you sit on them for a minute while your racking up more kills and all of a sudden you hear that countdown timer or you see one team is at 7300 and think ****, I have to use those killstreak rewards.

Or I call the killstreak just to advance a count on a challenge.

[The Final Dakar]

That's the luck of the draw. I do think it should pay out the XP if they're unused, though.

[boy8cookie]

Originally Posted by Leonard 

All I know is I've had a few good TDM games, and you get your killstreak rewards, but you can't use them that second, so you sit on them for a minute while your racking up more kills and all of a sudden you hear that countdown timer or you see one team is at 7300 and think ****, I have to use those killstreak rewards.

Or I call the killstreak just to advance a count on a challenge.

I'd definitely have a few more nukes if games were longer. I've had a lot of 21-0 & 23-0 games where score limits were reached. I've also had some 24-1 games where I'm rushing to get that last kill before the score limit or time limit is reached. Oh well.