Compliments of our map maker, Russell Phillips.
"Hey guys, Russ here...
I’m very excited to introduce the new map I’ve been working on. Based on feedback from the community, this is a totally new layout based in an Indonesian mannequin factory featuring both breach points and tunnels to provide additional options or “shortcuts” for more efficient, undercover hostage extraction.
Form Factory (working name) will have a dark, murky almost creepy vibe that introduces weather (wind, rain, etc) for the first time in one of our maps. Imagine if you will, stumbling into a damp, dark factory warehouse with body parts strewn about or hanging in the rafters of a large paint room. Shapes and forms backlit making it impossible to decipher mannequin vs. human form.
I’ve listened to the community, asking for smaller maps so the game play area has been reduced for more close quartered combat and the ability to traverse the entire map in less time. But I’ve added vertical elements, like catwalks and higher floors in surrounding buildings for additional sniper positions as well as a network of tunnels that lets you navigate the area unseen.
What we’re doing here at H-Hour isn’t a SOCOM remake, but a tribute to the franchise that celebrates the beauty and simplicity of some of the original maps, incorporating what I’ve learned (and continue to learn) over the last 15 years, but also how technology in gaming has evolved. I would describe Form Factory as an awesome blend of Crossroads and Frostfire with a sprinkle of Desert Glory rolled up into its own unique style.
The screenshots you’re looking at are just a step past the block-out stage in design. I expect we will be play testing this map in the next week or two to make any necessary changes to the layout. So far I feel like this map is going to be the best yet with so many options and routes in a small area. Our plan is to go prime time and release this map in one month! Stay tuned for updates."
Russ is online & will be replying to some post at the official forum. If you're interested, leave a message in this thread