Title: "The Downward Spiral"

Author: Stan C.

Email: 76710.460@compuserve.com

Description: Single player Quake level (also supports DM and Co-op) 
	with some pretty cool stuff, including a waterfall, a whirlpool 
	(hence the title of this map), a rickety suspension bridge, stalactites 
	that fall from the ceiling, interesting lighting and architecture, 
	and tons more.  This map doesn't really have anything to do with 
	Nine Inch Nails, I just thought it would be a cool title for a map.:)

Thanks to: id Software (of course)
	Ben Morris for Worldcraft.
	Yahn Bernier for BSP.
	The Quakelab guys for their excellent web page on Quake Map editing 
	(also where I got the idea for the whirlpool):
		http://206.12.10.240/stevefu/QuakeLab/
	Dave Weiden for his flowing lava and water textures.
	Nine Inch Nails for inspiration.

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* Play Information *

Single Player : 	Mostest definitely.

Co-op	: 		Yup (I haven't tested this out yet though).

Deathmatch : 	Yup, got dat too. (8 starts)  This is a pretty large
 			level, so I wouldn't recommend for any less than 4
 			players.

Difficulty Settings : Yes

New Graphics :	Yes. (Lava Flow and Water Flow by Dave Weiden.

============================================================================

* Construction *

Editor(s) used :	Worldcraft v1.0a, BSP v0.60 and v0.55

Known Bugs :	There's one part that's kinda difficult to pass.  See the 
			Gameplay section for more info.

Build Time :	WAY too long.

Texture WAD used : Dave's flowing water and lava WADs, also quake101.wad 
			(compiled from Registered version PAK0.PAK and PAK1.PAK files).

Build machine :	Pentium 90, 16MB RAM

Build Time :	qbsp : 29 mins 22 secs
			light -extra : 13 mins 12 secs
			vis (full) : 49 mins 42 secs

=======================================================================

Installation:

Copy SPIRAL.BSP to your QUAKE\ID1\MAPS directory, then run Quake using the "+map" extension by typing:

QUAKE +MAP SPIRAL

You can also run the map by entering "MAP SPIRAL" from the console.

=======================================================================

Gameplay:

I noticed that there's one part that's a little bit tough to get past without using a little "cheat".  It *is* possible to do it normally, but it takes some patience and skill. It's the part where the stalactites fall from the ceiling, and you have to jump onto them to reach a ledge.  I've tried to simplify it as much as possible, but if you find it too difficult, try adding these lines to your autoexec.cfg file:

alias +highjump "+jump;wait;+moveup"
alias -highjump "-jump;wait;-moveup"

Then bind the key or mouse button that you normally use to jump to the alias "+highjump" (e.g. 'bind mouse1 "+highjump"').  This should allow you to jump a little bit higher than you would normally, and you should find it much easer to get past that area.

=========================================================================

Other info:

This was my first real attempt at a well made level.  A LOT of time was spent on trying to reduce the complexity of the level, i.e. reducing the number of visible surfaces, the number of brushes, etc, while keeping the "look" intact. I originally went a leetle bit overboard on the bridge at the beginning, but it's been pretty much fixed.  Some areas still slow down a bit (especially in the big hall), but overall, it plays pretty well, IMO.  (R_Numsurfs has a peak value of 562, but only in one area, and averages around 200).

This level was primarily intended for single player, so it's a little bit too linear and straight forward, but I've put in a couple of teleports to help improve Deathmatch play.  It shouldn't be too tough to finish for an average skilled player.

Oh, I would have used the flowing water texture on the whirlpool, but it turned the water into a solid when I tried to compile it. :(

I'd love to hear any comments/flames/criticisms that you have.  You can reach me at "76710.460@compuserve.com".

=======================================================================

Copyright/Permission:

This map contains textures and artwork which are the property of id Software.  You CANNOT distribute this level as part of any compilation CD or for monetary gain without express written consent from id Software, unless you want to hear from their lawyers ;)  This level *may* be distributed via the internet or on BBS's only with this text file included intact and unmodified.  The flowing Lava and flowing Water textures were created by Dave Weiden.  If you extract and use those textures from this BSP, please be sure to give him due credit.