36 replies to this topic

[Risen Trash]

PocketYoda, on 02 July 2023 - 08:40 PM, said:

Solaris would be a million times better if they got rid of all those stupid overpasses.

I don't know, I was kind of liking LNoth's idea...
LordNothing, on 27 June 2023 - 11:40 AM, said:

i think id extend the overpass system to 5 layers rather than 2. so you can open up more routes by using the vertical space.

So much so that I'd take it further conceptually, and press for a remake with overpasses that lead to a multi-level arrangement of platforms, big enough to each have their own distinct urban geometry, as well as multiple entry points leading to the ground and different levels. What about high speed lifts? Cut-animations with dropships picking up in one neighborhood and dropping off in another on another level? You could take it as far as you want. Speaking to my problem with RS's points on their merits when they note:

RickySpanish, on 02 July 2023 - 05:05 PM, said:

Solaris offers some interesting verticality while still favouring corner peaking most of the time.

When it first came out, I remember all the screenshots of places jj spiders could get, looking down on Solaris below like Batman Does Vegas. You spend too much time plugging away from up there and I think you can forget how it feels playing from the street. Call me jealous, but I'd like a remake that makes that verticality more available to other builds and playstyles by making those overpasses lead to elevated spaces that are in themselves worth scouting and fighting over. Imagine, for example, a match of conquest in which each base is on a different level that has a few ramps that must be defended, but are close enough that committed JJ builds can leap between them.

All of this is to say I agree with RS that the verticality of Solaris City is the best thing about a suck map. There really is this cool world up there, poking around the rooftops in the darkness. If there is nothing controversial about saying Solaris City sucks, its because most people think that "interesting verticality" should be more available to more builds and styles of play.

I think this more vertical concept would diminish jump builds' current advantages on the map making more people less miserable, and at the same time allowing jump-builds to shine on. Imagine the epic LRM rain from multiple platforms when that little JAV-punk narcs you in the open down at street level. What larks!

Edited to ask: I've got some MC to toss around this week on a cheap light; does anyone have a recommendation on something ideal for the Solaris skyline? Is the SDR still the Jumping-Queen? If you love Solaris, what's the build you're always happy to see it in? Remember I'm not made outta mechbucks, but yeah, show me your Solaris City!

Edited by Risen Trash, 02 July 2023 - 10:37 PM.

[The Mech behind you]

Every move in the center is played out already, but I have a lot of fun when the match evolves away from the center. With all the small narrow alleys, that barely anyone pays attention too. You can try to sneak up onto a target, completely surprise a group of mechs by suddenly attacking them from the sides. Battle is creative in these corners of the map.

[RickySpanish]

Nah by controversial I meant if you really wanted to ruffle some feathers, then say Canyon sucks, because it's one of the popular comp maps. I wouldn't say Solaris is as good as Canyon or Rubellite (the two best maps imo), but it fills a niche and is pretty chill to play. For example, contrast Solaris with Hellbore, New Worlds, or other assymetric maps. On those maps if you drop on the wrong side it's an uphill struggle right from the start.

[PublicWifi]

I enjoy Solaris apart from frame rate issues almost a decade later.

Crying about forced brawls? Might as well include every other popular map where we spend 2-5 minutes getting into position with wide open spaces.

Immersion is irrelevant and laughable.

[BLACKR0SE]

I wish they would keep the servers open and let everyone join the map they want. It would be great if there weren't such issues and people didn't complain about maps. Don't you like it? Just join the map you enjoy.

Developers don't care about the players at all. As long as it's working, they don't see any problem.

[Havsra]

I could be fine with the map being close-range focused, but with how narrow everything is its just a torso-mounted map. The range of the weapons is not as relevant. If you have your main guns in the arms you are ******. Buildings and allies constantly in the way and most of the time you are trying to get a decent angle rather than properly fighting. The horrible visuals of the map dont help either, what an eyesore.

[Meep Meep]

I like solaris city. Unless I'm in something with lockons then its ****.

[Rondoe]

I love a good gunfight!

lots of that on this map.

Really tests your mettle of who has the more patience to peek first.

Long range farmers can suck eggs.

Edited by Rondoe, 29 October 2023 - 05:05 PM.

[105howitzer]

I like the map just fine, helps when the team knows how to play it.

[Widowmaker1981]

Cant stand the map but, like all the maps i hate, using a Shadow Cat solves most of the problems with jump jets and ECM.

[ScrapIron Prime]

Havsra, on 29 October 2023 - 04:50 AM, said:

I could be fine with the map being close-range focused, but with how narrow everything is its just a torso-mounted map. The range of the weapons is not as relevant. If you have your main guns in the arms you are ******. Buildings and allies constantly in the way and most of the time you are trying to get a decent angle rather than properly fighting. The horrible visuals of the map dont help either, what an eyesore.

If you have your main guns in the arms, use the ramps. You'll be able to aim down, and your target might not be able to aim up with his torso mounted weapons. Plus you'll often have more cover by using the ramp itself as terrain to hide behind.

I actually like Solaris City because its an extreme map that punishes specialized builds. Enough maps like that which punish specialists of all kinds promotes generalist builds and allows them to compete.

[foamyesque]

Solaris is an interesting one. There is verticality, but for once it's verticality not readily accessible by anything bigger than a medium (unlike e.g. HPG, whose redo led to an explosion of wallflower Dire Wolves and the like). The ground floor roads could maybe stand to be a bit wider and, as a Cities: Skylines player, the overpass network makes very little sense, but it plays quite differently, and more dynamically, than most other maps and I think that's valuable diversity to have in the rotation.

Whereas Alpine Peaks ought to be taken out behind a shed and shot. Extremely static and repetitive gameplay where you can trivially lose the match in the mechlab.

RickySpanish, on 03 July 2023 - 10:16 AM, said:

Nah by controversial I meant if you really wanted to ruffle some feathers, then say Canyon sucks, because it's one of the popular comp maps.

I'll actually get behind that a bit: Canyon doesn't suck, per se, but in certain map modes it favours one side and the layout strongly encourages mutual rotation. I think it's played more than it deserves.

On the other hand it does have an upside: Engagements happen more or less immediately, but not quite, so, you don't need to spend two minutes in a mutual trudge to the centre of the map like you do on Polar, nor do you get shot at spawn before you can sort yourself out like you can on Tourmaline.

[chaosshade2638]

I'm surprised that no one's brought up the main issue with Solaris City, it ANNIHILATES your framerate even with settings cranked down. The map desperately needs to be optimized.

[Vincefeld]

+1
every time i get solaris i just press W and kill myself afap and go search for a playable map

brainless alpha trading around corners, graphical glitches and stutters, ugly skyscrapers.

this is why we need option to ban up to 3 maps at least. got knows its gona be alpine peaks, solaris city and i dunno(actually dont hate any other map as bad)

[ScrapIron Prime]

Vincefeld, on 01 November 2023 - 01:01 AM, said:

this is why we need option to ban up to 3 maps at least. got knows its gona be alpine peaks, solaris city and i dunno(actually dont hate any other map as bad)

I disagree with this part. Being able to pick maps to never drop on would make specialist meta worse. Part of specializing your loadout is dealing with the terrain where it isn't the strongest. Imagine being an assault sniper mech and making sure you never drop on a map where your sniper isn't an instant demigod.

[Kamiko Kross]

Not my fave but....I'd take it over any long range campageddon map.
Tired to my bones of two teams of "snipers2 tickle fighting each other at 1km.

[Vincefeld]

okay even banning 1 specific map from search is a godsend and +++ in fun department
im not playing solaris city, it can go off itself