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Far Cry 2 Map Editor Makes Map Editing Easier
Posted by Mike Fahey at 11:00 PM on August 22, 2008
Yesterday I got a double dose of Ubisoft's Far Cry 2, getting a chance to check out the level editing features of both the console and PC versions of the game. While there are noticeable graphical differences between the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions versus the one they had running on a PC you can't afford, all three versions of the game are shipping with the multiplayer map editor, which should allow even the most novice player to quickly create their own, beautiful Far Cry 2 maps. How quickly? Try around 90 seconds.
Yes, the toolset the developers are providing is that fast. Raise or lower the terrain, slap on a texture, and then paint the grid using the collection system, which automatically applies bushes, grasses, and trees to the landscape. A touch of a button takes you down from an overhead view right into the middle of your map, where you can explore your creation or just shoot holes in it with the provided magical machine gun with unlimited ammo. As someone who likes playing with their games as much as simply playing them, it seems like a dream come true.
You don't have to keep things simple either. You can start off with a basic map and then, for instance, raise the water level to turn the whole thing into a swamp. Painting a road on your map automatically shifts the foliage to conform to the trail you blaze. Even something as simple as setting the weather and time of day dramatically changes the look and feel of your map.
The devs showed us a premade map that they claimed took four hours to build using the editor, and it looked like any professional map you'd find in a retail product. A dusty town spotted with run-down shacks, debris like discarded tires and busted vehicles littering the dusty roads of some long-abandoned town. It looked amazing for four hours of work. I can't wait to see what sort of things come out of the community once they get their hands on the editor.
The Far Cry 2 level editor is the sort of additional content that I would gladly pay $60 for on its own. In the right hands it's capable of results that could put even the most seasoned professional level mappers to shame. I was planning on picking up Far Cry 2 anyway, but now I'm going to buy it extra hard. Damn straight.
Comments (AU Comments · US Comments)
There are currently no AU comments for this post.
LongDarkBlues
Posted 11:38 PM 22/8/08
Oh, and they are multiplayer-only. Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Capture the Flag (Diamond), and I read they were keeping in Predator mode, even though that stuff not in the single-player.
You can make maps for all those modes.
LongDarkBlues
LongDarkBlues
Posted 11:36 PM 22/8/08
Yes, custom maps will be shared when you host a game - anyone who joins will download your map before the game starts.
LongDarkBlues
tictoctom
Posted 11:32 PM 22/8/08
I spent more time with Far Cry's map editor than the game itself. Can't wait to redo those maps in FC 2!
tictoctom
web_man_dan
Posted 11:30 PM 22/8/08
Will maps be shareable on XBL (since I don't care to own a PS3 and my current PC likely won't be able to handle it). If so, how? Similar to Halo 3's map sharing, perhaps sending it to a friend in a message (<== THAT would be an awesome feature with the new XB "experience"), or when you attempt to connect it downloads (<== this method I am not a fan of. Counter-Strike did the same thing and it took FOREVER).
web_man_dan
frenchdestroyer
Posted 11:27 PM 22/8/08
Really didn't like Far Cry on the X-Box - I think I stopped playing when that most hateful of game enemies turned up... 'the zombie that carries guns... and then EXPLODES'
Having said that, everything I've seen from Far Cry 2 just looks too damn good not to give it another chance, this being no exception. Especially since I spent so long writing my name in mountains on the last Far Cry's map editor.
frenchdestroyer
WalkOnWater
Posted 11:23 PM 22/8/08
Are the maps for multiplayer only, or can they be used for custom single player missions?
WalkOnWater
MXs219
Posted 11:21 PM 22/8/08
Marked for purchase... they have my money for sure.
MXs219
PaddyStardust
Posted 11:20 PM 22/8/08
I wonder If you can add objectives or something similar. I like custom maps, and this editor looks awesome, but if its just gonna be regular old deathmatches it can go to hell. I spent several weeks of my life messing with the Timesplitters mapmaker, creating elaborate story mode-esq levels. If I can do that here, its a day one purchase.
PaddyStardust
SpiritBoy
Posted 11:19 PM 22/8/08
Seems awesome
SpiritBoy
SansSanity
Posted 11:17 PM 22/8/08
marked for purchase.. PC version.. Love creating custom maps!
I think I have a good enough PC that should run it better than it will run on the consoles
SansSanity
Schoolimangooli's backpack turns into a ham sandwich!
Posted 11:12 PM 22/8/08
While now ill actually consider purchasing this game.
Schoolimangooli's backpack turns into a ham sandwich!
Zilor
Posted 11:12 PM 22/8/08
It's been a while since a new friendly map editor came out.
Zilor
deadjesterx
Posted 11:12 PM 22/8/08
That's pretty cool. I wish more games would include such a feature, especially for console titles.
I'm really interested in this game, but I'm not sure if I'll get it right away. There's only so many games a man can play at any given time and this gets released right in the middle of the fall release window.
deadjesterx
freakfunk
Posted 11:11 PM 22/8/08
whats the point though, don't you hvae to invite friends to play on the map? it's not like anyone can join, and you can't share the map designs or use other peoples unless invited
freakfunk
relax_guy
Posted 11:09 PM 22/8/08
Steam will get even more of my money >_<
relax_guy
yeah write
Posted 11:09 PM 22/8/08
I loved the map editor in the first game. People in the community came up with some crazy maps, so I can't wait to see what comes out of this one.
yeah write
elronathon
Posted 11:09 PM 22/8/08
really really exciting stuff...and yes I've used a map editor on a pc game before...
elronathon
Kinetic22
Posted 11:07 PM 22/8/08
Perfect, hopefully its not object limited too much (at least on PC).
Kinetic22
Snappywave
Posted 11:06 PM 22/8/08
First day purchase for me then!
Snappywave
PapaBear434
Posted 12:06 AM 23/8/08
Oh, and incidentally... Far Cry 2 team, if you add any stupid mutants, genetically altered monkeys, or anything else like the Trigen in the original... Heads will roll, guys. The game was so much fun just running around, sneaking up on guys and taking them out. Adding supernatural mutants in a linear indoor area just went back to generic shooter territory.
PapaBear434
AntiheroKing
Posted 12:05 AM 23/8/08
@Quicksilver4648: Ooh, that's HAWT. Much better than a time limit. I look forward to playing all the insane and weird things the community will come up with.
AntiheroKing
PapaBear434
Posted 12:03 AM 23/8/08
The console version better have a way to trade maps with other folks. Live may have trouble with this, but PSN seems pretty open about letting this stuff happen.
PapaBear434
photoboy
Posted 12:03 AM 23/8/08
Come on Fahey, stoke the fanboy flames and tell us about these graphical differences between the 360 and PS3 versions!
photoboy
theuglyteradon
Posted 11:57 PM 22/8/08
So when exactly does this game ship? I can't believe it would actually make deadline and hit before December... or maybe I just don't want it to because it's going to melt my face off in a time of too many "must haves."
theuglyteradon
NecronomiconUK
Posted 11:52 PM 22/8/08
Multiplayer only? And I was all excited about it :-( Bleah, Ubi Fail
NecronomiconUK
Eclectified
Posted 11:51 PM 22/8/08
I would assume, at least with the console versions, that the pre-game map download wouldn't be too big because, you would only be able to use content that's already on the disc. No custom content or whatever. If that's the case, maps would only be a meg or so download at most(I would think).
I'm strongly considering this game in addition to LittleBigPlanet this October.
Eclectified
Hobb3z
Posted 11:48 PM 22/8/08
For you that are wondering how it will work with the maps atleast on the xbox version it would say if a room would have a custom map and if you joined that room it would automatically download it.
Hobb3z
Quicksilver4648
Posted 11:48 PM 22/8/08
My idea. The flaming circle of death. Everyone spawns in the middle of a circle with the outskirts on fire so they can't escape. With only a knife in hand everyone must fight to be the last man standing.
Quicksilver4648
SinisterSkull
Posted 11:46 PM 22/8/08
Yeah but you still have to play Far Cry.
SinisterSkull
Rexter
Posted 12:36 AM 23/8/08
After i saw the video demonstration i was sold.
The instant i put this game into my 360 i will make 100 variations of 2fort.
Rexter
ac2334
Posted 12:35 AM 23/8/08
yep, I agreee
Drake's Fortune took a turn for the worst with Zombie Spaniards....lol
ac2334
knownspace
Posted 12:54 AM 23/8/08
@photoboy: You're reading it wrong, the differences are between the consoles and the PC.
knownspace
coolfelix
Posted 12:52 AM 23/8/08
I loved the editor in the first game. But the problem was the lag. If that runs smooth then I'm completely sold. Well ok thats wrong. I'm already sold so scratch that sentence. I can't wait!
coolfelix
Mutton-Chops
Posted 12:47 AM 23/8/08
"Map Editor Makes Map Editing Easier"
Didn't know Fox in Socks was a contributor.
Mutton-Chops
WittyUserName
Posted 1:22 AM 23/8/08
I wonder just how much customization is in this.
In the first game, you could make anything you wanted...as long as it was some kind of tropical island. People got real creative, but still. Tropical Island.
WittyUserName
Vindicoth
Posted 1:18 AM 23/8/08
Oh yeah. I'm definitely pirating this game now!
Vindicoth
mentok1982
Posted 1:01 AM 23/8/08
I have been excited about Far Cry 2 since last year's PAX and it is only getting better. Far Cry 2 and Prince of Persia are going to be shown the in the main room at PAX this year and I will be there with bells on.
mentok1982
mrkniceguy
Posted 2:10 AM 23/8/08
I didn't think I could be any more excited about Fallout 3... now I could care less, FC2 is going to be wicked!!!
It's too bad Fallout is coming out after this game I would have purchased Fallout 3 instead, but now my money goes to Far Cry!
mrkniceguy
tironabardheblu
Posted 1:59 AM 23/8/08
Consider me impressed...I think this editor is the best thing that ever happened to this game.
tironabardheblu
kumuasata
Posted 1:53 AM 23/8/08
@Vindicoth:
People like you help kill the industry, get out.
kumuasata
Snappywave
Posted 2:25 AM 23/8/08
now we need bots!
Snappywave
dead_red_eyes
Posted 2:22 AM 23/8/08
@Vindicoth: - "Oh yeah. I'm definitely pirating this game now!"
You deserve a hard kick to the nuts.
dead_red_eyes
dead_red_eyes
Posted 2:21 AM 23/8/08
@ FAHEY - "I was planning on picking up Far Cry 2 anyway, but now I'm going to buy it extra hard. Damn straight"
Hahahaha, you crack me up my man. I'm gonna buy it too, EXTRA HARD!
dead_red_eyes
taduman
Posted 2:59 AM 23/8/08
I'm getting this for my PS3, hopefully it will retire my COD4. I enjoy COD4 so much, but I can't wait to be blown away again.
taduman
T_Spoon_UK
Posted 2:57 AM 23/8/08
Ahhh i cant wait for Far Cry 2.
Map making was my favourite part of all the old games.. Cant wait to see what gems i can make with this one :D
T_Spoon_UK
Cheroro
Posted 2:55 AM 23/8/08
Awesome, purely awesome.
Cheroro
ungivenglory
Posted 2:54 AM 23/8/08
sooo excited! i loved making maps for farcry on pc and xbox. probably end up making levels more than playing the actual game. What I love about whats been shown so far, is how simple it is, but with the ability to make complex levels. "easy to learn, hard to master" ftw
ungivenglory
Juganawt
Posted 3:11 AM 23/8/08
I bought Farcry Instincts Predator purely for the map maker, and this looks like the same editor, but kitted out to the 9's.
day one purchase for me. Who knows? I might even complete story mode in it - something I never bothered with in the first one...even though I used the map maker for over 200 hours.
Juganawt
Ehardergardens
Posted 3:37 AM 23/8/08
@PapaBear434: I did not have the same experience... I found the trigens added a much needed change of pace(especially since before purchase i wasn't expecting them)... I thought that b movie island of dr moreau thing was fun... the aliens in Crysis, not so much, they did kill the game for me and I haven't bothered to beat it because of them.... I wouldn't have finished farcry if it weren't for the mutants everyone hates... just stating that for the record... :) I liked the mercenaries to be sure... I liked the koreans better though.. and the crytek2 engine for variety of play style options..
@ac2334: I agree that the mutants in Drakes were sort of bleah.. the storyline that lead to them was ok just somehow fighting them was less fun...
Ehardergardens
BebopBlue
Posted 4:07 AM 23/8/08
This is the Little Big Planet of first person shooters. Hopefully they'll have a nice system up for checking out new maps and voting on them.
BebopBlue
King Seafoam
Posted 4:36 AM 23/8/08
Raise water levels?! FINALLY!!!!!!
AHTDGSJTUWRJEHFYTDGKUHSWGLSKAJD{PWBH!!!!!!
^.^
King Seafoam
VonDante
Posted 4:31 AM 23/8/08
I can't wait for this title. Up until last week we had only been shown the single player experiece. I was beyond content with had I had seen and knew I wanted it based on that alone.
I expected mulitplayer stuff to be announced and look nice, and I was hoping for a map editor too since it was in the last console version, and then they threw down this bad boy.
It really looks great and I can't wait to hop in and check this out when it drops.
VonDante
walls99
Posted 4:26 AM 23/8/08
I am not sure whether to get it for my PC or PS3. I have an old PC that can only accept AGP cards and I have the best AGP card out there (the 7600GT i think). Yes, my machine is that old. I wonder if the game would even run on it or not.
walls99
PATSCRU
Posted 4:54 AM 23/8/08
Amazing, can't wait to get it for my PC. And for those considering getting the PC or console versions, upgrading your graphics card has never been more cost effective. ATI's HD4850's are some of the best values around, allowing you to play any current gen game (except one) at max settings at 1680x1050 or even 1920x1200 for about $160-$200. Read the reviews. Nvidia's 8800GT and 9800 GTX are also coming down in price.
PATSCRU
Capp
Posted 5:17 AM 23/8/08
I can't wait to get this for the 360. I created nearly 30 maps for the original title. I never spent less than about 4 hours per map, making it as perfect as possible and lots of fun to play. All in all, my friends and I had over 75 maps we kept in rotation. It makes for a much more enjoyable multiplayer experience than trudging through the same 10 maps over and over again.
Anybody here that may have ever played one of my maps would remember some of the kick-ass themed maps I made.
I just can't wait.
Capp
Devil240Z
Posted 6:17 AM 23/8/08
What they need is for people to be able to make custom single player levels!
with triggers and enemies and such it wouldn't be that difficult to do. Starcraft did it.
Devil240Z
progenisis
Posted 8:02 AM 23/8/08
what do I buy it on, I want it on PC but also would like it on console but which one ? help
progenisis
Jonn
Posted 9:46 AM 23/8/08
@freakfunk: I'm tempted to make a joke about you having no friends, but it'd be too easy.
Jonn
SAGA
Posted 5:11 PM 23/8/08
i am also going to buy the crap out of this game.
SAGA
Probed
Posted 1:14 AM 23/8/08
@web_man_dan: I'm sure it'll work the same way Far Cry: Predator's map editor works. You host a room and invite a friend, when they accept it they begin to download the map. Once they have your map it will stay on their HDD, they can even edit it.
This updated editor will take hours and hours of my time to make the craziest battle areas possible. I have so many great ideas in my head I may have to start drawing them now to remember them later.
Probed
Melonfodder
Posted 9:48 AM 26/8/08
To be honest? This kind of editor is woefully underwhelming after having spent time in the totally utterly fantastic editor that is Sandbox2 for Crysis.
Seriously D: I mean, in what other editor can you spawn 400 humongous chickens swirling up in a tornado that shoots off lightning?
For consoles an editor like that is great for it's ease of use, but on the PC I'd love to use the dev-tools, instead of a gimped accessible version.
Melonfodder
Karl Marx Vladimirs Linens
Posted 6:20 AM 23/8/08
This has single handedly convinced me that I must buy this game even if it means selling all my games. And some blood. It's looks like one of those things where everyone can take 15 minutes and make something interesting, but if you're willing to invest a little more time and effort you can make something truly amazing. Like the Eiffel Tower.
Karl Marx Vladimirs Linens