The maps in system shock 2

Poetic thief on 13/8/2009 at 05:59

I have trouble understanding the maps.

I find the maps to be somewhat confusing and harder to interpret than they need to be. I'm wondering if maybe this was intentional to increase difficulty.

First of all, when I bring up a map, I can't turn my mouse, and since there's no compass in the game, it's really hard to get a handle on what direction I should be going in.

The mini-map is so small that it's practically useless. It only shows your immediate surroundings, which you don't exactly need a map for :erg: I definitely wish that the mini-map were bigger.

There are numbers on the map like 1, 2, 3, and I have trouble interpreting these.

Also on the left side of each map is a smaller map-like thing that says inset lower level, and it also has numbers 1, 2, and 3 and I have no idea how to interpret it or make use of it. Is it purely a cosmetic thing/ just for show?

I've never really seen anyone else talk about the maps. Do you guys find it useful. Do you understand everything on them?

rachel on 13/8/2009 at 08:14

Apart from the fact they don't make sense when you consider the whole 6 levels of the Von Braun, I never had any trouble using them.

Poetic thief on 13/8/2009 at 09:10

Hmm..welll, can you please explain this map and what those numbers ( 1, 2, 3) mean?

Can you explain the "inset lower level" on the left side ?

(http://www.sshock2.com/ss2walk/medsci1.png)

rachel on 13/8/2009 at 09:56

The inset upper/lower levels are the parts that are above or below in the same level. e.g. if you climb stairs or take a lift. They can't make it on the main map as it would overlap.

The number give you the location of an access to these: 1 marks the location of the lift near the Upgrade Stations, 2 is the access vent from Cryo Recovery, 3 is the ladder to the lower room with the Recharge Station.

Matthew on 13/8/2009 at 10:01

The 'inset lower level' is a map of areas that are below the main floor - the numbers 1, 2 and 3 show you where the ladders etc are that will let you climb down to those lower levels.

Edit: damn you ninjas!

Poetic thief on 13/8/2009 at 15:22

Ah...that explains it. Like everything else, the answer is so simple when you see it. ;)

How do you people determine what direction to turn in? I know that you can look at the red arrow that indicates you on the map.

But I'm talking about how to know where north, south, east, west is as you're actually walking. For example, I see on the map that a room is south. It's really hard to know as I'm walking down the corridors what directions I should be turning in. When you put on the map screen, you are unable to rotate the camera so you can't orient yourself that way.

I guess I'm just accustomed to Thief maps where there's a compass to help you orient yourself on the fly. I'm also accustomed to rpg maps where you can also orient yourself while walking.

ZylonBane on 13/8/2009 at 15:35

Uhmm... just turn on the compass.

Also, I find your complaints bizarre. So what if you can't look around while the big map is display? You can't do that in Thief either. Just bring up the big map, note where you are, then use the mini-map to orient yourself. While walking.

Poetic thief on 13/8/2009 at 15:44

Quote Posted by ZylonBane

Was the snarky attitude necessary? :tsktsk: I keep forgetting that people who play videogames are mostly NT types and don't place a premium on tact.

ZylonBane on 13/8/2009 at 17:43

Quote Posted by Poetic thief

Was the snarky attitude necessary? :tsktsk: I keep forgetting that people who play videogames are mostly NT types and don't place a premium on tact.

If you're going to post as if you're speaking to children, expect a little snark in return. But hey, don't thank me for answering your question or anything. Just go on throwing your poetic little tantrum over the answer not being phrased to your satisfaction.

Enchantermon on 14/8/2009 at 02:08

And besides, you can turn yourself with the keyboard keys with the full map up.