Rogue Spear Retreat

Interactive Interview #3 with:
John Sonedecker, artist for RSE

Date Unknown

:: [ 1. Mr. Sonedecker, how long have you been an artist for Red Storm Entertainment? ] ::

I started at RSE on August 25, 1997

:: [ 2. What are the major highlights of your career with RSE? ] ::

The biggest has to be given the oppurtunity to start my career at RSE on a project like Rainbow Six.

:: [ 3. Could you give the readers an idea of what steps are taken when building a new map? ] ::

This question could take a long time to answer, so here's the short answer. First the location and type of map has to be decided upon. After that the major gameplay decision are made. How will the map play, how does it fit into the story, are there any "special" things that will happen, how does the AI need to play out etc.. After those things are decided then the actual designing happens(A lot of times the previous stuff happens at the same time as design). The level is laid out on paper and sometimes a very basic (usually just boxes) 3d model is made to rough out general proportions and layout. After the level is designed then it goes off to the level builder. They do the actual geometry building, texture application and lighting. Depending on the schedule and process that we are using, there might be one person who does the geometry building, another that does the texturing, another placing objects, lighting and so on. It all depends. After that it goes through testing and more testing. Thats it for actually building a single player space.

:: [ 4. Since the first screenshots of Rogue Spear we have observed new types of lighting in the game. Was dynamic lighting difficult to implement? ] ::

Dynamic lighting was used on the characters. It didn't involve any art so I'm not sure how difficult it was to implement.

:: [ 5. What is your favorite level in Rogue Spear, and why? ] ::

For single player I would say M04 Lost thunder. This thing is a masterpiece of design and implementation! The first time I encountered the sniper I about **** my shorts! Multiplayer is a toss up between M16 Hero Claw ( the train station) and of course the Bunkers! Oh the Bunkers. :-)

:: [ 6. Pretty soon we can expect to see many new mods flourishing around. Can you suggest any tips for them? ] ::

To be honset, I didn't really get into any of the mods for R6 so I don't really know how they work. For various reasons, I will take a better look at the ones for RS. I really don't have any advise or tips other than try and stay true the game.

:: [ 7. Can you mention anything about the Add-on pack due this spring? ] ::

All I can say is that there will be an RSE developed Add-on Pack this spring (late spring). It will be well worth it! Eagle Watch was/is a great product in it's own right, but the RS Add-On will be very satisfying.
-John