Questions
with, Steve Cotton, John Sonedecker, and John Michel, 3 RSE
level designers who designed maps for Covert Ops Essentials.
[ Steve
Cotton | John
Sonedecker | John
Michel ]
Arctic Base - John Sonedecker
| 1.
John, introduce yourself and brief us on what your main
objective was when creating the Arctic Base. |
John
Sonedecker -
Well, I'm John Sonedecker, one of the level builders in the
R6 series, and the lead level builder on a current project.
I had 2 main objectives for the Arctic Base. One was to create
a fun single player space that presented a few different tactical
situations and was still pretty fun in multi player. The other
objective was to work on the "atmosphere" of the level by adding
lots of little details and "polish".
| 2.
It seems like the three maps included in COE by RSE are
more open areas then the types of maps found in Rogue
Spear. They are almost reminiscent of Rainbow Six maps
in size. Was this intentional? |
John
Sonedecker -
In some ways it was intentional. We have been trying to experiment
more with outside spaces, because that’s what a lot of people
have been wishing for.
| 3.
John, as an artist on the original Rainbow Six, what would
you say is the area in which your work has improved the
most over the last 2 years? What is your greatest accomplishment
during the R6 series? |
John
Sonedecker -
I would say that I am finally trying to pay more attention to
details and creating a better "atmosphere" for my levels. My
level designs have also been well received by many, so I am
always trying to come up with newer/better levels.
I
have 2 greatest accomplishments. One is getting the original
Rainbow Six completed and having it so well received. The team
was incredible and that can never be taken away. The other is
the collaboration with Thomas DeVries on designing the 747 level,
then coming up with a way to actually construct it to work in
the RS engine. I think the interior of the plane came out looking
amazing and playing just as well.
| 4.
Some gamers have expressed the opinion that the Arctic Base
needs some type of underground tunnel system between the
buildings, was this type of feature ever considered for
this level? |
John
Sonedecker -
Yes, except that I don't think it would be feasible to dig into
the water below the ice. :)
| 5.
From start to finish how long did it take to complete
this map? |
John
Sonedecker -
It took about 35-40 working days.
Interview conducted by: Snicker
