Map Name:	ZEN - Preying Mantis II
Author:	TseTse (Click name to view all maps by this author, 5 total.)
Author URL:	None specified
Mission Types:	CTF
File Name:	ZEN-PreyingMantisII.vl2
Downloads:	5566	Players Must Download:	Yes
File Size:	4,023,465 bytes	Custom Shapes:	Yes
Terrain:	Lush	Custom Textures:	Yes
Weather:	Clear	Day/Night:	Night
Bot Support:	No	Upload Date:	01/28/02
Description:	Custom bases & bridges are by Akira... WARNING: This is designed for dedicated servers. IF YOU HOST IT SOLO/LAN, load it once and then change mission to Zen again. This makes sure the scripts all load properly. ZEN, aka Preying Mantis 2, came out of extended email exchanges, dating back to early September. Same theme as the original, with teams fighting for control over The Okamantan (center switch) and the teleportal system. While we sought lots of eye & ear candy, we tried to keep it grounded in the best of CTF game dynamics. Flag capping routes will generally be on the ground, and teams thus must control the center while staying true to basic CTF principles. The idea is to add another "verticle & strike" aspect to the game (hence the praying mantis theme). MPB Teleporters further add to these dynamics. Hope you enjoy it. It will alternate night/day by default. Run on full graphics and turn the sound up to appreciate this puppy. ;-) Kudos to those who find the easter egg without cheating. CAEVEAT: While designed for "base," this should run fine on many server "mods." If it doesn't fully function on a specific mod, and you want to see it work on that mod, PLEASE just contact me. It shouldn't be very hard to work out. The README has further info on the code and source of various stuff. Mucho thanks to Akira for his brilliant talents and ability to help make this vision come together.
Screenshots: (Click to open screenshot viewer)

Staff Reviews of this Map:

Reviewer Score Date v5planet 94% 03/12/02

User Submitted Comments:

Grade: None	Submitted by: Chris150 - 11/10/04 00:38 10694
Ok I found the 'egg' and I picked it up, but I was kinda looking forward to something a little more spectacular than becomeing "Sparky the Light Bulb"! What else does it do?

Grade: A	Submitted by: Chris150 - 11/09/04 23:44 10693
I'm very impressed with the map and enjoyed the towers as well as the other original eyecandy but I would really like to know how to 1)Find the easter egg and 2) Activate it. Please I've searched everywhere!

Grade: A+

Submitted by: Übernator - 10/03/04 04:28 10667

First, I must say that this map is the freaking shizzle... sorry I haven't posted a well deserved A+ when I downloaded it a while ago. Second, I must respond to one of TseTse's comments. "I don't expect this map to get support, although I'd love to play just ONE match at least. lol ". On Sunday October 10th 2004 Houston Vehicles is hosting a Client Side Map Nite with Zen Preying Mantis II as part of the lineup. www.houstonvehicles.com for more details.

Grade: None	Submitted by: Saber15 - 07/08/04 19:36 10560
Couldnt You Name The Teleports? Constantly Going The Wrong Way

Grade: None	Submitted by: Red Shifter - 01/16/04 07:20 10149
Behold ZEN - Preying Mantis II. The greatest map that'll never be played.

Grade: A+	Submitted by: starstriker1 - 01/11/04 05:07 10118
Wow... the inspiration flows through me... must... MAP!!! I was tempted to give this map an F, though, and for one, VERY important thing. YOU CAN ONLY BE BLESSED ONCE!!! ;)

Grade: None	Submitted by: starstriker1 - 01/11/04 03:53 10117
I can't believe it. I've been mapping and playing Tribes 2 for a couple years now, and I haven't even TOUCHED this map. I'm trying this now.

Grade: A+	Submitted by: Paint it Black - 10/31/03 22:06 9834
OFMZG!!!!!1

Grade: A+	Submitted by: Mr Tagomi - 10/31/03 01:12 9833
inspired ;D

Grade: None	Submitted by: John Blaze - 07/01/02 08:11 6558
ZEN, I've added your map to our websites Maps In Play list and our TurfPack.zip. Feel free to visit our site at www.turf-wars.com Beautiful map man.

Grade: None	Submitted by: TheDeadWalk - 06/15/02 16:04 6321
Sory bout the IRON server being gone. The owner of the server brought it down permanantly due to suspected hacker caused crash of the system :(.

Grade: None	Submitted by: TseTse - 06/04/02 23:30 6115
A leaner, faster version of this map without the day sky and other features is at http://www.tribes2maps.com/cgi-bin/map_detail.cgi?id=2839

Grade: None	Submitted by: snyperpunk_LP - 06/02/02 00:21 6053
I just played it with another person! it was realy fun. the wird thing was there was 4 stupid bots in the game. anyways me and Cold raptor played on his server and had lots of fun. i like setiun up a base in the Oka-whatever. i submited the server on this map page. hopefully mopre peeps will play there.

Grade: None	Submitted by: snyperpunk_LP - 05/31/02 23:38 6030
Whens the new update coming and is it gonna be on this exact map okr will u post another zen? like Zen V1.5. I think u should update it hear.

Grade: None	Submitted by: TseTse - 05/27/02 16:24 5967
I am going to be updating this map, and actually simplifying it a bit. A couple folks apparently are having sound problems and getting UEs with this and other custom maps. I will also make it run well with shifter, renegades and meltdown2.

Grade: None	Submitted by: snyperpunk_LP - 05/12/02 20:32 5760
i couldnt find iron brigade t1. I waz playin that new map caldan(the water one) and talkin to a huston v admin and i told him ta put this on HV. hopefully he will since this is a great map.

Grade: A+	Submitted by: TheDeadWalk - 05/01/02 18:00 5634
I've had this map added my clan's server. IRON Brigade T1. It is listed in the servers hosting the map link above.

Grade: A+	Submitted by: snyperpunk_LP - 04/08/02 23:36 5381
This is the best map ive seen ever. If you run a server put this on it and submit it. I havent even played it with people yet and i still like it!

Grade: None

Submitted by: TseTse - 04/03/02 20:15 5325

OK, fine, more hints! There are two steps in getting the easter egg. One is finding it. The other is figuring out how to get it once you find it. It's indeed a custom "zen" pack, based on the Synomium pack from Dynablade's mod (MD2). The Zen pack is not really useful, but it's kinda fun. Likewise, servers have the option to disable the egg, along with the option of having a faster FPS version of the map load.

Grade: A+	Submitted by: Darkbolt - 04/03/02 17:59 5324
Bah, i think the easter egg is a certain 'organic' if you will. But, recently while i was working on a map, i found a pack called the "Synrium" or something of the like. What in gods name does it do and where can i find it!?! AHHHHHHH! You realize ive been thinking about this for about a week now! Anywho, spectacular map, keep up the good work, love the bases akira! Wooooohooo!

Grade: A+	Submitted by: WarrioR - 03/23/02 15:49 5225
Well done Zen ,this is the best map I've ever played! If you add some water,commets and some thorn-cliffs it would be perfect!Keep on the great work man!

Grade: None	Submitted by: TseTse - 03/21/02 17:31 5207
Yes, the easter egg is hidden in a secret place within the map. In order to access this place, you must first get "blessed." For server admins, please note you have several options: turning off the easter egg; and, turning off the alternating day/night sky for a pure-night, lower-fps version. Email if you have questions, problems, concerns.

Grade: A+	Submitted by: Stryker - 03/16/02 16:06 5138
This has got to be the best map I have ever seen. Argh, I can't fine the easter egg! What is it, a secret part of the map, what? And what is this "blessing" i hear about?

Grade: None	Submitted by: TseTse - 03/16/02 00:00 5125
Uninstall whatever server-mods allowed you to park a tank on top of that base, and then EMAIL me if you have any other problems running the map after that. lmao

Grade: A+

Submitted by: Lead Falcon - 03/15/02 19:38 5124

Very nice! I couldnt get the teleporters to work tho =( Maybe i did something wrong? Anyway, I like the style of the Okamanhuntahan and the bridges near it, with those shiny spike things. Oh yea, i managed to drive a tank up to the top of one of the bases =P One complaint.. Wheres my music?! I realize none of the included tracks would have gone good with the theme but... but... wAaahHH! Anyway, great job guys!

Grade: None	Submitted by: Echo Storm - 03/15/02 15:56 5123
OK WHY ARE THERE NO SERVERS RUNNING THIS MAP!?!?!?!?!? SOMEONE PLEASE PUT IT ON THEIR SERVER!!!!!!!!!!!! IT DOESN'T MAKE ANY SENSE!

Grade: A+

Submitted by: =DuD= Mo_Steel - 03/15/02 02:44 5119

Hey, Tse Tse and Akira, greta map, is the BLESSING supposed to throw u into observer mode? Also, I'm gonna see if I can convince an HV admin to put this on the list, its gaming masterpiece... The weird boncing safety net works only at slow falls, tight, is there anything in the middle tower section, seems like u pass it on the lift pad deally, o, and on the roof, when I get launched out, the yellow rooftop openings dissappear, great sound effects, overall, kick ass map!

Grade: None	Submitted by: killbot - 03/14/02 02:36 5102
Two things: 1) where can i get those inventory station skin thingys, and how do i use them? i want to use them on a map im making. 2) how do you make objects spin, like packs, and weapons? and just a suggestion. mess with the vpad like you did with the invo whirl thing! :D

Grade: A+	Submitted by: killbot - 03/14/02 01:59 5101
yay, this is awesome! the custom sounds make it even better. i would give it A++, but you cant. :D

Grade: A+	Submitted by: Fugitive - 03/13/02 19:24 5087
Incredible! wonderful custom sounds and shield effects. I especially enjoy the lil green shaft thingy. Still lookin for that easter egg tho.

Grade: A+	Submitted by: Vicron - 03/12/02 11:58 5060
This map totally rocks! I want to see more like this one. Best map ever made for the game.

Grade: A+	Submitted by: FuzzyBunny - 03/12/02 09:50 5059
This should be in ladder play.

Grade: A+	Submitted by: Tribal Ma5teR - 03/07/02 08:15 5002
Un-Fu***ng-believable this map is.like it i do.hmmhmmm..man ,i gotta see this on a huge server..

Grade: A+

Submitted by: Iczer3 - 03/01/02 21:51 4915

Niiiiiiiiiiiiice... I loved the ambience in the map. The smaller scripts that you added in as well were a nice touch too (the station light swirls and the "shockwave" like thing that appears when you teleport to the center tower). The grav lift is nice and large as well, making any attempt to block it impossible. The bouncy part of the base (the ring-like red stuff around the upper part of the lower base) suprised me as i attempted to just fall through it while jetting slightly. Suddenly i bounce up and get hit by the missile turret... Ow... Aside from that, this map is completely amazing...

Grade: None	Submitted by: TseTse - 02/22/02 20:52 4856
Well, yes, the teleporter network is really only useful for heavy assault and securing the center of the map. A smart jug squad could sneak down the side of the enemy tower, and down underneath into the basement to camp the enemy gens...

Grade: None

Submitted by: SylockAssassin - 02/12/02 15:16 4730

now mainly pertaining to what my veiws on this map were before. i was finally able to test this out for myself and to but it in a mature and nice way of saying it...i nearly shot a load ... this map has everything from custom sounds and scripts its awesome. the fact that the tower is so huge i just had to climb all the way up just to plummet all the way down ;). it has a great effect and high playablity, now if only i can get a server which host such maps as the ones like this and the ones from akira. i really like this map and the feel u get from playing it i also like the fact of the teleporter, because what if ur finally get all the way out to the middle of the map and u find that ur base is getting raped it would prolly take a while if ur in a shrike which makes the teleport so neccesary. very well done and it was worth the wait (i remember tsetse talkingb about his preying mantis 2 when we were beta testing his first mantis in necrobones' server) well done to the both of u tsetse i hope u continue to bring us such great works

Grade: A+	Submitted by: Bison Bars Inc - 02/08/02 04:38 4681
Wow! the bases are amazing, and so is the map. Took me a good hour to figure out how to get the egg. To bad no servers are running this map..

Grade: A+	Submitted by: LaLaLoo - 02/04/02 09:20 4640
WOW is all I can say. Map looks awsome bases are cool. Great job! you rule!

Grade: None

Submitted by: TseTse - 02/03/02 17:44 4635

Those are maps which reflect only T1 aesthetics and get hyped by certain in-crowds. I added a new dynamic on this map, but the gameplay is actually rather basic for standard CTF gaming (assuming a gaming horizon beyond T1). Heck, it was based on observations of the gameplay with the first Preying Mantis on the Necro server. All considered, there are many GREAT maps on this site which never see the light of day, as you know. I don't expect this map to get support, although I'd love to play just ONE match at least. lol

Grade: None	Submitted by: v5planet - 02/03/02 12:48 4634
Tsetse, I don't think you have to worry about this one showing up on servers. It's surprising how many Clientside maps run on relatively "popular" servers. Mostly just clan servers, but those are open to the public most of the time anyway. I mean, just look at how many servers are running Boss and the |Classic|'s.

Grade: A+

Submitted by: Lathrose - 02/03/02 00:13 4628

Awww you will man...give it time! people find out how much this map rocks.....ohhhh you'll see. I cant put into words how much I love this map. Scripts work great. The sounds are great. The feeling and atmosphere is overwhelming. I could just sit alone or walk around for awhile and just breath in everything. all I can say is WHOO-HOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YEAH!!!!! AWSOME!!!!!....ok overacting there but you two did a damn good job! So you working on another?

Grade: None	Submitted by: TseTse - 02/02/02 20:08 4627
Hey, I just like seeing people enjoy it. I do wish i could play it with people and see it on a real server at least once. lol

Grade: None	Submitted by: D.N.A. - 02/02/02 19:01 4626
Not meaning to....but that was my fault I think. Sorry. Should of put that + by the A. One more sad reason for me.

Grade: None	Submitted by: v5planet - 02/02/02 15:23 4624
I'm wondering why this isn't number 1 yet. =P

Grade: None	Submitted by: TseTse - 02/01/02 21:01 4620
This map has been rated PG-13.

Grade: A+	Submitted by: Pee-Wee Herman - 02/01/02 08:06 4618
This map it scary! But I like it. Realy a hard map to play as far as team work. Not for newbies. Keep up the good work.

Grade: A+	Submitted by: FOOMAN - 01/31/02 06:29 4612
I sure as hell can find it! But I only played it for about a hour or so. GOD! do I love those bases. If Dynmix come out with another patch I hope they include those bases!!! AWSOME WORK!

Grade: A+	Submitted by: Krieg Titan - 01/31/02 01:19 4607
This is the BEST map I have ever seen. Sweet easter egg too. If you do this kind of work on the Stargate MOD noone will play anything else. Time to find a server playing Zen now.

Grade: None

Submitted by: Echo Storm - 01/30/02 23:20 4603

YES!!!!!!!!! WOOHOO! I found the Easter Egg! Hey a suggestion to all people out there who play this map! First find the Easter Egg (Oops! there goes about 85\% of my audience!) Then be a diamond sword armor with voice as hardcase... then use your Easter Egg and use the Woohoo! animation! This brings you back to the disco days! And another thing, Oh Spirit Zen.. is that all that the egg does or does it have a special use?

Grade: A+

Submitted by: Deathscythe~40 - 01/30/02 20:01 4593

well, it has been said b4 but i will say it again: this is quite possibly the best map on this entire site. i idea that one of the scripting gods: TseTse and the mapping/custom object god: Akira teamed up to make a truely spectacular map. i can see where the UT aspect comes into play here. ALL UT maps are CS, all have custom shapes/buildings and no one bitches about it...so, yea. i did not find the easteregg cus i was so busy just looking around at the scenery and getting lost in akira's massive base (his trademark obviously). the multiple power system is good and the teleporter gates are truely a spectacle to jump thru over and over! this will definatly be on my map rotation as with all your other maps. i will contact my tribe and get them ALL to download this map. AWESOME work. and im itchin to see more from you two. hmm...the "Zen Team"?

Grade: A+	Submitted by: \<>(*)<>/ - 01/30/02 06:09 4590
Hay I think this map rocks! Nuff said!!

Grade: None	Submitted by: Snow Storm - 01/30/02 01:09 4588
Still can't find that easter egg......

Grade: A+	Submitted by: HolyWar666 - 01/30/02 00:50 4587
This has to be the best out there! You should get a job with the big boys. Work on T3 or something!!!LOL You guys are GODS here!!!

Grade: A+	Submitted by: Red Shifter - 01/29/02 23:59 4584
This map is simply amazing. The atmosphere is excellent, the gameplay is great, and the MPB interference thing was originally my idea. Truly unparalleled in all mapping as we know it today.

Grade: A-	Submitted by: 0Zero0 - 01/29/02 23:43 4583
WOW good work on this!!! Wish I could do so good. Sucks that it's CS...but still worth getting.

Grade: A+	Submitted by: Vimp - 01/29/02 20:47 4582
Excelent map. Has its own envirenment completly with sounds, landscape, scenery and structures that contribute to the asthetics of the map. Plus an awsome portal gameplay dynamic making the capping along with other team rolls having a new twist to the gameplay.

Grade: A+	Submitted by: Mathias Black - 01/29/02 19:00 4579
Mapping perfection. I love the hidden surprise on this map. Took me almost half an hour to get it right, but it's totally worth it. The teleport effects and the "blessing" nova are spectacular.

Grade: None	Submitted by: TseTse - 01/29/02 18:00 4577
...

Grade: A	Submitted by: D.N.A. - 01/29/02 16:34 4576
Great fun map I think. Just with I new how to script and where to go to learn. Keep it up! and I aM OUTA HERE!

Grade: None

Submitted by: TseTse - 01/29/02 16:20 4575

hehehehe. Well, the 1st map emerged out of my experience with several excellent old-school UT maps which used teleporters and added different paths between flags. The gameplay concepts translated into T2 only when pulled far away from the flags, so as to ADD a new dynamic, but not REPLACE basic T2 capping and defense dynamics. Hence semi-open flags and ski-tweaked terrain (but not TOO easy). Verticle teleporters are a truly classic sci-fi image, and it was a fun concept to play with. I like the gameplay, but I do realize not everybody wants this kind of (apparent) complexity in T2...

Grade: None	Submitted by: BFGiggles - 01/29/02 07:26 4567
Just checked tribalwar, gave me a little insight to the reason for the teleporters working the way they do). Congrats TseTse and good luck. Oh yeah and the new Inventory spin texture/animation is amazing.

Grade: A+

Submitted by: BFGiggles - 01/29/02 06:34 4566

I just wish the teleporters had a more stargate feel to them (The actual teleport was larger, and the effect bigger and longer), but that is purely cosmetic. As for the gameplay this seems to be one of those "Teams have to be teams" maps. If one team plays together and the other is a bunch of lonewolves then, the intricate balance is lost, IMHO. So many particles. The bases are great, and I love the safety net force fields. This map is another one to set the bar.

Grade: A-	Submitted by: WILLYNILL - 01/29/02 02:35 4564
Bases are the best I have ever seen. Scripting is also. Very well done. Which I would give a A+ for that. But the gameplay value is not. I would give that a B+ at lest. But anyway this map everyone should download. GREAT WORK OVERALL.

Grade: None	Submitted by: TseTse - 01/29/02 00:35 4563
HINT: the "zen" easter egg is funky, and first requires a blessing. ;-p

Grade: None	Submitted by: Snow Storm - 01/28/02 23:49 4559
I think I found the easter egg, but does it do anything, and does it hav any effect as to what time it is? Thanks for the blessing. =)

Grade: None	Submitted by: Echo Storm - 01/28/02 23:18 4558
Oops! disregaurd what I just said. Goshdarngeewillikers! This is the best map I ever seen! Hope this map does make best of the year!

Grade: A+	Submitted by: Snow Storm - 01/28/02 22:51 4557
I'm trying to find that easter egg.....

Grade: A+	Submitted by: Echo Storm - 01/28/02 22:34 4556
Wonderful map! The huge towers are great! But.. a flashback... from Myst? I think so. The third screenshot looks very familiar. It's a great map!

Grade: None	Submitted by: TseTse - 01/28/02 22:17 4555
The gameplay on the map isn't good because snipers and shrikes can exist? Hmmmm. Can't make everybody happy. =(

Grade: A+	Submitted by: peachskin - 01/28/02 20:18 4553
it deserves a A+, really gr8 work. but unfortunatly i dont see how to counter or escape from snipers/shrike def...i would suggest to add fog and to remove the flagstand who sometimes blocks cappers. Technically its a must without a doubt but the gameplay isnt good imho.

Grade: A+	Submitted by: v5planet - 01/27/02 20:02 4528
It's about damn time.

Grade: None	Submitted by: TseTse - 01/27/02 16:33 4525
New version posted which: fixes teleporter bug in laggy situations; runs right on BWadmin; $MantisNight=1 sets server to night-only with better FPS; $ZenEggOff=1 turns off the easter egg; you might not need to boot a 2nd time when hosting directly. Thanks to Zod, for the help. YOU NEED THE MAP CALLED PANTHEON, at http://www.tribes2maps.com/finalmaps/.

Grade: None	Submitted by: TseTse - 01/24/02 15:01 4481
Thanks for the kind words. Folks have reported problems running with some admin "mods" like bwadmin, and I'll fix that asap...

Grade: A+	Submitted by: SylockAssassin - 01/22/02 12:19 4453
execellent very well done.

Grade: A+	Submitted by: )(ypersonic - 01/22/02 03:48 4451
Beautiful map with excellent gameplay. Easily one of the best t2 maps ever made.

Grade: None	Submitted by: Iczer3 - 01/20/02 00:17 4430
*Insert large gasping sound here* woooowwwwww, I feel like I'm watching LotR again when i look at that ominous tower in the screenshots... I liked the first one, and this one (both from comments and from SS) looks poised not to displease.

Grade: A+	Submitted by: Alundra - 01/20/02 00:02 4429
THE BEST MAP OF ALL MFING TIME!!!!!!! OMG THIS MAP ROCKS.. The feel is excellent, the Bases by akira rock.. the scripting in it is just unreal, and there are billions and billions of other reasons its awsome, plus the plenty of ti bits that come with the map.

Grade: A+

Submitted by: alingis - 01/19/02 21:43 4426

Once again, the stunning beauty and amazing gameplay possibilities of T2 are brought to life by the very talented base designer, Akira, and superb mapper and scripter, TseTse. Zen is beautiful, a rich display of amazing color and effects, with realistic and eerie sounds to complement the maps atmosphere. Almost, I wish to avoid capping, so that the harsh commentator voice does not disrupt the soothing, realistic environment. Gameplay is likewise top-notch, with open flags, a complex-maze-like base, teleporters, a capturable objective, and HO opportunities which rival that of any other map I've ever seen. The only problem I've experienced is the hit to fps this map causes, but that is a small price to pay for the map experience provided. Very Well done, TseTse/Akira, if this does not make MOTY, then none (besides Insurgence maybe) deserve that honor.

Grade: None

Submitted by: TseTse - 01/19/02 18:19 4421

Oppps. 1. the MapSupport scripts might not work the first time you boot your server (ooops) 2. this map requires the Final Dynamix map pack (ooops) 3. somebody reported having a problem with the teleportal system (getting stuck in a loop), and currently tweaking it a bit more (this is an effect of lag, in a sense). Please EMAIL any big or small bugs, as Im gonna try to get a tweaked update posted ASAP.

Grade: None	Submitted by: TseTse - 01/19/02 08:01 4413
REMEMBER, if you host it directly, load it and then change to ZEN again. Feedback very much desired, especially on any bugs. Star, you WOULD be downloading maps at 3am. ;-p

Grade: None	Submitted by: Star - 01/19/02 07:56 4412
Yeesh, 'bout time this came out o_O I got first download.