lpzimm wrote:I like that last point, but then shouldn't it be argued that both low HP and high HP maps should exist/be approved, if it provides more variety?
Yeah it should, especially when people like to complain about lack in originality in approved maps nowadays. Higher HP values can make a map stand out way more than a typical arena map. IIRC there's a few approved maps from a couple of years ago that feature higher HP but there's no recent iteration of that map archetype (that I know of) besides the map you mentioned with 200 HP. I'm actually in favor of higher HP maps as well as low HP maps as long as the HP values don't turn people into unnecessary bullet sponges, because people, from what I noticed, don't like facing bullet sponges. It takes too much time to kill one. From my observations, be it here or any other game I played, players would rather shoot against paper rather than a sponge despite being the latter themselves. It's a weird preference but it's usually because people like to overpower their opponents with every advantage possible.
lpzimm wrote:Also, while it seems like you don't like "reckless movement", isn't reckless spamming much worse? It takes a shot to the head from the alien shotgun to die/go dying at 130. Being able to take that shot from a spammer will at worst let the non-spammer (spamee?) escape and heal and at best give the non spammer an advantage because they know the location of the spammer. Most maps have pretty harsh lines of sight (to no fault of the map maker - the game really allows it), and so killing people without seeing them is very commonplace. High HP would force players to, for the most part, keep other players on-screen, making for a truly skilled fight.
I don't mind reckless movement. Moving about frantically is a choice people should have and it's a strategy like any other. I usually like maps that includes room for as many possible strategies as possible. The only issue is that there's not many places where that tactic can exist because most mapmakers are heavily focused on following the map approval requirements checklist as close as they can in order to try to get their map approved so by default, they fall back to the 130 HP average. Diversity in playstyles no longer becomes diverse anymore then because the list essentially becomes the same map with the same functions and purpose but with different designs.
Reckless spamming is a tactic I can't justify and don't like justifying. It allows for some really easy and cheap kills in 130-150 HP maps which is something I don't like. Generally, open and direct sightlines are what gives the encouragement to spam across the map, along with knowledge of the map layout. More open and direct sightlines allow more spamming, because it's known that there's a chance to hit someone, the chance being higher the more direct and open a sightline is from point A to B; disrupted and unclear sightlines don't allow spamming as much because you'll likely hit walls more often. Personally, I find the 130-150 HP range to be a bit too fragile. Not only is the HP range overused, but it limits quick movement (which makes rushing really slow paced) and makes everything else more risky because just about anything can kill you. If anything, I'd prefer the 180-225 HP range as a compromise between fragility and being a "tank."