FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions of the Action Quake2 Map Depot

Updated: 11 Oct 99

Q: I can't find locknload or coventry, where are they?
A:
The two maps have been zipped together and can be found in our map archive as cov_lockn.zip, or just click here. There has also been a Lock 'n Load Trilogy released by the_HUNTER, which consists of three maps set to the Lock 'n Load theme, titled lnl_tri.zip available in the map archives. Click here to download it.

Q: Where is the facility map (facility.bsp)? Will you send it to me?
A:
This map was pulled by the author quite a while ago due to copyright infringements. Apparently, it was a direct ripoff of a goldeneye map. We in no way endorse it. Some servers are sill running it, but make no mistake, we don't have it, and thus can't send it to anyone.

Q: I think [insert map name here] is crap, why did you put it up?
A:
AQMD and its map testers put up what they think to be the good, best maps. One you may hate may be another person's favorite map. Our job is to simply put up the good maps and it is your job to decide whether you like it or not. You are not forced to play or download any maps. Remember the cliche "one man's rubbish is another man's treat" or something quite like that.

Q: How do you select which maps to post?
A:
First, the map submissions are tested by Death Magnet, known as, "Death Testing" to see if they meet our Minimum Map Requirements (correct dir/folder names, zip structure, r_speeds, etc). Maps that make it past Death Magnet are then added to the Staging Area. Action players are encouraged to download the test maps and fill out a questionnaire in the Test Matrix. The results are tallied after a week or so and a determination is made as to if the map should be released or sent back to the author for a revision. Failing maps have a two weeks to either be fixed by the mapper or we pull them out of the Staging Area.

Q: I sent in my map, but it's not posted, what the f__?
A:
First of all, give us time. But then if it's not posted within 7-10 days, ask us.

Q: Do you need any help with the site? I'd like to become a staff member at AQMD.
A:
If we ever need any help with the site, we'll tell you. But we usually have everything handled just fine. The way to help us out most is to fill out questionnaires for the maps in the Test Matrix. This more results we receive, the quicker the map is released.

Q: Where should I send my action map?
A:
When you're ready to submit your Action map, head on over to the Submit Map: Requirements page. It has all the information you need when sending in your map. Please make sure to upload the map to AQMD and NOT to any of the Staffers' personal e-mail accounts. This will only make us mad and ensure your map its very own place in our trash bin.

Q: Can you give me advice on mapmaking?
A:
No. Drop by the Forum. Many talented mappers hang out there and will help you out.

Q: Why does everything seem to center around r_speeds? My map seems to play fine on my machine.
A:
Maps are usually created for play not only over a LAN, but online. R_speeds deal with the number of polygons your video card and graphic accelerator has to draw. Here is an excellent article which was posted to the forums dealing with r_speeds. It is a very complete and indepth article, any questions direct them our way or check the Map Resources area.

Q: Can just anyone submit map reviews?
A:
Absolutely. And we encourage anyone and everyone to submit map reviews. Just remember to make them well thought out, descriptive, in-depth, and constructive. Flaming WILL NOT be tolerated and will result in the review being "round filed".

Q: Who the hell runs the depot?
A:
Negative Creep began as the Head Webmaster of AQMD. Currently Death Magnet reigns supreme over and relies heavily on his experienced group of Staffers to keep this beast up to speed. Remember, AQMD is a free service, none of receive any compensation for what we do at AQMD (though we could all use any $$$ if ya have any to spare - :-), we maintain the site in addition to dealing with the crap that RL throws our way.

Q: Can I be a tester for AQMD?
A:
Currently, all maps submitted which pass Death testing are available for download over the Test Matrix. Please remember that these are are just that, a test. When you are finished testing the map, fill out the questionnaire, as this will help to speed the testing process and release of good maps.

Q: I'm making an action map and it runs fine in regular Quake2 but crashes in Action, wtf?
A:
Action is a deathmatch only mod. Thus, you need to put info_player_deathmatch entities in.

Q: What's the difference between making a regular Quake2 map and an Action map?
A:
Visit the making maps page. It has all the information you need on this subject.

Q: How do I walk through an Action map by myself (when not joining a server)?
A:
Boot up Action and at the console type "map <map name.bsp>" with no quotes where map name.bsp is the map name. For example, to check out Actcity2, type "map actcity2" at the console with no quotes. You can also launch AQ2 and a specific map from Win95/98's Start/Run window - here's an example of the command line, note that my system has Quake 2 and Action Quake Mod on my D drive:

d:\quake2\quake2.exe +set game action +map actcity2

Q: How do I install and use the action maps once I've downloaded them from here?
A:
Open up the zips in Winzip and extract them to your action directory (|not| your quake2 directory), like such:


Then browse to your action directory, then press extract, as shown:


Q: Where can I find prefabs and skies for my Action map?
A:
For all your prefab needs, visit skies and prefabs at AQMD's Map Resources Section. If ya can't find what you want there, check out The Quake2 Prefab Park or send email to FiReWaLKeR[TDm], as he handles the map resources.

Q: What do I use to make my own textures for my map?
A:
It is accepted that the best q2 texture utility is Wally.

Q: I want to start making action maps, which map editor should I use?
A:
This, like many things, is personal preference. There is no "best editor." The best way to get this kind of info and a helping hand is to post a request for help on our Forum. There are a lot of VERY experienced mappers there who would be willing to help or give you advice.

Q: Where can I find [insert map name here]?
A:
If it's not posted here, we don't have it. If there is a great map we're missing, please don't hesitate to send it in. You can also stop by the Mapzone for some of the maps that we cannot post due to illegal textures and the like.

Q: Where can I find skins for AQ2?
A:
Our Sister site, The Actor's Guild, is the Official site for AQ2 skins check them out for the latest skins, weapons, crosshairs, sound files, etc.

Q: I think [insert silly weapon here] would be a good addition to the Action mod, can you put it in?
A:
We get this a lot. Remember, we're the map site. We did not code the mod, we only run the maps site. Contact the folks over at AQ2 regarding these types of questions.

Q: What are map packs? Why are there no up to date map packs available?
A:
Map packs are just what the titles says, a pack of maps are the more popular and regularly played maps over the internet. Currently there are four map packs available. Chances are, there will not be another other map packs created. Each time Death Magnet releases new maps in large groups, they are usually available this way.

Q: I think the depot is crap, do you care?
A:
No. Why should we? We do what we can.

Q: I'm looking for [insert older map name here] but can't find it anymore, where the f___ is it?
A:
All older maps that are no longer on the "latest maps" section of the main page are put in the map archive, even the original maps that were at the official action site. Please look here, many people don't bother to go to the archive and end up looking silly asking for the map on the message board. If you do not see it there, email us


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