Tribes 2 Construction Causes Problems

Sierra confirmed today that portions of the Capture the Flag map "Slapdash" are closed for construction and repairs. The popularity of CTF and the fact that this map is in heavy rotation means that a large number of players are encountering the construction and resulting hassles.

Blood Eagle and Diamond Sword teams materialize on Slapdash only to find both teams' flag stands cordoned off with orange cones and construction equipment. Observing several games in progress showed groups of players and vehicles mingling around the construction area in total confusion. "How are we supposed to play CTF if we can't even get to the damn flag?" asked one angry gamer.

Rod Fung, Sierra's executive producer for Tribes 2, explained that the construction was necessary for continued gameplay. "The flag area on Slapdash really takes a pounding because it's so flat and open. All those duels around the flag stands, the mortars, grenades, mines, and auguring landspike turrets have really torn up the ground. Right now it's the consistency of flour. If it were to rain, the whole area would turn into a muddy quagmire a meter deep."

"The n00bs get all upset and start voting for a new map," said one veteran Triber, "but I like it for the change of pace. You can duel, rape the enemy base, practice your bombing runs, or even duke it out in Beowulfs. It's kinda fun to play a map without having to worry about the flag."

Most players, though, aren't happy. "Traffic is a nightmare with the main thoroughfare shut down to one lane," said one. "It's bad enough creeping through there, staring at the brake lights of the Jericho in front of you the whole way. But the so-called 'workers' aren't doing anything but leaning on their ion shovels!"