Status Update and Map Opinions

First off, I'd like to address that I haven't been able to do much work last week because of other affairs, and the weather we've been having lately. That big snow storm that's been sweeping across the country nearly took out the power a few times one night, and even today as I write this, it's been windy and very cold. I don't remember if I brought this up or not, but before I made it a habit to back-up the game folder constantly, I had the power go out once and wreck a lot of the map data I had. I was able to salvage it with an older file, but it was still not a good thing this happened. More or less, weather tends to discourage me from working if I know it's going to get really bad.

Now, the other thing I like to discuss relates to some of the feedback I got. Many of it is grammar/typos/inconsistencies that I'm going to have fixed, others are map related like being able to walk on places you shouldn't. Also, relating to maps in general, there was feedback relating to how ceiling tiles are use.

In this example that was provided to me, the archway on the right is covered by a ceiling tile. Most games have it where no matter what, the ceiling blocks you from walking through, unless it's meant to have a hidden passage. My belief is that, because of how tall the walls are and how the perspective is, that from the ceiling tile to the one tile below it, the character would be up against the wall and this is how it would look.

Similarly, I also apply this to ledges. While I do replace the tracks in this image with wider ones, the idea would be that the train would be as close to the platform as possible to allow safe passage to it, within technical limitations of the engine and the graphics I have. With all that in mind, it seems that going with this approach can confuse players used to being limited to actual walking space. So, I need to rethink my approach to maps and see if I can even continue applying my earlier logic or if I have to settle for ceiling tiles that are completely solid, just so the player understands what they're doing. Either way, there are maps that needs some refurbishing and maybe expansion. I have a few in mind, and it's going to take me longer to get to them pending the weather and time I have. However, this will take priority over continuing the story, since I need to get a grasp for how maps should go so I can apply them to future maps.

With all that said, I do appreciate the feedback I received. I'm going to do whatever I can to address them and ensure things improve.