One of many Chaser aspects I have always liked (and I like it more and more at present) is that the game (unlike modern shooters) uses classic editor to create enviroment. The editor is very similar for example to editors based on Quake engine, so the individual level creation is quite simple and without need of another tools.
In addition, Chaser editor is able to create complicated objects out of the brushes (primary structure of each map) and convert them to so called prefabricated models. If you are inventive enough you can create almost all the prefabricated models in editor without any external modelling software. Objects created this way aren’t as perfect as the ones created in 3ds Max for instance, but (despite the fact that they have some flaws) this method is perfect for certain types of models.
During the work on Freedom for Mars project naturally a lot of new objects are created in order to have interesting and detailed levels. You can see how prefabricated models look like and what is possible to create with brushes on two following pictures. If you have great imagination the possibilities are almost limitless. Though it is not possible to create complicated models or human characters, it is possible to create simple ones (boxes, palettes, shelves etc.) in a couple of minutes. That’s superb feature of Chaser because the environment creation in modern shooters is based solely on models created in external software. That means this games are basically non-editable.
If Chaser editor features caught your attention and you want to see how is the enviroment including prefabricated models created, you are welcome to watch it on the following video. I have recorded it in cooperation with Cauldron during the editor work presentation. The video is almost one hour long and you can observe how is each Chaser map created from first brush to final compilation and execution in the game. Chaser editor is in fact simple tool for very effective work. It’s quite hard to find anything similar in modern games. It’s a pity because a lot of modern games deserve some new missions, too.
Interesting stuff.
Fantastic editor as someone that uses DarkRadiant i see on that Chaser editor some features that i would love existed on it, a very powerful editor indeed.
Btw have you worked for Cauldron by chance?