HOLY CRAP!

Words can't begin to describe how awsome this map is. Think LavaForts, only on some incredibly moutainous terrain and with bases like in Tribes and you'll have some idea what this is like. I'll let the author describe the setting:

Story Line

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In 2327, Shock Systems funded an expedition to colonize a recently detected planet in the Andromeda system. Dubbed 'Project X', a team of 16 highly trained professionals were sent to setup the first colony outside our galaxy. Two bases were established and the Oxygen generator was setup. About a month went by with no problems, then all communication just stopped. Several probes were sent and the information they returned is very puzzling. No lifeforms were detected over the base camp. A military investigative team was then deployed checked out the base site. Both of the bases were deserted, but still in good condition, so Shock Systems converted the bases over to a Capture The Flag format for Unreal Tournament. Some of the military team claimed they heard strange noises coming from one of the caves, but no evidence has been found to support this rumor.

Did I mention the bases were massive and you've got a huge dropship in the middle, AND tons of other routes through the mountains and lava caverns? This map is truely massive in scale. The terrain is excellent. It is clearly evident that the author used TerraEdit to his advantage here. The ship/base architecture is astounding too. Even on their own, the bases and dropship would be amazing. Excellent texturing and lighting add to the effect. If I were to score this map on looks alone, it would get a 10.

But I'm not :) Generally the map plays very well. The multiple paths and valleys to the opposing base work extremely well. My favorite area is the lava caverns near the dropship. Not only are they beautiful, but it provides an easier route to the enemy base, since the bots don't seem to use it much. I had no trouble getting anywhere in this map. As far as flow is concerned, it flows very well. There's plenty of room inside the bases and multiple paths to the flag.

It's easy enough for me to get around, but not the bots and this is where ProjectX suffers its greatest fault. The bots don't seem to know their way around this map very well. I saw dozens of instances where I would order my teammates to attack only to see them get stuck by a wall or ledge constantly trying to grab an item they can't reach or running into walls. The only way I was able to get them to go for the flag was to order them to cover me and run an assault on the enemy base. Even then I found they strayed off by the lava pits. I can only recall 2 instances while playing where the other team actually coordinated and assaulted us in a group. Otherwise, it was just one or two stragglers who would meet for a firefight in the middle and that's it. I'm not sure what the problem is here, but could it be too many pathnodes?

Bot issues aside, this map does everything else right. It balances defensive base tactics, like sniping and camping just inside the courtyard, and the need for a strong coordinated offense to capture the flag. Weapons seem balanced too, but I would prefer a little more ammo outside or near the bases, especially since you almost have to play this map with 16 players or more.

It's too bad that this is the author's final edition, or so it says in the map's screenshot, this map would be perfect if the bot issues could be fixed.

CTF-ProjectX1-1

+ Excellent terrain

+ Excellent base design

+ Excellent lighting

+ Great skybox

+ Great theme

+ Massive

+ Multiple routes



- Bots aren't so great

- Ammo is a little sparse