|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CTF-BloodcoreArena | | Map Info |
| | File Name | ctf-bloodcorearena.zip | Author | McFrag | Gametype | UT Capture the Flag | Date Added | 09-20-2000 | File Version | 1.00 | File Size | 720 kb | Player Count | 6-10 | Map Description | None | Review Rating | 8 | User Rating | 7.5 | Overall Rating | 8 |
| NC2 map imported without screenshot. | | | Review |
|
Level Size: Medium
Recommended Player Load: 12 Players
Last night, I deliberately had a look for a map by a female author which I could review. And I'm more than glad I found this level, which had been nestled in there for over 9 months. This is one of the best levels I've seen in a long time.
The layout of the level is asymmetric, giving each team a different set of possibilities. The level takes place in an industrial/laboratory setting, and is set across multiple floors, giving more Z-axis opportunities than you can shake a stick at. Most of the play revolves around a central arena, pictured in the second screenshot. The general architecture on the level is very good, although possibly bland in a couple of places. The spotlights coming out the roof of one base and the UT trophies about the level are a nice touch, if not a little gimmicky. Texturing is also of a high quality. The level maintains an excellent, consistent textural theme throughout. The lighting has also been well implemented, and sets the tone of the level very well. There are a good range of different light brightnesses and colours, setting an excellent backdrop to the action. There are only a handful of ambient sounds throughout the level, (bubbling toxic waste, and wind) but I can't see the level being any better with more sounds. The music track could not fit the level better. The chosen track is the music that accompanies DM-Stalwart.
The bots play perfectly on the level. They use all routes available, and can pick up all powerups throughout the level. Item placement is also spot on. A good range of weaponry has been spread evenly over the level. The shield belt has been placed on the lower, less direct route, spreading the flow of the game more evenly. The gameplay is the best part of the level by far. This is mostly due to the excellent item placement. There are four routes between bases on offer, each with it's own advantages. The first route is a high walkway between bases. It's the quickest, but you're most at risk from being shot at. The lower route is the complete opposite, being much more safe, but not very direct. The other two routes are a trade off between the other two I've mentioned. I found each of the routes equally effective, as did the bots. One of the best things about this level is the absence of the sniper rifle. There's none of these sniper stalemates, where each team's base is impossible to reach without being sniped.
All in all, this level is a gem. It's a great shame that a level like this has been buried in the map database, where next to noone would have downloaded it. Anyway, I've found it, and am telling you people to get it. A great CTF level, made even better by no sniper rifles.
CTF Bloodcore Arena is;
An excellent level.
One of the best levels I've played for months.
Easy on the eye, without compromising gameplay.
CTF Bloodcore Arena isn't;
Without it's flaws
A level that involves sniping.
A level that should be passed on.
Teaching points for author:
None, apart from maybe the gimmicky things I've mentioned, and a couple more ambient sounds.
|
| |
| | Map Comments |
| Varpu | Rating: 6 | | The bots play poorly this level. They are predictable and get stuck on the jump pads.... I have made a review of this map at http://gamma.nic.fi/~ilola/Esko/Reviews/CTF-Bloodcorearena/Screenshot.html
| TheSpoonDog | Rating: 7 | | deliberately lookin for a female author eh? Stooping to low levels ;)
| Deathwing | Rating: 7 | | Good simple map that is fun but isn't a keeper for too long.
| Dr3553d2K1L | Rating: 6.5 | | Not bad. However, the decoration above the jump pad really defects the gameplay. Me thinks the reviewer was a little too excited to see a female's map. 6.5 Rate, Mate :)
| Ictus | Rating: 10 | | I haven't played this, but I trust plat so I'm going to give it a 10 only to boost the score up just for fun
| Moritz Leberecht | Rating: 7.5 | | Lookin for a female authors map ? Well maybe you picked the wrong one ... The name Jan Kohnert might be a german name and in Germany Jan is a name for the boys
| Altimartin | Rating: 8 | | I played this map long ago, Very fun...Nice map... What can I say Note : Ictus : Platinum didn't review this map...Matterminator did :)
| THE ]V[ATTerminator | Rating: 8 | | Well, Jan was the only thing remotely close in there (that hadn't been reviewed). The bots did occasionally get stuck on the jump pads, but I found they freed themselves after the second or the third (at the most) attempts. In this light, I didn't see it as any more than a minor problem.
| Platinum[STS] | Rating: 7 | | what tha@ ictus, i never said anything about this map, i havnt even played it :P
| McFrag | Rating: 7 | | Hey! finaly an NC review :) But I m NOT female. Sorry about that, but I m kinda sure to be male. If you want to review maps from an female author, review Jennifer Diane Reitz maps (Atarie2600), She is the only female mapper I know. Sorry for the bots, but there will make it after the second or third trie... I ll gibe myself an 7 because I cant poste here without rating it :(
| CeeMacAddict | Rating: 9 | | Great action map, yes there's a bot problem,but should be great online! [MA]CeeMacAddict{D} MacAddict For Life
| ayJay | Rating: 8.5 | | Isn't Some female?
| {XTS}Dave Turd | Rating: 8 | | Good, solid map. The central courtyard is a bit over-confusing and maze-like. I would have eliminated the toxic green pools in the flag rooms, and also would have made the glass ceilings in the flag rooms open instead of glass-covered to allow another way into/out of the rooms. All in all I really enjoy the map...fast and furious with excessive overkill. Try it.
| C-Bass 02-28-2003 11:20 PM MST | Rating: 8 | | Excillent map. Tight small corridors, Jump pads, and fast frenetic action. Very well built. No sniping(thats a plus in my book). Gameplay rulez and doesn't look that bad. Sure the bots aren't the best with the jump pads but other than that they are solid. Definately a keeper.
| Ice 03-07-2003 05:58 PM MST | Rating: 9 | | yeahhh I Like this Map!Hardcore Action!And nooo Sniper anywhere ;)).The bots are weak but playing with max Bots is Great:))
| rauchster 03-18-2003 10:49 AM MST | Rating: 7 | | Sorry, but I like my Sniper rifle. The best sound in the game for me is Head Shot... Double...Multi...Ultra...MMMMonster Kill But it is a great map, one that I enjoy playing, even without the snipers. The trophies are a nice touch. Good work
| the mighty dork 12-18-2004 06:37 AM MST | Rating: 8 | | i luv this map. It deserves only the best ratings. Keep up the good work.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|