DM-Altena
Map Info
	File Name dm-altena.zip Author saroner Gametype UT2k4 Deathmatch Date Added 07-03-2004 File Version 1.00 File Size 7.33 mb Player Count 2 - 4 Map Description Altena is made for 1on1. I did not want a map with the highest connectivity, I build it to make the players think about their next step-more strategy. So you can´t leave every place as fast as possible, but the gameplay is fast and intensive. Best playing by using the default player load for a bot match (2 bots) or in a player vs. player. Ps: Use the barrels to dodge up. hf Review Rating 8 User Rating 8.5 Overall Rating 8
Review
Reviewer Shadowlurker Awe Score:  2.5/3 Date 08-13-2004 Build Score:  3.0/3 Review Schema Cast Score:  2.5/3 User Point:  0 Overall Score:  8/10 In Short: Very good visually, set in a small castle. Gameplay is nice, if not amazing. DM-Aristocracy set the standard for UT2003. When it was released, it managed something few maps had gotten anywhere near – a balance, of sorts, between gameplay and visuals. Looking back, it doesn’t seem as good. The standard has been raised higher by the likes of DM-Achilles, the 1on1 Pack etc. Mapping for this engine has picked up, and thankfully more maps worthy of our precious time are being released. In many ways, this map reminds me of Aristocracy. Set in a fantasy town/castle, it doesn’t look that authentic to tell the truth, though it certainly looks impressive. Towers stand tall along side the walls that surround the arena. Like aristocracy, little details help make this map more intriguing. Barrels lie half sunk into the earth, rusty bars, some bent and decayed, form a wall in the sewers. The red tinged ivy is a welcome change to the now common as muck ivy that every map set in a temple seems to use. Low flying bats that swoop around completes an eye pleasing sky. Flags rustle in the wind high above, whilst below they merely flop limply. The little features give the map some character and feeling. That isn’t to say that it’s perfect. Visually the buildings are nice at first glance, but there are places where I thought improvements could be made. The rocket launcher building is strange; with it’s lit windows level with the inside’s high roofing. The gargoyles are a nice, original touch but they are very low-poly. At least they are in many different poses. I did like the sense of place here though. The buildings did lack doors, though the author did have the mind to place a large door that enabled entrance to the castle. It always pains me to explore a map and see that there is no way in or out, if only for visuals. The well was also one of my favourite decorations in the map – it looked very realistic and well made. Gameplay wise, the map is pretty sound. Yes, it contains static meshes. Some people will ignore and dismiss it because of that, which I find simply stupid. Here, we have a map that flows and connects. It’s not totally original or amazing, but it’s pleasing nevertheless. Pretty small with two to three levels of axis in most places. Bridges take you over passageways below. A narrow sewer passage offers a different route to the open areas above, which may be one of the weak points… most of the map is outside and in very distinct areas. Despite the small size, there are really just three main rooms, with connections in-between. If not for the multiple levels, it would be worrying. Another saving grace is the number the shortcuts and moves that can be pulled off around the map. The planks that were made famous in DM-Rankin are here, allowing quick access to the level above. Barrels can be used to double jump upwards. Wooden platforms allow for quick movement between the three main areas. There are missed opportunities here too. Out of the numerable wooden planks, only one gives off any sound indication. Item placement was ok, but still could have been improved. The rocket launcher was in a relatively safe and high place – it might have been better to place it on the lowest floor, so there was a risk to taking it. It’s not so easy that it’s a real pain, but I could foresee it being a problem if played competitively. The map is technically good. Sounds and emitters are used to nice effect. The only problem area here is the sewer. So many fog emitters are used here that it caused a slow down on my rig. Sure, it looks nice, but the same effect could have been created with less strain on the computer. Bots play well. Shouldn’t be a surprise, when you look at the rest of the map – it would have been strange for a great map like this to have poor bot support. Apart from the aforementioned sewer slowdown, the map ran nicely and wasn’t too high poly for my rig, a GF4 MX420, with world detail turned up. As I said earlier, this reminds me of DM-Aristocracy. However, unlike that standard setting map, this map is only “goodâ€�. Such is the competition now it isn’t mind-blowing or phenomenal. It plays better, and perhaps looks better, but other maps have raised the bar, and nothing yet has surpassed DM-Achilles, a map that had both mappers and players alike agreeing in it’s excellency.
Map Comments
D-7 07-04-2004 07:29 AM MDT Rating: 10   screens remind me of Vorlon's maps. DLing... Played it. Although my machine froze up in the middle of the game (I guess not the map caused it), I can tell that this is the most quality release after the CBP2/MSU3 deadline. Or even more. I can only compare it to DM-ARISTORACY or Vorlon's map in the original CBP1 (can't recall the name, sorry). I give it a 10. If there's a map worth a 10, then this IS it. If you doubt, check it for yourself, and DOWNLOAD it! If not, then DOWNLOAD it! =) (btw: you made dm-akbal too, right?) Doriz 07-04-2004 08:01 AM MDT Rating: 9   Damn u are a good mappper!! This is another quality map. The music fits to the level and a very nice theme. Gameplay is fast and lighting is good Kobra 07-04-2004 02:29 PM MDT Rating: 10   What can I say? Map is great!!! :) Obi-Wan 07-04-2004 04:24 PM MDT Rating: 8.5   niiiiiiiiiice OLDMAN(CO30) 07-04-2004 10:11 PM MDT Rating: 9.5   I commend you on a fine map, you had an eye for detail, and the mood was just right. I very much liked the pool of water, I shot a flak round into it and the way it ringed out from the shell impact very nice detail indeed. souldividersjosz 07-05-2004 03:35 AM MDT Rating: 8   Why don't you submit to CliffyB's Ownage or Sparky's Pwnage? This map is excellent both in visuals and gameplay... ctfxone 07-05-2004 06:29 AM MDT Rating: 8.5   jesus, nice map. puts all my efforts to shame. I have never enjoyed getting my ass kicked by god bots this hard before. ggs btw I put this map on my ownage page on my website fyi. totally earned it. http://free.hostdepartment.com/C/CTFX1/ownage.html saroner 07-06-2004 07:14 AM MDT   thanks for all positive feedbacks. that is a reason to be continued:] sandorski 07-10-2004 05:24 AM MDT Rating: 8.5   Great map indeed. Fliegenklatsche 07-16-2004 09:14 PM MDT Rating: 9   A very good map......wow Manticore 07-17-2004 03:01 AM MDT Rating: 8.5   Excellant look and construction....... Fuzzy Logic 07-17-2004 05:53 AM MDT Rating: 8   Great looking map. Decent gameplay too. Aggressor 08-13-2004 03:40 AM MDT Rating: 8   Great map. Prolly a bit too generic and lacking that "something", but both the archi and flow are more than solid. Good job! Bot40 08-13-2004 07:58 AM MDT Rating: 7.5   yeah, I remember I downloaded and played this a while ago but I forgot to comment :B Very solid map, definitely worthy of a download. Yeah, not the most connected map ever, I remember it was "difficult" to play as in it didn't feel natural to run around, but that's ok. Visually yeah, I didn't think it was too amazing, well above average, but nothing special. Solid, nice atmosphere, but I can't break into the 8/10 score because it just doens't have that "wow" effect or anything that really makes you stop and look. Also, in UT we used to get richrig map after richrig map, now we are in danger of getting town map after town map :p nylevefalls 08-13-2004 02:09 PM MDT Rating: 8   ah... redfist 08-13-2004 04:28 PM MDT Rating: 7.5   I have to agree on this one ,the layout makes sense, nice sized map.Looks are well blended,I do believe it's a real made cubemap for the deep puddle.(i didnt look in editor).I like it.good DM mappage Shao 08-13-2004 06:38 PM MDT Rating: 8.5   one word : wow! Is pretty cool map , indeed. AMmayhem 08-16-2004 03:18 PM MDT Rating: 7   Lacked on some originality on the layout I think. It's another square 4 room type map. Still great looking, and plays well. Wasn't impressed enough for an 8, but still had fun. :) hampel 09-14-2004 02:48 PM MDT Rating: 10   fantastic! best DM map out there! razielyo 09-15-2004 05:49 AM MDT Rating: 9   Great atmosphere ! G.Lecter 10-02-2004 04:57 PM MDT Rating: 8.5   Very good map. Good FPS. Nice visuals. Recommended download... One bad thing: Saroner, you forgot pathing for bots some useful jumps, liftjumps and dodgejumps (Ex: I always get the 100 shield with a liftjump, but bots can't). Kantham 10-02-2004 09:09 PM MDT Rating: 10   Very good layout , devinitively my fav 1 on 1 map ever , FPS are just amazing , how he do that? this map match perfecly whit the newest necris in ECE! MichaelM 10-17-2004 01:54 AM MDT Rating: 8.5   This map is great... It is so much better than your other level DM-Akbal. This level has great FPS and really good flow. GJ and good luck on your next :) Gargorias 10-17-2004 02:29 AM MDT Rating: 9   Nice architecture, theme and lighting combined with a tight level that flows well. Some very nice static-mesh work as well. One of my fav DM's! Vipermx 10-31-2004 02:47 PM MST Rating: 9   Its look great!!! PS Wish that I cood rich this limit=))) RayZidane 10-31-2004 05:15 PM MST Rating: 8   all I have to see is watching the comments and reviews all day :P PHa-Q 11-02-2004 01:39 AM MST Rating: 8   Really nice visuals on this one. But I did'nt really dig the flow of this one that much... Having said that, it's still entertaining - and a bit of a deviation from the norm. SoH_Ghost3021 11-18-2004 06:45 PM MST Rating: 7.5   good job with the eyecandy:) sp_lit 02-09-2005 08:53 AM MST   Best custom DM map for UT2004 I have played. CraCkWhoRe 07-05-2005 07:36 PM MDT Rating: 8.5   EyeCandy!! Worth the download. NikolaCox 07-06-2005 09:31 PM MDT Rating: 9   Gr8 map!!! Download reccomended!!!