General Archives: 2008

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Radian Review

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Radian
by Aimless Ant

Author's Description
360 degrees of suffering

Parent Map
Foundry

Applicable Game Variants
(* my recommended game variants)
Slayer, Team Slayer*, even Big Team Slayer*
CTF
Oddball, Team Oddball*
KOTH, Team King*
Territories, Land Grab, Flag Rally*
Neutral Assault*

Pros
-Beautiful, clean, and original design
-Creative use of scenery pieces by means of interlocking
-Straight wall pieces
-Genius use of map geometry
-Versatility, this map can play most game variants
-Plenty of Elbow room
-Plays amazing on Neutral Assault and Team KOTH

Cons
-Some spawn-points are visible from higher ground
-Where's the ammo?
-The flags are too close together in CTF
-There is an Active-Camo on top of the oddball

My Opinion
Let me start of by saying that Radian is beautifully constructed and that it's author Aimless Ant is a genius when it comes to scenery piece placement. When i first encountered the map I thought it was just another knock off MLG map, but I was wrong, it offers so much more potential. As usual, I brought in an outside party from Big Team Slayer and played a few rounds of various game variants. Neutral Assault was a big hit, as well as Team King. They were also in awe of Radian's splendor, especially the maps showcase, the energy shield rings. There are plenty of places to hide and many different routes to take which will make the gameplay different every time. People want replay value.

On the downside, FFA is definately not welcome on this map. I recieved too many complaints about spawn camping from the higher platforms. Also, CTF didn't do to well either. People were grabbing the enemy flag in less than ten seconds. The flag placements are just way to close together. To make matters worse there is never any ammo to be found and I kept finding myself running out at the wrong time. And finally, I inoticed on oddball that there is an active camo piece place directly above it. That may complicate things.

In retrospect, this is a fantastic map. You can tell right away that the author put a lot of effort into this map. And on some variant gampleay is astounding, on others it is mediocre. But, mediocre does not mean flawed. Download this map, you will not be disappointed.

Gameplay - 8.5
Balancing - 8.5
Originality - 9.5
Neatness - 10

Overall - 9.1
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My first review

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Raven - by Fleabus 7

Author's Description
High in it's perch the raven gains the advantage over it's prey. Be sure that you are the one with the advantage. 2-6 Players

Pros
- Fluid gameplay in both Slayer and Team Slayer variants.
- Beautiful level design

Cons
- The spawn points hold minimal cover against the high ground.

My Opinion
This is beautiful map. From its balanced weapon and spawn lay out, it's perfect symmetry, and genius use of geo-merging Fleabus 7 has created an incredible map that should not be overlooked.

The only downside I had noticed is that the spawns hold very little cover against the "Raven's Perch" so to speak. A good sniper could effectively hold down any enemy creating a potential for spawn killing.

Gameplay - 9
Balancing - 8
Originality - 10
Neatness - 10

Overall - 9.2
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Detained Review

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Detained
by gun123456

Author's Description
This is a medium sized map that uses half of foundry. It has two bases and 4 levels. It has plenty of cover and weapons.

Parent Map
Foundry

Applicable Game Variants
Any

Pros
- Plays all game variants
- Map layout has a natural flow
- Balanced spawn postioning
- Map is unescapable

Cons
- No interlocking was used
- Some wall based scenery pieces are placed very sloppilly
- All weapons and equipment spawn too often, 30 second preset
- One team spawns close to the shotgun, the over-shield, and the turret.
- Shotgun whoring
- Energy shield spawn camping
- Attacker's side has the overall advantage

My Opinion
Detained is a variant of foundry in which one side has been sealed off. While certainly it is not the first map of it's kind, few have as many pathways and such a natural flow. It certainly is far from the prettiest map, due to the lack of interlocking, but if properly applied to the current scenery placement this map would become beautiful.

The downside, while the spawns have been adequately placed the spawn times of the weapon placements (and the overshield too) are set to the default, 30 secs. To make matters worse, the Attackers (Blue team, I believe) have the advantage as their base connects directly to not only a shotgun, but an elevated sniper rifle, the one and only quick respawning overshield, and add a machine-gun turret to boot. And, although there is a sniper rifle placed on the defenders side, you'd be damn lucky if you aren't sniped in the process of grabbing it. Ironically following after the very name of the map itself, the very shield doors that prevent the Attacker's sniper-spree against the Defender's spawn will keep you held prisoner by the quick spawning shotgun with a little help from it's friends quick-spawn turret and quick-spawn overshield.

In retrospect, I tried not to be too harsh on this map because in all honesty I like it's layout, and aside from the weapon problems, all the game variants are properly placed and in theory should play rather well. As I said before, I enjoy the layout and if it was interlocked even half as nicely as Paranoia UK II's Killswitch this would be a gorgeous looking map. I suggest that you look into interlocking or perhaps ask for someones help in the matter. If you clean up the messiness, provide a little more balance to the weapon placement, and adjust the weapons' spawn times, then you might actually have a really good map there. I think you have the potential to be a good forger, so don't give up.

Gameplay - 7.5
Balancing - 4.5
Originality - 6.5
Neatness - 5.5

Overall - 6
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Killswitch Review

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Killswitch
by Paranoia UK II

Author's Description
As the planet Reach and its brave defenders were bombarded to rubble, a single underground structure survived the chaos.

Parent Map
Foundry

Applicable Game Variants
Map is designed for mainly FFA or 2 vs 2 gametypes. Also supports Territories, Infection, VIP, Juggernaut, CTF and Oddball.

Pros
- Original Idea
- Beautifully constructed
- Innovative use of Scenery Pieces
- Interlocking at it's finest
- A working elevator
- Touch activated death traps
- Balanced spawn and weapon positioning

Cons
- Too many grenades
- Tight Quarters
- Potential sword/shotgun whoring
- One-way elevator
- Energy shield camping
- Oddball not recommended

My Opinion
Let me start off by saying that I have looked over a lot of maps in my time and this one has to be one of the most creative ones I've encountered so far. Although I have seen maps with working traps before, this one easily has the most playability and is the most cosmetically pleasing. Scenery pieces are so cleanly placed creating beautifully interlocked archways and cathedral ceilings, showing off the author's master craftmanship when it comes to the forge. It truly is such wonderful eye candy. The spawn points are evenly placed and a wide yet subtle variety of weapons makes the map flow great in 2 vs. 2 battles.

The downside, there are few flaws to this map that the would give all players who are aware of them an edge over others. For example, the elevator is only one-way, which obviously couldn't be helped , but in oddball matches, the ball carrier can almost safely hide up in the loft above so long as he is good at dodging grenades. Also, because the shotgun and two swords are available so often (respawn times on the swords are set for 30 secs, and the shotgun is set for 1 min) players can easily camp safely behind one of the four shield doors. And finally the level is so compact and confined that spawn camping is not just possible, it is eventual.

In retrospect, this is a fantastic map. Although there are a few minor flaws the gameplay is very enjoyable and fast paced. Quick thinking is involved because one wrong step and you're a pancake. This is a great map for 2-4 players and it is a must download.

Gameplay - 8.5
Balancing - 8.5
Originality - 9.5
Neatness - 10

Overall - 9.1
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Monday, September 29, 2008

Se7enth Column

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Se7enth Column - by LEG10N

Author's Description - Unlimited Possibilities.....

Game Variants - All

Pros
-Beautifully crafted
-Original theme
-Intuitive design
-Balanced weapons and spawn points
-Lot's of elbow room
-Versatility, it plays well on everything
-Great for Free for All

Cons
-Small arena, occasional spawn killing
-Power weapons respawn a little too often

My Opinion - Compared to his other maps, LEG10N's Se7enth Column is a bit more subtle. But, subtly should not be confused with simplicity. Se7enth Column looks amazing. Insane use of interlocking and perfect geometry create a seven sided circular arena in the shape of Bungie's logo the Se7enth Column, hence the name of the map.

The gameplay is tight. I played it on several different game variants and they all played particularly well with balanced team numbers. Weapon placement is fair and grenades of all types are plentiful. There is plenty of space to engage in close to long range combat.

On the downside, it is a smaller map and with greater numbers spawn killing occurs more often. Also, some of the power weapons (Rocket Launcher, Shotgun, Sniper Rifles, etc.) spawn a little too quickly.

In retrospect, this is a wonderful tribute to Bungie, and I can can only hope that they return the favor and pay tribute to LEG10N. Se7enth Column is worthy of Bungie Favorites, so download and rate this map 5/5.

Gameplay - 9.5
Balancing - 9.5
Originality - 10
Neatness - 10

Overall - 9.7
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High Treason

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High Treason - by LE610N X

Author's Description - Brought to you by DIVISION 69 designed by LE610N X

Game Variants - Any, symmetrical game types are preferred, but not necessary.

Pros
-Beautifully constructed
-Impressive innovative design
-Plays any game-type, both symmetrical and assymetrical
-Strategic spawn and weapons placement
-Creative use of interlocked scenery pieces
-Lots of elbow room
-Lot's of hiding spots, if you like to camp
-Good vantage points, if you like to snipe
-Fluid gameplay

Cons
-Confusing to people unfamiliar to map.
-Lots of hiding spots, if you hate campers
-Too many vantage points, if you hate snipers

My Opinion - High Treason is a marvel of a Foundry modification. It is unique in it's construction and it plays very well on all game variants, assymertical played the best, but it also plays well on symmetrical.

LE610N X is a genius, he brings an artistic approach to forging that is unparalleled by no less than the best of best. Like Aspire and 4RUNNER, High Treason was constructed with an unusual yet extraordinary design. The author makes use of every piece and they are as important as any other. Every staircase, weapon holder, window piece, etc. serves it's purpose either cosmetically or interactively. It also has a windy shape to it that makes the level seem more fluid and less blocky. LE610N X also used an interesting theme, whether intentional or not, by making corner piece roof tops that gives it a cityscape feel.

There are no real flaws to this map, if anything because of it's clustered design it is a bit confusing at first. That doesn't damper the map though, Ghost Town annoyed me until I learned it's layout and now it's one of my favorite Halo 3 maps. Also, there are a lot of hiding spots and sniper positions that can and will aggravate unfamiliar people as those who are familiar have the advantage. But, that is not the Author's fault, learn your enviroment because this is a fantastic map.

In retrospect, I monitor a lot of custom maps and at the request of my groups and individual users I submit reviews. I have seen almost everything and there is a reason why LE610N X is one of my favorite forgers. His maps are intricate and original and his forging skills are top dog. High Treason is certainly no let down, it is in my opinion his best to date. Download this map it is worthy of Bungie Favorites.

Gameplay - 10
Balancing - 10
Originality - 10
Neatness - 10

Overall - 10
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Arctic Stronghold

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ArcticStronghold - by DogzillaV3

Author's Description - An Invasion force has arrived at an arctic stronghold. 6-16 players. By DogzillaV3, Limozeen000, and ConcernedPie. V1.2

Game Variants - Slayer, Team Slayer, Invasion Force*, Storm the beach*

( * = recommended game variant. Underlined = Custom Game Variant.)

Pros
-Original Theme
-Innovative forging techniques
-Interactive enviroment
-Lots of Weapons
-Clean Forging, even though interlocking was not used.

Cons
-Unbalanced gameplay
-Not very versatile
-Too many weapons for assault
-Not enough Weapons for defense
-There is only one entrance to the "drop ship".
-The ground forces are at the mercy of the invading team.
-No tangeable gameplay.

My Opinion I love the theme to this map. Although it is not the first space ship I have seen on avalanche, it is one of the best. There was no interlocking used, but nevertheless all the pieces were placed cleanly. The concept of the map is interesting in theory, but unfortunately it doesn't play very well at all. The author should have spent more time putting in more assymmetrical game variants and adding more defense for the ground based team. But, before I get into the horrible gameplay, I 'd like to discuss the innovative techniques the other used in creating the map, because they are definitely worth mentioning.

First of all, the dropship is fully functional. It is equipped with two hornets attached to the sides and two warthogs that can drive off the ship. One warthog is cleverly held in place by a weapon holder and a grav lift. The warthog will drop when someone destroys the grav lift. There are also two plasma turrets positioned on two narrow decks on its sides adding to the effect of the theme. There is even a captains chair in the cockpit.

The downside, There is only one way into the dropship from the ground and it will most likely get you killed going there as someone will undoubtedly be camping the sniper rifle and plasma turrets on the dropship's bridge. Also, the invading team has such an unlimited variety of weaponry that they will use to dominate their opposition. The defense force will be slaughtered like lambs.

In retrospect, this map has some good ideas, it is merely imperfect. I think the author should spend a little more time balancing the teams and then you have a decent playable map, until then however this level is near unplayable.

Gameplay - 4
Balancing - 2.5
Originality - 8
Neatness - 7

Overall - 5.3
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Faith

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Faith - by DarkRoyalPrince

Author's Description - A small asymmetric map made by DarkRoyalPrince. Supports all variants. 6-14 players.

Pros
- Working doors!!!
- Neat Pristine Forging
- Balanced Weapons
- Original Design
- Versatile gameplay

Cons
- Victor holds the highground
- Mild unbalanced placement of spawn points
- Turret/Sniper lockdown

My Opinion - This is an interesting map I came across. It is a small contained Foundry variant. It has two fortified enemy positions facing one another. One on the High ground, one on the low ground. But, before I get into the details of the gameplay let me just tell you about what it was that caught my eye to this map in the first place. In the "block fort" there are two placed door pieces. When you walk up to the door you will walk through it. It is actually functioning door. Underneath the door is a teleport piece cleverly hidden by the floor piece. You teleport right though the door to a room on the other side. The rest of the map is also very artistically done. It looks clean and it original.

The downside, The team that spawns on the highground will literally mop the floor with the people who start on the bottom. There is a heavy machine gun turret placed high above and parallel to that is a snipers vantage point. Between the heavy rate of fire from the turret and the pin point accuracy of the sniper it's troubled times for the ground team who are given only one sniper rifle to defend themselves with. There is some cover to the bottom floor and you can survive their, but don't pop your head out. Also, because the bottom team is under lockdown the enemies who are not sniping or on the turret can and will come down as an acting death squad doing a quick and easy mop up against the opposition.

In retrospect, I like this map. I like how it looks and I even sort of like how it plays and I especially love the working doors. It's maps like these that you can learn a lot about not only forging but also a little bit about tactics and vantage points. I would suggest to add a minor change to the level. Since there is no opposition to the turret on the bottom, consider adding a laser or a rocket to counter it. A rocket may make it too easy to take out though. The laser would be ideal because of it's charge up time. A laser combined with the sniper on rifle on the bottom would counter the odds and balance it out.

Download this map, it is quite impressive.

Gameplay - 7.5
Balancing - 6.5
Originality - 10
Neatness - 10

Overall - 8.5
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Lost Echo

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Lost Echoes - by Fleabus 7

Author's Description - The last thing you will hear is your own scream being repeated over and over again.

Game Variants - Slayer, Team Slayer, CTF*, Assault*, Land Grab*, and Team King*
( * = Preferred game variant)

Pros
- Beautifully designed
- Amazing use of geo-merging and interlocking
- Symmetrical gameplay
- Balanced weapons
- Fluid team movement and tactical dynamics
- "The Thinking Hog"

Cons
- Where are the grenades?
- Enemy spawn points are very close to one another in some areas
- Hammer whoring

My Opinion - Where to begin...This map is a work of art. Plain and simple. There are virtually no visual flaws or inconsistencies in the design of this map and quite frankly the gameplay is damn right flawless as well. For one thing, the major attraction of this the finely constructed roof of the map. It is a perfect dome constructed out of interlocked walls and bridge pieces. It is pristine, it is innovative, it is beautiful. The double box walls are even flipped on to their sides to actually give it a stone wall look. This map resembles a 16th century cathedral, it is that good. Both spawn points are perfectly symmetrical for perfectly balanced gameplay. I am a big fan of symmetry in maps, it is essential for team variants to be enjoyable.

There is a fair selection of weapons on the map that are evenly spread out on both sides. Nothing flashy, but every weapon is only as deadly as its wielder. I have also had the priviledge to play this map a few times with the Author who informed me of the most curious and interesting thing. This map actually has its own easter egg...I won't tell you what it is, you'll just have to find it. However, I will tell you this. Fleabus is the man.

The downside, There is no real downside to this map. There aren't that many grenades, but that is not necessarily a bad thing as the level is a bit confined. Also, the spawn points out by the center of the map are to close to the action. They are also too close to the enemy spawn points on the opposite sides. I will say you won't spawn there often though as there are a fair amount of spawn points placed on the map.

In retrospect, I once rated one of Fleabus' maps a perfect 10, and that map was deserving. This map, makes that map seem almost...unworthy. However, System 7 was in perfect balance in all areas of looks and gameplay. Lost Echoes looks incredible and the gameplay is exciting, but on a few occasions you will spawn in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Download this map, and give this man a round of applause. Well done.

Gameplay - 10
Balancing - 9.5
Originality - 10
Neatness - 10

Overall - 9.8
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Construction v2

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Construction v2 - by lil kyle 15 from Mongoose Tracks
Author's Description - This map has a bunch of different things, it has banked turns, shield door elevators, and shielded door bounces. The finish line can be cheatable but by the time you get your point you get killed by going through the teleporter you could have 2 laps in.

Game variant: RACETRACKS, Mongoose Tracks, Halo500 (1-7 Racers)

Pros
- Wide track
- Wide banking corners
- Interesting use of Shield Door
- Good Gameplay
- An active starting gun

Cons
- Possibly Cheatable
- No sloped banks

My Opinion - This is a foundry race track and while it is no saturn, it is playable in it's own right. It is a very wide track for big races and it has wide banking corners for drifting. It also has an interesting shield door elevator. That is not a new technique but, I like it regardless. Another thing I like that I haven't seen was a make shift starting gun system by using a bridge piece that appears after the first ten seconds of the race.

The downside, It is a flat track without sloped banks. There is also the possibility of cheating but it is counteracted with a death penalty that balances it out.

Although the track is a bit plain, it has a fluid setup and solid gameplay. Try this track.

Length of Track - 9
Width of Track - 10
Corners - 7.5
Checkpoints - 7
Ride - 8
Neatness - 8.5
Originality - 7.5

Overall - 8.2
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Eruption

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Eruption - by Gungywamp Hero
Author's Description - To this day, no one can explain this bizarre structure...6-16 Players

Pros
- Unique and original theme
- Plenty of elbow room

Cons
- No tangeable gameplay
- No spawn points
- Where are the weapons?
- It's a mess.

My Opinion - This is a Foundry map variant. This is a unique level that shows not only a quality design idea but also adds an innovative theme I have yet to see done before. The perimeter of the level are well thought bending and arching hallways with a circular catwalk around the center. In the center is the maps key feature...the volcano. Although not very well constructed it's not the looks that are appealing but what the volcano actually does. Every ten seconds or so a weapon, grenade, or piece of equipment pops out of the mouth volcano.

Now for the bad part, Although the level design is well thought up, it is ugly, and it holds no tangeable gameplay. All the pieces have been placed rather lazily and it's a bit messy, which is a shame because this map has a lot of potential. Also, where are the spawn points? You can't balance a match if there are no or too few spawn points and the same thing goes with weapons. There are no weapons placed on the map and even though I liked the idea of weapons shooting out of the volcano, there are still too few weapons to upkeep on your ammunition.

Consider this, I believe you should update this map, fix your messy pieces with interlocking, especially on the volcano, add more a lot more spawn points. Also,instead of having all of your weapons pop out of the volcano, place basic weapons on the map and have the heavy weapons pop out of the volcano. I also think you should add lots of fusion coils to pop out of the volcano to add onto the effect.

If you need help with this, ask one of our Forge helpers, like DarkRoyalPrince, he is very efficient on the cleanup jobs.

Gameplay - 2
Balancing - 2
Originality - 10
Neatness - 6.5

Overall - 5.1
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The Rock Review

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The Rock - Lethal Intent

Author's Description - Defend "The Rock" one of the most heavily defended fortresses on the year 2121

Pros
- Awesome fort theme
- Original Design
- Semi-Balanced teams, (there are a few minor quirks)
- Beautifully constructed
- It is versatile, it plays on most game variants
- Innovative use of pieces by means of interlocking

Cons
- Some game variants are less balanced than others
- Entry to fortress can be a pain in the @$$, but not impossible
- There may be way too many custom power-ups, depending upon how the party leaders options are set.

My Opinion - Lethal Intent invited me to play this map in a custom match. We played a few diverse team variants like, Team Slayer, infection, and I believe CTF. They all played very well and with it's beautifully constructed design that gives it a unique appearance of Civil War fort, it plays with a similar feel.

It is a foundry variant, there are two pretty balanced sides to this map.

-The first is the fort, It is completely enclosed and takes the perimeter shape of a pentagon. The inside has a courtyard with three barrack like spawn points. On the second floor of the structure is a heavily fortified wall equipped with barriers strategically placed for cover, two protected turrets, and an oddly placed flamethrower that you would have to have a death wish to grab. On the third floor are two roofed towers that give it's Alamo style look. There are also sniper rifles and plenty of other diverse weapons to hold the fort with.

-The second is the invading enemy encampment, The spawn points are strategically placed in Foundry's "backrooms" equipped with a balanced arsenal for long to medium range combat. Outside the enemy encampment are four make shift cannon batteries constructed out of two wraiths and two gauss warthogs strategically locked into position. These also provide adequate cover from enemy snipers in the forts two towers. These cannon batteries are perfect for suppressing fire to all conflict on the wall, if you are quick enough not to be gunned down by an enemy sniper, which is what makes the two bases so balanced.

The downside, the only real problem I had with it was combat in non infection type games. I like the way you constructed the front doors to the fort, (which I would be delighted if you would explain how you did that.) However, the pallets respawn so quickly it is close to impossible to breach those doors.

I really like this style of map a lot, it is detailed and it is innovative. I also think you should consider creating a new assault variant and call it something like Alamo, Saratoga, Waterloo, etc. to go with the theme.

Gameplay - 8.5
Balancing - 8
Originality - 10
Neatness - 10

Overall - 9.1
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4516 Palace v2 Review

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4516 Palace v2 - by Ryan4516

Author's Description - SLAYER [ Made by ] Ryan4516 ] Corpses lay scattered among battle hardened warriors, join the fight

Pros
- Original design
- Very well constructed considering interlocking wasn't used.
- Looks good
- Pitch a tent if you like camping
- Lots of Grenades

Cons
- Lots of Grenades, lol
- Lacks balanced gameplay
- Lacks Versatility
- Only one way into enemy base
- Constant spawn camping
- Victor holds the high-ground
- No interlocking, (although the map is neatly organized regardless)
- Constant camping
- Whoring hammers
- Whoring maulers
- Whoring swords
- Too many overshields
- Overshields respawn too often

My Opinion - I was checking out some of the new material and came across this map. It is a Foundry map built solely for Slayer battles. I immediately noticed that interlocking wasn't used, but I was impressed to see that everything was neatly aligned and in perfect order. The concept is right and the author is creative with his use of pieces. The rooms and hallways looked nice and even the three floor central room were imaginative. I was impressed with your forging ability.

The downside...uh, where to begin...I can simply sum this map up in in two words, it is a campground and it is a whorehouse. While this map looks good and it's design is creative, it lacks every aspect that is necessary for even the most mediocre gameplay. It is a small map with tight corners, around every corner is camping tool like the hammer, the sword, and there are even two maulers. To make matters worse their is no concept of diverse combat, there is only one entry point into the enemy spawn points and whoever holds the high-ground will be unstoppable. Not even the overly excessive two over-shields that spawn every two minutes can smoke those campers out. This map needs at least two different access points between floors, otherwise you have created a horrible campfest. Flanking is essential to thwarting campers.

I tested this map with a panel of people I pulled in from a big team battle, there were 6 of us including myself, I set the match for five minutes...everyone was gone in less than three. It lacks tangeable gameplay. I do like your design concept and I think you'd make a good forger. You should look through a lot of these maps and I think you'll learn a lot and may even pick up some fresh ideas along the way. Also, don't be afraid to post any forging questions in the Forge help thread, these guys really know their stuff. Trust me, until recently I hadn't been aware of techniques like interlocking but, I've come to find that its quite useful and actually makes it a lot easier.

Gameplay - 2.5
Balancing - 3
Originality - 7
Neatness - 6.5

Overall - 4.7
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System 7

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System 7 - by Fleabus 7

Author's Description - Scientists use this area for experimenting with gravity. 4-10 Players

Game Variants MultiFlag, Assault, Land Grab, Slayer and Team Slayer

Pros
- Perfect symmetry
- Perfectly balanced placement of weapons and spawns
- Subtle yet genius design
- It is compatible with several different game variants
- Brilliant use of interlocking to pure perfection

Cons
- The only con is that this map isn't in the Group Map Store, Patch you need to put this one in there.

My Opinion - I liked what Fleabus did with Raven so I decided to check out his other stuff and came across this map. When I first saw the level for the first time I thought it looked plain, but as I did my usual fly by in the forge I noticed that the map wasn't actually that the map was plain it was that it was neatly organized and perfectly symmetrical. There is a floating perfect circle made out of interlocked wall pieces that hangs above the level and in its center appropriately placed is the energy sword. I studied the lay out of the high ground against the low ground and I was impressed to find that there was plenty of cover beneath. Using a barrier of wall pieces Fleabus sealed off the rest of foundry to form a perfect square where the map's symmetry takes shape. One would think this would make Foundry seem smaller, but this isn't the case. I found as I made a few run-throughs that Foundry actually seemed bigger because it stands three stories tall. I also noticed that the spawn points were very balanced and after a few test plays I found spawn killing was not an issue.

This level is simple and subtle, yet it is unique and it's perfection shines through to its gameplay. I did a test game witha couple of people I pulled in from a big team slayer battle. We played through all the available variants and they all played through with high regard.

This map is exactly what you want in symmetrical arena and in my honest opinion, not only should everybody in this group download this map it should be shared with everyone else. I believe it is so good that it is worthy to be played a a variant in a matchmaking playlist.

Gameplay - 10
Balancing - 10
Originality - 10
Neatness - 9.5

Overall - 9.8
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4RUNNER Review

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4RUNNER - by LEG1ON

Author's Description - 4RUNNER complex also known as Installation 69- 2 B PLAYED WITH KOTH, MULTIFLAG, ODDBALL, SLAYER AND TEAM SLAYER brought 2 U by DIVISION 69

Pros
- Versatility, this map is compatible with several game variants
- Awesome level design
- Fairly balanced weapons and spawn points
- Rare weapons like firebomb grenades, fuel rod gun, and sentinel beams
- Lots of elbow room where its needed
- Lot's of hiding spots, good if you like to camp
- Minimal camping weapons

Cons
- Lot's of hiding spots, bad if you hate campers
- Map is a little disorienting at first glance

My Opinion - Once again I am in awe of LEG1ON's uncanny forging abilities and attention to detail. This jungle gym of a map is both intricate and original. The level boasts a lot of hiding spots, and there are many (I doubt if I've found them all). That is a good thing if you like to camp and annoying if you just plain hate campers. Personally I'm indifferent, every gamer has his own strategies and to each his own.

On the plus side, spawn killing is practically impossible with wide array of spawn locations. Also, camping is more difficult because there are not many suitable weapons for camping.
I also have to comment on the versatility of the level as it is compatible with several different variants. There is definitely solid gameplay here.

On the downside, for people new to the map it will appear very confusing and disorienting, but do not be discouraged because the map does have a natural flow to it. The wall pieces are also not as cleanly placed as LEG1ON's other maps which also makes the level look confusing.

This is a great foundry map, LEG1ON does not disappoint. Download this map.

Gameplay - 9.5
Balancing - 9
Originality - 10
Neatness - 8.5

Overall - 9.2
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Map Review Ari's Bar

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Ari's Bar - by DarkRoyalPrince

Author's Description - If you're still standing in...it means you need another beer! 4-12 Players

Gametypes - Slayer, Team Slayer, KOTH, Territories

Pros
- Original Theme
- Clean use of geo-merging
- Interactive level design

Cons
- Unbalanced combat
- Map is too open
- Gameplay is lacking

My Opinion - I found this map while I was browsing through the gallery. It is a foundry map with a bar theme. I was impressed by not only how clean the pieces were placed but the attention to detail from the bathroom stalls to the weaponholder ashtrays on the pallet tables. I even liked the pool. There is also good use of wall pieces that are geo-merged perfectly.

However, although I was impressed by the bar itself the rest of the map is more than just a bit lacking. The enemy spawn point looks rushed and poorly constructed. The rest of foundry is also wide open with nothing around it. The team inside the bar could easily camp the invading team and the weapon set is completely unbalanced.

Now, I understand that this map was probably constructed just for the theme itself, but I thought the author should've kept going with it, making more buildings and set up a city block or something. The bar is cleanly constructed and I loved the theme, and the genius use of pieces, but the gameplay just isn't there.

Gameplay - 4
Balancing - 3.5
Originality - 10
Neatness - 10

Overall - 6.8
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Aspire Review

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Aspire - by LEG1ON

Author's Description - 2 B played with KOTH - slayer - team slayer - odd ball - CTF - territories/land grab - assault/neutral bomb/instant bomb -

Pros
- Smooth and semi-balanced gameplay
- It is versatile, this map can play almost any game variant.
- Sick use of geo-merging with walls and double boxes
- Lots of elbow room

Cons
- Gravity Hammer whoring
- Confusing access points to enemy spawn points
- Grenades are scarce

My Opinion
If Picasso did a forge map, I think it would look something like this. Not only is this map pure eye candy (and it is, i might add) but it is also compatible with almost every game variant available, which means no battle is ever the same. This map is a variant of Foundry, it is medium sized with wide open chambers and huddled hallways. It is layered and it stands two stories tall.

There are flaws to this fine specimen of forging talents. It is more difficult for the people who spawn on the bottom floor to access the top floor than those who spawn on the top floor need to get down. People who also spawn on the top floor have greater access to more powerful weapons including a Gravity Hammer in which they could easily camp the tight corners with. Bottom floor people have there work cut out for them. However, although it is difficult to siege the top floor it is not impossible and a game isn't fun if isn't a challenge.

This map is a must download not just for it's gaming qualities but I think other map makers could learn a lot from this map.

Gameplay - 8.5
Balancing - 6.5
Originality - 10
Neatness - 10

Overall - 8.7
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