In this siege you play as a rebel about to overthrow an opressive king but realize his final stronghold will take far more lives than you expected. A bigger story comes with the scenario. Let me know what you think!
This is a really great siege map! Not only is there the main castle to overcome but there are a number of small outposts defending access to the keep, armed with only a few archers/crossbowmen, but they are still quite potent. Once these have been stormed there is the main castle to attack, which is quite well defended. I found this to be a highly addictive map throughout with bags of replayability. It lends itself to testing different approaches and works like a charm. Great effort, really deserving a full 5 score.
Balance: 5/5
This is more like it! On hard setting you've got your work cut out. Which approach to take into the castle is one factor that gains this a high score, as each possibility has its' own advantages and disadvantages. Starting with the troops given to you, there is scope for two catapults/trebuchets or shields to defend your archers. Nice to see a careful use of starting gold here. The balance between your units and those defending the castle is spot on IMO, very well balanced map on hard setting. It's a tactical siege, not a brute force assault, and done very well indeed.
Creativity: 3/5
Given the high scores for playability and balance, i'm tempted to score higher than 4. Yet whilst the map is generally very well designed, it still lacks a little something in terms of creativity. Again, not that this is a bad map, but just needs a little something to make it stand out. Still, credit is noted for the 'gently gently' approach. A high 3 score!
Map Design: 4/5
I really liked this. Firstly, the terrain. It's modelled very well in places, giving an undulating, hilly feel. Some of the small pathways leading up the the castle stand out for me. The castle itself is well done, with an irregular feel to it that I find appealing. There are numerous outbuildings/defences using wood and stone that looks fetching too. Once again, having two entrances and therefore two possible attacking points gives the map potential. Nice work.
Story/instructions: 3/5
A short story accompanies the map which is quite well done and gives the player a small insight into how the map will play. Just needs expanding more with content. Let the imagination run riot, draw the player into the map and really seel it to the downloader by way of the description page.
IN SUMMARY
Impressive. I really like this map and has some fantastic elements to it, in particular the genuine and effective way it plays. Good stuff.