This is the map of the Hidden Kingdom of Gondolin. It's been quite some work. It's very alike Minas Tirith, but it has only 3 levels. The ensription tha I wrote was too long, so I had to erase some. It was built by Turgon of the Noldor Elves, and it was the last of the Elf-kingdoms in Beleriand to fall. It was built in rememberance to Tirion on Tuna, the home of thje Noldor. It stood for 350 years. The inhabitants were not allowed to leave the city, for Turgon feared that the city would be discovered by the enemy.
The Castle structure in this scenario takes up at about 50% of the map area. Zygoman has created impressively thick fortified walls and compound gates. He has also created some nice "eye candy" in the form of various towers and fortified points as well as stadiums and training grounds.
Terrain modeling around the castle was fair but needed more work. Use of plants, rocks, sand, etc would have given the landscaping a much more realistic appearance.
As the defender you begin the game with a good quantity and assortment of units. My first thought was, "It won't be hard to win this game considering my starting position."
Then the attacks begin. The enemy kept coming and coming and coming - every month or two another wave of attacks. My first try I was totally wiped out and even as my lord was killed I was hearing the warning message, "A massive force of the Pig's troops are about to attack."
So it seemed this game must be impossible to win. How could I hope to hold back all the attacking units? I almost gave up and would have written a rather negative review about maps that are impossible to win. But I decided to have one more go at it.
My second try I carefully managed my forces and fewer were overrun by the attackers. I also utilized short gaps between waves of attacks to rebuild defenses. Lo and behold, I actually survived by the skin of my teeth and gained the victory. (Played on NORMAL)
The basic idea of the map is fairly standard. You are defending your pre-created castle against multiple invasions. Victory comes when no enemy or invasions remain.
The story Zygoman provides (based on Tolkien's "The Silmarillon") was well written and clear but a bit short. I won't fault the story for this but a screen shot and/or minimap would have been a nice addition to the download description. Maybe add something personal about why you chose this theme or why you enjoyed creating the map.
Zygoman - A good fun scenario with plenty of action. You obviously put a great deal of time into the stone structures. Work on putting more time into terrain detailing too and put a bit more into the story.
swgb2003
Posted on 03/08/04 @ 12:00 AM
Rating
4.2
Breakdown
Playability
5.0
Balance
5.0
Creativity
4.0
Map Design
3.0
Story/Instructions
4.0
this was a very fun map to play. It wasn't too hard, and it wasn't too easy, perfectly balanced. I thought that the castle looked very nice, as did the terrain. You also did a good job with the story line. This is a map that someone will keep coming back to play over and over again. You did a very good job making this map. Good Job, and I hope you make more maps that are as good as this one in the future.
Keesanus
Posted on 03/10/04 @ 12:00 AM
Rating
4.2
Breakdown
Playability
4.0
Balance
5.0
Creativity
3.0
Map Design
4.0
Story/Instructions
5.0
This map is a lovely map with nice structures that give a lovely map view.
Playability:
The playability is very good at first start i always need to take a look at how the castle is build. when i put my archers on the 2d wall i didnot realise that there was a stairs going up so they could easily take it and go to the last wall. the second time i played it i forgot the stairs behind the small gatehouses and they were through. The third time was easy they did not break through.
Balance:
I realy like the balance here as i said before normal has to be normal hard put your qualities in the battle and immpossible is only for professionals. This one is great.
Creativity:
The creativity is nice lovely arena and other things maybe you could put some more ideas about nature in this level. I like the wolves at start maybe you could try hundreds of wolves that would make it even nicer.:D
Map design:
Map design is great as well but nature could be better i dont have very much to say about this its nice but not the best.
Story:
I love the story it gives an extra idea of the battle and why you are fighting.