Map Name : Black Gate
Game : Stonghold (Any Version)
Map Version : 1.2
Type : Invasion
Size : 300x300
Difficulty : Hard
Set Game difficulty to : Easy
By: Lord Suwanshree
Version 1.1 Comments------>>>>>>>>
Hey this is an update on the previous black gate mode by me, but for this I would specially like to thank X29, he helped me with lot of things with his ratings and to find the many bugs on the map.
New features are:
*In fact the whole terrain is totally different and more detailed as directed by X29.
*With a little troops adjustments now a part of the enemy attacks instead of you attacking.
*In the Earlier version you couldn't loose because there was not loosing condition now thank god you can at least loose.
*I found that the gates look a little odd so i decided to remove them and made an opened gate like apperance using the walls.
*It keeps you very busy from the start and is very fast so reduced game spped at the start is recommended.
*Also very very important do not increase the difficulty at the start. first try on easy and then if you like increase the level.
*Ive added some missile units on your side and they can prove to be vital to the enemy.
*But also instead of all macemen now the enemy has crossbows too on the towers which make the map more challenging.
*I have found that this map is even harder than the first one, i can't figure a proper way to defeat the enemy.
*There is one way to win but that is too complicated and long to describe here.... Just use your archers, crossbows and the Missile units to their best possible use.
*Also at the start your troops are in the stand ground stance so accoringly choose their stances at first.
*Also there sre some more troops at the bottom of the map which contains the imp. crossbows and missile units- bring them near your troops before the enemy attacks.
Again i would like to thank X29 for tellin me what to do & what not to do.... Also viewers are requested to download the mod 'Minas Tirith by X29' map on the invasion column.
Improvements and changes in Version 1.2------>>>>>>>>
*More height in land outside Mordor variation.
*Added more attacking macemen (+50).
*More improved look of Mordor with swamps and hills.
*Macemen at Mordor are now set on Attacking which makes the map tougher.
*Added boulders and iron textures to give a fitting colour to the hills.
Installing it : Just put the included "Black Gate v1-2" file in your maps folder inside your main Stronghold folder.
Uninstalling it : Just delete the "Black Gate v1-2" from your maps folder.
WARNING: THIS MAP MOD WAS UPLOADED BY ME TO THE SITE www.stonghold.heavengames.com, AND www.gamespyarcade.com
IF YOU HAVE DOWNLOADED IT FROM SOMEWHERE ELSE I CANNOT GUARANTEE THAT IT IS IN THE SAME CONDITION
SO I DO NOT TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY OF ANY DAMAGE DONE BY THIS MOD TO THE GAME....
My E-mail address : suwanshree@yahoo.com
GOOD GAMEPLAY STRATAGY IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS HERE!!!!
Let me just say that the update is much more impressive than the original. It still has a few rough spots, but overall much better.
Playability 4/5 Impressive. The more varied units and the macemen charge make this map very fun. The only complaint I have in this catagory is that some of the macemen in the back don't seem to be set on aggressive, so they just stand there waiting for you to attack. If you want to pause in the editor (use the Alt+H keybord shortcut) to check the macemen individually. If they actually are on aggressive, but just don't attack (I've seen it happen), setting them to patrol would make them move around and make the map a little more interesting.
Balance 4/5 Though I did beat it on my first try, I did it just barely with only about twenty swordsmen left. Again, I wouldn't have beaten it on my first try if the macemen were all set to agressive. That would make this map really challenging and require a lot more stratagy.
Creativity 3/5 I never give out greater than a 4 in the creativity spot for Lord of the Rings maps. This one is pretty average in this catagory. If you want to really spice thinds up I suggest you take a look at the Tutorials over at Stronghold Knights. They have a TON of tricks to make any map better. Paste this link to see the site.
Map Design 3/5 Probably the area of this map that still needs the most work. It is definitly improved over the design of the original version though! Too many of the areas are still simply flat with the same type of terrain all over the screen. I suggest spotting the map with unique terrain types. Maybe some swamp and rocky hills back in Mordor, and some boulders on top of the mountains. Still it is obvious that more effort was spent here than previously.
Story 4/5 Intersting take telling the story in the first person perspective. It is different, but not everyone will like it. You may want to watch the Return of the King again and try and get Arogon's speech word for word. That would give you a five in my opinion.