This is an adaption of an invasion map titled A NEW WORLD. I always liked the map and decided to see how it would work as a skirmish. This map is very hard and not recommended for the beginning player. There is no grass near your keep on purpose to pose a challenge to the good player. If you are the type who likes everything given to you on platter DON'T DOWNLOAD you won't like it. My recommendation is to put Wolf on the left, Richard in the middle and Saladin on the right. Von Kamstra
Playability: 4
This map is fun! This is one of the few skirmish maps truly tailored for more advanced players
Balance: 5
The amount of resources placed is perfect. There was just enough farmland to keep a decent flow of wheat and ale, the stone wasn't overdone, and just enough trees provide enough wood to make a good overall challenge.
Creativity: 4
This map is polished. The terraced cliffs with the river in the basin looks natural
Map Design: 4
I like maps with Different terain heights - good job. The resources were placed far from your keep which makes for a good challenge, as promised. Turning off some of the building options and unit availability also added to the challenge. The only thing keeping this score from a 5 is that the enemy would often stop to gather not far from my towers at the edge of the my territory before making their approach. This made it possible for my archers to pick off half of them before they attacked. Also, while Henry can place his entire castle on the middle plateau, some AI's would "castle cram". Expanding the plateau would help.
Story/Instructions: 4
You gave adequate instructions and the stories attached to the invasion maps leading to this one are good. While a nice addition, I don't think a great indepth story is required for skirmish maps, but that would give a 5 :)