You have made the (wise)desicion of building a settlement near one of the wolfs county's you will have to defend it at all costs against massive hords of maraurders and knights
with only a wooden stockade to sheald your people.
Playability: No question about it, this map is pretty challenging. Frantic checking of food levels, weapons, wall & gate damage as well as troop coverage in the castle is required, and the invasions come frequently. Very enjoyable.
Balance: Again, quite good. Wooden gates are quite weak, so I opted to churn out as many archers as I could in an effort to defend them. The balance is slightly in favour of the attacker, and you as the defender need to arm yourself quickly and effectively.
Creativity: Okay, but I must confess I knew exactly what I was required to do here. Saying that, the action was frantic and this is the most important aspect of the game.
Map Design: Whilst the map was fine and functional, it lacked that little bit extra in design to really make it stand out, but still good. This area is very much a personal thing and it is clear that some designers prefer one type of landscape to another.
Story/Instructions: As mentioned above, nothing wrong with what was here. It is clear what is required.
I enjoyed playing this map very much and will happily play it again and again. This, to me, is the most important element of a good map.
Thanks, Duke.
Sulis.
The Red Baron
Posted on 04/21/02 @ 12:00 AM
Rating
3.0
Breakdown
Playability
3.0
Balance
4.0
Creativity
3.0
Map Design
2.0
Story/Instructions
3.0
This map has a lot of non stop action.
Playability: 3 largely because it is fast paced map. Although I did not find it a map I had to play over and over, it does keep you involved.
Balance: 4 Although I was able to win on the first try I think this should be considered a well balanced map. The invasion event timing was perfect and the size of the invasions was just about right. Specifically I thought the food events (thieves in the granary and witches in the orchards) really forced a lot of tough decisions and kept me off balance and alert. I was really impressed that not once but several times I was down to just a handful of men on top of the keep fighting off invading swordsmen. Well done
Creativity: 3 I did not see anything innovative in this scenario. But most of the basics were well put together. But the one thing I will point out is that the market limitations was unique and really helped the balance greatly.
Map Design: 2 Sorry about this but I did not think the map was really well put together. I will say that you did a good job of varying entry points with the signposts. The terrain just seemed rushed or just too quickly put together. Just a little more time smoothing out hills, making water look natural and a few other little details would have gone along way in helping the overall look of the map in my opinion.
Story: 3 I thought the story was to the point and helpful. You did a good job conveying the objectives and limitations of the scenario in the storyline.
I really like this map and look forward to other maps. Mainly because of the tension conveyed by the well balanced use of events and invasions.