AZ ViTrAzhAs |
Posted on 12/24/07 @ 08:32 AM
Kamprooch
I don’t want to hurt the author but this isn’t the best map I have ever seen. I never judge plats by looking at the minimap and I thought that possibly interesting things could be found inside, as the minimap looked a bit plain. I have looked carefully through the whole map, and the main problem, I guess, was the lack of invested time and effort. The whole map seemed like a big training ground for soldiers. The whole castle, or should I say structure (?), was divided into sections. One of the sections was the big maze (macemen tried to escape from it), second – the religious corner with gardens, chapels and churches while spearmen were the priests or security (can’t figure it out). I’ve also noticed the assassins’ challenge, and some kind of a competition with spearmen, macemen and knights. There were a lot of spectators too. The main stronghold was in the middle and surrounded with moat, which I had to destroy due to the fact that my people couldn’t reach it. In front of the castle I saw long tracks, and, I guess, these were some kind of races, where horse archers and knights were competing either. Those ships (I think they’re ships), don’t look very well too – the idea by creating a cross from the troops was interesting, though. However, there are a lot of features, which need work and time. The positive aspect was the use of various height walls and towers by placing them on medium or high plain, ordering troops to patrol (this creates an imitation of action) and the interesting idea.
Suggestions – giving tips and advice for an eyecandy map is surely beside the purpose, however I will try. As I mentioned, the main problem is the lack of time – try spending more time on one of the object or sections, experiment with editor tools, take a look at other maps; You have good ideas but there’s a lack of mapmaking skills. Add more interesting objects and sights, for example fountains, gardens around them, and people gazing. This small feature is often used by all mapmakers. Mix the heights, create various sections with stairs and walls, this will make an impression of several floors. Work on Your landscape too – add grass, stones, boulders, water, etc, don’t leave empty sand spaces. The sea needs islands, rocks, possibly seagulls. Place more various buildings, try to create Your own custom town…
To the author – Don’t get disappointed because of this review, I don’t mean that Your map is somehow bad, it just needs more work, and You are the only one who can fix this. Don’t stop creating, as only practice develops skills not only in mapmaking but in the real life. Good luck!
Sincerely,
AZ ViTrAzhAs |