Playability: 2.5
This little siege map proved to be a bit of a surprise. To be perfectly honest I wasn't expecting too much based on first impressions, and the map isn't without flaws, but it plays resonably well for a first attempt at a siege scenario. It isn't clear what setting to play on though: the Download Description Page states 'normal' difficulty, but opening up the map sees the default settings marked for 'easy' and 'defending'. I decided to play both as an attacker and defender to see what the map could offer.
As a defender, moving your troops immediately to defend the keep pays dividends and your archers are able to pick off the weaker troops and weaken the likes of the macemen, pikemen and swordsmen. The map design confuses the AI though and rather than attack gatehouses (there are two lower ones sited near the signpost and one providing entry to the keep, or motte), the attackers marched around the base of the bailey and north to the keep area. Once inside, the AI seemed relucant to attack the Lord at first. As an attacker, the options available to you are plenty but a direct assault to the lower gatehouse at the eastern edge of the castle is a better move, taking down the palisade wall just north of the keep and forcing your way in that way. Best played on hard setting as oth attacker and defender. Not a bad effort, it has to be said.
Balance: 2.5
Largely covered by the above comments, but without supporting commentary by the designer, it is somewhat tricky to decide what the designer had in mind. Balance is affected by the castle layout, simple though it is, and the AI do not attack with the vigour you would expect.
Creativity: 2
This is a straght-forward siege map on a small scale. Whilst there is nothing particularly creative here, the basics are provided. The map really could do with a little something to elevate it above what is largely an 'acceptable' submission.
Map Design: 1.5
Rather poor, it has to be said. The castle design is purely functional and limited structures makes it difficult to comment positively on the effort made by the designer. The landscape is weak though, with little effort in the layout or design and a clumsy appearance evidenced by the use of large brush sizes to lay down the terrain. Smaller brush sizes and a bit more life and realism are desperately needed here.
Story/Instructions: 1.5
No story and no real instructions are provided, other than a comment to say that this is the designer's first siege map. The zip file contains a minimap image. The score therefore reflects the effort and content provided and I cannot justify offering anything more.
Additional Comments:
Just about playable and passable as a siege map, but not much of a challenge unless played on hard setting or higher. Practice makes perfect, though, and I would encourage the designer to persevere and try something a little bit more intricate, but take your time before ou submit to the site. 'Rushed' scenarios usually attract negative comments and feedback.