March 3rd, Year 3019 of the Third Age, King Theoden has arrived at Hornburg with a Great host of men from Edoras, chief city of Rohan. The men are demoralized, and many have either seen too many years or too few. Erkenbrand's men have been scattered at the Fords of Isen; however, there is still hope he will rally his troops and come to our aid. Our enemy's might is great and I doubt they mind sustaining some casualties. A force of ten thousand Uruk-Hai approach, the Battle of Hornburg is about to begin...
Though this map is marked as an siege you will find it in the invasion section. The large troop numbers may cause some lag, though when I played the map it ran quite smoothly. This is a very hard map, but do not get discouraged it is possible. I suggest playing it on normal. If required I while upload this map with a readme if most people find it difficult.
Playabilty: 4. This is a fun map thats replayable and enjoyable. It may seem like a daunting map a first glance but can be beaten (on normal) on the 2nd or 3rd try.
Balance: 5: It's very well balanced and his quite hard but not impossible, the armies come in sizes of 500 or so every month (for three months). I found it best to save your pitch ditches for the third atack,don't waste them on the first assault, save them for the armor claden orcs.
Creativity 4: A tough choice, it really should be a 3.5. The map and scenario idea isn't really new since it's from LOTR, but the layout of the castle is nice, if not new, with the keep back in the caves. I especially liked the use of stones as the main terrain type, they added a unique elment that makes this map stand out against others. I thought it was cool hos the Orchish laddermen whent for one particular wall (like in the book) and all the spearmen ran around quickly to push the scores of ladders of. Generally a very creative map.
Map design:3. Nothing new really except the use of stones as the main terrain type, Otherwise the castle is nothing new really; but well layed out. Some parts of the map could use developing like the passages (canyons) at the North end of the map that lead to the keep could be converted into caves. But generally its an okay map thats apeealing to the eye. The minimap looks especially nice.
Story Instructions:3. Not a bad place, the story isn't to creative since its form LOTR and the instructions are clear about what to do. Just lacks a liitle, thats all.
This is good map that is well balanced an poses a challenge to players of all skill levels, its a good invasion siege because unlike others it doesn't take a n hour to beat (like the other helms deep invasion map). I recommend you dowload it, good job Lord_Raganar, keep up the good work!