Good map - a real challenge and very well designed. Lovely castle and even better map design. I love your moat design with the rocks - brilliant! The map is very playable but you must be fast. There is a time limit, a good one to especially with the Wolf's troops arriving - something I have thought about when re-inforcing the idea of a time limit. The map was a little too hard for me - so many metal armoured men in the keep! I will keep trying :). As said above the map is very well made, really good castle and even better map design. I really can imagine this map in the original stronghold campaign although this would be the best map there ;). I love using wooden shields in maps and I so rarely get to so good work here. The storyline is a nice piece and there is a brief description page - fine for a 4. Overall a very playable and fun siege - great map design - you have come on so much!
Sulis
Posted on 02/29/04 @ 12:00 AM
Rating
4.4
Breakdown
Playability
5.0
Balance
5.0
Creativity
4.0
Map Design
4.0
Story/Instructions
4.0
Playability: 5/5
Cold Blood is indeed a fast-paced invasion map that plays more like a siege. The time limit means you really can't hang about too much here and the result is a frantic scrap that took me a couple of attempts before I won. It's highly addictive, with a massive replayability factor, almost unheard of in a short scenario. I really can't find fault here and the fact that the flawless gameplay and replayability factor are so strong for me, I truly think the map deserves a 5.0 score.
Balance: 5/5
This is what a balanced map should be about. It took a couple of tries to beat it, and once I sorted out my tactics, so often the weak part of my gameplay, I won on the designated difficulty level. Troop losses were high though! There's a lot to do in this packed invasion and I think you really need to keep on your toes. The scenario is such that every unit seems to play a key role. The portable shields are probably the most important unit here, essential that you use them wisely in order to win. Once again, I can't see anything bad about the map, just quality scenario design and excellent balance between the defending troops and your attacking force. It was quite a sight when I broke through the last gatehouse and saw the pikemen marching towards me! Great stuff.
Creativity: 4/5
Plus points here for the lovely design of the scenario, a good story and a timed invasion. It may be short, but everything works for me. The author is clearly on the ball when it comes to designing good quality scenarios, this being one of my favourites so far. You really need to see for yourself!
Map Design: 4/5
The landscape is very well designed with excellent use of the terrain tools. I too liked the moat area, which really sets the map apart from the others by Emperor Alexus. Not content with giving us a wonderful landscape, the castle is beautifully designed, fitting into the surrounding landscape perfectly. High quality work here and evidence that Alexus is turning into a designer to watch!
Story/Instructions: 4/5
I've played through all of Alexus's maps and one thing that strikes me is the underlying story. It's well written and embracing at times. Instructions are clear and simple, often the best policy. As with other parts of the scenario, it all adds up to a very well presented package.
IN SUMMARY
Highly recommended, short and addictive scenario. I take my hat off to you, sir!
Angel Sulis
blackvegetable
Posted on 03/06/04 @ 12:00 AM
Rating
4.2
Breakdown
Playability
4.0
Balance
5.0
Creativity
4.0
Map Design
4.0
Story/Instructions
4.0
I very much enjoyed playing this map.
Playabilty- it was a little hard at first but i did it, i think the playabilty of this map could still improve but it pobably only a 4 because i dont like invading much.
balance- Was perfect in my eyes very good work.
crativity- deserves a 4 i thought needed a bit of personality.
map design- decent map design could improve
story- was good needed a bit more although i dont know what maybe somthing to spice it up alittle
Posted on 02/23/04 @ 12:00 AM 