After 34 maps I really don't have a story for this map. Instead I have a reason for submitting one more map. My favorite map to play is an old one by Invictus called a GOOD LONG GAME, unzipped it is named 1st SNAKE. The second map I submitted was TWIN RIVERS I still like the way it plays. I tried to combine the best features both maps. You should take the keep on the plateau. Most AI's should be able handle the other keep positions.
By the time you conquer the two keeps near your plateau the other five will have had time to build their economies and armies. Expect a hard fight at the major ford. If you don't like long drawn out games, do me a favor don't download.
Another 8 player map by Von Kamstra. I do enjoy a good long skirmish and i still have the map you mentioned of Invictus.
Glad to see you're still making maps
Sulis
Posted on 03/05/08 @ 08:51 AM
Rating
3.9
Breakdown
Playability
4.0
Balance
4.0
Creativity
4.0
Map Design
4.0
Story/Instructions
3.5
Playability: 4
This skirmish map is based on a classic design in some respects and pits you against up to seven other AI lords. Bearing in mind the designer's indicated starting position, this map offers a real challenge no matter which AI lords you choose to play against. You are exposed on three sides to attacks and the need to set up your defences as early as possible is paramount. Decent space on the other sites ensures most AI lords will manage to build a complete castle. This is a tough map and excellent fun to play.
Balance: 4
Choosing the site on the plateau will ensure you have a tricky start and the need for a strong and productive economy is absolutely vital. The resources available to you are more than sufficient and it is pleasing to see that you aren't overexposed with stone and iron early on. The major ford becomes a fighting ground in itself, effectively offering a secondary goal as well as the standard killing of the enemy lords. Choose a variety of AI lords with their different tactics and you're in for a good scrap.
Creativity: 4
Nice to see a map that resembles something realistic rather than the more functional square map with equal resources and keeps equi-distant. Credit for choosing a tough starting position and for that secondary battle of controlling the ford.
Map Design: 4
Generally well made and well terrained map. Creating realistic skirmish landscapes is not easy in the editor but this is a good solid effort. The landscape has a nice feel to it as you play through the scenario and the terrain modelling is quite good, allowing for a sense of atmosphere. My preference will always be for realistic landscapes in skirmish mode.
Story/Instructions: 3.5
No story, as stated by the designer, but the instructions provided are sufficient to introduce the map. I do like to see what the designer of skirmish maps has to say about their work and this review is based on the preferences as stated. Good to see what influenced the design of the map too.
Additional Comments:
This is a good quality, perfectly functional skirmish map that lends itself very well to the different styles and characteristics of the AI lords. Very much recommended for those that prefer a longer scrap. Good work!
Von Kamstra File Author
Posted on 03/08/08 @ 07:44 PM
Sulis thank you for writing a very thoughtful review. I am very appreciative of the time and effort you put into it. Going back to the map by Invictus, in spite of having to much iron, stone and other problems that newer mappers have refined. The play and flow of that map just blows me away. If this map in some small way recreates that flow I will be very happy.