Here's Chapter 2 of the Hibernia series, Chapter 1 can be found as an invasion. This scenario mainly focuses on the correct usage of pitch. If used at the wrong time, it could mean defeat! Have fun =)
Playability: 4
This is a cracking little siege map! Taking a part-built castle, or defended settlement as this appears, is a good idea and allows the AI to attack with force initially. Lots of small pitch ditches are scattered around the landscape and the idea is clever and works quite well. There are also scripted outlaw events to help you replenish your army, although they aren't really required if you get the hang of when to ignite the pitch. The map plays very well, quite smooth and free flowing with no obvious flaws. Some areas of pitch aren't really required though as the AI will naturally try to attack using the shortest route possible, therefore the very noth and south of the map is much quieter in terms of AI activity. The AI works well though, attacking with some force. Good replayability too, as you can pull all of your troops behind the small keep area if you wish, or play open field as the author intended.
Balance: 3.5
A good fight and a pretty interesting scrap to watch when the AI gets going. Ultimately, this was just a little too easy to beat, but there's a lot crammed into a small space resulting in a scenario that should offer a decent enough challenge for most players. The plethora of structures can confuse the AI slightly and therefore making use of your archers to pick them off is an unexpected bonus. Worth playing on very hard setting and employing various tactics. Good effort by the designer though.
Creativity: 4
A siege map combined with open field warfare... quite unique I think, and not something that has been attempted very often! Invasion scenarios tend to take this concept that step further, but credit for trying this in a siege map. What I liked about this tasty little scenario is that the majority of the map turns into a battlefield with AI running amok all over the place. It's a really good attempt, lots of things to do, plenty to keep your eye on too. Commendable.
Map Design: 3.5
Not bad. Quite good use of the terrain tools and a few eye candy tricks and structures thrown in for good measure. The map design here is all about small pathways, open warfare and avoiding lighted pitch ditches. The terrain is modelled reasonably well and the castle functions as it is designed to - as a last stand against the enemy. Once again, a good effort, certinaly a functional map.
Story/Instructions: 2.5
The story is rather brief but tells you just about enough of what you need to know. Not a great deal of content, but the submission is adequate and deserves a score approaching average. One or two key hints are rather obviously revealed but at least you can understand what the designer wished to achieve with this siege map.
Additional Comments:
Pretty good scenario, a shame it is so short because it's really quite addictive to play. A commendable effort.