"This map was ahead of its time."

I'm afraid I have to disagree here. Eden was a very pretty map, and Peter Manson definately has skills, but his maps were IMO pretty much eye candy. I've been playing this game since it first hit the shelves, and can definately attest for the 'playability' of HL maps - Eden wasn't even on my list.

True, eye candy is a neccessary ingredient of a great map - but even more important than looks (in my book at least), is playability.

Nailing all of the catagories will take a map to the stratosphere - it will look great, play great, and be accepted by the highest ranks of hardcore players - the people who understand the mechanics of the game through and through.

Mansons maps came very close, but in the end, never reached that highest peak of playability. Not trying to knock the guy too hard, I really admire his vision and imagination. It just kinda sticks in my craw when I hear stuff like that, because, In my own mapping I will quickly lose glitter over playability and those sacrifices just aren't recognized as easily.

Another example of this is the HL2 map dm_depot. I saw on the steam forums that this map was featured in a major gaming magazine - touted 'the best user made map yet'. The map is beautiful and definately has great atmosphere, but far from the best user made map. Oh well, for me, the real reward is seeing one of my maps accepted into tourneys and such. If the hardcore players buy it - you've done something right.

rant off