This is my first review, so feel free to criticise not only the map but the review as well. [<!-- BBCode Start -->note - some input c/o Gwil as well, so don't flame Wild if you disagree. Keep it constructive]<!-- BBCode End -->]

This map consists of two distinct areas - The first is a train station (for materials transportation) with adjoining "lab" rooms complete with computers, etc (even a PC software box for "Worldcraft"). The second element is a Xen world complete with spinny platforms and hairs.

The design for the station is fairly nice, with good construction and a little attention to detail (wall supports, beams) adding to the effect. The texturing fits the scene, and is overall well done, with some alignment issues (dubious transitions between red/lab wall texture). The majority of the non-Xen areas are aesthetically sound, with the occasional misalignment and "texture warp" (One solid has 2 different textures without anything seperating them).

The Xen area(s) are a little lacking in comparison. Texturing is fine, but the architecture is a little angular and basic for a Xen world, lacking "interest". The sky is also white, which is probably a flaw in my computer than in the map itself [<!-- BBCode Start -->ed - it is :wink: <!-- BBCode End -->]. Compared to Xen in Half-Life, this one is far different - It is a lot brighter and has less detail in its structure and environment. The westerly Xen area is a little dull compared to the eastern one - and the plants which whip you got annoying after a while, but I guess it would add amusement to a full server.

Gameplay flows nicely as a rule, with no real connectivity issues to be spoken of, and the teleporters on the tunnels are fantastically made. The weapon placement is somewhat dubious in some places - 2 RPG's / M-16's sat right next to each other could be a little excessive in terms of spam. I feel Doc could have achieved the right weapon load better with the same amount of weapons (ie enough for a full server) but spaced them a little more liberally.

All in all, the level plays well and looks good, and r_speeds remain pretty much within accepted limits throughout. With a bit less haste and another hour spent on tidying up texture transitions, and maybe spicing up the lighting/architecture for Xen and the lab area, this would be close to "very good". As it stands, it plays well, albeit with a little bit too much "trigger happiness" for my liking, just lacks the killer blow. Overall another good release from this well established mapper!

Design
Done well bar a few minor errors and lack of innovation in some places.

Gameplay
Flows well, the map handles the recommended play load well.

Verdict
Overall a fun to play map, but somehow lacking that killer edge to further it still.

Pros
Good connectivity.
Generally sound construction.
Very nice ambience.

Design
Some minor sloppy mistakes.
"Questionable" weapon placement.

This is my first review, so feel free to criticise not only the map but the review as well. [<!-- BBCode Start -->note - some input c/o Gwil as well, so don't flame Wild if you disagree. Keep it constructive]<!-- BBCode End -->]

This map consists of two distinct areas - The first is a train station (for materials transportation) with adjoining "lab" rooms complete with computers, etc (even a PC software box for "Worldcraft"). The second element is a Xen world complete with spinny platforms and hairs.

The design for the station is fairly nice, with good construction and a little attention to detail (wall supports, beams) adding to the effect. The texturing fits the scene, and is overall well done, with some alignment issues (dubious transitions between red/lab wall texture). The majority of the non-Xen areas are aesthetically sound, with the occasional misalignment and "texture warp" (One solid has 2 different textures without anything seperating them).

The Xen area(s) are a little lacking in comparison. Texturing is fine, but the architecture is a little angular and basic for a Xen world, lacking "interest". The sky is also white, which is probably a flaw in my computer than in the map itself [<!-- BBCode Start -->ed - it is :wink: <!-- BBCode End -->]. Compared to Xen in Half-Life, this one is far different - It is a lot brighter and has less detail in its structure and environment. The westerly Xen area is a little dull compared to the eastern one - and the plants which whip you got annoying after a while, but I guess it would add amusement to a full server.

Gameplay flows nicely as a rule, with no real connectivity issues to be spoken of, and the teleporters on the tunnels are fantastically made. The weapon placement is somewhat dubious in some places - 2 RPG's / M-16's sat right next to each other could be a little excessive in terms of spam. I feel Doc could have achieved the right weapon load better with the same amount of weapons (ie enough for a full server) but spaced them a little more liberally.

All in all, the level plays well and looks good, and r_speeds remain pretty much within accepted limits throughout. With a bit less haste and another hour spent on tidying up texture transitions, and maybe spicing up the lighting/architecture for Xen and the lab area, this would be close to "very good". As it stands, it plays well, albeit with a little bit too much "trigger happiness" for my liking, just lacks the killer blow. Overall another good release from this well established mapper!

Verdict

Overall a fun to play map, but somehow lacking that killer edge to further it still.