(Note: This map originally reviewed on 23rd Feb 2001)

This is the eighth HL DM map from this author; I haven't reviewed any of his previous maps (3 of which are PHL levels of the week; rohan2, twin and xflight) although I have seen them- they look brilliant, and play well too, but r_speeds can be a bit high on them (especially on first_arena). This is probably his best yet, as it has all those positive features without such poor framerates.

The level is so-called because there are two Quake 3 style fling-a-majics, which fire you horizontally at about 100mph when you step on them. Using these, you can go between two separate arenas, both of which are themed via some quality, colourful custom textures to look slightly medieval. One area consists of a road, with a few buildings on one side, and there's plenty of windows to snipe from and balconies. The other arena is a strange landing platform/bunker, which looks slightly out of place with the rest of the map, surrounded by sheer rock walls. The only way between the two is through a small tunnel, which is overrun with foliage. You don't have to use the fling machines to pass between the arenas; there's some conveniently placed ladders around the rocks if your slow modem causes the fling-a-majics to act strangely.

The fling thingies (do these have a proper name? I'll just call them jump-pads instead) create some fairly interesting, and amusing game play. You can use satchel charges with them to bombard the other arena, or trip mine up the passage between the two- so when someone uses the jump-pads, their body parts end up being spread over the other half of the level. Very funny (and messy). They also allow you to quickly escape from a battle, but sometimes they don't work properly- one doesn't shoot you far enough, unless you execute a perfectly timed jump

It's not all perfect though; there's far too many health kits and batteries dotted around. Although the health kits may make up for some of the falling damage you're likely to occur from misuse of the jump pads, there always seems to be large numbers of batteries within a few steps of your position. It does spoil it when you're trying to kill someone, only to have them jump away and heal themselves quickly. R_speeds are also a bit worrying- although nowhere near as bad as xflight, the number of e_polys on this map can become disturbingly high which can cause significant slowdown in some areas. Must be all the health kits and batteries doing that...

This is more of a thinking mans map. Ideal for small 1 on 1 battles or on a LAN, it'll often lead to 1 person dominating over everyone else- that being the most skillful player, instead of who knows where the RPG is. If you can't find a server with it on, then I recommend you go have a go with the Jumbot for a while.

Design
Brilliant custom texture usage, and plenty of annoying bird sound effects.

Gameplay
Let down by the presence of way too many health kits and batteries, but weapon placement is fine.

Verdict
Stunning looking map, with innovative (and fun!) jump pads enhancing the game play. Great stuff.

Pros
Great aesthetics

Design
Too many batteries and health kits lying around

(Note: This map originally reviewed on 23rd Feb 2001)

This is the eighth HL DM map from this author; I haven't reviewed any of his previous maps (3 of which are PHL levels of the week; rohan2, twin and xflight) although I have seen them- they look brilliant, and play well too, but r_speeds can be a bit high on them (especially on first_arena). This is probably his best yet, as it has all those positive features without such poor framerates.

The level is so-called because there are two Quake 3 style fling-a-majics, which fire you horizontally at about 100mph when you step on them. Using these, you can go between two separate arenas, both of which are themed via some quality, colourful custom textures to look slightly medieval. One area consists of a road, with a few buildings on one side, and there's plenty of windows to snipe from and balconies. The other arena is a strange landing platform/bunker, which looks slightly out of place with the rest of the map, surrounded by sheer rock walls. The only way between the two is through a small tunnel, which is overrun with foliage. You don't have to use the fling machines to pass between the arenas; there's some conveniently placed ladders around the rocks if your slow modem causes the fling-a-majics to act strangely.

The fling thingies (do these have a proper name? I'll just call them jump-pads instead) create some fairly interesting, and amusing game play. You can use satchel charges with them to bombard the other arena, or trip mine up the passage between the two- so when someone uses the jump-pads, their body parts end up being spread over the other half of the level. Very funny (and messy). They also allow you to quickly escape from a battle, but sometimes they don't work properly- one doesn't shoot you far enough, unless you execute a perfectly timed jump

It's not all perfect though; there's far too many health kits and batteries dotted around. Although the health kits may make up for some of the falling damage you're likely to occur from misuse of the jump pads, there always seems to be large numbers of batteries within a few steps of your position. It does spoil it when you're trying to kill someone, only to have them jump away and heal themselves quickly. R_speeds are also a bit worrying- although nowhere near as bad as xflight, the number of e_polys on this map can become disturbingly high which can cause significant slowdown in some areas. Must be all the health kits and batteries doing that...

This is more of a thinking mans map. Ideal for small 1 on 1 battles or on a LAN, it'll often lead to 1 person dominating over everyone else- that being the most skillful player, instead of who knows where the RPG is. If you can't find a server with it on, then I recommend you go have a go with the Jumbot for a while.

Verdict

Stunning looking map, with innovative (and fun!) jump pads enhancing the game play. Great stuff.