Yes, it's the very first review of a counter strike map on the SnarkPit. As I didn't have any user made maps to hand, I decided to get the ball rolling with everybody's favourite, de_dust!
Where to start on this map, and even, a cs map review? Well, despite everyone claiming this map is the 'bees knees', and the ultimate CS map, it does, despite its numerous good points, become dull quite quickly. That's not to say when you are playing if for the first few weeks it isn't very good. In fact its one of the best CS maps I've ever played, as the author manages to encompass no less than three major flash points, and keep them all un-biased toward one team or another. Although, due to it's small size, it's almost perfectly balanced, this does mean there's not a lot to explore and you'll get tired of it quickly.
The level itself is set in the middle east, with Arabic architecture and some lovely texturing of the sand beaten walls. The crates and pillars against the walls add cover and excitement in the heat of an mp5 battle over the sand. The texturing is all flawless, and nicely done. However, the overall atmosphere of the map in my opinion is dragged down by the lack of sound on the level. With a few ambient_generics here and there it could have been oozing ambience from every crevice.
So, to sum up, this map is very good, especially when played on a LAN, and also fun because no-one can whinge about either team having some kind of evil advantage. The atmosphere is good, but lacks in the sound areas, but the author redeems himself with lovely architecture and flawless texturing. Overall a very good map, just make sure you don't over play it (like I did!).
Design
Good overall, but let down by the seemingly none existent sound
Gameplay
Brilliant. Superb. Balanced. Overall well above average.
Verdict
A very good map you'll want to play again and again.... but resist, otherwise you'll get bored of it very quickly.
Yes, it's the very first review of a counter strike map on the SnarkPit. As I didn't have any user made maps to hand, I decided to get the ball rolling with everybody's favourite, de_dust!
Where to start on this map, and even, a cs map review? Well, despite everyone claiming this map is the 'bees knees', and the ultimate CS map, it does, despite its numerous good points, become dull quite quickly. That's not to say when you are playing if for the first few weeks it isn't very good. In fact its one of the best CS maps I've ever played, as the author manages to encompass no less than three major flash points, and keep them all un-biased toward one team or another. Although, due to it's small size, it's almost perfectly balanced, this does mean there's not a lot to explore and you'll get tired of it quickly.
The level itself is set in the middle east, with Arabic architecture and some lovely texturing of the sand beaten walls. The crates and pillars against the walls add cover and excitement in the heat of an mp5 battle over the sand. The texturing is all flawless, and nicely done. However, the overall atmosphere of the map in my opinion is dragged down by the lack of sound on the level. With a few ambient_generics here and there it could have been oozing ambience from every crevice.
So, to sum up, this map is very good, especially when played on a LAN, and also fun because no-one can whinge about either team having some kind of evil advantage. The atmosphere is good, but lacks in the sound areas, but the author redeems himself with lovely architecture and flawless texturing. Overall a very good map, just make sure you don't over play it (like I did!).
Verdict
A very good map you'll want to play again and again.... but resist, otherwise you'll get bored of it very quickly.
