[map] Zay1, 2 and 3 - Map Pack

This is a a discussion topic for the map "Zay1, 2 and 3 - Map Pack" by ritosito which can be found here

Map description:

Three short single player hl2 maps. They have no overall theme or centralized idea save for trying to be amusing --disregarding all other practicalities. (Unlike HL2 maps, which are supposed to be set in a at least halfway believable post-apocalypse eastern europe.)

Check out the reviews at PlanetPhillip. (It received 7 "Play it now!"s out of 11 reviews.)

If you like this map please comment!

Map screenshots:

Hehe, just played this at work in the lunch break, it was pretty cool man.
On the design, sure, some thing could have defenatly been imrpoved / given more details, but the gameplay was really refreshing

But i'll leave the rating to people who play alot of hl2 custom content

Well, I played through it a couple of days ago, and now I have the time to write about it!

Here we go!...
I'll start with the obvious: These maps are all about having fun. Yes they use some well overly utilized methods of npc interaction, but the fun factor doesn't drop too low because of that. I mean, if you're not sick of the HL2 monsters, then you'll probably love these maps. Yes, it is true; there is no coherent theme within the maps themselves. Just textures that seem to be the same on every wall, (that's your theme). Basically, the player moves from room to room looking for some interaction to carry him forth.

There are some features within this map that I do like however, the author does know how to map, but he uses some simple techniques in order to "play" with the player. Think of these maps as a kind of "mouse maze" with you as the mouse. The author tells you what to do via text on the center screen. And he knows how to pull your strings. A bit of humor goes a long way in these maps, and I appreciated it after traveling through monotonous halls and rooms; it felt very rewarding. Not a new idea by the long shot, but very well placed, and a good feature if anything.

I liked the "modifications" to some of the npc's. I won't give them away, but you can see one of them in the lower left picture with the metro police carrying riot shields, very cool. Also, the author uses his levels very efficiently. This is evident in the "zay3" level I believe, where you find yourself crossing over areas you've already explored. Not that big of a deal, since there is nothing to look at, but still, it makes you feel like you're advancing or going somewhere after looking back on your progress.

I understand the author wasn't going for story, or setting here, but somehow these maps still remain a little fun in the least. If you can tolerate the HL2 monsters one more time, this is a worthy download. Otherwise, nothing new here in the ways of level design. Since this map is listed next to some really nicely designed maps, I will judge it accordingly. Its lack of theme or even setting hurts it a bit IMO, but it did limp through the finish line with its gameplay, so my final thoughts summed up by a number:

(P.S. I thought the invisible antlion guard was pretty fun. It made me start thinking of some possibilities :P )