JK3 Dust

Description
Wow, here is a JKA version of a map I reviewed well over a year ago. What were the chances of me picking up the same map again eh?

Anyway, since this map appears to be exactly the same as the JK2 version and since I also reviewed that last version, it makes sense to paste in that previous review here, since it should cover this map just fine as well. ;)

[quote] Here MageC brings us his latest map, also a CTF map, entitled JK Dust. Now the title doesn’t really give any clue as to what the map will be about, so I was very curious to find out more. Upon having a look at the readme it seems that this map may have something to do with Counter Strike: Source, but since I have never played that game I don't know what the relation is.

Anyway, let's continue on into the map.

The map is very maze like, and feels very much like city streets, or perhaps some huge industrial complex. However you cannot jump over the walls or buildings, since there are clip brushes in the way to stop you. This makes it all the better for CTF games, because it means you have to try and find your way around the map to the other teams flag, you cant just jump over everything.

Personally I think the layout of the map has been well done, there a few open spaces, and some roofed over spaces, making lots of passageways and such, which are fun to explore. At either end of the map is of course the flag bases, which are obvious from the change to colour coded textures and lighting. At each flag base you will find all the weapons you will need.

Each base has a couple of ways to get in. They aren't too much of a bottleneck and have strategically placed cover, so you won't be mown down by blaster fire as soon as you go through them. But they are placed in such a way to still make it challenging, just not [i]too[/i] difficult. A tough balance to strike on a CTF map, but I think MageC has done it very well here, so well done mate. :)

Now, onto the part I liked the most. ;) Both bases have a control panel nearby. When used this control panel fires a volley of blaster fire into the main entrance into the base, sort of like the shuttle does in Jedi's Home v2 when it fires into the big doorway. This doesn't provide an unfair advantage though, because it is a reasonable distance from where the flag actually is, and there is still a second way in. This feature means some interesting tactics can be used in your base’s defence.

There are a few things I felt could be improved upon though. For one I think the map needs some more detailing, perhaps some pipes here and there, or maybe some tanks that explode when you fire at them. Also whilst having all the weapons in one place at your flag base is convenient, it is still much better to spread them evenly throughout the map. This is because having all the weapons in one place means the huge barrage of fire from rockets and other explosives makes it difficult and very frustrating to enter the base to capture the flag. This is something that also comes up on siege maps, where there are too many members of the assault or heavy weapons groups covering one small doorway. You get a huge bottleneck where it is very difficult and frustrating to get through to your objective.

All in all though a really good map here, one that I especially like because it reminds me of my favourite CTF maps from when I used to play a lot of CTF in JK2! ;)

So good job here MageC! If you guys like the look of this map, or like the CTF gametype (though the map is also available in FFA) then I encourage you to download it!

[b]Bot Support:[/b] Yes
[b]New Textures:[/b] No
[b]New Sounds:[/b] No
[b]New Music:[/b] No
[b]Game Types:[/b] CTF, FFA

~Nozyspy~ [/quote]

Well, there we have it guys! Unfortunately, unlike its predecessor, this map does not have bot support, which is a little disappointing, but nothing too serious. One other thing that I also must point out is that this map doesn't have a levelshot, which is really something I think maps should always have.

Its good to see a JK2 map like this, which is excellent for FFA's and CTF's converted over to JKA by its original author. Also be sure to look out for the other maps by Mage C which should be reviewed soon! :)

[b]Bot Support:[/b] No
[b]New Textures:[/b] Yes
[b]New Sounds:[/b] No
[b]New Music:[/b] No
[b]Game Types:[/b] CTF, FFA, TFFA

~Nozyspy~