Yavin IV: Valley of Deceit

Description
"Yavin IV: Valley of Deceit," by Locutus_MentorOfDormin, is a first map, and it's set on Yavin IV.

Okay, okay, hold it, don't think that. Yes, it's a newbie map, and yes, it is set on an overused planet. Aside from those initial identifiers, though, it's really not that bad.

One of the best things I was able to notice about this map is that I could definitely see that the author had a creative idea, even if the execution wasn't all that great. The basic concept of the map is a large valley (as you might gather from its name) with two large "bases" at either end. Now, this isn't a new concept, but the author did do a decent job of being creative with its implementation. The "bases" at either end were more than just the single Yavin temple prop you might expect - there was a good bit of design to them, and they had a couple different command posts in them rather than just the one. The valley, too, was varied in its presentation instead of just being flat with trees (as they so often are). The author made sure to mix up things with a bit of water and some other props.

The author also made a notable effort at including working AI pathing and hint nodes. It wasn't perfect - there were still at least a few places where the AI made a close, personal connection with the wall - but it's more than the usual effort made by many new to modding.

What wasn't all that great? Well, it is still a new modder's map, and that does show through a little. For example - while the author did make the addition of a couple flyers (and the positioning of those spawns was neat), they were missing sound. Sound is important; it really helps to aid any feeling of being immersed in the level. There was also the stock Yavin sky - [i]yes[/i], I know it's a Yavin IV map. [i]Yes[/i], I know that from most points on the ground you won't notice its large ugly black bottom (although you will from either of the "base" CPs or when flying around). However, it is one ugly sky, and fitting or not, if the sky is going to be a prominent part of your map (and it will be in any land map), then it's always a good choice to change the sky.

There's also the matter of the map being set on Yavin IV. Yavin IV - even the stock map - is a pretty bland environment. So many modders start out with maps that look like Yavin IV or Endor, because it's easy to make something with trees and grass and that looks familiar. The problem is that, after the first twenty or so iterations of this same theme, it starts to get pretty stale, pretty fast. Even a little retexturing goes a long way, but the best thing to do is be creative and make a unique (or at least under-used) environment.

All in all, it's a pretty decent map for a beginner, and I don't begrudge the author anything I criticized - those come with being new. Give the map a try if it sounds interesting, and I look forward to seeing what this author makes in the future.

-Mav