Geonosis: Canyons

Description
Geonosis: Canyons, by IndianaJoe, is both a first map and a Geonosis map.

Normally, I could end the review there and most people familiar with SWBF2 mods could be pretty sure what they were getting. I'm pleased to say, however, that this would not be the case with this map.

It's true that Geonosis: Canyons suffers from the fact that it's set on the worn-out planet of Geonosis. In my opinion, there is no way to do a subjectively "great" Geonosis map, since even an objectively great map would be saddled with the fact that it's set on a planet reduced many times over to a stale concept.

That being said, Geonosis: Canyons is a [i]pretty good[/i] map, especially in light of it being the author's first time publishing a map. What makes this map stand out is that despite the tired visual appearance, it does do a nice job of being something different - structurally - than most other Geonosis maps. Usually, Geonosis maps come in two flavors - the large plain maps with occasional rocks (probably 90% of them) and then the rarer (but still warmed-over) arena maps (we've probably seen four or five of these). This map is closer to the plains version, being set outside, but a good use of retextured (thank you) Tatooine props and nice terrain work set this one in a group of canyons.

The canyon design actually works pretty well, and I wouldn't mind seeing this idea polished and worked with (especially if it were set on a different planet). It's not used as often as the prevalence (at least on Earth) of the terrain feature might warrant.

It was also nice to see that the author did a pretty fair job laying out planning and barriers that worked well for the AI - despite the large number of props (or number of large props). There were a few issues, but they only show up if you're careful to look for them.

One thing I enjoyed seeing was the author's use of the Geonosis spire interior. Usually, this is placed almost exactly as it was used in the SWBF1 map, but the author was more creative here and set it inside a mountain (or at least hid the spire entrance behind a cave). There were a couple issues I'd take with the objects inside (too many of the same Hoth computer prop, off-center Death Star doors), but by and large it worked out pretty well.

The sides were pretty decent as well; I didn't spot any errors when I played through the map. Obviously there is some credit to be given to others, depending on how much of the side setup was directly used from asset packs, but the author did a good job for his part.

All in all, a surprisingly good map, given the author's relative inexperience, and worth a download. Give it a try!

-Mav