Review #1 - DB-Hall

Armagon · Post by **Armagon** » 13-11-2003 07:31

First map I'm reviewing for the second Deathball Ownage Map Pack, and it's a real beauty as far as DB maps go.
DB-Hall by UnrealKrake is set in an huge hall (hence the title), with a strong Egyptian architectural feel.

Screenshots
http://mitglied.lycos.de/mistercoolj/pics/1.jpg
http://mitglied.lycos.de/mistercoolj/pics/2.jpg
http://mitglied.lycos.de/mistercoolj/pics/3.jpg
http://mitglied.lycos.de/mistercoolj/pics/4.jpg
http://mitglied.lycos.de/mistercoolj/pics/5.jpg
http://mitglied.lycos.de/mistercoolj/pics/6.jpg

So what's the map like?
The map layout is unique for a DB map, because it's not just a simple cube. On either side there are some pillars supporting the platforms near the roof of the hall. Some may think this would intefere with the gameplay, but I found that they actually affect it very little because of the spacing between the pillars. In the far corners of the room there are four doorways leading to long staircases, which lead up to the middle of the map, where you'll find doorways that lead to the platforms at the top. Although many wouldn't bother making the trip, as it takes a short while to get up there, it does present some passing oppurtunities if you need to clear the ball to someone who's not being tackled. The ball is positioned in a small pit in the center of the field, over the waterway that runs underneath the hall.

An aspect that affects the gameplay of the map is that the goals sit between the large feet of a statue. I personally consider this a good thing, as it discourages wall-kids and encourages a bit more passing. This shouldn't affect normal shooters too much though. One more thing about the goals to be aware of is that the Penalty zones are round instead of rectangular.

One of the more comical aspects of the map was the goal celebrations. Each time a goal is scored you hear a collection of voices singing "Hallelujah", but what makes it funny is that they've been sped up, so they sound really weird.

Visuals of the map are good, the Egyptian theme has been well executed. The textures are all appropriately placed, and the statues certainly add to the atmosphere of the level. The lighting is simple with torches lining the walls, but it compliments the map well.

Framerate-wise, the map runs smoothly considering how big it is. Most players shouldn't have issues with framerate unless they are using a much older video card such as a TNT2.

Pros
- It's something different. It doesn't suffer from the tired old gameplay of Cube.
- It looks good.

Cons
- Some people may not like the layout.
- Some players may not like the feet on either side of the goals, particularly volley-whores.
- I personally didn't like the ball resetting if it gets too high. Because the map has a roof, it looks a little odd.

Overall
Graphics 8/10
Gameplay 7/10

A well made map, that looks good and offers unique gameplay. Try this map if you've got the time.

You can download DB-Hall here:
http://www.dienacht.com/maps/db-hall.zip

Ars3h · Post by **Ars3h** » 13-11-2003 08:41

YOU SHOULD INCLUDE CHEOPS!!!!111

UnrealKrake · Post by **UnrealKrake** » 13-11-2003 09:13

:p nothing to add *g*

UPDATE: One thing to add

Armagon wrote: An aspect that affects the gameplay of the map is that the goals sit between the large feet of a statue. I personally consider this a good thing, as it discourages wall-kids and encourages a bit more passing. This shouldn't affect normal shooters too much though. One more thing about the goals to be aware of is that the Penalty zones are round instead of rectangular.

That was my intention, but nearly 90 % think that this fact makes the map spammy and unplayable

Another "spammy" thing are the balconies... This map was a test to see if gameplay of DB could be changed by changing the layout of the map (as most of my maps)

Maybe i finish better "spammy" maps this week (as Rotatorcube e.g.) $\o/$

Ars3h · Post by **Ars3h** » 13-11-2003 09:22

cheops :p

Onge · Post by **Onge** » 13-11-2003 12:53

I love this map and laughed myself silly playing this with Krake, Skorpy and CAT. The thing with the legs though is that a wayward shot can still go in the net by bouncing off them! Still, it's a lot of fun...

Scotteh · Post by **Scotteh** » 13-11-2003 20:51

omg have you played cheops that map pwns all other db maps plus you can do so so much more...you can even go to the moon

Armagon · Post by **Armagon** » 14-11-2003 09:55

Got a link?

Maegrim · Post by **Maegrim** » 14-11-2003 11:06

you cant even go to hell?

Imaginos · Post by **Imaginos** » 16-11-2003 18:21

On the plus side, I gotta say the chipmunk chorus did make me laugh.

Visually, I like the look. Playwise, I can't stand obstacles.

Not a league map, but certainly an enjoyable change from the regulars that will teach people to sharpen the passing skills and take advantage of the stone picks.

Messy · Post by **Messy** » 16-11-2003 18:38

U can also get on the zeppelin next to the moon.
And there's a 2nd moon but u have to use a cheat to get there

U can play great hide n seek there and let 4 ppl have a 2on2 downstairs while the others play around on the training court

Lupex · Post by **Lupex** » 04-12-2003 22:16

lol cheops :p
i stoped improving it but yes, u can kill urself in hell

Scotteh · Post by **Scotteh** » 04-12-2003 22:24

you made cheops??? can you post a link to it, i had to reformat my comp and i would love to play that map again :p

Twigstir · Post by **Twigstir** » 04-12-2003 22:29

I would like to see this map, never played cheops.

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Review #1 - DB-Hall

Should DB-Hall be in the second Deathball Ownage Map Pack?

Review #1 - DB-Hall