Review #5 - DB-DragonIsle

[Armagon]

Another day, another review. Today I'll be taking a look at DB-DragonIsle by Twigstir. This one is a visual feast which I'm sure you'll find pleasing to the eye.

Screenshots
http://www.gameservers.net/newsimages/1070114078.jpg
http://www.gameservers.net/newsimages/1070114054.jpg
http://www.gameservers.net/newsimages/1070113973.jpg
http://www.gameservers.net/newsimages/1070113951.jpg

So what's the map like?
Normally I would go into a lot of detail with the gameplay, but with this particular map there isn't really a whole lot I can say. Players are placed inside this cubish arena with angled sides that turn into the roof. The map has strong, non-spammy gameplay, excellent for league games. However, it doesn't really offer anything new. Don't get me wrong, this map can be a lot of fun to play on, but for people who look for variation in their Deathball maps, they may want to look somewhere else.

The visuals are where this map really shines. The arena lies amidst a fiery world of ash and lava, flames crackling in the distance. Add to this the four menacing dragon statues around the arena that belch fire every time a goal is scored, and you have a very sexy map. Not convinced? Take a good, long look at those screenshots.

One thing that I did worry about when looking at this map, was that red players may blend in with the world around them. Fortunately I found that this was not the case, the terrain in the distance was sufficiently dark enough for me to distinguish the players from the environment.

I was pleased to find that despite all the stunning visuals, I still got a highly playable framerate. Unless you have a pretty old video card, you shouldn't have trouble playing on this map.

Pros
- Gorgeous visuals.
- Strong gameplay, ideal for league games.

Cons
- Doesn't really offer anything new.
- Some people may have a harder time seeing the red players than others.

Overall
Graphics 8/10
Gameplay 8/10

A very well made map, which just oozes style. Strong gameplay, perfect for league matches, though nothing to really make it unique. If you like more variation in gameplay, pass on this one. However, if you are quite happy to play cubish maps, this one belongs on your hard drive.

You can download DB-DragonIsle here:
http://www.pcgamemods.com/3216/

[Inphidel]

I think the angled ceiling does add somthing to the game, but they are pretty far up, so hard to use to fake out anyone. but can still make for some interesting passes with practice. esp as keeper.

[Twigstir]

My resent maps are more traditional. Dragon Isle, Blue Ridge, Off Center Left and others I'm working on, are basic rectangle designs with slight variations.

Dragon Isle and Sunset are sized to be a hybrid map. Another words, larger than the standard volley only maps but smaller than medium size shooting maps. A volley only map with more passing or a small shooting map. I keep seeing Avenir being played on the custom map server so I tried to make a few other maps to fit those players likes.

My resent projects are aimed at getting a good collection of volley only maps that seem to be favored in the NA. I'm got sick of watching my server play just three maps - Small Cube, Small Enclosure, and Temple.

I'm trying to fit peoples current likes and still add a little something new. I hope that eventually players will get use to the little changes and be more willing to try and play the more different than standard maps.

You might see DB-Small Dragon Isle (FPS concerns me). Not as long, wide or tall. DB-Off Center Right will be the same as Left except the goals are in the other corners and it's a bit longer. I plan two more maps very similar to Blue Ridge. One with the angle over the goal instead of the side wall. The other with have both angles. The sizes will also be slightly different. I hope the little changes will add some spice to deathball and get a lot of play time. Just trying to fit the bill as I currently see it. I'm concerned with the future of deathball and I hope the direction I've moved into will be beneficial.