Thanks for the feedback! We'll try to fix all these problems in future reviews! As for your adventure map, we'll get to reviewing it once I'm back from my trip.
I definitely agree with Linkruler's suggestions. His map does sound interesting. I would suggest reviewing more CTM adventure maps since there are very few.
We'll, I'll only be back by the 26 of June, so there won't be any review videos until then, but I can already start on writing the article if you guys can tell me your adventure map suggestions. Until then, keep the ideas running.
Recently I reviewed The Ship and it came up with the score of:
7 (Good)
+Challenging and fun
+Great for co op gameplay
+Amazing set piece design
- Overpowering difficulty
- Extremely frustrating
- Generic Wither Boss fight
But for more details on the review of the ship, then you'll have to wait until the video review comes out which will be when Daltron gets back from his trip.
Since Daltron can't post right now he sent me his written review for The Orphanage. For those who are new to us you can check out this article to get a sense of how we review maps and give a final score. If you want to find out more about us, you can check out our official website: http://darkrealm360....necraftalliance
We will be turning this review into the video once Daltron's back from his trip. In the meantime, do support our channel and leave your suggestions and ideas. We'd love to hear them.
Well here it is:
MCAlliance Reviews: The Orphanage Horror Galore
Reviewed by DaltronForce
Horror maps have become a dominating factor in the adventure map scene. And with recent updates, more map makers have stretched their creativity to make more of such maps. With elements of horror and thrill, it’s little wonder that the horror map genre is growing rapidly in popularity.
The Orphanage is one such example. It’s a monster of a horror map. It successfully combines elements from Silent Hill and Amnesia, probably two of the most horrific video games ever. It’s even more astounding that this horror map could still do all this while maintaining originality in its gameplay.
The plot is simple. Your character was on his way back home from work when his car breaks down. No other cars are passing by and the nearest gas station is hundreds of miles away. In desperate need for shelter for the night, your character decides to reside in an abandoned orphanage, only to discover its hidden horrors lurking in its corridors.
On the surface, the Orphanage mixes different elements of horror with an intricate back-story. Adding scares, stairs and more scares, I can promise you this map will keep you shivering to the bone.
I loved the Outlast video game series for its epic and horrifying jump scares. And to be able to recreate that element in a game ruled by blocks seemed almost impossible. But that’s where The Orphanage shows off its flare once again. The jump scare in the orphanage was the most terrifying jump scare I have ever seen in any horror map.
I had seen so many videos of people playing the Orphanage and I thought that I was prepared for the worst, but it still manages to jump on you when you least expect it. I nearly got a heart attack when I looked into those nightmarish eyes, even if it was for just half a second. I’ve never seen a jump scare in this game which was done so well, and it really sets the bar for all future horror maps following its trail. If you are a crazed thrill seeker, then this is the map for you.
However it’s after this amazing jump scare that things really start to go downhill. Everything from there on out made the entire game anticlimactic. I was hoping for more action, a couple of jump scares and maybe even some kind of fight or chase. But there was barely anything, and it was just roaming around the same rooms over and over again. This made the rest of the gameplay so boring and I really lost hope in The Orphanage building up another, larger climax.
Luckily, the story behind the Orphanage was at least able to keep me occupied, and I must say it was fairly well done. Exploring the entire building, you could witness the dark history behind the Orphanage slowly unfold as you discover diary entries left behind by people who used to roam the corridors. Every entry you found required deep thought and I always had to put two and two together to shape out the full story of the Orphanage.
What was disappointing though was that the plot itself was quite generic, featuring a lonely girl driven to the edge of madness. In the end it felt unsatisfying to find out that the puzzle I spent so much time to piece together revealed a story I already knew.
Presentation:
There’s only one word to describe the set pieces in this map: Scary as hell. Actually that’s three words. But that’s because the presentation in this map is absolutely indescribable. Right from the start, there was a ghastly aura lingering around the entire place. The flickering lights and the dark night setting spelled doom. The brilliant resource pack gave the place an eerie atmosphere. I immediately knew I was in for a hell of a ride. And if you thought that the exterior was good, then wait until you get inside.
The Orphanage did a great job making players regret their decision of entering the building. The creepy music and the spooky feel in the atmosphere made me dread every corner. A creepy girl’s voice and bloody footprints appearing out of nowhere are just the beginning of your nightmares.
It was so nerve wrecking when it came to opening doors. The fear of what was to lie on the other side was with me for the entire duration of the game. Of course, this was until I realized that there wasn’t going to be anything on the other side, ever. But I’ll leave this as a minor issue for now.
Then there is the texture pack, and by god have they done a fantastic job. It enhanced the eeriness so much, that the entire map seemed to mirror the brilliance of Amnesia, with its dark lingering feel in every room. Every room had its own specialty, with different decorative qualities. It was almost as though I, myself was exploring the orphanage and not my character.
However, what they could have done to make The Orphanage better was to make the map larger. Like I said before, after going through rooms I’ve already been in before, gameplay became monotonous and repetitive. The layout was so confusing that it was as if I was going in circles. Eventually, there was a feel of restriction and I didn’t explore as much as I thought I would.
The final major problem I had with the map was that there was no challenge. Sure, you’ll get scared out of your wits, but after playing it for a long time, you’ll begin to realize that there isn’t any way you could possibly die. I never lost hope, but that hope slowly withered away, just like the reputation of this map. I struggled to see the point in looking around the place. I didn’t even complete the map in one sitting due to its inconsistent pace. The Orphanage felt like a walk in the park even though it started strong with its terrific scares.
The Verdict:
I must say it again and I will: The Orphanage is a monster of a map. And even if it becomes boring after a while, it still gave me one of the scariest experiences I’ve ever had in the game. Amazing jump scares and other great elements spelled brilliance for The Orphanage. Its fantastic recreation of dread in its atmosphere is stunning, and it will continue to stun map makers of the next generation. And it’s the small problems in this map which is preventing the Orphanage from becoming great.
7.4 (Good)
+Most horrific jumpscare EVER
+Eerie recreation of atmosphere
+Brilliant use of resource packs
+Plain Scary
- Not challenging
- Boring after a long while
- Restricted space
Do you agree with our verdict? What adventure map do you want us to review next? Be sure to post your suggestions in the comments below. For more on adventure maps, news and updates, click that subscribe button and join the MCAlliance.
We're also happy to review adventure maps YOU made, if you want to advertise them on youtube. Just remember, your ideas count.
We just finished reviewing Herobrine's Return and here's the score:
9.4 (Astounding)
+Larger sense of exploration
+Better story plot and dialogue
+Great combination of genres
+Challenging and fun gameplay
+Beautiful landscape design
+Great use of variety
- Disappointing final boss fight
If you want to see the written article then let us know in the comments below. In the mean time, do check out our channel and official website as well as continue posting your suggestions for adventure maps you want us to review.
You might have seen the score we gave for Herobrine's Return. Wondering how it managed to score so high? Well here's the written article:
MCAlliance Reviews: Herobrine’s Return A Strong Comeback
Reviewed by DaltronForce
When Herobrine’s Mansion first came out, it showed the world the true potential of what Adventure maps could do. But if you thought that Herobrine’s Mansion was the climax of Hypixel’s masterpieces, then you’ve seen nothing yet.
The 1.5 update was probably one of the main sparks for a new evolution in the game. It also sparked the creation of Herobrine’s Return, a sequel to its amazing predecessor.
Most sequels have higher expectations than its predecessor, and Herobrine’s Return has exceeded them with flying colors.
Herobrine’s Return continues the quest with your character having to defeat Herobrine once again after his reawakening from the dead.
On the surface, Herobrine’s Return definitely looks like a vast improvement from the first game. Instead of following the legacy left by Herobrine’s Mansion; Herobrine’s Return wanted to create its own. And you can clearly see Hypixel’s accomplishment yet again.
It still successfully managed to keep up the element of variety, without having too many similarities to Herobrine’s Mansion. Mobs still had their different and various capabilities. It wastes no time, and right from the start you are thrown into the midst of chaos, battling your way through hordes of ferocious mobs.
Difficulty was also extremely well done and it all felt all the more reasonable. Difficulty in Herobrine’s Return varied in different stages with a steady pace as you progressed. Death was not too repetitive that it was frustrating, and that’s a major improvement in the map. Now, instead of having an infinite number of lives, respawning was done at the cost of souls, which you had to earn through killing mobs. I could feel the consequence of losing more souls every time and it forced me to weigh my options carefully before charging into a pack of mobs. I always had to think of the opportunity of earning souls by doing so as well as the risk of losing them.
Boss fights also took another bold step forward. It prevented any kind of similarities to any boss fight in Herobrine’s Mansion which adds to the key factor of originality. Every boss fight in Herobrine’s Return managed to put players up against a whole new challenge. With various set pieces, I had to adapt differently to every fight as well as respond quickly to the different attack styles.
This brings me to my next point. What I loved most about this map was strategy and the entire map was all about it. I know I’ve stressed about this many times before in other reviews but it’s truly a key factor that adventure maps can rarely achieve. Like Herobrine’s Mansion, this map successfully brings the element in a strong, new comeback. Every situation would throw the worst case scenario at you and you just had to adapt to it. Fighting off hordes of mobs was never boring. You always had to keep moving, and unlike the original map, this one had the asset of open space which provided more choices for the player in every dilemma they were in. Half the time I had to switch between my sword and bow in order to overcome a large pack of skeletons and zombies.
Strategizing on how to get past mobs was now more tactical. Whether it’s going in stealthily or charging in guns blazing, it truly aimed at testing even the most experienced of players.
It’s astounding how a map like this could still combine other genres like parkour and puzzles. But Herobrine’s Return molded the mix perfectly without losing sense. Parkour and puzzle set pieces still flowed well with the main story plot and objectives. You needed critical thinking before approaching anything. How strategy is required for any quest ranging from crossing a lava field to combat made gameplay even more enjoyable.
Unlike how Herobrine’s Mansion lacked a story plot, the sequel strived to build one. It managed to build upon events from its predecessor, but still had a smooth flow in the chain of events. The storyline was also able to make more sense of all the facts, so I was left without any questions by the end of the map. Dialogue was tremendously improved, sounding more realistic as well as strongly helping to build character.
Scripted events were not just a new thing added, but something which truly enhanced the experience. Cinematic experiences especially felt rewarding after every stage. In fact, Herobrine’s Return probably had some of the best cinematic experiences I had ever had in any adventure map. It enhanced the game so much that it all seemed so real. Like in the opening sequence where Herobrine begins destroying the village, where the new fireworks from the 1.5 update were used fully to its advantage. Though, there were a few things still unexplained like Victor’s ability to teleport all over the map, but I’ve learnt to let such small things slip through my fingers.
However, one of the main problems Herobrine’s Return had was the ending. The ending showdown with Herobrine was just so disappointing. He was so easy to defeat and in the end it didn’t feel as satisfying as in the first game. I went through 2 hours of that to fight this? And why do I have to battle the Wither Boss again? With the unsatisfying final boss fight, I didn’t have a sense of achievement that I finished the entire map, which totally dumps down the good reputation built up by this map so far.
Presentation:
The presentation in Herobrine’s Return was like nothing I’ve ever seen before. I know I’ve said that nothing could be compared to the magnificence of the Dropper, but I think Herobrine’s Mansion is as close as it gets. It manages to take you out of the mansion and into the universe, traveling across mystical and foreign realms. This meant that I didn’t have to be restricted into a single building and there was a larger sense of exploration. The journey was taken to the outside world so it had a stronger element of open world gameplay.
It broke down all the barriers of restriction and I truly felt free in my movement. Looking across the world, it felt like I was playing Skyrim, and that mystical aura in the atmosphere is extremely difficult to recreate especially in a game ruled by blocks.
The use of blocks gave every set piece a different atmosphere. The texture pack was used brilliantly to give places a more vibrant and dark feel. I felt differently for every setting. Everything from the landscape to the architectural structures had their own unique style and design. And I realized that I was spending more time exploring the different realms than playing through the storyline.
Adventure was something Herobrine’s Return especially wanted you to do. It’s all about the process. It’s all about the journey. It’s all about the adventure.
The Verdict:
I’ve played many Adventure maps. I’ve seen the good and the bad. But my experience in the realms of Herobrine’s Return has been the most memorable. It was a map I could play with friends or by myself hundreds upon hundreds of times, and I can say without a doubt that my sense of awe will never diminish. With its beautiful combination of game types and astounding set pieces, Herobirne’s Return leaves a timeless legacy for all future map makers to follow. Hypixel’s Herobrine franchise has been a hell of a ride, and it’s been the most enjoyable and challenging one yet. And that is something which isn’t going to change for a long time.
9.4 (Astounding)
+Larger sense of exploration
+Better story plot and dialogue
+Great combination of genres
+Challenging and fun gameplay
+Beautiful landscape design
+Great use of variety
- Disappointing final boss fight
Do you agree with our verdict? What adventure map do you want us to review next? Be sure to post your suggestions in the comments below. For more on adventure maps, news and updates, slap that subscribe button and join the MCAlliance.
If you want to find out more about us, you can check out our official website:
http://darkrealm360....necraftalliance
Since Daltron can't post right now he sent me his written review for The Orphanage. For those who are new to us you can check out this article to get a sense of how we review maps and give a final score. If you want to find out more about us, you can check out our official website: http://darkrealm360....necraftalliance
We will be turning this review into the video once Daltron's back from his trip. In the meantime, do support our channel and leave your suggestions and ideas. We'd love to hear them.
Well here it is:
MCAlliance Reviews: The Orphanage Horror Galore
Reviewed by DaltronForce
Horror maps have become a dominating factor in the adventure map scene. And with recent updates, more map makers have stretched their creativity to make more of such maps. With elements of horror and thrill, it’s little wonder that the horror map genre is growing rapidly in popularity.
The Orphanage is one such example. It’s a monster of a horror map. It successfully combines elements from Silent Hill and Amnesia, probably two of the most horrific video games ever. It’s even more astounding that this horror map could still do all this while maintaining originality in its gameplay.
The plot is simple. Your character was on his way back home from work when his car breaks down. No other cars are passing by and the nearest gas station is hundreds of miles away. In desperate need for shelter for the night, your character decides to reside in an abandoned orphanage, only to discover its hidden horrors lurking in its corridors.
On the surface, the Orphanage mixes different elements of horror with an intricate back-story. Adding scares, stairs and more scares, I can promise you this map will keep you shivering to the bone.
I loved the Outlast video game series for its epic and horrifying jump scares. And to be able to recreate that element in a game ruled by blocks seemed almost impossible. But that’s where The Orphanage shows off its flare once again. The jump scare in the orphanage was the most terrifying jump scare I have ever seen in any horror map.
I had seen so many videos of people playing the Orphanage and I thought that I was prepared for the worst, but it still manages to jump on you when you least expect it. I nearly got a heart attack when I looked into those nightmarish eyes, even if it was for just half a second. I’ve never seen a jump scare in this game which was done so well, and it really sets the bar for all future horror maps following its trail. If you are a crazed thrill seeker, then this is the map for you.
However it’s after this amazing jump scare that things really start to go downhill. Everything from there on out made the entire game anticlimactic. I was hoping for more action, a couple of jump scares and maybe even some kind of fight or chase. But there was barely anything, and it was just roaming around the same rooms over and over again. This made the rest of the gameplay so boring and I really lost hope in The Orphanage building up another, larger climax.
Luckily, the story behind the Orphanage was at least able to keep me occupied, and I must say it was fairly well done. Exploring the entire building, you could witness the dark history behind the Orphanage slowly unfold as you discover diary entries left behind by people who used to roam the corridors. Every entry you found required deep thought and I always had to put two and two together to shape out the full story of the Orphanage.
What was disappointing though was that the plot itself was quite generic, featuring a lonely girl driven to the edge of madness. In the end it felt unsatisfying to find out that the puzzle I spent so much time to piece together revealed a story I already knew.
Presentation:
There’s only one word to describe the set pieces in this map: Scary as hell. Actually that’s three words. But that’s because the presentation in this map is absolutely indescribable. Right from the start, there was a ghastly aura lingering around the entire place. The flickering lights and the dark night setting spelled doom. The brilliant resource pack gave the place an eerie atmosphere. I immediately knew I was in for a hell of a ride. And if you thought that the exterior was good, then wait until you get inside.
The Orphanage did a great job making players regret their decision of entering the building. The creepy music and the spooky feel in the atmosphere made me dread every corner. A creepy girl’s voice and bloody footprints appearing out of nowhere are just the beginning of your nightmares.
It was so nerve wrecking when it came to opening doors. The fear of what was to lie on the other side was with me for the entire duration of the game. Of course, this was until I realized that there wasn’t going to be anything on the other side, ever. But I’ll leave this as a minor issue for now.
Then there is the texture pack, and by god have they done a fantastic job. It enhanced the eeriness so much, that the entire map seemed to mirror the brilliance of Amnesia, with its dark lingering feel in every room. Every room had its own specialty, with different decorative qualities. It was almost as though I, myself was exploring the orphanage and not my character.
However, what they could have done to make The Orphanage better was to make the map larger. Like I said before, after going through rooms I’ve already been in before, gameplay became monotonous and repetitive. The layout was so confusing that it was as if I was going in circles. Eventually, there was a feel of restriction and I didn’t explore as much as I thought I would.
The final major problem I had with the map was that there was no challenge. Sure, you’ll get scared out of your wits, but after playing it for a long time, you’ll begin to realize that there isn’t any way you could possibly die. I never lost hope, but that hope slowly withered away, just like the reputation of this map. I struggled to see the point in looking around the place. I didn’t even complete the map in one sitting due to its inconsistent pace. The Orphanage felt like a walk in the park even though it started strong with its terrific scares.
The Verdict:
I must say it again and I will: The Orphanage is a monster of a map. And even if it becomes boring after a while, it still gave me one of the scariest experiences I’ve ever had in the game. Amazing jump scares and other great elements spelled brilliance for The Orphanage. Its fantastic recreation of dread in its atmosphere is stunning, and it will continue to stun map makers of the next generation. And it’s the small problems in this map which is preventing the Orphanage from becoming great.
7.4 (Good)
+Most horrific jumpscare EVER
+Eerie recreation of atmosphere
+Brilliant use of resource packs
+Plain Scary
- Not challenging
- Boring after a long while
- Restricted space
Do you agree with our verdict? What adventure map do you want us to review next? Be sure to post your suggestions in the comments below. For more on adventure maps, news and updates, click that subscribe button and join the MCAlliance.
We're also happy to review adventure maps YOU made, if you want to advertise them on youtube. Just remember, your ideas count.
KrakkenFish on behalf of the MCAlliance
Thanks for the review (im the map maker btw)
I will consider your toughts on the map and will do my best to enhance the second map. Don't worry the story has just began
And it wont unfold until the end of the third map. Thanks again
[ I gain one soul for every succesful jumpscare ]
Wait: The orphanage got 7.4, but the ship got 7? What?? The ship, all you do is fight hundreds of monsters in a box. The orphanage has a pretty good plot, and doesn't rest on throwing hundreds of monsters at you...
Well the point that it's just charging through a pack of mobs guns blazing all the time was what we considered a disadvantage since there is a lack of strategization.It also lacked a story plot and the difficulty was unreasonable at some points. You'll see all the details once the full review article is out. We're still polishing it up, but we first present the score. We considered the Orphanage 0.4 points more worthy for it's amazing scares, astounding presentation and better story plot despite it's slow paced and lamer gameplay.
I will consider your toughts on the map and will do my best to enhance the second map. Don't worry the story has just began
And it wont unfold until the end of the third map. Thanks again
[ I gain one soul for every succesful jumpscare ]
Wow! We didn't expect that the creator of the Orphanage would reply to this! It's great to hear that you're making a sequel. We'd love to review them if you'd like. I personally love the Orphanage for it's amazing scares. Keep up the fantastic work and we'll be reviewing them! The video review for your map will be coming out soon, so be sure to keep up to date with us!
You guys said you finished reviewing Survival Island, so how much did that get?
Here's an extract from the article: The Verdict:
If you’re tired of playing in creative mode all the time or if you just want to test your survival skills, then I’m not stopping you from playing Survival Island. I can promise that from the start, it will greatly challenge your skills. And it can still be fun, especially when playing with friends. It was an amazing map when it first came out a few years back and I will not insult any veteran players who loved this map for its simplicity and entrepreneurship in survival maps. If I were to review it then, it could have got at least 7, but I am reviewing it now and suddenly it doesn’t seem as special. Sure it’s simple and challenging in its own ways, but to spend countless days to play Survival Island just isn’t worth it.
4 (Very bad)
+Tests your survival skills
+Entrepreneur in survival genre
- Monotonous and boring
- Almost impossible to die
- Lacking variety
- Bland presentation
Please don't judge too much. I didn't review it. Video reviews and full articles coming soon. Keep the ideas coming!
Thanks!
Daltron
Thanks again!
Recently I reviewed The Ship and it came up with the score of:
7 (Good)
+Challenging and fun
+Great for co op gameplay
+Amazing set piece design
- Overpowering difficulty
- Extremely frustrating
- Generic Wither Boss fight
But for more details on the review of the ship, then you'll have to wait until the video review comes out which will be when Daltron gets back from his trip.
how come suddenly I'm having problems entering the official site? Can you you guys fix it?
Since Daltron can't post right now he sent me his written review for The Orphanage. For those who are new to us you can check out this article to get a sense of how we review maps and give a final score.
If you want to find out more about us, you can check out our official website:
http://darkrealm360....necraftalliance
And check out our official youtube channel:
http://www.youtube.c...kokrS0oaK5E9ZJg
We will be turning this review into the video once Daltron's back from his trip. In the meantime, do support our channel and leave your suggestions and ideas. We'd love to hear them.
Well here it is:
MCAlliance Reviews: The Orphanage
Horror Galore
Reviewed by DaltronForce
Horror maps have become a dominating factor in the adventure map scene. And with recent updates, more map makers have stretched their creativity to make more of such maps. With elements of horror and thrill, it’s little wonder that the horror map genre is growing rapidly in popularity.
The Orphanage is one such example. It’s a monster of a horror map. It successfully combines elements from Silent Hill and Amnesia, probably two of the most horrific video games ever. It’s even more astounding that this horror map could still do all this while maintaining originality in its gameplay.
The plot is simple. Your character was on his way back home from work when his car breaks down. No other cars are passing by and the nearest gas station is hundreds of miles away. In desperate need for shelter for the night, your character decides to reside in an abandoned orphanage, only to discover its hidden horrors lurking in its corridors.
On the surface, the Orphanage mixes different elements of horror with an intricate back-story. Adding scares, stairs and more scares, I can promise you this map will keep you shivering to the bone.
I loved the Outlast video game series for its epic and horrifying jump scares. And to be able to recreate that element in a game ruled by blocks seemed almost impossible. But that’s where The Orphanage shows off its flare once again. The jump scare in the orphanage was the most terrifying jump scare I have ever seen in any horror map.
I had seen so many videos of people playing the Orphanage and I thought that I was prepared for the worst, but it still manages to jump on you when you least expect it. I nearly got a heart attack when I looked into those nightmarish eyes, even if it was for just half a second. I’ve never seen a jump scare in this game which was done so well, and it really sets the bar for all future horror maps following its trail. If you are a crazed thrill seeker, then this is the map for you.
However it’s after this amazing jump scare that things really start to go downhill. Everything from there on out made the entire game anticlimactic. I was hoping for more action, a couple of jump scares and maybe even some kind of fight or chase. But there was barely anything, and it was just roaming around the same rooms over and over again. This made the rest of the gameplay so boring and I really lost hope in The Orphanage building up another, larger climax.
Luckily, the story behind the Orphanage was at least able to keep me occupied, and I must say it was fairly well done. Exploring the entire building, you could witness the dark history behind the Orphanage slowly unfold as you discover diary entries left behind by people who used to roam the corridors. Every entry you found required deep thought and I always had to put two and two together to shape out the full story of the Orphanage.
What was disappointing though was that the plot itself was quite generic, featuring a lonely girl driven to the edge of madness. In the end it felt unsatisfying to find out that the puzzle I spent so much time to piece together revealed a story I already knew.
Presentation:
There’s only one word to describe the set pieces in this map: Scary as hell. Actually that’s three words. But that’s because the presentation in this map is absolutely indescribable. Right from the start, there was a ghastly aura lingering around the entire place. The flickering lights and the dark night setting spelled doom. The brilliant resource pack gave the place an eerie atmosphere. I immediately knew I was in for a hell of a ride. And if you thought that the exterior was good, then wait until you get inside.
The Orphanage did a great job making players regret their decision of entering the building. The creepy music and the spooky feel in the atmosphere made me dread every corner. A creepy girl’s voice and bloody footprints appearing out of nowhere are just the beginning of your nightmares.
It was so nerve wrecking when it came to opening doors. The fear of what was to lie on the other side was with me for the entire duration of the game. Of course, this was until I realized that there wasn’t going to be anything on the other side, ever. But I’ll leave this as a minor issue for now.
Then there is the texture pack, and by god have they done a fantastic job. It enhanced the eeriness so much, that the entire map seemed to mirror the brilliance of Amnesia, with its dark lingering feel in every room. Every room had its own specialty, with different decorative qualities. It was almost as though I, myself was exploring the orphanage and not my character.
However, what they could have done to make The Orphanage better was to make the map larger. Like I said before, after going through rooms I’ve already been in before, gameplay became monotonous and repetitive. The layout was so confusing that it was as if I was going in circles. Eventually, there was a feel of restriction and I didn’t explore as much as I thought I would.
The final major problem I had with the map was that there was no challenge. Sure, you’ll get scared out of your wits, but after playing it for a long time, you’ll begin to realize that there isn’t any way you could possibly die. I never lost hope, but that hope slowly withered away, just like the reputation of this map. I struggled to see the point in looking around the place. I didn’t even complete the map in one sitting due to its inconsistent pace. The Orphanage felt like a walk in the park even though it started strong with its terrific scares.
The Verdict:
I must say it again and I will: The Orphanage is a monster of a map. And even if it becomes boring after a while, it still gave me one of the scariest experiences I’ve ever had in the game. Amazing jump scares and other great elements spelled brilliance for The Orphanage. Its fantastic recreation of dread in its atmosphere is stunning, and it will continue to stun map makers of the next generation. And it’s the small problems in this map which is preventing the Orphanage from becoming great.
7.4 (Good)
+Most horrific jumpscare EVER
+Eerie recreation of atmosphere
+Brilliant use of resource packs
+Plain Scary
- Not challenging
- Boring after a long while
- Restricted space
Do you agree with our verdict? What adventure map do you want us to review next? Be sure to post your suggestions in the comments below. For more on adventure maps, news and updates, click that subscribe button and join the MCAlliance.
We're also happy to review adventure maps YOU made, if you want to advertise them on youtube. Just remember, your ideas count.
KrakkenFish on behalf of the MCAlliance
We just finished reviewing Herobrine's Return and here's the score:
9.4 (Astounding)
+Larger sense of exploration
+Better story plot and dialogue
+Great combination of genres
+Challenging and fun gameplay
+Beautiful landscape design
+Great use of variety
- Disappointing final boss fight
If you want to see the written article then let us know in the comments below. In the mean time, do check out our channel and official website as well as continue posting your suggestions for adventure maps you want us to review.
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Thanks!
You might have seen the score we gave for Herobrine's Return. Wondering how it managed to score so high? Well here's the written article:
MCAlliance Reviews: Herobrine’s Return
A Strong Comeback
Reviewed by DaltronForce
When Herobrine’s Mansion first came out, it showed the world the true potential of what Adventure maps could do. But if you thought that Herobrine’s Mansion was the climax of Hypixel’s masterpieces, then you’ve seen nothing yet.
The 1.5 update was probably one of the main sparks for a new evolution in the game. It also sparked the creation of Herobrine’s Return, a sequel to its amazing predecessor.
Most sequels have higher expectations than its predecessor, and Herobrine’s Return has exceeded them with flying colors.
Herobrine’s Return continues the quest with your character having to defeat Herobrine once again after his reawakening from the dead.
On the surface, Herobrine’s Return definitely looks like a vast improvement from the first game. Instead of following the legacy left by Herobrine’s Mansion; Herobrine’s Return wanted to create its own. And you can clearly see Hypixel’s accomplishment yet again.
It still successfully managed to keep up the element of variety, without having too many similarities to Herobrine’s Mansion. Mobs still had their different and various capabilities. It wastes no time, and right from the start you are thrown into the midst of chaos, battling your way through hordes of ferocious mobs.
Difficulty was also extremely well done and it all felt all the more reasonable. Difficulty in Herobrine’s Return varied in different stages with a steady pace as you progressed. Death was not too repetitive that it was frustrating, and that’s a major improvement in the map. Now, instead of having an infinite number of lives, respawning was done at the cost of souls, which you had to earn through killing mobs. I could feel the consequence of losing more souls every time and it forced me to weigh my options carefully before charging into a pack of mobs. I always had to think of the opportunity of earning souls by doing so as well as the risk of losing them.
Boss fights also took another bold step forward. It prevented any kind of similarities to any boss fight in Herobrine’s Mansion which adds to the key factor of originality. Every boss fight in Herobrine’s Return managed to put players up against a whole new challenge. With various set pieces, I had to adapt differently to every fight as well as respond quickly to the different attack styles.
This brings me to my next point. What I loved most about this map was strategy and the entire map was all about it. I know I’ve stressed about this many times before in other reviews but it’s truly a key factor that adventure maps can rarely achieve. Like Herobrine’s Mansion, this map successfully brings the element in a strong, new comeback. Every situation would throw the worst case scenario at you and you just had to adapt to it. Fighting off hordes of mobs was never boring. You always had to keep moving, and unlike the original map, this one had the asset of open space which provided more choices for the player in every dilemma they were in. Half the time I had to switch between my sword and bow in order to overcome a large pack of skeletons and zombies.
Strategizing on how to get past mobs was now more tactical. Whether it’s going in stealthily or charging in guns blazing, it truly aimed at testing even the most experienced of players.
It’s astounding how a map like this could still combine other genres like parkour and puzzles. But Herobrine’s Return molded the mix perfectly without losing sense. Parkour and puzzle set pieces still flowed well with the main story plot and objectives. You needed critical thinking before approaching anything. How strategy is required for any quest ranging from crossing a lava field to combat made gameplay even more enjoyable.
Unlike how Herobrine’s Mansion lacked a story plot, the sequel strived to build one. It managed to build upon events from its predecessor, but still had a smooth flow in the chain of events. The storyline was also able to make more sense of all the facts, so I was left without any questions by the end of the map. Dialogue was tremendously improved, sounding more realistic as well as strongly helping to build character.
Scripted events were not just a new thing added, but something which truly enhanced the experience. Cinematic experiences especially felt rewarding after every stage. In fact, Herobrine’s Return probably had some of the best cinematic experiences I had ever had in any adventure map. It enhanced the game so much that it all seemed so real. Like in the opening sequence where Herobrine begins destroying the village, where the new fireworks from the 1.5 update were used fully to its advantage. Though, there were a few things still unexplained like Victor’s ability to teleport all over the map, but I’ve learnt to let such small things slip through my fingers.
However, one of the main problems Herobrine’s Return had was the ending. The ending showdown with Herobrine was just so disappointing. He was so easy to defeat and in the end it didn’t feel as satisfying as in the first game. I went through 2 hours of that to fight this? And why do I have to battle the Wither Boss again? With the unsatisfying final boss fight, I didn’t have a sense of achievement that I finished the entire map, which totally dumps down the good reputation built up by this map so far.
Presentation:
The presentation in Herobrine’s Return was like nothing I’ve ever seen before. I know I’ve said that nothing could be compared to the magnificence of the Dropper, but I think Herobrine’s Mansion is as close as it gets. It manages to take you out of the mansion and into the universe, traveling across mystical and foreign realms. This meant that I didn’t have to be restricted into a single building and there was a larger sense of exploration. The journey was taken to the outside world so it had a stronger element of open world gameplay.
It broke down all the barriers of restriction and I truly felt free in my movement. Looking across the world, it felt like I was playing Skyrim, and that mystical aura in the atmosphere is extremely difficult to recreate especially in a game ruled by blocks.
The use of blocks gave every set piece a different atmosphere. The texture pack was used brilliantly to give places a more vibrant and dark feel. I felt differently for every setting. Everything from the landscape to the architectural structures had their own unique style and design. And I realized that I was spending more time exploring the different realms than playing through the storyline.
Adventure was something Herobrine’s Return especially wanted you to do. It’s all about the process. It’s all about the journey. It’s all about the adventure.
The Verdict:
I’ve played many Adventure maps. I’ve seen the good and the bad. But my experience in the realms of Herobrine’s Return has been the most memorable. It was a map I could play with friends or by myself hundreds upon hundreds of times, and I can say without a doubt that my sense of awe will never diminish. With its beautiful combination of game types and astounding set pieces, Herobirne’s Return leaves a timeless legacy for all future map makers to follow. Hypixel’s Herobrine franchise has been a hell of a ride, and it’s been the most enjoyable and challenging one yet. And that is something which isn’t going to change for a long time.
9.4 (Astounding)
+Larger sense of exploration
+Better story plot and dialogue
+Great combination of genres
+Challenging and fun gameplay
+Beautiful landscape design
+Great use of variety
- Disappointing final boss fight
Do you agree with our verdict? What adventure map do you want us to review next? Be sure to post your suggestions in the comments below. For more on adventure maps, news and updates, slap that subscribe button and join the MCAlliance.
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We finished reviewing Survival Island!!!
Keep more of your suggestions coming an we'll do more reviews!
Thanks for the review (im the map maker btw)
I will consider your toughts on the map and will do my best to enhance the second map. Don't worry the story has just began
And it wont unfold until the end of the third map. Thanks again
[ I gain one soul for every succesful jumpscare ]
Thanks!
[You can have my soul]
Here's an extract from the article:
The Verdict:
If you’re tired of playing in creative mode all the time or if you just want to test your survival skills, then I’m not stopping you from playing Survival Island. I can promise that from the start, it will greatly challenge your skills. And it can still be fun, especially when playing with friends. It was an amazing map when it first came out a few years back and I will not insult any veteran players who loved this map for its simplicity and entrepreneurship in survival maps. If I were to review it then, it could have got at least 7, but I am reviewing it now and suddenly it doesn’t seem as special. Sure it’s simple and challenging in its own ways, but to spend countless days to play Survival Island just isn’t worth it.
4 (Very bad)
+Tests your survival skills
+Entrepreneur in survival genre
- Monotonous and boring
- Almost impossible to die
- Lacking variety
- Bland presentation
Please don't judge too much. I didn't review it. Video reviews and full articles coming soon. Keep the ideas coming!