Latest News Article

[Relinquo_Spes]

The Idea

So I'm a little bored right now and am having trouble with my current project, so I thought I might try something a bit different and do some map reviews!

As such just fill out the form at the bottem and I will happily review your map!

The Criteria

Look I don't want to put down a wall and say that I'm only taking certain kinds of maps, because I will do any, however my prefered type of maps are puzzles and adventure, bt I can and will comment on any type.

HOWEVER, I would presonally prefer to review maps that aa new, maps that people want an honest and helpful opinion on, so that people can improve there maps for all involved.

The Format

I will basically be doing a text reviews, although if you wish I can do a video reviw of your map as well. This will be the format that I'll be reviewing on:

Visuals: Were they interesting or effective [-/10]
Challenge: Was the map hard, without being impossible [-/5]
Length: was the map an acceptable length [-/5]
Story (?): If there is one, was it engaging and aided by the setting [-/10]
Puzzle Variety (?): How different and interesting were the puzzles? Did they evolve over time? [-/10]
Other (?): If there is another category that I feel needs ouching on then it will be added.

Things That Need Improvement:
Things That Neeed No-Improvement:

Final Thoughts:
Percentage Score:

The Terms

Here are some of the terms I use in reviews:
Spacial Padding: The creator of a map has built himslf into a corner and the next room/part of his map is too far away, so they either put in some random and seemingly unimportant minecart ride or just a long corridor.
Wallaby Way Sydney: A puzzle that requires you to have written down things from past rooms, and if ou haven't you are forced to backtrack hecking every room and falling into every inevitable lava pool again.
Video Game Realistic: It means that the map doesn't have big and starnge set pieces, and follows the rules of a video game world; chest stuck in walls, sewers that connect rooms and ect..
Leap of Faith: A game element that requires you to blindly jump (either through lava or off a high place) Hoping this might be the area where you survive.

The Form

So If you are interested than please fill in this form, and I will get right on it:

Creator Name(s):
Map Name(s):
Genre:
Brief Description:
Link:
If I have spaces would you like to be done as a vdeo review?

The Reviews

1.96nazizombies- The Facility
2.Kerblah - Moon
3.VKRxbetterthanyou - Escape from Room 234
4.OrcMaster419 - The Cure
5.AMVFanatic1081 - The Orbs of Illusion
6.Hippy500 - Parkour Runner
7.Jvample - Run Boy Run
8.Ditto64,Kobs222 & Crazykille - Escape the Puzzlemaster
9.Yokcos700 - The Legend of Ihir
10.Zamdude - Blockpuzzle
11.MAPOPA - The Institution
12.Billith - [Barren]
13.Kmilley - Levi's Nightmare
14.Ohmdoddtv - Tests in Nowhere
15.Mnopjh, penguin9281 & flandrechan1000 - The Griefer
16.Micrope & the_trademark - The Devil's Lunchbreak
17.GuruFromLithuania - Infected Hotel
18.Invinciblemode - Minecraft Missions I: Infiltrate
19.Plaatinum10 - Room After Room
20.Cheezburger - The Alchemical Portal
21.Jdub386 - The Wonambi Tomb
22.Fuzion50 - The Parkour Door
23.Dochavoc - Punishment: Parkour
24.Neceros - Chunk Survival
25.Peterlinux & Muzzy 26 - Ender's Crystal
26.Pimpapotomous & Domportera - Goldmine
27. Yiker - Enigma Island
28.Selib & Dr Chriz - Assassin's Creep
29.Matty2401 - Escape the Prison
30.Eshan, Jordie, Andrew & Jaimie - Meteor Mash
31.Bilith - Escape the Mind
32.Fangride - Forest of Silence
33.AltarBozdaa & Enkoifstylo12 - Alnes Tower
34.Jigarbov - Eronev Mansion Adventure
35.GeraldoCockerhan - Greed
36.Kakakalaa - Jump for your Life
37.TheDenux - Walker's Escape
38.TheUnnnster - Escape from Hell
39.Ilforno - Puzzler
40.TheMightyZombie - Dead Island Craft
41.Jvample - Physical Strength
42.Protorae - Apple of Eden
43.Jagrafess20 - Trapped
44.Jagrafess20 - The Secret of Castle Remburg

Current reviews:

Jagrafess20 - The Secret of Castle Remburg & Trapped (Doubble PLAY!)

Spoiler

jagrafess20, on 01 November 2011 - 06:21 PM, said:

Creator Name(s): Jagrafess20 (Me!)
Map Name(s): The Secret of Castle Remburg & Trapped
Genre: Adventure
Brief Description: TSoCR is a straight up, very short adv. map, and I made a mistake. There's no Castle anywhere. Which I -will- fix! Trapped is my second, slightly longer map, and has a few puzzle elements.
Link: Click on the map names for the appropriate map
If I have spaces would you like to be done as a vdeo review?
Yes please!

Opening Thought:
So today we're doing a doubble feaure... of sorts. Two maps reviewed similtaniously as I focus on the good points of the map creator... and the not so good aspects of them. If you enjoy this let me know, and I may do another.

Visual:

Castle Remsburg -

This map has some really nice buildings, such as the council tower and the Castle ... but aside from those nice buildings there isn't really much to look at in this map. Most of it is just set in a random spawn world as you follow a gravel path and while there are the ocassional setpiece they, a. Don't appear enough and b. they go really quickly (Seriously there is a whole castle and we don't even get to mess around in it. So yhea the spacial padding is all over the place. But my urual gripes about colouring don't appear, so thats nice.
[4/10]

Trapped -

This map is much better than the last, it is a crazy mix of blocks and styles to form one giant mansion of fun, the thing is fairly easy to navigate but still has enough twists and turns that you will really enjoy it. My usual thoughts on set pieces don't apply here because the Mansion it's self is a huge set piece. And what makes it better is at the end, you will see the best and I mean the BEST! Set piece ever!! So yhea ... Visuals here are awesome.
[9.75/10]


Challenge:

Castle Remsburg -

Not really much here, you just kind of keep going forward without any real obstacle. Just to point out ssimply because you have made an advemture map doesn't mean you can't make the next checkpoint at least somewhat difficult to get to, or at least give us enough stuff to look at to make it interesting.
[2/5]

Trapped -

Almost too difficult here, you basically have to hunt down each plot point by running all over the mansion. It's alot more engaging than the Castle. But any ill will is mellowed by the fun visuals we get to run around in. Really though I think if there is another map the clues given for these challenges should give us a little bit of better direction. Otherwise this was really good.
[4/5]


Length:

Castle Remburg -

Basically all I have to say on this is that there is a long lost in a mine section that just goes on and will take you forever to finish. It really has no structure to it and just seems to go on from point to point with no real connection.
[1/5]

Trapped -

Much like Castle this one has very little structure, and as I have said you can sped ages just running around due to the lack of direction. However as you do you are more than likely going to run into the answer to at least one puzzle, so you're next quest will shorten, that makes this map more bearable I guess, but as I said it could really use some better puzzle clues, but otherwise it is okay.
[3/5]


Story:

Castle Remsburg -

What Story? As an adventure game the whole idea is to try and find out what is going on and play through the twists and tunrs, here I just seemed to go to places randomly, not really having any reason to do it, more just doing it because the plot wants me to. If I had to say how to fix it I really would say don't this apsect of the stor isnt really redeemable and it may be better just to leave this one and move on.
[1/10]

Trapped -

This map falls into the same habbits, not having any real plot and more just a loose story to drag us along. HOWEVER at the end this thing all of a sudden gets crazily insane! I really didn't see the ending set piece coming, and while it was far too short and easy to fill my liking I will recommend a play of this map just for that.
[6.5/10]


Final Thought:
Yep, no 'needs to be improved today', mostly because I can sum them like this. Neither of these maps should be changed, if anything the map creator should focus on the next map they want to make. For all you out there wanting to pick it up I say the really do play 'Trapped!' because it is a bit of fun and looks amazing. But 'The Secret of Castle Remburg' just feels like a map makers footing, as though the creator had no idea what they were doing and was just throwing stuff at the wall.

Percentage score:

The Secret of Castle Remburg - 27%
Trapped! - 78%

To Do:

Draco18s - Dragons Tomb
Iipod - Steampunk Ship Survival
ElCapitaine - The Wild Lands
SheMeT - Another Survival
GandrewCarder - Open World Zombie Survival
Haders- Stratosphere Survival
Sizzzlay - 'An Island'
Lucario_J - Awesome House
Noxcrew - Paladin's Quest: Episode 1: "Humble Beginnings"
Ralcll - The Facility (Prologue)
ColdFusionGaming - Hero's Quest III - The Forest of Shadows Part 1
Wasstraat65 - The Pyramid

Video Reviews

Hello all, since people seem to be generally enjoying and apreciating and these reviews I thought I might try some video reviews.

So without explaining anything to you I am looking for 3 people to offer up their maps for each review. Now in order to put up your map there are a few rules:

1. Your map must already be on my to do list, this idea isn't so people can jump the entire que, it is for a bit of fun. However if you can get your map on my to do list before all the spots are filled then you can still apply.

2. You must either message me an email that you will check so I can send you further details, or you must be able to view your Minecraft messages within 24 hours of your acceptance. I will send you a message as soon as you are accepted, but if I don't here back within 24 hours you will be taken off and the offer will open up again.

3. I am looking for one map from each of the following categories:

- Puzzle
- Adventure
- Other


4. (Suplementary rule) If you have a map that you don't think fits either of these categories because I may still accept it.

And thats it, if you are willing to take a gambit on this unexplained plan then just reply on this topic using the following form:

Creator's Name:
Map Name:
Genre:
Place in To Do queue:

Episode List:
1. COMPLETED
2. SPACES FILLED, WORK BEGAN
3. SPACES FILLED, AWAITING NEXT RELEASE
4. LOOKING FOR MAPS

Want to see the old reviews? Heres the channel:
http://www.youtube.com/user/RelinSpes

By the way, why not check out the new update to The Parkour Door

[96nazizombies]

Creator: 96nazizombies
Name: The Facility
Genre: Puzzle
Description: Very long map, about an hour or so with me knowing how to solve all the challenges.
Link: In the signature
YouTube: Yes

[Stormesswan]

Creator Name: Kerblah

Map Name: Moon

Genre: Survival/adventure/puzzle

Brief Description: Moon is a challenging hybrid [HYB] map in which you have traverse from planet to planet, while surviving on limited resources, to accomplish challenges scattered over the map. Items are scarce and it will take some thinking to survive and complete the challenges. Every challenge can be completed though careful thinking. There are a few surprises out there! Find and complete the challenge trophy room to finish the map. But finding it is a challenge in itself =D

Link: http://www.minecraft...b-moon-400-dls/

Youtube?: [Yes/No} Sure

[Relinquo_Spes]

Okay, 96nazizombies, For being first in I shall attempt to get your text review done this evening, as for the youtube, that could be a few days.

Kerblah, I shall attempt to do the written tonight, but it will depend on play time for both, so I'll get it out as soon as I can.

[OrcMaster]

Creator Name(s): OrcMaster419
Map Name(s): The Cure
Genre: Adventure
Brief Description: An open worlded adventure map made for long game play and to test your skill. The story is to find the cure for the undead that have swarmed out from the darkness.
Link: http://www.minecraft...e/#entry7833864
Youtube?: [Yes/No] Please
Please post the review and/or video on the map's thread

[VKRxbetterthanyou]

My name- VKRxbetterthanyou
My map name-Escape room 234
genre- Puzzle
descrption- You wake up in a room (234) and find out the whole place is infested with zombies you need to fight and jump your way out!
Link- http://www.minecraft...scape-room-234/
Youtube- YES YES AND YES!!!!

[Relinquo_Spes]

Okay I shall add those two to my to do list

[AMVFanatic1081]

Creator Name(s): AMVFanatic1081
Map Name(s): The Orbs of Illusion
Genre: Adv/Puz
Brief Description: I'd rather you find out for yourself, the story's half the map. Oh, and it's also a WIP.
Link: http://www.minecraft..._1#entry7026514
Youtube?: No, thank you.

[Mattxy8]

Creator Name(s): Mattxy69
Map Name(s): The Unknown
Genre: Survival
Brief Description: It's the first of its kind, an upside down world!
Link: http://www.minecraft...14#entry9210614
Youtube?: [Yes/No} Yes please

[lemonszz]

Creator Name(s): Lemonszz
Map Name(s): Shattered Survival
Genre: Survival
Brief Description: Spread out blocks kinda like a jumpling puzzle survival map
Link: http://www.minecraft...th-more-blocks/
Youtube?: [Yes/No} Yes please

I coould do with some reviews

[Hippy500]

Creator Name(s): Hippy500
Map Name(s): Parkour Runner
Genre: Parkour/Puzzle
Brief Description: It is a fairly short, fun parkour/puzzle map.
Link: Link's in the signature.
Youtube?: [Yes/No} YES

[Relinquo_Spes]

Okay so here is the crrent short and skinny of the reviews.

Looking at the ammount of people who want reviews, and my own limits of youtube, I am currently not looking to produce videos. In doing this I hope to catch up on the backlog I seem to hve here already. I shall do my best to get you reviews fast and then I might look at videos, but if you came here with the express purpose of getting video review, then I appologise.

[Hippy500]

Sounds good, just review mine and if you really like it I would love it if you videoed it

[lemonszz]

Relinquo_Spes, on 12 October 2011 - 01:42 AM, said:

Okay so here is the crrent short and skinny of the reviews.

Looking at the ammount of people who want reviews, and my own limits of youtube, I am currently not looking to produce videos. In doing this I hope to catch up on the backlog I seem to hve here already. I shall do my best to get you reviews fast and then I might look at videos, but if you came here with the express purpose of getting video review, then I appologise.

Video does not matter to me I just want critisum

[zXDeadNarwhalXz]

Creator Name: zXDeadNarwhalXz
Map Name: Floating Islands
Genre: Survival
Brief Description: Survive on multiple islands while completing challenges.
Link: http://www.minecraft...46#entry9034646
Youtube?: Yes

[jvample]

Creator Name: Jvample
Map Name: Run boy run
Genre: Parkour/Adv
Brief Description:3 maps. First one is mainly classical and very fun
Link: My link
Youtube?: [Yes/No}If it is good then yes

Thank you

[Ditto64]

Alrighty...
Creator Name(s): Ditto64, kobs222, crazykille
Map Name(s): Escape the Puzzlemaster
Genre: Puzzle
Brief Description: You have been captured by the Evil Puzzlmaster! Solve the plethora of puzzles and defeat the Puzzlemaster!
Link: http://www.minecraft...he-donate-poll/

[Relinquo_Spes]

Okay 96nazizombies, you're first.

Spoiler

96nazizombies, on 11 October 2011 - 11:45 PM, said:

Creator: 96nazizombies
Name: The Facility
Genre: Puzzle
Description: Very long map, about an hour or so with me knowing how to solve all the challenges.
Link: http://www.minecraft...ity-puzzle-map/
YouTube: Yes

Opening Thoughts: To me this map is like an unpolished diamond, whilst I can't say it is a classic, there are true glimpses of good ideas, hidden behind a few glaring issues. With that said lets dive straight in.

Visuals:
When you begin the map you wake up in a bedrock room, and you will need to enjoy it because that is all you will see as the ame goes on. I realise that this whole map revolves around being in a prison and it does do a job of conveying that, the lack of visual flair for different loctaions does make the rooms sort of blend together. As well as that the choice of bedrock usually makes the screen filled with the flakey run off of the walls, and it gets really annoying after the first two rooms.
[5/10]

Challenge: The challenge in this map lies more in its length as to whether you can keep plowing on. The puzzles on the other hand are less of a challenge, while initilly they can require a fair ammount of thought, they all soon begin to repeate and lose their edge.
[2/5]

Length: As I said before this map is LONG, and for the most art it deserves it's length, with the run time and puzzle difficulty acculinating the most time. However when the levels begin to repeat it does start to feel padded and elongated. So a bit of a trim might make it feel better set.
[3/5]

Story:
I'm not going to scor this because it is pretty much non-existant, there is a famework but not really a story. But here it works, and as such iit isn't something that needs critique.

Puzzle Variety:
Before I go into the puzzle issues (which are spoilered below) I just want to say that I did enjoy most of the rooms, such as the 2 lava challenges, the 'many levered room' and the fishing challenge, they worked well and provided a nice change up for the other more repetative challenges. And with that omminious name for them, lets look at the challenges that need some work:

Spoiler

The Fighting Challenges: In the game there are a number of times you are called upon to enter rooms and fight your way through mobs, so that you might reach the door. Whilst the first two times I run through these challenges I found them tense, fun and difficult, by the time I was running through the third one, all the fun had been sucked out as I ut ran long th wall looking for the door. What I would suggest is that in the later versions of this puzzle, you either put the door somewhere in the centre so the wall running won't work, or turn it into a maze, so people are more likely to be forced to fight monsters.

The Lever Challenge: Okay this this one you have a question and are given a choice of 3 or 4 different levers coresponding to different answers, you have to chose the correct answer to progress. The problem with this puzzle is that there is no way to fail, since pulling an incorrect lever only results in nothing happening and as a result there isn't really any challenge to it. What I would suggest is that you rig the incorrect answer to blow up the room and send the person back to the checkpoint, making it more of a challenge.

[7/10]

Things That Need Improvement:
- Puzzles Indicated (either by altering them or removing them)
- Visual Variety
- The use of so much bedrock did cause the frame rate to chug a bit, so I would suggest swapping it to cobblestone or something similar

Things That Neeed No-Improvement:
- Majority of the Puzzles
- Framework

Final Thoughts:
At the moment that game is fun and good to play, but in the centre it does become a bit of a grind. Don't take this as a bad stamp, because despite the fact it is unpolished it could still be a diamond. But I might suggest waiting for the next update.

Percentage Score: 54%

And now onto Kerblah

[MAPOPA]

Creator Name: MAPOPA
Map Name: The Institution
Genre: Adventure/Escape
Brief Description: It is large. Has over 15 different endings. 8 Big Easter Eggs and a lot of structures and puzzles.
Link: Signature
Youtube: That would be so Awesome! )))))

[yokcos700]

I am the Creator, Yokcos700.
My map is The Legend of Ihir.
It is a Puzzle map.
It is a slightly escape-y map in which you must complete a series of puzzles in order to leave.
Link in mah sig
Yes, youtube.

Enjoy, and when you're done, don't be afraid to vote in the poll in the L.o.I. topic.