Approved
Map Reviewer
- Joined
- Feb 19, 2011
- Messages
- 2,113
Review - Valley of Isles
(Version February 25th 2025)
Synopsis: Valley of Isles is a beautiful melee map for four players, featuring a simple yet very functional layout. The standard pathway between players is spiced up with additional corner expansions and Marketplaces that can be reached with a Zeppelin. Terrain work is beautiful and clear, making Valley of Isles a recommendable melee map.
Map Aesthetics: Clear and pristine use of colours and props. Wonderful job. It is really rare to see Village and autumn colours used - you've managed to make them work very well. Love the illusion that the ice gives below water. Good thinking. Attention has also been given to small scale details, such as the Goblin Laboratory surroundings and Market Place island, which makes them look distinct and standout in a really good way. Visual clarity is really good and the aesthetics carry the thematic very well.
Map Layout: The layout is simple but very lovable. The pathways are clear without anything 'extra' complicating it. What makes it not-boring is the access to Zeppelin and the expansion islands. Mercenary Camp near starting location can also spice up offensive approaches.
Neutral Objectives: Creep camp placement is good as are the creep camp strength levels. With the creep placement each player can clash with another player quite early as the distances from bases to green camps are not that obvious. Micro placement of creep camps is also good. Love the placement of Marketplace and expansion site on the island. Overall very solid job.
Map Gameplay: A very playable map for four players. I cannot really give much negatives on this one. Looks clear, clean and functional. Simple yet not boring. I like that the map layout is clear from first glances and is direct without being tasteless. Good aesthetic work and thematic fitting. Approved.
Comments:
There are random walkable spots in deep water near the Goblin Laboratories (all of 'em). You probably want to fix these to prevent possible (rare) moments of your units crashing into the water.
(Version February 25th 2025)
Synopsis: Valley of Isles is a beautiful melee map for four players, featuring a simple yet very functional layout. The standard pathway between players is spiced up with additional corner expansions and Marketplaces that can be reached with a Zeppelin. Terrain work is beautiful and clear, making Valley of Isles a recommendable melee map.
Map Aesthetics: Clear and pristine use of colours and props. Wonderful job. It is really rare to see Village and autumn colours used - you've managed to make them work very well. Love the illusion that the ice gives below water. Good thinking. Attention has also been given to small scale details, such as the Goblin Laboratory surroundings and Market Place island, which makes them look distinct and standout in a really good way. Visual clarity is really good and the aesthetics carry the thematic very well.
Map Layout: The layout is simple but very lovable. The pathways are clear without anything 'extra' complicating it. What makes it not-boring is the access to Zeppelin and the expansion islands. Mercenary Camp near starting location can also spice up offensive approaches.
Neutral Objectives: Creep camp placement is good as are the creep camp strength levels. With the creep placement each player can clash with another player quite early as the distances from bases to green camps are not that obvious. Micro placement of creep camps is also good. Love the placement of Marketplace and expansion site on the island. Overall very solid job.
Map Gameplay: A very playable map for four players. I cannot really give much negatives on this one. Looks clear, clean and functional. Simple yet not boring. I like that the map layout is clear from first glances and is direct without being tasteless. Good aesthetic work and thematic fitting. Approved.
Comments:
There are random walkable spots in deep water near the Goblin Laboratories (all of 'em). You probably want to fix these to prevent possible (rare) moments of your units crashing into the water.
