Expedition

Description
[i]I forgot to actually [i]finalize[/i] the review on this one...sorry Acrobat, please don't hate me. You have the right to repeatedly slap/punch me the next time we speak. :([/i]

From the beginning, Expedition has stood out as a map full of interactive features and various activities. I have to admit, it's just getting better with every release. This version is much improved and expanded, and the visuals are improving as well. So, where do I start? Well, let's recap Nozyspy's summary from the last version:

[quote]The map is mainly based around an Academy theme, and it has plenty of areas which would be great for use by clans, such as a jump training area, a main hall and duelling areas. The additional, more unusual areas would also be fun for clan groups to tackle as well I think.[/quote]

I didn't test out every single puzzle in the map - that would have taken me hours, which I do not have. However, just noclipping around revealed that there's a [b]lot[/b] more to this map than meets the eye. I don't know if I missed seeing everything in the first version or if it was added since then, but it's nice.

One of the puzzles that has been in the map since version 1 is the two vertical climbing puzzles where you jump up a huge vertical tower to get to the top. What's scary is that every time I thought I was at the top, I wasn't. I thought that halfway up...while noclipping. Does that give you an idea how huge these towers are?

Also continued from the previous versions is a strafe jumping course, where players use a special jump technique to gain extra speed and jump across larger and larger distances. There are eight different sets of platforms, each one going in both directions.

I'm not sure if the bar area was new or not, so I'll include it - there's a huge bar area added on the side of the spawning room. It features a dance floor off to the side (with music!), a cellar with the "special" drinks hidden inside, and an upper floor with more tables. Overall, I think the wood texture was a bit overused and there should be a railing on the second floor to prevent people from falling, but that's about it.

There are even more areas and more puzzles left, but at the moment, I can't recall all of them and time prevents me from doing so. But let me just assure you...this map is [b]big[/b]. You'll have to play it to truly appreciate it.

The only criticisms I have are thus...

I don't like the skybox for one reason - there is no down image! I think it looks really goofy to look down and see solid green underneath my feet. Also, the brick/mortar texture looks like it has been tweaked (unless my eyes decieve me), but it still needs a little more tweaking...it's not [i]quite[/i] there yet.

If you played either of the previous versions, definitely download this one - it's well worth your while!

New textures: [b]Yes[/b]
New sounds: [b]Yes[/b]
New music: [b]Yes[/b]
New models: [b]Yes[/b]

~Dretzel