Warcraft origins

Im going to take a break from map reviews and touch up on warcraft history. On how it all began and from something so simple came a beautiful and pretty much a house hold name as far as Role playing games goes.

Way back when when not every home had a computer, when day time television was the 'bees knees' and when nerd were geeks and men wore spandex. Yes it was the late 80s when the digital age was setting its roots and computer gaming was but a simple past time for people.

The Warcraft franchise started with the 'Warcraft: Orcs and Humans' published and developed by Blizzard . Your standard fantasy tripe of playable humans and fantasy races(Orcs) fighting each other for whatever reason the scenario requires. Land grabbing, establishing territory, acquisition of resources. whatever. It changed the battlefield for RTS gaming forever.

There is a something one should take note of, some people say that warcraft was supposed to be Warhammer which belonged to GW(Games Workshop). As Blizzard was developing the game version of Warhammer what happened was that GW decided they didnt like how things were progressing and decided to pull out. Blizzard on the other hand decided to truck on renaming and changing a few things. And viola Warcraft was born

Hive Workshop

Here is a very wonderful community where you can find various stuff about Warcraft 3 and other fun things. It offers content for people to use, tutorials, helpful applications for map making and even stunning textures.

Link

Resident Evil City of Hell

Resident Evil City of Hell [ver9.2a]

Map maker: Panguin

Map Type: Survival

Number of Players:1-8

Replayability:7/10

Ever wondered how resident evil would play in a warcraft 3 scenario? I stumbled upon a foreign map a while back and it played pretty well, unfortunately I lost it but I found a translated one and it made me realize how hard it was. Team mates will be very much appreciated.

The game starts with a vague intro of a sewer then its character selection time. Im not sure but it features several characters from the resident evil franchise from Leon to Ashley to characters I don’t recognize since I only played RE4 from the franchise. Picking a suitable character choice is essential since some characters have special skills that can be very useful, such as Leon’s stun gun or Claire’s TNT bomber. Each has their strengths and weaknesses. Some can move faster while others can shoot faster.

The game begins with you at the police station, fending off attackers. Its split off into several chapters which have bosses you cannot possibly defeat on your own. What you can do is stick close to NPCs since early on the game, your damage is pretty useless.

There are quite a few cut scenes in this game, which should be helpful to the player. Telling them the plot and where to go next but sadly broken English prevents this. Looking beyong that and following the signals in the mini map, you can progress smoothly

The Good

I have to note this map has some pretty detailed character models. I am not sure it is because of the texture or the model itself but it looks pretty sharp.

The Bad

Game items are hard to spot especially once hidden in grass tiles. Consumables usually come in bright colors for players to quickly see and use. In this map its black all thru out the game. Another thing I found was some friendly NPCs instead of running or walking to a part on the map, they dash their way into the fray. It doesn’t mess with the game or anything but it irks me in a way.

DOWNLOAD LINK

Raziel the Soul Reaver Beta_35[ver]

Raziel the Soul Reaver Beta_35[ver]

Map maker: Trinin

Map Type: Campaign

Number of Players:1-2

Replayability:3/10

Take a trip down memory lane and play one of the good games for the PS1, Soul Reaver.

The map is very easy and is essentially a shortened version of the game focusing only on the storyline of Soul Reaver. From learning how to shift into the spectral realm to pass objects, to slaying everyone that stands in your way, and finally having a showdown with your former master Kain.

It’s a ver quick game, Id probably take you a thirty minutes to an hour at the most. Full of cut scenes and has custom models and even sounds from the game itself.

It’s worth a try. But expect nothing more than a very quick game. Dont blame me for anything.

DOWNLOAD LINK

Goblin Experimentals [ver 6.00]

Goblin Experimentals [ver 6.00]

Map maker: aimaintesi host77

Map Type: Survival/Coop

Number of Players: 2 -12

Replayability: 7/10

I’ll make it simple you are a goblin which is from a goblin tribe from three goblin tribes. The goal of the game is for you to decimate the opposing goblin tribe. Create buildings, make traps hunting animals and do so many more  in your quest to outlive and out last the other tribes. Since this is a survival game you need to cooperate to win. There are several roles from alchemists to miners, each job having advantages and disadvantages. For example the alchemist has a skill that allows him to make flowers/herbs/stuff sprout from the ground while a mechanic can instantly create coal without needing a structure. The former is useful mid game while the latter is effective early on.

Resource gathering is one of the main points of the game. You constantly lose your HP while away from a campfire. You need wood from cutting down trees, minerals from mining rocks and food from killing animals. You can do all of this but doing so will cause you the game. As the game suggests at some point you need to assign specific tasks to characters which skills cater to that task. For an easier game flow cooperation is needed to build a strong camp that can resist attack and raids from creeps and other players.

Thankfully the structures build themselves. Resources are all over the map waiting for you to plunder and utilize, they may not replenish but there is a lot to go around. Once you get ample resource you can make armors, swords, TNT and much more. Creating items took me a while, but you just need the required parts in specific order to make the item.

The Good

It’s a fun game that makes the side races such as goblins the main characters for once. Its challenging and there are different strategies on how to play and hopefully win the game.

The Bad

You need to move fast and know what class is useful and how to utilize the field. First time players will be put off playing against experienced players. Resource management is everything.

DOWNLOAD LINK

Destiny Arena

Destiny Arena [ver 1.9]

Map maker: …..

Map Type:  Hero Arena

Number of Players: 1-10

Replayability: 7/10

Ever imagined several final fantasy heroes and villains pitted against each other in a small arena. Opposing fronts trying to level the playing field with magic and sword play. Destiny Arena is a map where you will play final fantasy characters (heroes, villains) and win against the opposing team. That’s how I remembered it. Now this version has a lot of characters from different franchises (Naruto, Bleach, Fairy Tail and even Fate stay night). Since I haven’t played the map for quite some time now, this is a very refreshing surprise. It used to be just Final Fantasy based hero arena. Now it’s an anime/manga based since the majority of characters are from that genre. Along with same arena based maps of its kind it holds its own ground. With its wonderfully done skills and fast paced game play. Teamwork is needed to rack some kill score.

The Good

The models and textures are superb. You can see your characters face and see the resemblance from the video game. Item building is easy to grasp since the required upgrade for an item is simple next to it.

Character skill sets are also thought out. It notes what kind of effect your skill has with its type. There are also areas where you can, if you are strong enough, battle a Jinnchuuriki and hopefully win. You can use the soul that it drops either for making a cursed item or selling it in the shops. The skill effects aren’t that bad, not balls to the wall good but its okay. Considering they have it to script it themselves.

The Bad

One of the most fatal bugs has been fixed and I thank the map maker for this. Imagine out running a group of enemies, only to find out that you can not return to your base. You had a one out of ten chance of getting through. The enemies have a ten out of ten chance of unleashing all of their skills on your sorry hide. Thankfully that bug has been fixed. The game needs more custom content. Sure enough the game character models are on a league of its own but the terrain, the mobs scattered throughout the map and even the shop NPCs could use a little customization.

I mean the concept of killing a Jinnchuuriki for its soul is pretty cool, adding a custom model for it will make it cooler.

Download Link

War of the world

War of the world [ver 1]

Map maker: unknown

Map Type:  Hero Defense

Number of Players: 1-8

Replayability: 6/10

The opening description is pretty, how should I say this, interesting. It’s broken English with typos here and there. But I cannot let the description drive me away. The game might be good and fun to play. It’s a defend your castle/structure type of map. Right off the bat similar with the loading introduction the characters themselves have typos. Well the good thing is the description is pretty straight forward. You also get a free archer which also serves as your courier. The archer has a base health of twenty five thousand and range damage of one thousand, not bad for a courier.

Once you choose a character you make your way to the frontlines and start killing some enemy units. Killing the enemy is not as easy as it sounds, especially when your 5 hits away from dying even with a full health bar. Thankfully the class I picked is a sumaner which I guess it means it’s a summoner, since my skill set allow me to summon creatures to do my bidding. The character is also a ranged unit, thankfully.

There is no time to think. Just carefully surveying the battle field will chip off away important life points from your character, which in this case almost got mine killed. Enemies are constantly pouring in from the opposing front, giving you a brief moment to regroup then back to defending your base.  The map itself is pretty big. You can explore and find certain things such as enemies and allies. 

The Good

A map that is fun to play with friends or just defend the castle by your lonesome. Every once in a while a certain event takes place whether it be elves needing rescue or finding new allies to add to your army. It’s a nice touch. It has some nice custom models, one model in particular is one of my favorites by far.

The Bad

Like I said before the typos in this game is pretty prominent, not much character variety and the description is very lackluster. It maybe direct to the point but you can at least provide a back story for flavor. Spell bugs is also a concern. An example would be the summoner having a creature previously stronger only to revert to a weaker form with a higher spell level. I hope that they fix this in future updates.

Download link

And by far the best custom character I have ever laid my eyes on. It looks so very clean and it just blows my mind away. I..I don’t even know what it is…

Downloads

Heres a download link for all the maps I’ve reviewed so far and a few that I haven’t. I should have put the download links in each post I made I will do so from now on. Cheers everyone.

Download link

Freaky Zombie Assault

Freaky Zombie Assault [ver. 1.1]

Map maker: [UME-projekt]

Map Type: Survival

Number of Players:

Replayability: 8/10

The premise is simple, to finish the game you must kill off every zombie spawning NPC called a mutation. You may think that is it but it gets better as the game moves on. It’s a simple game with cool guns and fun mechanics. The game starts with you choosing what class you will play, each class is different from the latter. They all possess the same skill set and character roles, the only defining factor is the guns each unit is equipped with. The gun for each unit varies in attack speed, fire power and rang of units. Some guns can only hit one target but has a very high attack speed. While other guns can attack three moving targets at once but have a very slow recovery time.

The first character class in the roster is the Special Forces class. This class is equipped with an MG42 which allows for a very fast attack rate and three grenades. The second class is the Troopers of District 9. The troopers of district nine have the arc gun which is a pretty strong gun albeit slow it is very powerful if used against a crowd of enemies since it has splash damage capability. Native troopers are the wild card of the bunch. Instead of having a gun they have an Indian staff which shoot fire balls. Now you may think it is a laughable class but those fireballs stun enemies for a good second or so. Running and gunning is a whole lot easier with this class. Space Marines of course have the bolter weapon which has a chance of dealing double damage. They also get smoke grenades for stunning enemy units. Electric Mans get the shock rifle which deals damage to 3 units like a multi shoot weapon, kinda slow but has decent damage. They also get a amphetamine injection an item that increases attack speed for a duration. Krauser Forces get a cross bow and repair kits. The cross bow is able to wound units. Wounded units generally lose substantial amounts of health over time.

Each weapon needs ammunition an can be bought at the dealer, the weapons themselves however cannot be bought at the dealer. There are also levels for the weapons, with each higher tier granting better damage and effects.

The Good.

It’s a very fun game. Each character class is unique and can hold his own ground. Each one catering to a different playing style whether making a last stand or running around and gunning down enemies to fleshy bits. 

The Bad.

Could have used more custom models, buildings in fact could have been better looking. It could have used a better atmosphere than just a town with a snow covered forest surrounding it. 

Zombie Assault Force

Zombie Assault Force [ver1.03]

Map maker: JaakkoAA

Map Type:  Defense, Survival

Number of Players: 2-12

Replayability: 8/10

This is one of my favorite maps to play. I just cannot get enough of it. It’s challenging, engaging and loads of fun to play, by your lonesome or with friends. You are split into two teams. There are different scenarios for you to choose. One mode requires you to outlive and outlast the other team, while another one wants you to pick a place to make your last stand. They all have one thing in common. The unrelenting assault of the mutated undead horde, that wishes to see you and your team mates dead. The intro is pretty sweet.

There are nine classes for you to choose, each with a unique load out of tools and skills that will help the team survive. There are little things that make the game a bit more special. For example the mechanics, you can loot houses/buildings and vehicles as well. Each house may give you a valuable item that can help but the catch is that while you are looting a timer appears. Your character cannot move until that timer has run out. You have to rely on your team mates to fend off enemies until you can move once more. There are also items scattered around the map,

The Good

Now the game makes use of ammunition if you run out of it, well you won’t last long in this game. The Arms dealer class can make ammo for the group, although it takes quite some time and a fair bit of mana. The Observer class can be used to scout ahead for enemies, valuable items, houses to ransack and people to rescue/recruit. Field Operations get to call for help. Detachment Commander gives morale bonuses such as speed and what not. Demolitions get to blow stuff up. The Scientist class examines the bodies left by the undead mobs and gets bonuses from it. The SAS marine can function as a tank for the team. Pioneers build barricades and other useful stuff. Medics heal and mend injuries all around. When facing enemies there is a chance that you will get injured. Once you are injured penalties occur. Decrease in movement speed is one of these penalties.

The Bad

It’s hard and the zombies themselves are unique, unique in a way that if something is in their way. They will launch themselves or their buddies in the air. The first time that happened I panicked and got mauled pretty easily. This is not a game I would recommend for beginners. When night falls, things get harder.

Legion of Heroes ORPG

Legion of Heroes ORPG [ver 2.3c]

Map maker: Drunk3nPanda

Map Type: RPG

Number of Players: 4-8

Replayability: 8/10

Imagine an RPG map in warcraft 3, a very long RPG game. This is a very time consuming game. If you want easy cheap 3 hour games, go play some other map. This one will take a while.  The good thing about maps such as this is the save feature that is present in ORPG maps. Which is amazing since Im sure you can load a character save file while playing on a different computer.

The game plays like an RPG hence the title “Legion of Heroes ORPG”. At the beginning you play as a Strong Man/ Strong Woman which ever floats your boat. You must complete quests given by NPCs scattered throughout the land. Killing spiders, finding people, destroying structures are all in the days work for your character. Your character isn’t given a specific role in the beginning he/she must make his way towards the second town/city to achieve a second more useful tier. From archers, priests and an unusual class a samurai. The second tier of character classes are much more varied and makes use of custom models.

The Good

Its simple and simple has always been good. It gets straight to the point where you have to kill this to get stronger. You get this item if you find this woman. You need to get to this town to further the game. I highly suggest that once you change classes reload the game. Use the code generated for your character at the beginning of the map. The quests seem to restart but you keep most of your items, well most of it.

The Bad

It is, like all ORPG maps, long and very time consuming. But that isn’t so bad hey at least you can save your character. Another thing is I wish the map could use more custom character models. 

Defence of the Earth Hellfail

Defence of the Earth Hellfail [ver 5]

Map maker: -Captain-jaMe-

Map Type: Defence, survival

Number of Players: 8-10 Full house

Replayability: 8/10

This is by far the map with the most quirkiest game mechanic ever. You don’t get to choose your heroes the normal way with hero taverns. Where most maps showcase the heroes backstory along with his/her/its main stat attribute and role/s(Tank, Nuker, Support..etc). This makes you grasp in the dark. Choosing heroes on this game, like clicking the random button in any character selection. You don’t kow what you are going to get.

Let me explain. You have fourteen characters which are represented by a letter, yes a letter not a clickable icon but a letter(Q.r.f.g.b.n.m.c.a.i.p.s.i.ll). Its really unique and at the same thing frustrating. The characters themselves are unique since most of them are custom made or modded warcraft 3 characters. From a cool looking Snowman, a team fortress inspired flame loving Gnoll, a Gandalf rip off aptly named granny, and of course anime based female characters with big guns.

There are a whole lot of shops scattered around the 4 corners of the map. The items themselves are weird. Crabs that give a life steal effect. Chickens having attack speed boosts(aptly named KFC). This is one weird map.

The Good

I like it because it tries to defer from the norm of the usual defend and survive maps. Where you have heroes running around in circles, trying to outrun and gun enemies down. It is not like that at all. You need to find a nice spot where you can hole yourself. You should not clash with waves headon. Even a full house taking enemies on, will end with half the heroes dead. The other half are scattered all over the map. 

The Bad

Game mechanic is weird and not for first time players. You are thrown into a game where the creator doesn’t bother to tell you smack, aside from typing a code and exploring on your own. You are bound to lose a few rounds before you win against a wave.

Diablo Defense Survival

Diablo Defense Survival [ver 5.18]

Map maker: Rus|Verm

Map Type:  Hero defense

Number of Players: 1-8

Replayability: 7/10

Another defense map that is one of the hardest maps I have ever played. The game constantly throws enemy mobs at you, not giving you a seconds chance to even breathe. The variety of characters is amazing, allowing you to take the game on with any strategy you can think of off. Its really interesting having different archetypes of heroes such as sorcerers and assassins following different paths. Lightning based magic, Assasins attacking from the shadows or with a bow and arrow. It captures the appeal of the Diablo universe in its own unique way.

Teamwork is required to even progress thru the game and playing solo is a death wish. The map features items derived from the Diablo universe. Such things are the Horadric Malus, rare jewels Amethysts, etc. One thing that bothers me is I cant seem to find a courier for you. Defending on the frontlines while choosing which item to purchase aint easy. It gets harder when your character has to go back and forth, even if the game has portals that lead to the main base or an in-game command for easy teleportation for players. 

The Good

Where Do I start, the game forces you to be creative and at the same time make critical decisions that will either send you and your team mates to an early death or propel you to the next wave. The different classes of one job is a definite plus. You can choose whether you want so shoot balls of fire or send volleys of ice from the sky.

The Bad

There is not much I can say here, it is one of those few good maps that stand out from the rest. I would recommend people to play this game, even if you’re not fan of Diablo or haven’t played a game from the franchise. 

Archimondes Arena

Archimondes Arena [ver 2.0]

Map maker: Mr_Bean

Map Type: Hero Arena, Cooperative

Number of Players: 2-4

Replayability: yes

A map that has very little room for you to move about but do not let that enclosed space fool you. This map has a lot of perks than the usual plethora of kill - buy cycle prevalent in Hero arena based maps.

The heroes themselves are well made with team work in mind. Warriors, mages, thieves and archers are all available choices for you. Regardless what character you choose all it matters is that you can perform the role that you chose to play.

The game features the usual line up of shops. Equipment to boost your characters abilities, making surviving a least bit easier. Consumables that could save you from the brink of death. The thing that I like about this game is the gamble system. You could win it all and at the same time lose everything in an instant. The arena managers use is to inform the players what they will be facing in the next rounds. Along with the weather and other factors that may help or slow them down.

The Good

It is an easy map that’s fun to play with friends or solo. Not much strategy is needed to win in this game. You just don’t need to suck and you’ll be fine. Even first time players can without a doubt survive all 25 rounds. The map is still in its early stages, it could go far.

The Bad

Its short very short. The map is small not much room to breathe. The monsters themselves are not much of a threat. Provided you know what you should be doing. The boss can be outsmarted and killed with ease, again if you know what you are doing. Item themselves are just your run of the mill equipment. Not much can be said.

Resident Evil Snow

Resident Evil Snow [ver3.4]

Map maker: Sthen

Map Type: Survival

Number of Players: 6-8

Replayability: probable

The plot of the game is simple. Your vehicle (in this case a helicopter) has crashed into a snowy area, you must now survive the inescapable onslaught of the mutated and dead things. Its just a run and gun type of thing. The problem in these type of scenarios are when you don’t have room to run around any longer. The main purpose of the game is for you to survive, other important factors such as strategic turret usage and vantage points such as higher ground. Guns play an important role. They modify the damage of the player, without ammunition a gun is practically useless. The player can opt for weapons that don’t require ammo, such as the drill weapon or plasma based weaponry. You can also go for unarmed combat with your trusty combat knife but you wouldn’t last 5 seconds against an approaching mob of enemies.

The enemies range from your usual undead guy to mutated spiders and other weird things.

The Good

The thing I like about survival games against zombies is the crawl stance. Although not featured in every game, you can find it in most. I like the fact that endless amounts of mutated creatures are coming for you yet you have the time to lay on the ground, shoot at em and crawl away. Its delightful. The variety of guns is a nice touch.

The Bad

You shoot them, they go down back to the ground. You reload and shoot them again. Certain times when you have to run a bit and circle around, then shoot them again. That’s all there is too it. You can unlock some rooms and gain the valuable items inside. But actually finding the keys is another different story. You might actually end getting killed looking for a way to unlock the rooms. Rinse and repeat everyone. 

Fortress Survival Alpha

Fortress Survival Alpha [ver 5.30B]

Map maker: Mad Nevo

Map Type: Survival

Number of Players: Full House

Replayability: yes

The game is all about surviving. As waves upon waves of creatures are unleashed you must be able to hold them off until the timer reaches zero. You have 50 minutes to outlive everyone else on the map. You have to choose where you will make your last stand. Make sure the place can outfitted to become impenetrable, since you are holding off creatures that want to tear your heart out. There are several area in the map where NPCs can be found. While they cannot be converted into your units they provide additional fire power early in the game. You can claim these areas, some NPCs will ask you to defend them for a span of time. Doing so will convert them into your units in the long run.

Building Structures is how you win or survive in this game. There are a lot of buildings for you to choose. From barricades, towers, lumber mills, a command post, robot factory and regenerating wells. You should take note that it takes a while to build a structure, much more as to raising its tier. Aside from the creeps spawning left and right, Boss mobs also appear every so often. They will leave a trail of destruction behind them as they come for you.

The Good

It’s a fun game, very addicting to say the least. You need friends when playing this or not and just go solo. It wont be as easy as going with mates you can count on. I hope micro management is something you have picked up. It will come in handy.

The Bad

Its hard, limited building space and acquisition of resources takes a while. While it can be remedied with raising the buildings tier, it is not as easy as it sounds. But I guess that’s where the game shines.

Protect The House!

Protect The House! [ver 2.6]

Map maker: PainRelievers

Map Type: Castle Defense

Number of Players: 5 - 10

Replayability: yes

It is another map with another structure to defend and more zombies to dispose. I couldn’t specify how important teamwork is, just to make it through the first wave. The premise is very simple. In the very exact middle of the map is your house and you must protect it from the relentless onslaught of undead creatures.

Player roles are split into a variety of jobs. Gunner, Firebat, Medic, Sniper, Engineer and the Gunslinger comprise the games roles. There is little to no difference between character classes. Some cant shoot as fast as the other characters but deal twice the damage. While some can act as mobile altars resurrecting fallen allies as they go. They all have one thing in common and that is they can summon buildings.

The game has two shops for you to purchase items and tomes. The tomes themselves don’t seem to do much, even if they do the effect is miniscule. The buildings that you can make range from basic upgradable towers, repair bots, barricades, bunkers and defibrillator units to shock your team mates back to life.

The Good

Fun, exhilarating and makes you act on choices that will either progress you and your team mates to another level or spell demise for everyone. Build towers and barricades upgrade them quickly or use your money to upgrade your character, adding more damage and health to fend off enemies.

The Bad

It’s a pretty quick game, once you get the tactics and strategy down. The game is over. The map itself is pretty small just a few shops with items that really doesn’t do much good. The game could benefit with more shops offering services such as mercenaries, consumables, and other things.

Zombieland

Zombieland [ver 1.1]

Map maker: Nafre

Map Type: Defense

Number of Players: 4-8

Replayability: Yes

A map where you take the role of a soldier (makes use of a marine model) that must fight off hordes upon hordes of the undead menace using what little time you have let to find a way out. Its best that you team up buddies since playing this on single player is difficult although not impossible. The map revolves around two things, defending the chopper and repairing it. There are specific points in the map where I guess you can salvage materials (lumber) to help you restore the choppers health.

A merchant provides you a myriad of weapons, armors and consumable items shake things up. You can choose to have weapons that either focus on speed or have a higher damage output. Or fill all of your equipment slots with all the armor you can find, taunt the zombies and have them chase you around. Or just firebomb/chemical bomb every zombie you see.

A simple job system is in place, thus making you choose whether you stay as a marine or turn into a scientist. Scientist can have two uses, give you health or restore mana quickly. And a spot on the map where you can earn instant money for items, if you survive though.

The Good

It’s a fun map that doesn’t let you, but wants you to actually cooperate with fellow team members so you can win and survive every wave thrown at you. And with each wave they grow stronger and tougher.

The Bad

The map is too small while nothing being wrong with small maps, I just felt that this map could’ve used more freedom for the characters to explore and scrounge up some stuff. One peculiar thing I saw was the zombies that spawn at night time, the one that are supposed to attack me seems to be mowing down the zombies that spawn at the graveyard.  Very exploitable.

Lby 6.1

Lby 6.1-[ver???]

Map maker: Unavailable(war3.uuu9.com)

Map Type:  Castle Defense

Number of Players: 6

Replayability: yes

It is another map that focuses on defending a structure; this time around it’s the eye of Sargeras model on a stick. It’s the usual plethora of skill spamming utilizing team mate combos and what not. You don’t get much of a choice of characters in the game. You get what is assigned to you and just wing it. Even if you do not get a chance to choose; It is not that much of a problem the characters themselves can hold their ground.   

It features the usual shops of weapons, potions and tomes. A monster arena for quick money farming and a boss arena as well, it has custom models for bosses. And a more few things I haven’t really checked out.   

The Good

Custom models (pretty neat) Varying degrees of difficulty from defunct hp mobs to randomized character picks against mobs having HP nearly impossible to kill. Another thing that creators should be praised or and should be a standard in maps is the damage counter. You usually don’t see the actual damage a hero deals towards an enemy only critical hits are shown. This map lets you see the numbers in all its full glory with decimals and what not.

The Bad

Ive been having a string of bad luck lately. It seems that the maps that I find, well I cant see anything. Im relying on luck on what modes to choose and what characters to play with. Sometimes you win with an overpowered character but mostly you get smacked around; since you don’t know which item to buy or which skill to put in. The only thing I can seem to rely on is potions and tomes, anything else is a shot to the moon.

Jump 2.3

Jump 2.3[ver]

Map maker: Unavailaible(http://jump.uuu9.com/)

Map Type: AoS

Number of Players: 3v3, 5v5

Replayability: yes

It is another map where anime characters are mashed up in a battle field. Forced to fight each other for glory and survival. It uses custom models as all anime oriented maps do, but what sets this one from the others is that its textures are amazing. This map gets my vote for having the most beautiful texture Ive seen on a warcraft 3 model. Its so very detailed and looks natural, just like how they were in the anime/manga universe they were in.

The Good

It’s a very fast paced game, that centers around teamwork and proper coordination. Without those two key elements well, winning isn’t going to be easy.  Its very beautiful to watch and behold, at the same time it also might confuse players since the skill animation tends to get pretty bright and distracting.

The Bad

I really don’t see anything bad with this. Oh yeah I cant see some the text in the menu when selecting something. But Im sure you have luck on your side and you will probably choose the appropriate settings for you. The worst you could pick is random characters and that’s not so bad since everyone was made nicely. 

loli 2.1

Loli 2.1[ver 1.24e]

Map maker: unavailable              

Map Type:  Hero defense

Number of Players: 6

Replayability: yes

A map that, instead of burly big warriors or Amazonian women, you have guessed it little girls for playable characters. The characters themselves are taken from known media such as the Touhou franchise, Rozen maiden, Black rock shooter, Shakugan no shana and what seems to be a palette swap of prince Kael’thas (I did not know that he qualified for a loli character.)

The objective of the game is simple. You must protect your house from oncoming waves of enemies.

Through teamwork and skill spamming finishing the game is an easy task.

The Good

It’s a very fun replayable game, with teamwork a necessary element in reaching the final levels. The character models are simply adorable. The skills blend flawlessly in the background. It is your run of the mill map with custom models with custom spell effects, it is beautiful.

The Bad

Did I mention that I could not read or see any description on this map. The only thing that I could make out was the tomes that you buy for adding some extra point in your attributes (strength, agility, intelligence).  Aside from that and looking around for some hunting grounds to earn more cash, I could not figure out the item builds. Everything had the icon of an axe, with varying prices it was hard to decipher which I should buy, which I want to buy, which I need to buy, etc.

                                                                                                                                                                         

The Lost Temple

The Lost Temple [ver.: v1.4b.9]

Map maker: Search2Destroy

Map Type:  Claim and Defend.

Number of Players: 4v4

Replayability:  not so much

The Lost temple is set on an island where several heroes are put to the test to claim the lost temple for the side they are aligned with. 4 statues reside in the temple, destroying the statues releases a guardian an invisible force that will spawn once an obelisk has been claimed, determined to seek and slay the owner of said obelisk.

The Good

It’s a simple map, with simple objectives. The heroes themselves though quite few are nicely done, might need a bit of nerfing but skills are pretty and the passive skills make the game more exciting as its effects tend to make farming for money easier or roaming the map faster. The item build is easy and understandable enough buy the same equipment again until you reach the highest tier possible. Equipment with diverse effects requires you to buy a recipe book and travel to different shops scattered around the map. Boss mobs make the game less boring from the simple claim and survive type of game play. A weather system that forces players to move about the island.

The Bad

It’s in its early stages, not much here. Map is small along with some confusing recipe combinations that will take some time to grasp.

Knight Footmen-Wars Tz

Knight Footmen-Wars Tz [ver 2.8]

Map maker: Aron

Map Type: multi mode

Number of Players: 1 - 12

Replayability: yes

A map that brings back one of the early game modes that sparked the warcraft map modding community. A mode where you pick a hero that must destroy the opponents base of operations, add some racial bonuses and penalties, unit upgrades and strategies. The stage is set for some fun times. It can be fast such as run and gun or a war of attrition. Your play style will decide your fate.

The game has four modes for you to choose from Survivor mode, Classic mode, Hero Defense and Hero Arena. Each mode is the same with little differences. The map is littered with your troops fighting against the enemy. Think of yourself as a general commanding an army tasked whether to make them deal more damage, upgrade their armor, turn them into berserkers or heal faster in battle. The decision is up to you. The heroes are well enough to use, each can stand his own ground couple that with some friends and it’s a royal rumblin rockin good time.  

The Good

It’s a fun map, as all maps should be enjoyable to say the most. Some bosses are around to make things more lively. Basic item building with a point system in place to for item balance.  The norms are in place which is good for the game since beginner players can handle things quickly and efficiently during game time.

The Bad

It is not that there is something wrong with it, it is just that kill some heroes destroy the base. The premise is shallow not much lore or connection for you to feel towards your character and the game.

Bleach vs Naruto: Generations

Bleach vs Naruto: Generations[ver: 0.3]

Map maker: KIRPAIN

Map Type:  Hero Arena

Number of Players: 2v2, 3v3, 5v5

Replayability: No

The map is geared towards characters beating the crap out of each other using techniques they have developed over time, characters taken from mangas to be specific. It is nice but I cant see any description on the skills and on the items. 

The GOOD

The logic is simple as all maps of its kind are. Garner enough kills to win, to easily kill characters you need skills, skills that can be unlocked once you hit a certain level. You get experience from killing things around the arena. It’s a vicious simple cycle anyone can understand. The thing that I’d like to point out here is the characters themselves are taken from current serialized manga meaning that whatever skills or appearance they have are somewhat up to date. The skills they utilize when in the battle field tend to get, as always with these types of games, larger than life. The models look pleasing to the eye, skills as I have stated again and again are amazing, it simple and since the map is in its early stages it has a lot of promise.

The BAD

There is an anti cheat system in the game for single player, what I cannot grasp is that you don’t even have an AI system to test with. You bothered to prevent people from cheating their way in the game ins single player mind you and they cant even fight against someone. I mean who does that, its just plain annoying. Warp point are poorly positioned, they look nice as a giant orb of what seem to be the universe but they are poorly placed. Some skills just make you wonder what is going on, your POV changes and there some flashing lights and that’s it no damage, no status effects. Just a plain light show that actually puts you in harms way rather than a saving grace.. The game has a good concept that it wants to show, it fails to do so. Overpowered characters are a staple and underpowered characters make it a lot more fun. Its in its early stages don’t expect much.

Jurassic Park Survival Enhanced Edition

Jurassic Park Survival EE [ver. 7.2b]

Map maker: SaMmM

Map Type: Survival

Number of Players: 2-7(Coop)

Replayability: yes

Do you like dinosaurs, do you like warcraft ever imagined them together. Yes this map is about the well loved Jurassic park series. In this scenario you must survive, you must fend for yourself against dinosaurs of different kinds big and small especially the ones that are hungry.

A challenging map that requires you to think quick and play things smart since each second that goes by, the window of safety grows smaller and you do not want to be caught dead in these woods. You and your comrades have roles to play each one needed for success. Either a biologist, physicist, mechanic or a poacher. Each one designed for specific purposes since one cannot achieve the other. The area is split into different terrains with specific pros and cons. One terrain may offer quicker building production but pose a larger threat since bigger and tougher dinosaurs thrive in those areas. While a certain place spawn fruits for you and your friends to eat and make you stronger, much like ambrosia, but finding one is riskier the longer you stay to look for them.

Now the job that your character chooses allows him to specific perks, vehicles and/or items that will help repel or tame the dinosaurs out in the park. You are not limited to choosing more than one affiliation however resources tend to restrict you from doing so. Mechanics allows you to produce vehicles for scouting the lands for supplies. Vehicles are very important later on in the game when everything goes full blown apocalypse. Think of the mechanic as the job for mobility and swiftness. Poachers have accessed to weapons, specialized in taking down anything that moves and gets more gold than any survivor for killing. Pistols, machine guns, grenades are the tools of the trade of your Jurassic poacher eventually he will resort to traps using land mines and C4 explosives. Biologist relies on the science of genetic manipulation and dinosaur relations. Taming dinosaurs and using them as a cheap workforce, various mutations, health augmentations, damage modifiers make up for what the Biologist lack in fire arms and vehicles. The physicist rounds up the whole gang, has access to all turrets in the game, needed for an impenetrable base.  There are hints scattered around the map in the form of notes, tips include how to catch dinosaurs, cheap fuel alternative and the like.  

It’s a pretty good map although I find the pterodactyl model wrong, pretty sure pterodactyls did not have goatees.  

Pain vs. Zombie

Pain vs. Zombie [ver. 2]

Map maker:

Map Type: Survival

Number of Players:  1-10(Coop)

Replayability: yes

Zombie survival maps have always been a favorite of mine to test fending off waves upon waves of undead, usually with a boss, hungry and wanting to eat your brain. These types of maps ranges from scour the city for supplies protect your HQ from the zombies, or just plain run and gun in an arena. Now this map is odd, since it makes use of anime characters (villains in fact) instead of the usual stock marine or soldier. A peculiar matchup of two contradicting worlds sounds delightfully interesting.

The map starts with you choosing from nine different characters. Each with skills suited to its title if you do not know whom to pick I’d suggest that you read the manga from which the characters are taken from since their skills range from summoning animals, unleashing flames into the battlefield and other craziness that changes the game. After you have chosen a character you get to pick a sword for your character, each sword has a unique skill bestowed upon it. Depending on which sword it can range from entangling the enemy, shooting bolts of lightning or scattering red lasers for immolation damage.

Game play is very fun and perky at times.  The zombies seem to attack in droves encircling your character the best advice would be to run and occasionally spam offensive skills. With each round the zombies grow stronger the mobs appearance don’t seem to change but they get tougher and harder to hit each time. Killing an enemy sometimes doesn’t work since they comeback a second time kind of redundant an undead becoming an undead. A quirk that may either save you or kill you is the high jump ability.  Its random and only occurs when your character is moving it could save you by avoiding a group of enemies or back fire by landing you in a group of enemies.

Some Bosses have traits that require strategies mainly they have ridiculous amounts of armor and they come in three along with normal zombies each round provides. Later in the game zombies develop ranged attacks, wind walk capable. And prepare to get swamped when they start summoning more of them. Eventually after killing everything that the game can throw at you, you will reach a boss who is tougher than anything else that you have faced.

V.....(??)

V…..[ver]

Map maker:

Map Type: Clear the dungeon

Number of Players: 5

Replayability:  yes

Every once in a while you find a map, that has no description on what it is about nor its creator, no goal set out for you to accomplish, not even a single skill description. People on this circumstance just try and play the game choosing a hero by randomly guessing what its role just by looking at it, you may get lucky and get a well rounded hero or you may get screwed over and get a hero that cannot do anything on the  battlefield.  It’s a very fun game albeit I cannot understand what is going on and there doesn’t seem to be any story.

I mean this map can  be a wonderful thing in itself, but I cant go willy nilly and rely on lady luck to save me every time we encounter mobs, especially boss mobs. But I digress this is a fun map to play just you and maybe a couple of your friends dungeon crawling, fighting monsters of every kind from scaly fishmen to the wretched undead. You will be overwhelmed at first thankfully your skills make your adventure easier every inch of the way. Venturing into the unknown armed with just your instincts and thirst for anything fun can go a long way in this map.

Deadly Hate

Deadly Hate [ver]

Map maker: DarkFang

Map Type: Skirmish

Number of Players: 2v2 4v4 5v5 (AI)

Replayability: yes

A breath of fresh air from the usual warcraft skirmish map since this map adds new races and generally modded several aspects of the game(food count, recipe system, etc.) along with tweaking the original races available.  

Beautiful terrain laden with unusual mobs, a market place in the middle where you can buy oddities that will make your gaming experience much more pleasant(buildings, troops, fertilizer). Strength in numbers and micro management are needed to survive carefully choosing your squads so that they complement each other and maximize their capability might just make your base live long enough for you to achieve and unlock higher ranking units. A good tactic to use in the game later on is a “war of attrition” try to claim as many gold mines as you can since the food cap is increases as the game progresses and building a diversified army will not be a problem.  Build towers a whole lot of em, especially of your base is located near a gateway.

Learn to create units fast enough to scour the map and harass the enemy a bit to strain their progress. Mobs drop certain items that can be stacked up to give bonus stats or sell it for gold you could always use a few gold pieces here and there. Relics are items that allow hero characters to cast certain abilities and traits which is an amazing feat, the penalty however for using such grand items is that you are unbelievably slow