Map name: Urban3
Map author: Gerbil!
Map filename: urban3.zip
Reviewed by: [SG]Llama2000, Wedge, Sniper Wolf,
SiN, The Rookie, Zynchromesh, LSD, Spectere, DNU_HaPpYKiLL, non_social, sockit, Scinet .L., [NB]cornholio, V/ildcat[STAT]
Review
Architecture Rating: 10/10
Architecture Comments:
This is another awesome map in the Urban series. Even though the three of them all have huge similiarities, each has characteristics that make them unique. In Urban3, many people would look at it for the first time and think "this map is catered to campers." Yeah, that's only if you're a rusher with his thumb up his ass. I was playing this map against a team of two SGG toters, and I wasted them plenty with my MP5. You just have to keep moving, and the prensense of ladders and jumpable allies between buildings makes that possible.
Looks Rating: 7/10
Looks Comments:
I really liked that for once in a level it's based in day light, not some dreary nightime or twilight haze. It gave the level a refreshing feeling. It really does have the feeling of a city. The only reason I gave it a 7 is that I would like to see some more city addtions, like parked cars and a few stores you can duck into. Right now it's a very functional level, but if you have the oppurtunity to look around during the game... you'll notice it's very bear.
Gameplay Rating: 10/10
Gameplay Comments:
Campers and Rushers (well, myself) seem to like this level. It isn't cramped (I think it may be the biggest map I've played) and it has many rooftop cover points (vents, lots of vertical change). Also, unlike ActCity, there isn't any point where the escape from a high point isn't obvious, which is good in team play so you don't plummet to your death. Lots of fun to play.
Ambiance Rating: 3/10
Ambiance Comments:
This is deffinetly where this level lacks. It has no ambiance. Not a single sound or anything. Like I said, it's a super functional map... but other than that, it's rather uninteresting to fumble around by yourself (but who ever does? these maps are at their peak when you realize a good way to waste people)
Other Comments:
Even though some of my ratings were low, this is a great map. A pioneer for other HUGE maps.
Conclusion:
Ooops, kind of said it up there. Good map... pioneer.
Overall Rating: 8
Reviewed By: V/ildcat[STAT]
Review
Architecture Rating: 7/10
Architecture Comments:
Mostly rooftops with a couple of hard to get to dark rooms. A couple ladders here and there. In teamplay you can often see the other team right off the bat. Plenty of windows to look out of and snipe. Not many tight places at all.
Looks Rating: 3/10
Looks Comments:
This map is way too bright. There are a couple dark spots which makes IRVISION not a total waste. The same textures are found in the other urban maps and more than suffice. Solid but unspectacular. Very tall buildings.
Gameplay Rating: 8/10
Gameplay Comments:
Urban3 is a map that makes snipers drool. If you snipe you will have a blast. Don't be surprised if everyone on one or both teams switches to sniper rifles on this map. That is the perfect time to don some slippers and a handcannon and go blasting away. If you can maneuver through the ground level and get on the top it becomes easy to sneak up on anyone who isn't paying attention. One complaint though is that not all rooftops are accessible from two different directions.
Ambiance Rating: 2/10
Ambiance Comments:
Bright. Not much else to say.
Other Comments:
Conclusion:
Urban 3 is excellent for the sniping experience and is my favorite of all the urbans. Grenade freaks won't have much success on this one. If you are stealthy you will love this map as well.
Overall Rating: 6
Reviewed By: [NB]cornholio
Review
Architecture Rating: 7/10
Architecture Comments:
Urban is back! This time in full daylight. The buildings remind me of the previous maps in
the Urban series, which is a nice thing since their desing is simplistic, but works
very well nonetheless. The layout is basically three main rooftops (with spawn points), the connecting
roofs, and the street beneath them. Only one thing hinders the layout, robbing it of a nice 8 or 9.
This is the fact that the rooftops are only reachable by two sets of ladders, and if a skilled and
controlled enough team spawns on top of the highest spawn point, it can easily control
the other team's upward access and pick them off one by one when they try to come up.
Looks Rating: 5/10
Looks Comments:
The textures are rather fine and do not irritate the eye, but they are getting a bit old, aren't they?
I mean, Gerbil! has recycled these same textures in every Urban series map and, frankly, I've
had enough of them. _If_ Urban4 is being planned, please switch the textures.
Also, the sky is way too bright.
Gameplay Rating: 8/10
Gameplay Comments:
Joy! I've found use for every weapon in the list on this map. Spray-toys are self-explanatory, and
everybody knows snipers are abundant on the rooftops of all urbans. What surprises me the most
is that even though this is a daylight map, stealth slippers and a M90 or a Hand Cannon can cause
a lot of damage. It seems that rooftop snipers tend to think that nobody can come behind them.
They do, however, learn after a few rounds of HC-aided flights...
All in all, excluding the occasional camper, this map is a delight.
Ambiance Rating: 5/10
Ambiance Comments:
No sounds, no catchy details, no nothing. To me it seems that Urbans have always
relied on the Fun Factor to patch up what they lack in the extras department,
and it works. While playing the Urban series maps I have never missed any sounds
or lighting effects; the fun replaces them well enough.
Other Comments:
Change the sky, give us a third ladder leading up and remove the spawn point from the "box" on
the plateau and TA-DA(!), a perfect map. Oh, and a good ping helps a lot in this map...
Conclusion:
Good work Gerbil!! A fine addition to the Urban series.
(If you hate the previous Urbans, you will hate this too, I'm sure)
Overall Rating: 8
Reviewed By: Scinet .L.
REVIEW
Architecture & Layout score 8/10
Commentary:
This is the third version of urban and it still feels and plays like a fresh
map. If you have played the previous versions, you will notice the same basic
street layout, resembling a 'U'. The placement of some building and objects,
such as ladders and fences which stay consistent through each 'new and improved'
version. For example, the wooden fence and the A framed roof at the end of the
street. There is much more roof access then before, so be ready to climb many
ladders and jump onto many ledges. The flow of the games does stay consistent,
like most maps of this kind it can be challenging to achieve that final kill.
For obvious reasons, this is a sniper paradise. Many high roofs and areas of
cover when drawing fire. The MP4 and machinegun are also choice weapons when
it comes to weapon selection.
How It Looks score 6/10
Commentary:
Don't those same old building textures get old? Why yes they do, especially
on this map. Your basic red brick and white/gray concrete make up 90% of the
buildings. The only exception, a non-accessible, white pane building, tallest
on the map. Gerbil!, we need some more variety in your textures for your upcoming
maps. The sky, when viewed from ground level is clean. Another rendition of
blue skies with white, wispy clouds. Yawn. There does seem to be a problem when
viewing buildings from across the entire map. The build become intermittent,
as pieces disappear. Possibly the map is too big? I don't know, I don't map.
I does seem to be only in a few areas, on a few buildings.
Gameplay (fun factor) score 9/10
Commentary:
I am not sure what it is about his maps, but I enjoy teamplay on the urban series.
As we know the city theme is old and reused, but it makes for good, solid game
of team Action. Another in which snipers thoroughly enjoy. The map is extremely
large and makes it difficult for a player to see the far reaches of the other
side, giving the advantage to the sniper. There is a spot where a team spawns
in a small room on the roof (pictured above). This has caused members to become
stuck and easy targets for the other team. Also if you do not get off this roof,
chances are you will be killed by a snipers bullet. Why? Because the other team
spawn on building directly across from this spot making it difficult to descend
off the roof if caught up there. Teamplay flows well on urban3
Ambiance score 5/10
Commentary:
Not much, since it is daytime. Although in the building pictured below, there
is nice shadow cast by the light shinning down through the hole in the roof.
But that is the extent of lighting effects.
Other:
What can you say? This is the third urban map in the series? The concept is
old, but the map plays well, I guess there is where it makes up for being so
unoriginal. Do these city maps ever get old? Yes they do, if they are done incorrectly
(blood). This map, in my opinion is done right to give you a "new" feeling to
an old theme.
Conclusion:
If you enjoyed playing the other two maps in the trilogy, then take the time
to download this one. There is nothing new he has added. You will get the same
feeling you had on the previous maps. Some of the buildings have been reworked,
as have the ladders. I guess I have something for city maps, I like playing
here, even though some of the scores do not reflect the playability of the map.
Take it or leave it, nothing special about the new urban3
Overall score: 7/10
- Reviewed by [email protected]
REVIEW
Architecture & Layout score 4/10
Commentary:
I give the layout a four which is giving it more than it deserves. Far more.
I found the lack of mobility of this map insane, for someone to get to some
snipers is such a bitch i never bothered and just let them kill me. There were
so many pointless buildings and places that beautiful gunfights just don't seem
to matter in the surrealistic enviroment. I did like the row of windows (?)
probably the only nice touch to the layout.
How It Looks score = 3/10
Commentary:
The damn lighting makes me want to cry. No new textures as far as I see. The
lighting would be nice if he had some darker places to contrast instead of just
one or two buildings. Most of my problems came from washout of whoever i was
trying to kill.
Gameplay (fun factor) score 6/10
Commentary:
I like the ability to sneak up on some people on this map. My favorite frags
came from blasting some poor shmuck through a window he was sniping from. Groundside
the action is your usual bloodshed, with most of the frags relying on skill.
Didn't like the lack of cover.
Ambiance score 3/10
Commentary:
The whole map was an eyesore for me. I didn't catch a particular theme or mood
i could get, only that i wanted this match over so we can go to something better.
Conclusion:
I am a fan of the first urban maps like any good little AQ2 player is. But this
was a poor excuse for a urban map. i'd suggest redoing this map with better
lighting and taking your time building it.
Overall score: 3/10
- Reviewed by non_social
REVIEW
Architecture & Layout score 4/10
Commentary:
The problem i had with this map is i was playing it on a LAN with 2 friends
for the first time, and i found myself getting shot about 2 seconds after respawning,
not by my friends camping but because the map is so open, you can pop someone
from across the map. The buildings are boring, and if you start on a rooftop,
you generally have to plan your descent carefully to avoid cratering or ending
up crippled.
How It Looks score 3/10
Commentary:
Aiii that sky! For those of us who prefer the standard crosshair, you cant see
your sight against the sky if your aiming up at someone on a rooftop. I found
myself typing "sky drksky" within 2 minutes of starting the match. Also the
building in the center of the map looks as if someone dumped a huge bucket of
whitewash on it.
Gameplay (fun factor) score 7/10
Commentary:
This map was a generally fun play on the LAN, the hard part is if you spot someone
up on a rooftop, and they run back from the edge and you miss, chances are youre
not going to be able to climb up to the roofs very quickly to nab them. Also
the opposite is true, if you want to get down from a rooftop, its generally
"fall off and see if you splatter". The map also seems to be catered to the
rooftop lovers, because i rarely saw anyone running at ground level.
Ambiance score 2/10
Commentary:
Well, i gotta give credit, it does look like its daylight out, the lighting
on this map is so generally bright that theres no dramatic shadows. perhaps
Gerbil would be better off with a copy of arghrad using the _sun_light feature
it offers. The map would have looked much more realistic if some of the buildings
cast long shadows across the streets, ala Urban2.
Other:
Also, its pretty much un-avoidable in a large open map like a city level, but
the vis blocking on this map is horrible. Half the time as you rotate your view,
you see the building dissapear, revealing anyone hiding inside them.
Conclusion:
The map is a fairly good play, and its rather large for more populated games,
but the mood and ambience is lacking. Imagine how much better this map would
feel if you heard wind whistling by as you stoon on the edge of a building,
or if there were shadows to bandage in.
Overall score: 5/10
- Reviewed by DNU_HaPpYKiLL
REVIEW
Architecture & Layout score 8/10
Commentary:
This map is sweet for sniping! I can't get enough of that. Or hunting snipers
with my trusty ol' handcannon. Hehehe.
How It Looks score 7/10
Commentary:
Though a bit on the bright side, this map had a pretty good feel to it. It doesn't
lag too bad, and it's fairly open, and there's plenty of rooftops and cover
for snipers to be happy.
Gameplay (fun factor) score 9/10
Commentary:
While not being as fun as Urban1, this map does have a very fun part of it.
It involves stealth slippers and a sawed off 12 gauge. Hehehe.
Ambiance score 8/10
Commentary:
Like I said, kinda bright, but it looks great if you want a basic cityscape
that isn't the size of blockwar.
Other:
This map has rather nice spawn points and a reasonable ammo supply for deathmatch.
Conclusion:
I, personally, think that servers should play this map more often. Even me,
a HPB sniper, can snipe rather easily on this map. Also, for the experienced
cannoner can have a LOT of fun on this map >:) This map, however, cannot replace
the original, fun-filled, original Urban map. But it's a great get-away!
Overall score: 8/10
- Reviewed by Spectere
REVIEW
Architecture & Layout score 5/10
Commentary:
This is good in theory, that is, the idea of making the buildings varied and
having numerous access points to most of them, however it is a little confusing.
I think he got carried away, and departed too far from the simple elegance and
polished look of the original urban map.
How It Looks score 2/10
Commentary:
The textures are not so hot. Especially, I was dissapointed to see the return
of that white texture, the one on the building you can't go into in the middle.
This building looks like a big tiled monument or something. he would have done
better to steal a texture, than use this one. "Duke Nukem" had better building
textures than that! I gave it a couple of points for the nice sky though.
Gameplay (fun factor) score 4/10
Commentary:
Obviously, he bent to the desires of all the weak-ass sniper haters. Now I am
not a sniper, Action means action to me (i.e. moving around) but making it impossible
to snipe (as he has done here) is just not a good idea. For all the camper haters
out there: SNIPERS ARE GOOD. THEY KEEP YA ON YOUR TOES. IF YOU CANT'T TAKE THEM
OUT, YOU NEED TO PRACTICE MORE! I think one of the most intense experiences
I've ever had, is stalking a sniper with my assault shotgun... there is no safe
sniper spot in this level. This is a shame, that he gave in to all the weaklings
who cant stand it when they get killed for walking around in the open.
Ambiance score 1/10
Commentary:
The lights are a change, but they dont fly. In a level this open, the flat bright
lighting is boring, and removes what little cover is left in this maze of windows
and ladders.
Other:
R_SPEEDS!!!!!!!! AAAAAAAAA!!!!! This is just plain poor design skills. I personally
have dual voodoo 2's but i hate when my friends have to leave the server, because
they can't handle the NUMEROUS areas where the R_SPEEDS are around 900, even
1000!! The original urban was much better in this respect. The average poly
count here has to be over 700!! This is what made me dislike this map the most.
Conclusion:
The original urban was better. It ran faster, was cleaner, simpler, had good
sniping spots, but had good spots to snipe on the snipers, and make banzai charges.
Urban 3: he must have forgot to check it in software mode. And he must have
had his brightness on his monitor all the way down, so he didnt realize how
flast the lights are.
Overall score: 3/10
- Reviewed by LSD
REVIEW
Architecture & Layout score 6/10
Commentary:
Architecture is ok, although nothing great here. Gerbil didn't use any fancy details,
which is ok if the map had other benefits to offer - which it doesn't. It features
a big city, although nothing like the map called city.bsp. It seems like there
is no system on where things are, and it is difficult to move around.
How It Looks score 2/10
Commentary:
This is one of the ugliest maps I've ever seen, especially when my expectations
where mile high after Urban and Urban2. Urban is still my favourite map, due
to it's artistic combinations and fantastic architecture.
Gameplay (fun factor) score 4/10
Commentary:
I'm sure you could have fun on this one, although teamplay only. Before all
of you who is so lucky to own a server put this one on your map list just because
of it's reputation, forget it. Stick with U/U2 instead.
Ambiance score -
Other:
Conclusion:
Terrible sequal to Urban and Urban2, far too bright. Gerbil will have to work
hard to make a good Urban4.
Overall score: 3/10
- Reviewed by Zynchromesh
REVIEW
Architecture & Layout score 8/10
Commentary:
Rookie here telling you HOW IT IS =) The layout is great on this map, with all
styles of play truly being represented here. Once again I know Urban 3 will be
touted as "Sniper Heaven" but it's just as easy to use the handcannon or knives
(in fact with all those snipers, you just might want to.) There's just enough
cover and the building are well placed.
How It Looks score 6/10
Commentary:
The textures are rehashes of the old urban maps. Not bad but considering this
is the third time i've seen them in a map I am getting quite bored of them.
other then that quibble the map looks great. The city atmosphere isn't flashy,
it seems more like a real city.
Gameplay (fun factor) score 9/10
Commentary:
This map is fun both teamplay and deathmatch. There are tons of hiding places,
cramped rooms, open areas to appease all styles of play. There's lots of freedom
of movement and plenty of escape routes just in case.
Ambiance score 5/10
Commentary:
The look of the map gives it a very nice urban feel but it would've been nice
to see some billboards, actuall offices etc. Oh well.
Other:
Conclusion:
An good all arounf map, Urban3 will become another classic.
Overall score: 7/10
- Reviewed by The Rookie
REVIEW
Architecture & Layout score 7/10
Commentary:
I have been playing Action Quake for 3 months now, and I ONLY play urban maps.
The other maps are good but they can't beat Urban1 and Urban2. I have been waiting
for Urban3 for a while now, and its not as good as the other two. Their are many
action zones (where all the action happens) and playing 4 on 4 teamplay isn't
as fun. Its too big but the sniper spots a the best I've seen.
How It Looks score 4/10
Commentary:
One word: DULL. Its a normal city with a few buildings. Their are hardly any
dark spots for snipers. Compared to the other 2 maps, its worst of the three.
Another problem is the light, its too bright. You can spot a player from across
the map (very bad for Snipers)
Gameplay (fun factor) score 7/10
Commentary:
All of the Urban maps are mostly for Teamplay (what i think). And Urban3 is
better with teamplay then Deathmatch. Its fun in some sections and sleepy in
others. This map is for snipers, there are MANY sniper areas. This map is fun
but don't get to exicted
Ambiance score 2/10
Commentary:
DULL, there have been over 8 city maps and this isn't any different. Their is
a city with a few buildings and some signs and airing vents. No big change from
other Action Quake 2 city maps.
Other:
Urban1 was the best from the trilogy and i will keep playing that map forever
(untill they come out with a better one)
Conclusion:
Urban3 is a overall good map but don't go phsyco over this map.
Overall score: 6/10
- Reviewed by SiN
REVIEW
Architecture & Layout score = 6/10
Commentary:
Firstly, I my self am a great fan of the
original Urban map. Dont ask why, but I find that map hugely enjoyable.
It suffered a bit for a lack of routes but despite this drawback it was
attractive, reasonably fast (quite a feat considering I play on a p100) and
a good laugh. Now we have urban3... Layout wise, not a huge amount has
changed from 2. The most noticeable change is the loss of the rooms in the
middle which have been replaced with rooms round the outside. Hardly a
great step forward.
How It Looks score = 3/10
Commentary:
At first glance it looks like little more than
a fullbright remix of the nicely lit urban2, but start looking a little
closer and it gets much worse. Firstly, and quite importantly, it appears
that Gerbil! doesnt seem to realise that some ppl are still lumbered with
software mode, I literally ran around the map for 5 minutes in soft and had
to look away from the screen at the end of it. Any mapper who remembers
the lurching feeling as they ran around there first little unlight/vised
creation will remember this gut feeling and fear it :) Fortunately its not
so bad astheticly in GL but still it would be nice to see those weapon
flashes to get a hint as to who is mowing you down. Texture wise its
pretty much the same set as 2. Comon Gerbil!, urban1/2 both prove that you
can do better than this.
Gameplay (fun factor) score = 6/10
Commentary:
Again this is another area in which I feel the
map is a step back, Urban 2 balanced sniping by punishing ppl who hid in
the brightly lit buildings while providing shadows for those more willing
to dig deep into the fray, this aside the map is still quite an enjoyable
one with plenty of opportunities for quick headshots before someone gets a
bead on you. Ammo wise the maps perhaps a little light for my tastes, I
prefer resonable stocks of pistol ammo (which urban1 provides in abundance)
with much less ammo for the automatic weapons, in more open plan levels
this seems to be a VERY worthwhile trade off as it stops the lasersight/mp5
nutter from simply running round the map cleaning up freshly spawned
players.
Ambiance score = 1/10
Commentary:
Er ambience? Sorry mate youve got the wrong
map here. Seems Gerbil! forgot to include atmosphere this time round :/
Other:
The above pretty much sums it up
Conclusion:
If anything after the classic Urban and good
urban2 maps, urban3 is a bit of a disapointment. Many ppl have said this
before but ill say it again, as far as im concerned this map is simply an
attempt to milk of the success of the other 2. If your running out of
ideas Gerbil! then move on!
Overall score: = 4/10
- Reviewed by = [SG]Llama2000
REVIEW
Architecture & Layout score = 8/10
Commentary:
Much better layout than its parent maps. I
like that there are many ways to get from one end of the map to the other.
Great for sneaking up on a sniper and introducing him to your shotgun. =)
There is a lot of open area, so machinguns still have an edge, but less so
than urban2 for instance.
How It Looks score = 4/10
Commentary:
I know i'm being a little harsh here but I
believe it's justified. I think most people will agree that the map is too
bright. Stealth is difficult because of it. In addition, the textures,
being the same ones from urban and urban2 are getting a bit on the old
side. It really looks like Urban with a different bright sky and the
buildings moved around.
Gameplay (fun factor) score = 8/10
Commentary:
It is a good time though. There is a place for
all the weapons, even though the open areas give range weapons an edge,
there is plenty of places to take cover and to flank your enemies.
Ambiance score = 6/10
Commentary:
It's a city... Not much to say about this. It
feels like urban. The map looks more cartoonish than other city maps due to
the lack of details around. (signs, things on the streets, etc.)
Other:
There are a few areas where players can get stuck on
ladders, ledges etc. Some clip brushes would have been nice in a few areas,
but not enough to really draw from the map's quality.
Conclusion:
Overall I wasn't super impressed. The map is by
no means of poor quality, but it suffers from sequel syndrome (Really, was
Rocky III all that great?) =). It looks like Urban rehashed, but on the
plus side, The playability is much better than other city maps (with the
exception of city by Ruskprick)
Overall score: = 6/10
- Reviewed by = Wedge
REVIEW
Architecture & Layout score = 9/10
Commentary:
The layout of the map couldn't be anymore
balanced. There are sniper nests, for snipers, and plenty of running/cover
room for assaulters. This map looks like it would be hard to camp in,
seeing how there is more then 1 enterance to anywhere in the map. CAMPERS
BEWARE!
The buildings look great, ammo is perfectly placed as well.
How It Looks score = 10/10
Commentary:
I've never seen a map so beutiful. This map is
the supremecy of all maps. I loved urban, and urban two was great too, but
my god. I loaded up Urban3 and my jaw hit the floor. This level has it all
folks. Details are extravagant. There are ledges on buildings, great
lighting for teamplay, and an overall 10.
Gameplay (fun factor) score = 10/10
Commentary:
The fun of the level alone ranks it a 10 in my
book. I don't recommend it for deathmatch (unless there is more then 5
people in the game) only for the fact that it is HUGE. But wow, what a
teamplay level this will make. It will force teams to ditch the old
Guerrilla warfare tactics, and draw a new gameplan, a strategic one. And
because this should prove to be a NO CAMPER zone, it will probably be the
best map so far.
Ambiance score = 10/10
Commentary:
I'm at a loss for words... WOW. The
setting/mood of this level is just breathtaking. Even without a voodoo
card, this level looks great. The mood seems to be mid-day in the obvious
city setting. But its litterally as big as a city, bringing out more
snipers, but also making it fun for sniperkillers as well.
Other:
Aside from the.. well.. I have no complaints on this
side. This is the best urban level yet to come.. KEEP 'EM COMING GERBIL!.
Conclusion:
Well, great job Gerbil!, I mean what a map.
My overall score is 10/10 and i just want to find a server that will play
urban1-3all the time. I hope you people appreciate this level as much as i
do.
HOO YAH GERBIL!
(Navy Seal slang for KICK ASS)
Overall score: = 10/10
- Reviewed by = Sniper Wolf