Layout - Score 8

The layout of cliff2 is great. There is access to multiple levels throughout the entire map. The lack of viable object to take cover from is lacking. The are so many different lines-of-sight, you do not know where that next bullet is going to strike from. This maps has a few interesting concept. There is a cable car which moves back and forth through the canyon. The map also has a unique feature when you decide to take a swim in the water, a waterfall. Very well done. Overall, the map plays very well The cable houses are the few places which provide adequate cover when seeking shelter to bandage or regroup. Even inside, you are not truly safe as there is access in from the roof of the cable house.

Textures & Sky - Score 8

The background is very simple and adds to the enjoyment of the map. It is a basic blue sky thinly scattered clouds, with a desert/mountain setting finished in different tones of brown. The textures on the map itself are a combination of browns to simulate dirt and rock. The cable houses and car are set in grays. When in the waterfall, your vision is a bit blurry, due to the effect of water flowing down the falls. Nice touch!

Prefabs - Score 6

The cable car is unique and was a great addition to this map. Although it seems a bit under used because it does not provide much in the way of protection when riding it.

Sounds - Score 3

There are no sounds in cliff2, but there should have been. Mechanical sounds from the cable car and the sound of falling water would have been a nice addition. This would have definitely added to the ambience of the overall map.

Lighting - Score 8

There are simulated shadows used through the entire canyon. This helps to set a "high noon" type of atmosphere. There were even shadows added to the floor of the canyon from the cable houses and cable car.

Playability - Score 7

All the files unzip into the proper directories. Cliff2 is a good example of keeping r_speeds to a minimum. Overall, the map runs between 300-500. There are no areas, even when on the extreme ends of the map speeds were very stable at 500-600.

Teamplay - Score 8

This is an excellent teamplay map. At the start of a new round most teams take off running for control of the high ground, which dominates the map. Hold this ground and you will control the overall flow of the map. Getting there is the simple part. Once to the summit, you are usually met by the opposition and a blaze of bullets. This seems to be a major kill zone. If you happen to get stuck on the floor of the canyon, it becomes very difficult to make your way to the high portion of the map. The floor also provides very little in the way of protection. If you happen to make your way to the waterfall, you must keep a constant eye on your six, as someone may attempt a kill from behind. Players usually us the machinegun and MP4 to spread a barrage of bullets over a large area. Snipers, although lacking a true sniping area, become very dangerous as they can kill from a very far distant, as the line-of-sight is usually unobstructed, such as above the cable houses.

DM - Score

N/A

Originality - Score 8

Now here is a very original idea, based on a canyon setting with a cable car, which operates over the canyon. One of most well designed outside maps to date. Nothing I have played compares to cliff and cliff2. The looks are a bit deceiving, but this is a very big map. But unlike the big city maps, you can usually see the opposition somewhere in the canyon, which means they can see you and there is a chance to take a bullet.

General Feel - Score 7

Although cliff2 is not a favorite of mine, it is a great looking map. The flow of the game is very quick paced, as a majority of the killing seems to happen after the word "Action" is said. You do get the feeling of being in a canyon, as any wrong step will make you fall to your death. Unlike the original map, the water will provide a safe landing in a few areas. If you enjoy the teamplay, check this map out and grab it.

Final Rating - Score 7 (63/9)