Reviewed by Zhuge Tzarn Xing and Blitzkrieg Darkreign
Review posted 8/2/99
This is a 1H 2C, Hard map with allied computers opponents and no special
victory or loss conditions. I played the "expert" version of this first
installment of the Legacy of Qun-Jin series on Impossible and finished on
day 14 (M1 W2 D7) on my first try (no reloads) and without any foreknowledge
of the map.
This is a well thought out map requiring aggressive strategies to achieve
good results.
Map Design (23/30)
The design is simple yet effective in underlining the required strategy.
Many options in this map have been customized, indicating that the map
author has a clear mind as to the appropriate paths and options that the
player has. A lack of artifacts and wandering creatures might be said to
decrease playability value but will be evident on play that doing so better
emphasizes the strategic flavor of the map and cuts down on unwanted
randomness. Teleporters and creature dwellings have been well placed to
prevent an instant onslaught on the enemy's part while still giving them the
force and a potential route to do so. The Observation Tower and Hut of the
Magi offers essential knowledge of the enemy at a very early stage to
promote the required aggressive gameplay. There is much scope for
development but scarcely the time to do so at the highest difficulty levels.
The upper level is fully utilized and although the underground level is
sparse, it is in conjunction with the storyline. Only the spells in the
original castle are customized but it is rather strange that mobility spells
are not blacked out. However, this is of less importance considering this a
medium-sized map with roads, which focuses primarily on rapid conquest.
Perhaps only the neutral castle does not offer an appropriate risk-reward
ratio and is merely meant as a diversion.
Balance (24/30)
The map difficulty probably lies somewhere between Hard and Normal and the
map author has rightfully categorized it as Hard. At lower playing
difficulties, some development and patient troop building may be possible
but at higher difficulty levels the best approach is undoubtedly early
aggression and rapid expansion. Numerical advantage is with the enemy and an
appropriately set computer AI boosts this advantage. A more aggressive
stance for enemy forces might be argued for but the map as it stands remains
a good challenge to the average player. All things taken into account, this
is a nicely calculated map.
Atmosphere (13/15)
A well told prologue sets the mood for this map and convincingly drafted
events serve to further enhance the ambience of the map and liven up the
story. Graphics are pleasing to the eye and fit the framework of the story
seamlessly. Many details are well thought of, for example, elf cities lie in
ruins translates to undeveloped towns on the map.
Grammar, Spelling & Map verification (7/7)
No errors here throughout the many timed events. Good work.
Creativeness (5/8)
Not really new ground for veteran players as the concept of fast development
and swift conquest has been explored before in other maps. However this
remains a concise and well designed effort in showing balance and the
importance of rapid expansion in a straightforward, no-nonsense manner.
Fun Factor (7/10)
This is a good "training" map for novices and average players to hone their
attacking skills and cultivate use of proper tactics. Perhaps a little tough
for beginners but it should still be playable ultimately. However, veteran
players who should play the "expert" version may still find the map rather
lacking in challenge. Personally, it was a nice playing experience on a
well-designed and meticulously customized map. If you are looking for a
straightforward map conquest challenge and an intriguing story, as the map
author has promised, look no further, here lies your map of choice.
Total 79/100