Date: 12-09-99 Teams: 2 File: cellblock_a.zip Players: 10+ Game: TFC Size: Medium Briefing: Don't drop the soap!

Cellblock A

The Yard.

The Computer.

Lock-up!

Author: Hickey | Reviewer: Borg

Objective:

Guards: supply the engineer with the box in the storage room (in basement). This will allow him to fix the computers and unlock the control room. Once it's unlocked, press the button to lock-down the inmates (respawn).

Scoring:

Guards: 10 points for every lock-down completed (pressing button). You MUST have an engineer in order to score.

Inmates: 2 points for every escapee.

Evaluation:

This map, more so than others, brilliantly illustrates the need for one thing: Signs! If you could find more than 2 before being killed, you considered yourself lucky. Placement of items was at best confusing, and there were a whole lot of people who simply ran around aimlessly, killing everyone they came across. The map was put together pretty well, and I'll be damned if I can find much wrong with it's base construction, but this same construction hampers gameplay. Lighting, textures, and placement were pretty good, and I don't have to much to say against that. The author really carried his theme out well, and this is a good example for others to look at. He didn't have to add new textures, but rather used his imagination and creativity to carry out his vision. Commendable work here.

Remember how I said the construction was good, but at the same time hellish for gameplay? Here's where it shows up, layout. This sucker has a large learning curve, and even after taking in the readme that the author included, you still had to run and hunt all over the map, until you actually learned where everything was. You definitely need some briefing on this thing before you jump on in, so hopefully this review, and the screenshots will help. The layout isn't as confusing as some others I've seen, but I think the maps smaller size accounts for this. Getting around the map is not to bad, and careful placement and utilization of space has been done properly. There are ramps that are quick to cover, and no real annoyances in your path while running through this sucker. As an inmate, you need to find your way to the warden's office as soon as you can, as this will give you the key to getting out. You also need to be aware that stopping the engineer on the guard team is as important as keeping the computer system down. In short, many objectives for you. The guards on the other hand, are tasked in a simpler fashion. Keep the inmates from escaping by keeping the gates closed, and make sure the engineer can do his job.

This brings us into the teamplay aspect of this map, which is pretty good. In order for either side to complete their objectives, they need help, and it has to be organized. Most teams playing this map, and can learn to do it well, will have the first taste of what being in a clan is all about: teamwork. Most classes can be utilized on this map, but selective choices in classes can give you advantages, on both sides. Again, this just adds another positive aspect to this map. You'll have to employ a good amount of strategy on this, in order to get things done. If you don't, you'll find yourself losing in a real hurry. My only complaint is this, the map is on the smaller side, and there are too many cramped places were multiple kills can be had with minimal effort (e.g. spamming). Overall this is a good map for you to practice your team skills, but be sure you get organized on this one, and quickly. Setting objectives for people on your teams will ensure that you'll have a good chance at a good game. Once you get around the learning curve of this one, things will go smoother. You'll definitely need to keep the player count low, as the size, and the construction of this map can be a hindrance.

Verdict:

A map worth the download time. Just keep in mind that you'll need to have some patience in learning the layout. A good grudge match map. A fresh twist on an old idea.

Delta Bravo Final Score: 
- 24/50 -