Map Name: Dark Skies      Reviewed By: Bytor
Types:   CTF Terrain:   Snow Weather:   Clear Day/Night:   Night Author:   NecroBones Custom Shapes:   No Custom Textures:   No Req. Download:   No Bot Support:   No File Size:   80,011 bytes Downloads:   3404 Reviewer:   Bytor	Scores: Playability: 88% Attention to Detail: 85% Balance: 90% Item Placement: 93% Mechanics: 95% Overall Score:   90%
Review: I'm always on the lookout for a map that introduces a new aspect of gameplay. Dark Skies is one of those maps. This map puts the 3 in 3D. It forces your team to think three-dimensionally in terms of cap routes and teamwork. The base layout is rather unique. Each base is hovering 800 meters above the surface. A central structure houses a few inventory stations, and there are 4 forcefield bridges extending out in each direction. Two of them lead to vehicle stations, the other two lead to bunkers. One bunker is a weapons cache, and the other bunker is capturable. It contains a single inventory station. Below the base on the surface is a sole platform containing two defense turrets. These turrets serve to fend off sneak attacks from below. Just underneath the main base structure is the flag platform. The flag is relatively wide open, but it is surrounded by large crates, and defended by a single sentry turret. This turret does little to stop swoop-and-grab cappers. What's great about this map is that cappers are presented with a serious challenge in getting the flag back to their base. The 800 meter fall from the flag platform can easily be survived, but usually a significant amount of damage is sustained. This means that the capping team needs to have a relay capper ready to take the handoff at the surface, or perhaps they need to have a shrike ready for the injured capper to pilot home. Another tactic involves flying a shrike up below the flag platform, jumping off for the grab, then jumping back into the slowly falling shrike for the ride home. This worked for me during playtesting, but only against teams that mounted little defense. Overall, this map provides a fresh style of gameplay. There is certainly an emphasis on air vehicles, but the ground level sees plenty of action as well. If you're looking for something a little out of the ordinary, check out Dark Skies. It's another high-quality submission from Necrobones. To see the rest of the map details, including the map author's description of the map, and user-submitted comments, go to the map detail page. To see all reviews from Bytor, go to Bytor's bio page.