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a tale of two maps

map review: a tale of two maps

author: peagle posted: november 15th, 2005 print - comment (17)

This week we bring you two custom maps from opposite ends of the creative spectrum. One offers unparalleled playability by standing on the shoulders of the de_dust giants, while the second is one of those rare moments where a completely original concept takes flight.

de_dust3
Created by Alex Zarubin
Spawn points: 30
Download size: 22.5MB (uncompressed)

Not to be confused with DaveJ's "actual" third dust, de_dust_pcg, this remix was released at the beginning of the year complete with clipping brushes ;-) and has gained popularity steadily.

Now, I don't use the word remix lightly: The map unapologetically borrows design from it's namesake. Dust veterans will find the much of the layout and structures familiar - to the extent of lending them a subconscious hand in dealing with choke points and bombsites. Equally there's no new textures to speak of, and true to the original, the CT's still hold the advantage here.

However, to suggest dust3 is merely a chop shop of its predecessors in no way does the map justice. This is a map that takes everything great from the original legacy, and tilts it on its side just enough to make it all new again.

The choking corridors of the original dust have become a cavernous market hall offering pillars for cover, and abundant opportunities for suicide 'nades. With this development the four exits now face each other requiring constant cover from your teammates less you get mowed down from the flank. This open layout combined with the short distance to the underpass - the map is much smaller than its counterparts - is less likely to encourage camping than dust mark one.

The familiar underpass through to the bombsites now jogs to the right, and thanks to the short distance from CT spawn, is even easier to defend than its predecessor. However by keeping multiple lines of sight open through the marketplace, whomever holds the hall will steal the advantage and control the underpass. As ever, this is a dust map that depends on successful rushes fortified with sniper supremacy. True, like most customs, dust3 will never see the light of match play, but as a public defuse map it excels. In delivering just the right balance of tactical team play, and balls to the wall bloodied combat, you'll be back more often than a crack addicted terminator.

Lastly, I'd be remiss to forget the musical inclusion of Gortoz A Ran - J'Attends sung by Danez Prigent & Lisa Gerrard from Hans Zimmer's Black Hawk Down soundtrack. This haunting track echoes down from a radio placed T side of the underpass, and is, dare I say, a masterstroke. Fitting perfectly with the mood of the map, you'll wish the melancholy vocals were in every room while you're bringing forth havoc.

All in all, a worthy fan tribute to the dust legacy: Originality be damned this is a hugely playable map that demands server time again and again.