Map Description: On a dark and desolate world are the remains of an ancient and long-vanished civilization. Strange castles dot the cold landscape, dark sentinels bearing silent witness to bygone days of glory, a time when their builders ruled the destinies of a thousand races. As the silence is shattered by the noise of weapon fire and of dying fighters, shadows watch and scowl at those insolent newcomers who dare disturb their eternal slumber.

This map is all about detail. It's so detailed and beautiful that it's almost too much to take in. If this is a hint of the rest of the map, then we're in for a treat.

There are two pits on either side of the map. What's at the bottom? Let's just say it would not be wise to jump over the railing.

Did I say detail? A lot of effort went into this map, and this is only the beginning.

That's right, I have your flag! Now if you care to follow, I left you a few of my little buddies to slow you down.

One of Orion's trademark 'Wall Art'. It's not just something hung on the wall. As in other maps that he has made, the pictures blend into the mood of the maps to highlight and enhance them to the fullest. They not only give you good gameplay, but something to stop for a second to admire too.

Yet another room to frag in.

A shot of one of the rooms with many stairs. Find your goodies and get the drop on the other team as they try to make their way to your flag.

Almost home! It's just through the tall arched door to your base and another point.

Bottom line: As you have noticed, the map is made up of lots of blacks and grays. That in itself was a risky gambit, but (as always) with Orion, his style pays off. He's the master of detail, and if you think you were going to see a map from him that contains flaws, well, you will have a long wait. I have heard that he will redo a section over and over until the one mesh/texture/shade whatever fits perfectly.

Details

As I have said before, when I review maps, the first run through is without any bots so I can just walk around and look. The stone work with the shadows is beautiful. The way he presented the tattered flags running around the outside of the citadel is inspired. The art hung on the wall, the detail in each room puts you into the map and a part of that time.

Gameplay

My PC ran it very well, even after I cranked up the settings to enjoy the map in all its glory. Bot play was good and the layout gave me places to duck for a split second to get the jump on them. By the way, I love the mines. Every detail helps when you're being chased and to have to stop and dodge mines makes the return trip with the flag all the more exciting. Also remember: looking at the layout, you can find hiding places just about anywhere for a neat ambush.

Well I think ive said enough. Time for you to download and find out for yourself.

This map can be found at NaliCity.