Capture the flag, by 
This review has gone through many revisions, but finally I feel it’s ready to be submitted. Also, trying a slightly different approach to my usual reviewing style.
Anyone who knows FireSworD knows that does not just build levels by conventional standards. Looking at his past work, we can see that he thought outside the box and always brought something new and exciting to his levels. Jungle’s Edge and Termite Haven both had very creative visual designs, while Jungle’s Edge has gone on to be one of the most popular CTF levels ever (even if not the best quality). Moving on a short while later, his creations include levels such as Medieval Skyscrapers with its innovative y-axis gameplay with fly carrots, and One Spot with its totally new base system, which wasn’t exactly a huge success but is still remembered for how creative the level was. A few years later FS entered R3ptiles’ Original CTF Contest, getting a very well deserved 1st place with Unconventional Coffee, which had a unique structure in its layout and was also one of the first CTF levels to feature pits. Just under a year ago, FS created the battle level called Enter the Chaos. This level was totally different to anything that had been made beforehand that year. It featured what was basically a “screw the rules I have money” concept, which was despised by some, but for others, it made the level incredibly addictive. I personally saw it as great that he tried something like that as very few people would have the guts to have such an evil concept in a level.
Without further ado, I’ll now talk about the level I’m supposed to be reviewing!
Golem Landscapes uses the rather pretty looking IC – Easterius2 tileset; that is an edit of an edit of Carrotus (the most overused and boring tileset in existence). However, FS still manages to break the “all Carrotus levels look the same” rule and creates something that has a unique appearance – a rock golem, in which the level is built around. While a similar concept was thought of in a level by Sacrush known as Extraterrestrials, where the level featured a giant alien to walk on, Golem Landscapes executes the idea even better as the tileset fits the idea perfectly – the colour of the soil makes it look like stone, while the foliage is used well and clearly shows that this golem belongs to nature. Despite being “man made”, the golem itself feels very organic and fits like a glove with the rest of the level. The atmosphere feels lush, aided by the very well fitting music by Starsky Partridge, which gives the level a very calm and isolated feeling, giving the impression that no man has set foot in this area for some time. The golem structure itself is well designed and although looks “flat” when zoomed out in JCS, that can’t be helped due to being a 2D game and is probably the very best that could be made with JJ2’s limitations.
While the theme of the level is amazing, the real important question about this level is – does it play as great? The answer to that question can be said briefly in one word: yes.
Despite being perfectly symmetrical, given the fact this that this level is designed on a golem combined with some interesting design choices, this level has a unique layout. The base areas are fairly close together, yet movement between them is still not too fast. There are two main routes between the bases: using the warps situated just above the bases, warping you to the central room with an RF PU and tubes which take you to either team’s side. While the distance you travel is very short, the tubes pull you through fairly slowly so this is balanced out. This route is the most frequently used during games, however it’s the most risky as the place you emerge from the tubes is easily camp-able, giving the enemy a guaranteed hit on you if they do so. Thankfully, you can alternatively go around your base and on top of the golem with a copter, falling through the “spring hole” to reach the other team’s base area. Taking this area comes with benefits, as you pass a Bouncer PU and a Seeker PU, as well as an EB PU on top of the golem’s shoulders. However, this route is a few seconds longer than the warp/tube route and you have to wait for the copter to spawn in order to take it, which could waste precious seconds. This level offers choice despite the somewhat “limiting” layout; there is always a backup plan if one plan fails. One of the great things about the design is the shortcut that can be taken only if you have ice ammo on you. It involves freezing the springs in the “spring hole”, which gives you immediate access to the top of the level. This is by far the fastest route in the level; although what’s great is that you can’t always take it – rather, stock up on ice ammo and use it to your advantage while you’re doing well. Basically, you can’t just take it straight away after spawning.
Another possible route is to go under the bases along the long tunnel where the Full NRG is situated, which is the longest route but has some advantages, as it is less predictable unless you have the flag. Be careful though, RF shots are very hard to avoid here.
The base areas themselves present interesting gameplay. While they’re fairly easy to attack, they’re also just as easy to defend. It all depends on how you play around them. Generally, the best way to attack the bases is from above with bouncer rains. Just above the bases is a good area for being RTS in this aspect as unless attackers go to the base from above through the “spring hole”, it’s generally very hard to attack someone who is camping there. If someone is camping directly on the base itself, you can “snipe” them by hitting them through the thin wall with either Bouncer of EB. There are 2 +1s, one just above each base, which although can’t be totally provided on, give you a little life support while trying to stay at the base. This level doesn’t have many areas you can hide in at 1h, so you have to keep on the move. There is however a very evil secret that is very hard to reach, but if you find it you’ll be greatly rewarded (I won’t reveal what it is, but someone probably would have found it by now :P). This level is perfect for 2vs2/3vs3, although duels can work out too.
In general, this is one of the best CTF levels that FS has released so far. I can imagine it getting a lot of attention over the following months and possibly even years. You’d be a fool to ignore this, so if you haven’t downloaded it already go ahead and do so! This gets a well earned 8.6, my seal of approval and a download reccomendation.
Grade: A
