pl_escarpment_rc1
Gameplay
Overall the gameplay in this map is rather decent, although it has quite a lot of issues, which will also have a impact on Balance. It is a mixture of both open and enclosed areas, mostly the height advantage is found in the enclosed areas, while outside part of the map is rather flat, however, with interesting fighting space.
One of the things i didn't like in the map was the 2nd capture point, more specifically how close Red teams spawn is. In this case, i can mention the Difficulty Curve where your map is quite off the graph, since 2nd capture point is harder than the last.
Another thing i would like to mention is the bridge and the 3rd capture point. Even though the area is good looking, gameplay wise it's rather dull. Due to the fact that the Blue team has to push the cart over a straight bridge, risking to be often snipped, the bridge isn't the best gameplay element, nor the area around it. From all rounds played, i have rarely seen anyone use the ravine, since players have a huge height disadvantage, rather most of them use the cave leading around the bridge. Although it's not bad and not forced, there should be something that could make players use the other route opportunities.
And lastly gameplay wise there is one major issue in this map, it is the fact that engineers aren't able to build teleport exits anywhere neither the sawmill building, neither in the Final building. This really slows down the Attacking team often being one of the reasons for the Difficulty curve to be off.
This reason doesn't have an effect on gameplay score, due to the fact that it is a unknown game issue, not intended by the mapper
Balance
Balance wise the map is rather unbalanced for both teams, due to the fact of the Difficulty curve once again. With blue Scoring 70% wins and Red scoring 30%, the map has some issues.
First of all, as i mentioned before, the main problem is the difficulty curve of the map, that most times red is able to win only by holding the 2nd capture point. As is seems to be the hardest to capture. Last capture point in this case is rather easy, and red team is rarely able to hold it off.
Class wise, the map is quite balanced, however there are some classes that could benefit more from the map. Often a good combo of Heavy+Medic is able to hold of one position for quite time, or roll the cart forward, which is not bad. However, spy in this case is in quite disadvantage due to the fact that many people don't play as engy on this map, because of the game issue of not letting build teleports, and another reason is that there is a lack of sneaky places.
Dynamic element
To be honest, despite the really astonishing environment, I and probably most of the players expected a more unique dynamic element, which would be more interesting that a simple log.
No matter how good the log fits in the maps setting, dropped in the sawmill, it still is quite boring and uninteresting. However, gameplay wise it's quite useful, allowing for Red team to set up their defense while it takes around 30-40 seconds for the log to clear the tracks.
Aesthetics
Aesthetics wise the map is one of the best looking in this contest. Rather simple, though interesting alpine detailing featuring a sawmill which in my opinion is the main point of interest in the map, due to the dynamic element.
Starting in a rather quiet, rural setting, which is quite unusual for Blue team, players progress deeper into the Sawmill, and after crossing or i might say, pushing past the bridge, they enter the somewhat industrial building, which this is the end of the map, featuring a huge laser. Which however, doesn't really fit in the map, and also doesn't make sense due to how it explodes.
Otherwise, everything else is really good looking except for a few bland looking areas, rather uninteresting space, and quite a lot of waterfalls.'
In my opinion, Blue team would rather benefit from a setting more industrial, however it really depends on each mappers taste.
Some things, that I have noticed:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1607727/Contest/escarpment/pl_escarpment_rc10001.jpg
Tiny hole in blue spawn, with some z-clipping.
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1607727/Contest/escarpment/pl_escarpment_rc10002.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1607727/Contest/escarpment/pl_escarpment_rc10003.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1607727/Contest/escarpment/pl_escarpment_rc10008.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1607727/Contest/escarpment/pl_escarpment_rc10012.jpg
I probably shouldn't be able to stand here.
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1607727/Contest/escarpment/pl_escarpment_rc10004.jpg
I can stand here.
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1607727/Contest/escarpment/pl_escarpment_rc10005.jpg
But can't here
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1607727/Contest/escarpment/pl_escarpment_rc10006.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1607727/Contest/escarpment/pl_escarpment_rc10007.jpg
Pickups are quite high.(pun)
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1607727/Contest/escarpment/pl_escarpment_rc10009.jpg
I can see water going through the rocks.
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1607727/Contest/escarpment/pl_escarpment_rc10011.jpg
Red spawn too close to 2nd capture point.
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1607727/Contest/escarpment/pl_escarpment_rc10018.jpg
This area should have beams clipped.
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1607727/Contest/escarpment/pl_escarpment_rc10019.jpg
All arrow guidance signs should be nonsolid.
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1607727/Contest/escarpment/pl_escarpment_rc10020.jpg
Small nodraw part seen on the building.
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1607727/Contest/escarpment/pl_escarpment_rc10022.jpg
Can travel with the log.
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1607727/Contest/escarpment/pl_escarpment_rc10023.jpg
Gotta catch em all.
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1607727/Contest/escarpment/pl_escarpment_rc10024.jpg
Creative way of stairs and slope.
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1607727/Contest/escarpment/pl_escarpment_rc10027.jpg
It doesn't make sense that it explodes.
Performance
I have seen some people complain about the performance on this map, however, I haven't experienced any major issues. There are some minor things though, some nodrawn walls visible, that though, don't really have huge impact on the player.