pl_volcanic_a20
Gameplay
When talking about gameplay, this map does really well. It doesn't have a confusing layout letting the player learn where to go, what to do, really easy. However, due to the map being in alpha stage there is a lack of signage, and sometimes those signs that are there don't point to where player would want to go.
However, that doesn't really destroy the fun you can have on this map, because it has something for any class, no one feels excluded. And this is what I really like.
The last area is really fun to play as both teams, because there's a 50/50 chance for either blue team win, or red team defend, which actually should be like this. In my opinion, this map really follows the difficulty curve, with each next capture point being harder to capture than previous one.
Balance
Balance wise the map is balanced for both teams, and all classes. Since Blue team manages to get 45% wins, while red 55% wins, which in nearly ideal for a payload map. However it seems that in some place snipers are having disadvantage due to the blur effect, to prevent huge sight lines.
However, playing with other classes, you will barely feel the lack of either height advantage or choke points, this map manages to offer everything each class would need.
Dynamic element
Though being a bit simple, the dynamic element in this map is really good. The sliding elevator gave some height advantage at first for blue team, while after going down being evenly matched with the red team. It really fits in gameplay wise, since red team can kill everyone on the cart, moving the elevator back up. So that means that blue team has to focus on pushing the cart, not doing anything else.
The sliding dynamic element is really neat, though at first i thought it would work as a bridge, connecting both sides, but it wasn't like that which really surprised me, in a good way. It is really fun to ride it to the other side of the tunnel, in same time defending from red team.
Aesthetics
Aesthetics in this map, as expected in alpha stage, is quite simple, without adding a lot of detailing, as it should be. Since in alpha stage mappers should focus on gameplay not how well their map looks. However, in this case, the map lost really valuable score in this category. But still, the volcanic theme is really unique, with a lot of small touches, like earthquakes and the eye distorting blur. However, even though blocking out sniper lines, the later one should be removed, as it seems the main cause of fps drops for some people.
After getting detailed, i expect the map be one of the best looking in their kind, because of the theme, there are a lot of places where you can shine.
Some things, that I have noticed:
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/1607727/Contest/volcanic/pl_volcanic_a200000.jpg
I'd rather detail the spawn, than out of bonds areas in alpha stage.
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/1607727/Contest/volcanic/pl_volcanic_a200001.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/1607727/Contest/volcanic/pl_volcanic_a200008.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/1607727/Contest/volcanic/pl_volcanic_a200009.jpg
Nodraw everything people cant see.
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/1607727/Contest/volcanic/pl_volcanic_a200002.jpg
Doesn't really fit here
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/1607727/Contest/volcanic/pl_volcanic_a200003.jpg
The pipe goes through the wall, but not from other side.
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/1607727/Contest/volcanic/pl_volcanic_a200004.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/1607727/Contest/volcanic/pl_volcanic_a200015.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/1607727/Contest/volcanic/pl_volcanic_a200016.jpg
Lamp spam.
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/1607727/Contest/volcanic/pl_volcanic_a200005.jpg
I shouldn't be able to stand up there.
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/1607727/Contest/volcanic/pl_volcanic_a200007.jpg
Love this room, however those fans overlap.
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/1607727/Contest/volcanic/pl_volcanic_a200011.jpg
Center no-entry.
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/1607727/Contest/volcanic/pl_volcanic_a200012.jpg
I can stand on lava under the last area.
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/1607727/Contest/volcanic/pl_volcanic_a200013.jpg
Tracks going to nowhere atm.
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/1607727/Contest/volcanic/pl_volcanic_a200014.jpg
Cart sometimes gets stuck here.
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/1607727/Contest/volcanic/pl_volcanic_a200019.jpg
A really strong sentry spot.
Performance
Performance in this map is really good, as it should be in alpha stage. However, the blur effect somehow kills fps for some players. Also there are some places you can get stuck. And out of bonds areas should be nodrawn in those places players cant see.