Now Rise Geonosis

(Installation Instructions? What a dumb ratings category. As if it really affects the quality of the map.)

This map by GolfBulb is a new take on an old subject - Geonosis. With the variety of assets in existience for Geonosis maps, coming from both Battlefronts 1 and 2, and unused assets as well, the community certainly isn't lacking for Geonosis maps.

What GolfBulb's done here is a little different from the norm, and I think that's probably a good idea. Although the size of this map is probably comparable to the stock Geonosis map, it feels like a much more close-quarters fight. Most of this is due to the fact that the main battle takes place in a small area in the center.

This map features more or less the same units found in the game, in slightly different iterations. The biggest change is that the CIS side includes a Geonosian unit, which I think is a fine idea. However, it carries a Bulldog RLR, which I could certainly do without it carrying (in place of a sonic blaster). That is just my personal preference, though.

All in all, it's not a bad start. GolfBulb makes note of this being just a beta, and I'd say it's definitely at a good stage to be that. There are definitely some improvements to be made - for example, the battlefield needs to be opened up so that the whole battle, for the most part, doesn't take place in the center. There's also probably more dust than there needs to be, and it could get a touch laggy at higher unitcounts. Finally, the battle is weighted strongly in favor of the CIS, which in my opinion isn't good, although I'm not sure if it was the author's intent.

Like Geonosis? Try it out.

-Mav