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Map Review by
Desert Wombat 12/03/2003
Honda-down, Honda-down!
The tried and true assault map of choice...Basrah's Edge has been out for a while, and most likely, you've played this one at least once. So why the review now
We'll there's two reasons actually. First off I feel that this is one of the most graphically and strategically innovative maps ever made for DC (thus deserving of a review) and second, I feel it just doesn't get enough of a chance because of how complex and engaging the battle can become within the close corridors of the town.
Graphics...
This map may be a little much for your processor at times, despite the glorious specs your system might be running...and if ya ever wanna to trade for my genuine POS, just let me know... =P
The DC Crew did their fair share of work on the lighting and texturalization on this one and this is most certainly the cause of any etchy-ness (if any) over any other maps. Unlike most other maps, Basrah's Edge employs extremely detailed skins hidden in with well-placed simple-shaped rubble filler (simulating a desolate town under the siege of war). I wouldn't be surprised if Basrah is a good portion of the download size for DC. This use of odd-angles in simple structures as an alternative to heavier graphic-patches is why this map has me going back for more. You've never seen a happier enlisted man.
All-in-all, what you end up with is a complex battleground that will make any clostaphobic grab for their inhaler. So if you graphics card (and your heart) can handle this beast, it's more than worth the download time, just to see what the BF1942 engine can do (in the right hands).
Game play...
I feel that they did a great job of balancing the powers on this one. The Coalition force can be mechanically overwhelming with their armored vehicle-count...but because of a natural barrier closer to the Opposition spawn-base, the use of these vehicles usually extends only to the outer flags. Those that do get in (and they regularly do) find themselves suddenly alone - trying to hold a white flag in the center of Sniper Anti-armor Ville - Population 250.
For this reason, team play on this map is very important. DC did a great job of balancing the personnel, but (as with most other maps), people tend not to take advantage of such support crews as the medic here. There are little nooks and crannies where you can reload your goodie bag, but for every ammo box in this tourist nightmare, there are inevitably 3 snipers trying to get the most artistic screenshot of you for their website.
Trade Secrets...
With the relatively close spawn-points, the instinct is to rush and set up a front wall of defense, but snipers soon take control of the streets and you're left with a sense of panic while trying to form some line of defense, (no matter what side of the map you're on).
So if sniping isn't your thing, and if you're like most and simply can't see anything to shoot at it with an assault rifle, or if you feel like grandpa wandering around trying to figure out how to get back to the home, then I would suggest the following
Coalition Go Medic for your team. They'll love you for it and it will give you a good opportunity to explore the map as you follow your assault team to the target. The occasional sip from the bottle doesn't hurt either, as you will inevitably get juiced yourself a few times. On this map, the name of the game is numbers. Kill them and stay alive...trust me, you'll be more brass-balled with your kit on your hip. Pilots, use the chopper, fly high, fast and serious. Drop snipers as you go and get the hell back out of there, because it won't be long before the call little Billy with his shoulder-fire.
Opposition Try Anti-Armor for a few rounds on this bad-boy. The Coalition have you out-numbered in metal (unless you count the Hondas), and their mummers make great coffins if you lay the mines at the right points...time...and...time again. Just be sure to remind your crew to STOP when they see red bones! Oh yeah...and the occasional full-bellied Black-Hawk snipe is a beautiful thing too. Assault...you must defend the flag just outside your wall. More so than anything, if they control it, they will psychologically be prone to push a few feet further and they'll then have the support they need to take the map nearest your spawn base and paint you in.
For both sides, go for the all out rush, but be sure to stick together. Nobody says you have to go down the middle and DC made great effort to design a labyrinth of seal-team-sized mazes through the black-markets of this tourist-destination.
"[DCBB] Desert Wombat" for DC Review
Fans of this map may want to check out "Basrah Nights"
Primary map-type: Assault
Based on the BF1942 Engine
Graphics 10
Game play 9
Repeatability 7
Overall 9 (out of 10)
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