Other [Issue 4] The Map Awards!

[skitee 555]

Welcome to this issue's special feature, the “Tanki Online Map Awards”. Here, I ask some of the reporter team for their pick on the best (or worst!) Tanki Online map in a number of categories. I'll then explain some of my picks for all of you to understand. What is your top map in each of these categories?




When looking out over the map from above/at ground level, what is the most beautiful map, in terms of each map's layout and props?
chriswu: 3. Lost Temple 2. Skylark 1. Iran
Lhamster: 3. Gubakha 2. Skylark 1. Wolfenstein
Bruce Lunga: 3. Kungur 2. Brest 1. Iran
skitee: 3. Iran 2. Stadium. 1. Magadan.

My picks:
3. Iran.
Iran is pretty much an obvious choice, and it is not just because of the special, more beautiful, props that are included in the map. Of course, the props do influence the decision as well: the props in Iran are a cut above the props used elsewhere in Tanki. They give a feel of quaintness and realisticness that no other map really can capture as well as Iran. But it is not just the props. The whole layout of Iran, the square nature of it, the buildings, the two-tiered approach, the underground tunnels... they all contribute to making Iran a real beauty of a map.

2. Stadium.
An odd choice perhaps, but, apart from Magadan, what map could be more perfect? Admittedly it is very basic, and simple. But the simplicity is effective. This map truly looks like what it says it is, namely, a stadium. And what a stadium this is! The stands on either side, with the area below the stands, combine brilliantly. And the huge field in the middle, with the “goals” on each side protecting the flag, make the whole map resemble quite perfectly a football stadium.

1. Magadan.
What a map. As I tried to give a flavour of here, I love this map. The perfection of how it was made makes it, by far, the most beautiful and perfect map in Tanki. I do not think that there is any way of improving this map: at least, certainly not in terms of looks. It is an absolute work of art.


Uniqueness here is judged in any way you may define unique. Special features of the map, the whole style, colour, props, flag locations... the list goes on. Which map is the most unique?
Tommy60: 3. Solikamsk 2. Fort Knox II 1. Berlin
Lham: 3. Iran 2. Canyon 1. Massacre
conanthedestroyer: 3. Bridges 2. Bobruisk 1. Dusseldorf
chris: 3. Esplanade 2. Dusseldorf 1. Monte Carlo
skit: 3. Parma 2. Camp 1. Iran

My picks:
3. Parma.
There are lots of ways of explaining “uniqueness”. In a Tanki sense, it could be a completely new prop; a completely new map format; a whole new set of props; a different use of a certain prop; flags in random positions; or a whole host of other aspects. Yet Parma is none of these things. But I still see it as one of the most unique maps in Tanki. Why? For me, it is because, whilst being fundamentally the same as a lot of the other maps, it is yet so different. The whole layout of the map is made to be different from other maps. It is an open map, yet it many ways not open. It's just a weird, wacky, unique, map. I know this is hard to understand, so I hope you will find out for yourself (Although I have to warn you: gameplay on the map is quite difficult if you are a freeze or firebird user).

2. Camp.
I don't think it is too hard to work out why I say this, is it? What other map in Tanki is it impossible to reach the base of the enemy team? Camp is the only map like that, and for that simple reason I consider it as the second-most unique map in the whole of the game. One aspect of uniqueness is being completely different from other maps. And heck, Camp really is completely different. Go look for yourself if you do not understand what I am saying. It really is quite obvious.

1. Iran
Is there any other possible choice? The only map to use the “Persia” props made by Mehdadoo, the only map to include a base-to-base underground tunnel, the only map where a gold box falls underground, the only map has roofs of buildings as part of the regular landscape, the only map where it is so easy to drop from the top tier of the map to the bottom tier, the only map where you can drive up staircases... Surely this must be the first choice for anyone in their list of most unique maps, eh? Only Iran has a layout so unique. Only Iran could be the most unique map in Tanki.



This could be any prop/area of a map. For example, one such suggestion could be "the tunnel in Iran", or "The side ramp in Silence", or "the Sniper tower in Solikamsk", etc, etc, etc. Which is your favourite?
cab: 3. Props, Iran 2. Ditches, Kungur 1. Sniper Tower, Silence
chris: 3. Ramp, Monte Carlo 2. Castle, Wolfenstein 1. Tunnel, Iran
Tommy60: 3. Pipes in Blue team, Silence II 2. Battlements, Fort Knox II 1. Bridge, Molotov
Bruce: 3. Bridges, Iran 2. Tunnel, Iran 1. Palm Trees, Iran
skit: 3. Bushes, Kolhoz 2. Pass, Chernobyl 1. Tunnel, Iran

Skitee's picks:
3. Bushes, Kolhoz
I don't know what it is about these bushes, but every time I see them, I love them. There really is nothing in tanki quite like it. The sight of all those bushes next to each other... it is amazing. The first time I saw it, I was stunned. And I still am. I do not know what you think, but I really really love those bushes. The way they hide everything is just amazing. I am pretty sure that no other place in Tanki is like it, and I am absolutely certain that that it is my third favourite feature in a tanki map. Really special.


2. Pass, Chernobyl
In Chernobyl, there are the two bases. And there is an overhead tier where shafts/thunders tend to snipe, accompanied by Isidas. Underneath that all, however, is a pass. A small passage where you can get through to the enemy base. And that, in my opinion, is one of the best parts of tanki. Every time you go through it, it feels like you are going through Tanki's version of the grand canyon: at least, I feel that way. And heck, what a canyon!

1. Tunnel, Iran
To be honest, the Tunnel is not such a special feature now. Not now that everyone is used to seeing it. But I can still remember the first day I played in Iran, the day it came out. I was amazed at the map in itself, being a completely new type of map (Not just in props, but in layout as well), but most of all I was surprised at the tunnel. Such a feature had not been in any map before then, and it really was something new. And, for that, I have to say that it is my favourite out of all of the many features in the maps in Tanki. The Iran Tunnel is still the best.


Which map has the most entertaining gameplay in a CTF battle?
Bruce: 3. Monte Carlo 2. Silence I 1. Kungur
conan: 3. Molotov 2. Kungur 1. Tribute
Tommy: 3. Highland I 2. Barda 1. Solikamsk
chris: 3. Solikamsk 2. Kungur 1. Silence I
skit: 3. Tribute 2. Sandbox 1. Solikamsk

My picks:
3. Tribute
The first ever map in Tanki is one of the best ever made, especially in terms of gameplay. The three bridges between the two bases give it a unique feel to the gameplay, which is compounded by the brilliant positions of the two flags and the ability for every weapon to play each other on an equal playing field. Tribute is one of the classic maps in Tanki, but it is also one of the best. Check it out, if you have not already. No wonder Tanki is so popular! It is all because of the work that Tribute did when it was the only map! :P

2. Sandbox
Surprised? You may be. But Sandbox really is one of the maps that has amazing gameplay. Like Tribute, it is a real classic. It has been part of Tanki for a good two years now, and has been the map where almost all of the tankmen in the game today have fought their first battle. But yet, I think it is also one of the maps where gameplay is the most exciting. The two even bases – with only one or two differences – give no advantage to either team, which helps very much when trying to fight enjoyable battles. The simplicity and whole nature of the map also enhances gameplay by huge amounts. Just go and play in a no-supplies Sandbox if you do not know what I mean. Honestly, Sandbox really has some of the best gameplay in the whole of Tanki. Four players against Four players in balanced teams on a simple map... if you get that, you get a helluva game.

1. Solikamsk
Oh, Soli. I really, really, love this map, not least because of how I think the gameplay in this map is the best (generally) that you can find in the whole of Tanki. No map can do it better. Why is Soli so good? I do not really know. The two sides are equal, yet with different advantages and disadvantages. But that isn't just it. It is just the map, the way the map enhances gameplay... it is something special. Playing in Solikamsk is always an enjoyable experience. There is just so many different aspects to the map, every single one of which contributes to the amazing gameplay. It is something brilliant.


Considering everything that makes a good flag position. Ease/Difficulty of access, the location of the flag, view from the flag, etc.
Lham: 3. Lost Temple both flags 2. Kolhoz both flags 1. Berlin Blue flag
Chris: 3. Solikamsk Blue flag 2. Kungur Blue flag 1. Lost Temple both flags
Tommy: 3. Wolfenstein both flags 2. Fort Knox II both flags 1. Sandbox both flags
conan: 3. Molotov Red flag 2. Barda Red flag 1. Tribute Blue flag
skit: 3. Novel Blue flag 2. Massacre both flags 1. Lost Temple Red flag

My picks:
3. Novel Blue flag
I chose this simply because of the routes to and from the flag. I mean, look at it. The flag inside the building. The only other map which has this is Industrial Zone, and I’m sure that everyone will agree with me when I say that the Novel flag is far better than the one in Industrial Zone. The positioning of it is just incredible. The way you can jump out of the building with the flag, or climb out through the window, or exit via the door gets it a certain place in this top 3.

2. Massacre Both flags
Massacre is a unique map in many ways, but the main way is the positions of the flags. The teams' flags are in the wrong bases! Namely, the Blue team flag is in the Red team's respawn area, and the Red flag is in Blue's respawn area. Admittedly, this leads to unique gameplay, and for that I think these flags are two of the best flags in the whole of the game. The way that they enhance gameplay is just too much.

1. Lost Temple Red flag
Wow. Just wow. Have you ever seen the flags in lost temple? If you have not, let me attempt to explain. Lost Temple is one of the three biggest maps in Tanki, and unlike Berlin and Dusseldorf, it does not have many buildings to obstruct a view, especially from the flag positions. Just take a look at this:

That, in my opinion, is the best view you can get in Tanki. And for that, it gives the red flag of Lost Temple the award of being the best flag in Tanki. After all, what could beat that view? Come on...


Taking everything into account, what map is the best?
cab: 3. Kungur 2. Tribute 1. Fort Knox II
conan: 3. Kungur 2. Barda 1. Tribute
Bruce: 3. Brest 2. Silence I 1. Kungur
Tommy: 3. Highland 2. Barda 1. Sandbox
skit: 3. Barda 2. Siege 1. Solikamsk

Skitee's picks:
3. Barda
You know, I used to hate this map. The first time I went into it was using my trusty old M3 Railgun (coupled with M3 Hunter :oops: ) against Marshals, and to be honest I got absolutely owned. Because of that, I made my mind up that Barda was a bad map. How wrong I was! Remember this: Never make a judgement on a map after playing it once. Recently, I went back to play Barda, and I fell in love. This map is amazing. The way the two teams look completely different yet are so even. The big bridge where the gold box falls. The smaller bridge on the side. Everything about this map emanates brilliance. It really is one of the best maps in Tanki.

2. Siege
As I said in my article about Siege, the whole thing about this map is the unique gameplay that it brings. Maybe not the best gameplay, but certainly one of the most unique. The way the name interacts with the gameplay is also epic. The only problem with this map is that it is not played enough. One of the best maps in tanki? It most certainly is! The way that this map is arranged makes it, in my opinion, the second best map in Tanki.

1. Solikamsk
And what's the best? Solikamsk, for the simple reason that its gameplay is so enjoyable to play. It is just a perfect map. One of the official ToF maps, a map commonly played in No-supplies games in 740 format, one of the stalwart maps created, Solikamsk is one of the biggest and most important maps in Tanki. It is also the best, in my opinion. What is your best map?


Which map in Tanki has the coolest name?
Chris: 3. Gubakha 2. Iran 1. Lost Temple
Bruce: 3. Noise 2. Monte Carlo 1. Silence
cab: 3. Kungur 2. Iran 1. Fort Knox
Lham: 3. Kolhoz 2. Red Alert 1. Skylark
skit: 3. Siege 2. Ping Pong 1. Red Alert


What is the worst map in Tanki?
Tommy: 3. Highland II 2. Fort Knox I 1. Ping-Pong
cab: 3. Silence I 2. Island 1. Combe
chris: 3. Hill 2. Dusseldorf 1. Wave
Lham: 3. Gravity 2. Camp 1. Silence I
skit: 3. Forest 2. Silence II 1. Valley


Which map do people underrate the most?
Bruce: 3. Hill 2. Island 1. Desert
Tommy: 3. Red Alert 2. Wolfenstein 1. Duel
conan: 3. Kolhoz 2. Molotov 1. Barda
chris: 3. Monte Carlo 2. Magadan 1. Skylark
skit: 3. Deathtrack 2. Opposition 1. Magadan


Conversely, which is the most overrated?
Tommy: 3. Fort Knox III 2. Silence I 1. Silence II
conan: 3. Desert 2. Polygon 1. Silence (I & II)
Lham: 3. Kungur 2. Fort Knox III 1. Silence I
cab: 3. Polygon 2. Island 1. Silence I
skit: 3. Kungur 2. Island 1. Silence II

So, there it is. The Tanki Online Map awards. What would you choose?

Edited September 26, 2017 by Hexed

[hogree 4,179]

Best Map?

Serpuhov. /thread

 

EDIT: I was pretty dumb back then as you can see ^

Edited June 26, 2015 by hogree

[r_nuclearbom0 62]

Yes, Kungur is the best map, and I agree that Ping-Pong is a very bad map ^^ Allthough, it was interesting to see your opinions...

[IC-Ironclad-IC 12]

solikamsk

[WhiteKnight170 2]

Wolfstienian (or however it's spelt)

[Raphael2 3,263]

:thumbup: :thumbup: :tank: :tank:

[Fjelstad1678 186]

For Me:

Best map overall: Kungur

Worst map overall: Ping Pong

[Ranger7 75]

Most unique is obv Madness :wink:

[cheese3000 23]

Most unique is obv Madness :wink:

nah, abyss.

[FederalBureauFBI 2,881]

Really interesting opinions!

[grahamparker 0]

how do i make one?

[Stripe237 0]

Tanki should make a map shaped like this tank!

 

P.S. why did you do Bruce Lunga if they are not a reporter???

[inplatform 82]

i like red alert because it is a very strategic map for me

worst map is ping pong that everyone knows

[ewan888 0]

madness (space) is the most special one

[anti-venomer 1]

when will the next one come?

[lukey0 27,543]

Nice. I'm from the future. :P  Reading this now and looking at all those old graphics, brings back memories of then I was a low ranker.

[F.A.8.D 24]

silnce the best map for God box or battale Found :)