A new map on the horizon?

Some might have noticed the recent late night journals about searching players to test a new map called Library - if not then the narration of "cf nerd" doesnt fit you but that`s not the point of this newspost. I just want to introduce this new map to our beloved Enemy Territory community and to give an overview on the main objectives so that you won`t get lost by watching the upcoming showmatch.

Some basic facts before we start: As you already know the map is named Library and currently in beta testing. BlAcky started to build his first brush round about the late August 2009 with his GtkRadiant and he established the whole map from scratch. As on nearly every other map the allies side is attacking and the axis force have to prevent them from doing their objectives. The spawntimes are easy to remember - 20 for allies and 30 for their opponent side. The maplayout is mainly made for 6v6 but the gameplay fits as well to a smaller format e.g. 5v5 or 3v3. All Supply- and Goldrush lovers will like the fact that this is another three stage map - so you can`t blame the map itself in case of a too fast defeat.



Let`s start: The allies side is starting on a higher level with three ways to capture the first flag. One way with a small drop down to the axis spawn, a main road to the flaghouse and main courtyard and a third way giving another route to the main courtyard (some players named the last way just "pipe barrel" - atleast thats the translation I got from my dictionary :p).

The axis side can establish a pretty solid defence on the main courtyard with a medic watching the spawn drop down, an engineer building up a wooden barrier (destroyable with satchel) which prevents the allies side from a fast paced flag rush and the remaining team shared on the whole courtyard.

As soon as the allies side toke over the flag they have to blow up the main door with a dynamite. A lucky covert ops can take an uniform and open both the main- and a smaller door located right at the first axis spawn. After the wall is blown the described doors are open and the allies can push forward either to the tank or the neutral command post. The axis can build a tank barrier as well as the cp slowing down the attacking forces.The last matches brought an intense fight for the cp area with some nice pf and rifle actions and some already said they are looking forward to upcoming fragmovie scenes featuring that part of the map.



If the allies were able to escort the tank through a small archway it will stop and destroy a generator which will guarantee access to the last part called Library. That part of the map reminds me a bit of Goldrush and Braundorf. The allies can use their forward cp spawn and push to the library to grab and transmit the documents.

This time the axis do have two spawnpoints - one of them giving a fast way to the docs and the other spawnpoint to the transmitter room to ensure a very last objective returned frag.

Although most of you haven`t played the map yet you should be able roll the dice in your mind and be prepared for the upcoming showmatch between two more or less equally skilled and known dream teams. The date is scheduled for this Wednesday but we will announce more details as soon as possible. Additionally I would like to let you know that the map is still in private beta testing but we will release a first official version short before the showmatch!

And to round this post off I gathered some quotes from known gamers:

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After playing the map a couple of times I can assure that it's absolutely suited for competition gameplay offering a variety of strategic possibilities ranging from agressive dynamic tactics to full set back positions. With its multiple stages and several different objectives it surely promises great action packed gameplay reminding you of the glory days and epic battles of ET. The first of the four dynamic stages offers multiple ways to attack from different angles and clutch points. The following stage lets you chose from two strategic options, either driving the tank directly through or taking control of CP first to get a better hold of the area. After the tank destroyed the generator you are again offered with a variety of ways to attack and defend the main objective. Either agressive trying to recover the CP or fully set back directly in the library. Once the documents are stolen they have to be taken back to the transmitter near the second Axis spawn. Their way either leads through a short but dangerous way right through the mentioned Axis spawn or they can chose the secure long way through their CP. - Urtier

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Although I have not tested the map as much as many others, I would like to say that it can be a very exciting map. The feeling of the map takes me to a mix between goldrush and village, with a small portion of radar.The map offers: short range firefights; more long range firefights; alot of open space; a few chokepoints but with alternative ways; dynamic stages; doc runs; a medium-time tank escort, which has potential to see much action; a pretty much unique first stage, which I hope will work in competition, important covertops action+ a baby submarine :] All in all, I think the map offers alot of variation in tactics, it is a map that allows you to make some mistakes without forfeiting it. Good in my book. - slajdan

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Library has big potential as a 6on6 competition map. It has multiple very balanced stages that are really fun to play. The Covert comes into play with a real job to do. I loved sneaking behind peoples backs and stab them, so it even has public potential ;) The second stage is rather hard to attack if a team is not pushing together. We will see how people enjoy the map and what updates can be made to further improve it for the Enemy Territory mappool. - eiM

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This is a map who will fit aimers as well as spammers. There will for sure be some nice and fast actions in the first stage, when it`s all about running for the flag as an allies, whilst the axis need to do everything they can to stop the down strafing enemy! In the second stage its all about teamplay from both sides. Allies need to help their engis who are going for the tank and barrier. The axis need to structure up a nice crossfire and use as much spam as they can to get the enemy down and gibbed, if they suceed they will be able to put up an offensive defence with spawnkilling nades and strikes. The last stage is the most exciting one... Here allies needs to make a run for the docs and use their medics to revive each other and stay alive while they are running their asses off!
The axis side need to have some guys putting up some nice crossfire in the doc room and with some help by a good rifler who stop and gibs everything in his way they can hold allies if not the whole map,for a very long time (Axis could also use one guy as a hunter(adlernest style) - I can already hear the shoutcaster screaming loud when the allies side go for the transmitter with a bunch of axis hunting them from behind. - tornis

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First of all, I think it was a good idea to test the map itself during the week so players (not only highskillers) could play this map. This map is original, with good objectives (plants, doc-run, cp, etc), no trickjumps...By playing it couple of times already (more then 2 times) I think this map has a big potential and is really fun to play. BlAcky did an amazing job building the map and Scatman in getting feedbacks and in advertising the map.
I'm really looking forward to play this map in the future ladders/cups and gl to BlAcky and ScaTmaN. - rito

Shoutouts to BlAcky , ScaTmaN_ , crush3r, mKs , urtier , eiM, stray , SimonKinsler , mental , Team-AoW , the guys on #Library, the whole CB & ESL crew and the guys who played the testmatches with us and gave feedback!