Maxwell

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Last one for R3! Thoughts included below:

 

 

H2H9 Park Reviews

 

Frontier’s Keep

 

Very fun and creative theme! Reminds me of a sort of dystopian Mysterious Island/Frontierland

 

Loving the tons of inventive and dynamic components throughout!

 

Notable include all the vehicle and attractions hacks, with my favorite being the barrel roller

 

+10 for ice fall, that was such a cool moment capturing that effect!!

 

Really enjoying the effects of the environment as it helps bring the theme together

 

Small details include the firetruck, the water tower line cascading down to the lava flow below, the burnt RMC track, and of course Wendy’s Wooden Water Tower!

 

Was pleasantly surprised to see Shaft Accident operate, didn’t realize it was a ride at first until I saw the RV drop!!

 

Krash’n Burne had some great moments as well! Favorites being the roll element with the pedestrian bridge and the ‘trick tracks’ with empty mine cars stationed on them

 

+1 for the Funicular cars

 

Both the glacier faces and lava flows were relatively simple, but also effective!

 

The map edges and interiors were also very nicely done. Loved the Excavators too

 

 

Stardust Circuit

 

Immediately, the colors and animated object use is just out of this world…

 

Short Circuit is one of my favorite attractions on the map, such a fun idea!

 

The fading structure effects and reflections are incredibly well done!!

 

Adding the sculptures and all the ‘LED panels’ to that note as well

 

Going to add all the advertisements on the grandstands and dotted around the map to that list too…

 

The back-alley area is probably my favorite on the map, it’s just so good!

 

+10 for pretty much everything included with the race. I enjoy the scoring billboard, the interior show car displays (lol Cybertruck), and the podium encircled by celebratory fans!

 

Gave this one the +10 seeing all the incredible views around the track, and overall life breathed into this map by the attraction

 

+1 for the entire Daft Punk setup, kudos to somehow creating a near spitting image in RCT…

 

Also, shoutout to all the artist/song references. I had no idea anyone else heard of Frontier Psychiatrist is!!

 

 

Vote for R3M3 – Stardust Circuit

 

 

The decision was supported by the sheer technical prowess and overall execution that was abundantly present in Stardust Circuit. Not to take anything away from Frontier's Keep, but Stardust Circuit did feel more well rounded. This match proved quite challenging for me as the longer I explored Frontier's Keep, the more I was fascinated by it. Unfortunately, it just lacked some refinement which held it back in my eyes.

 

Awesome to see another matchup of such polarizing park concepts. Hoping that both teams are proud of their accomplishments this round as they have created fantastic work yet again! Continually impressed by the art contributed by everyone involved.

 

Here's to R4!

This match was certainly refreshing! Thoughts included below:

 

 

H2H9 Park Reviews

 

Le Coeur du Ciel

 

Really enjoying the overall combination between the palette and busy atmosphere here!

 

This especially shines through around the Moulin Rouge/nightlife area!! It’s just so vibrant

 

+10 for the theater and clubs. The approaches are so fun and tasteful

 

Love the general lighting use throughout the map as well!

 

All the airships dotted around are fantastic

 

Notable are the Beluga, fire brigade, and the warship of course

 

The use of diagonals found in the architecture and docking areas are all great complements to the squarer blocks of architecture

 

Having the foundation of the map being the top of the Eiffel Tower is such a unique and thought-provoking touch that really sells the French theme for me. Not to mention the impressive architecture throughout as well!

 

I haven’t even mentioned the coasters yet! I love them both, with Skyline being my favorite

 

They are both nestled into their respective areas in a way that feels just right. Loving their structural details too

 

In general, I really enjoy the overall complexity and relative symmetries in the layering of the infrastructure. Notable mentions include the extensive archways and the apparent divide between the more industrial/municipal layers

 

Sightlines and interaction between the pathways, Highline, and Le Fan Belt benefits significantly from this!

 

+1 for the grape crusher being perhaps the only revolving piece not used to support flight!!

 

Shoutout to the gears embedded within the hanger cart structure and the balloons that carry the power lines from the Eiffel Tower to the rest of the flying city. Love these details in particular

 

 

Papilio Valley

 

Right off the bat, I really enjoy the colorful and lush foliage throughout. It’s very dense, but so atmospheric and perfect to theme!

 

The juxtaposition between the waterfall, knotted root systems, zipline, and coasters only add to this

 

The treehouses and Treehouse Supplies Pulley are so cleverly done. Love how they constantly change!!

 

Love the take on the duelers too, particularly given their naming and ride types. The element/s where the two interchange between loops and rolls are great moments on the ride, especially where the roll splices the loop. Had to do a doubletake to spot that one!

 

All the sculptures and signage throughout are wonderful

 

The entrance area and windmill(!!!) are both impressive, if a bit void of life compared to other parts of the map

 

+10 for the raging ant colony, I was very surprised and impressed to see this!! Especially with peeps?!

 

Also, really digging these new rock objects. They feel like a more ‘natural’ alternative to some of the WW objects commonly used

 

Enjoyed the cute little story with Lost on the Twy River and some of the details within!

 

Notable are the frozen enterprise web and the Alice in Wonderland-esque caterpillar

 

+1 for Swarm and the Honey Pot. I found this area adorable!

 

 

Vote for R3M2 – Le Coeur du Ciel

 

 

As I sat on this one, I realized how much Le Coeur du Ciel was growing on me in a way I don't normally experience for such steampunk/fantasy driven parks. It was as if the longer I viewed the map, the more I found myself fascinated by it, and the more I was able to discover. Not to take anything away from Papilio Valley, but over time I found myself more and more drawn to Le Coeur. Papilio Valley I will say had something intrinsically nostalgic about it that really piqued my curiosity, however. It was simple, fun, and refreshing. Part of me questioned my initial decision during later viewings that I didn't otherwise expect! Ultimately, a slight lack of refinement held it back for me unfortunately.

 

Overall, I thought this matchup was a nice change of pace with some uniquely different themes and park approaches! Commendable work all round as usual. I hope both teams feel just as proud!

 

One more till R4!

Glad to make voting this time around! Comments included below:

 

 

H2H9 Park Reviews

 

Christchurch City Centre

 

Holy granularity Batman! The impact of the textures and overall grittiness is instant and incredible

 

The architecture is amazing as well. Seriously impressive cityscape, especially given the haphazard theme

 

Notable are Quake City, Thornton Terrace, The Millennium, and of course the Cathedral

 

Honestly, I love all the buildings in this map. City Hall and New Regent, Leighs Building, Te Pae CC, the list goes on…

 

Really appreciate the use of car ride track to name the structures – simple yet very helpful for viewing

 

Also love all the construction sites. Whether it’s a high rise or road repair it’s all very well done

 

+10 for all the vehicle and interior details, especially Quake City. Each case ceases to amaze me!!

 

Mishmash Market is great fun and really brings a sense of vitality to the map!

 

The divide between collapsing infrastructure and the fight to keep the structures alive creates a really interesting atmosphere. Almost post-apocalyptic/fantasy themes in a park rooted in realism

 

Love the inclusion of all the urban art as well!

 

+1 for Flight of the Conchords, Lorde as a Handyman (lol), and the Urban Explorer!

 

 

Lemuria

 

Love child between RoB, PoE, and Mirage Islands’ entrance?

 

At first glance, I was impressed by the sheer vibrancy of it all. Colors, lush foliage, landscaping, etc.

 

All the architecture in Port of Entry area is fantastic! (All the love for Mythos too)

 

Love the inclusion of what I assume is Taylor and the water tunnel from PFury in Escape from Lemuria!!!

 

Great interiors in general throughout this area

 

Eversio is perhaps one of the greatest coasters we’ve seen in competition. The layout, interaction, themeing, and diagonal mcbr all contribute to an absolute standout attraction

 

Notable moments include the first drop under the pathway, Griffon’s Tower turnaround, and the dive loop/interlocking corks above The Flood

 

The station is equally as incredible, and very fitting for the quality attraction. Love the overall feeling of grandeur and opulence here

 

All the supporting attractions are great with Postmaster Logan’s perhaps my favorite!

 

+1 for the small views into Griffon’s Tower load platform as well!!

 

Additionally, love the small fountains to the side of The Flood’s lift

 

+10 for The Flood’s rotating platform. It’s a very inventive contribution to say the least!

 

Small details such as named staff are always fun too. Lol’d at the SF one

 

 

While after immediately viewing both parks it did seem to be another tough decision for me, however, it became clear which park felt the most well rounded once I took a deeper look at the attractions. I am torn as both parks contribute standout quality that should be commended regardless of competition, but Eversio really sealed the deal for me. Interesting too considering that Christchurch City Centre certainly felt more unique overall which tends to pull my favor.

 

Continually impressed with the efforts and quality involved! I loved both of these maps and hope that both teams feel very proud of their work thus far.

 

Excited and prepped for R2!

Finally adding my thoughts here as well. Comments below!

 

 

H2H9 Park Reviews

 

A Day at the Races

 

The overall coloring is so much fun. Love the pastels and boardwalk architecture all round!

 

Aeroplane coaster is one of my favorites of the round! It gives off strong Thunderbolt vibes too

 

The seemingly endless docks/boardwalks with the festoon lighting adds a ton of atmosphere

 

Really enjoy all the naming and variety in the planes!

 

The Stunt Plane acrobatics are wild and fun to watch

 

Racing team planes has to be the most dynamic competitor inclusion I’ve seen. Really adds to the overall theme and buzzing atmosphere!

 

+1 for Air Show for synchronized maneuvering and colored trails, such a clever idea

 

Grandstand architecture and surrounding cliff side garden areas are nicely done

 

The small details really sold me on this one like the Press stand

 

Notable are the racing pylons and pockets of grandstands, the artist and their easel next to Bisby’s Spiral Airship, and the blue cake at the private garden party/viewing area!

 

Notable plane details are the Icons crash, plane unboxing, and the wing walker!

 

+10 for Bayview and Bisby’s Spiral Airship, both executed very well

 

 

Esoterra

 

First off, love the huge rings of black rock and the overall landscaping!

 

All the waterfalls bring a great sense of tranquility

 

Also love the use of plain grass for walkways. Really embodies that natural feel

 

Sediment layering works well in certain areas, and sort of loses me in others

 

I appreciate the Tarot Deck organization on the Rides tab!

 

Having each card have a little vignette area makes the map fun to explore

 

Favorite attractions/areas include Hermit, Hierophant, World, The Chariot, and Hanged One

 

The fact that The Chariot takes you through Last Judgment and Death is a really neat touch

 

Really enjoy the architecture for the splash down and the Hierophant bridge!

 

+10 for The Stool

 

+1 for Pat Sajak

 

 

The decision was supported by the inclusion of a multitude of dynamic components that upheld and carried the respective themes. Not to take anything away from Esoterra, but A Day at the Races seemed to have that much more which ultimately brought the map to life in my eyes.

 

Proud of all the work and accomplishments thus far! You all are killing it.

 

Here's to R3!

Unfortunately missed the voting on this one as well, but review included below!

 

 

H2H9 Park Reviews

 

The Seven Liberal Arts

 

First off, the theme is great and very thought-provoking. Love the overall approach!

 

The object creation and use in this park is incredible, especially the tents and new font ofc

 

I appreciate the simpler approach of using more textured objects to add detail versus layering

 

Interesting noting the differences in object use for rock work. This feels truer to classic RCT than that of the recent WW rock meta

 

Overall landscaping and foliage is beautiful and executed perfectly across the map

 

The architecture is imposing while graceful. Waterfront areas are simple and full of life!

 

Most of the attractions are clever and very inventive -- The Planets!

 

Notable are Musica, Arithmetike, Astronomia, Logike, and Rhetorike

 

Very much enjoy the abacus structure, Geometria, and the Pythagorean sitting area!

 

Trireme is incredible and a great addition to the theme

 

Supporting details such as the ship framing and sculptor really bring the atmosphere!

 

+1 for Toga peeps and the fishing nets. Really feeling the AOE themes here

 

 

Nippon Professional Baseball Championship Weekend at Tokyo Dome City

 

Love the simulation, especially the inclusion of the Walk-off Homer in the celebration

 

Technical details throughout are all great and very immersive

 

Baseball Legend Autographs, Batting Cages, and Dunk Tank are all notable inclusions

 

+1 for Ride on Animals and Deep Abyss attractions!

 

Again, the technical prowess shines through on many of the attractions, e.g. Linear Gale hold brake

 

Especially enjoy Panic Coaster with the reverse launch and one-way station!

 

Watch Party is fantastic as well! The perspective feels just right given the angle and location

 

Love the simple, small details like the box trusses and BabyMetal Signs/Equipment Vans!

 

Overall architecture and infrastructure is very impressive; even more so considering the levels

 

All the interiors, cutaways, and rail line details really bring it all together

 

Thunder Dolphin Station/Blue Fall area is my favorite of the map! Such a unique blend of modern and traditional themes

 

+10 for Grand Carousel

 

 

 

 

This was a difficult one for me, and at first viewing I kept wanting to vote for The Seven Liberal Arts. There was something about it that just carried a certain spirit that felt very quintessential RCT to me. Almost nostalgic in a way, yet it was still so technically advanced and mystifying. In the end, NPBCW@TDC also carried a spirit, but one of a more 'traditional versus modern' dichotomy that ultimately kept my interests longer. Not only that, but the technical complexities provided so much detail and content that it barely edged this one out for me. This one felt reminiscent of M1 in terms of competitiveness, but an even tighter decision for me in the end.

 

Groundbreaking work all round, and great job as always to everyone involved!