hoobaroo

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Both of these parks are wonderful. They're not necessarily ambitious in a traditionally grandiose sense, but they commit to a singular vision and succeed in executing that vision at the highest level. Vere Aeternum has a beautiful aesthetic, with the architecture, landwork and foliage blending into each other in a graceful way. 

 

 Vere Aeternum 2024-08-21 12-21-52.png (2.27MB)
downloads: 106

 

I was especially fond of this coaster station, with the curved buildings enmeshed into the rockwork so seamlessly. 

 

 Vere Aeternum 2024-08-21 12-30-55.png (2.09MB)
downloads: 125

 

You could imagine being tucked away in this cove here, surrounded with mountains, trees, and the splash boats all around and above you. 

 

 Vere Aeternum 2024-08-21 12-26-33.png (2.09MB)
downloads: 110

 

I loved this diagonal flume drop through the waterfall. The lines and angles throughout the map are so dynamic.

Everything curves and flows into one another, which on some maps could fall flat, but on this one that aims to subdue you into its tranquil world, it has a perfect effect. 

 

 Vere Aeternum 2024-08-21 12-29-10.png (2.06MB)
downloads: 111

 

The gold aqueducts popping against the background are very satsifying.

 

 Vere Aeternum 2024-08-21 12-34-08.png (2.11MB)
downloads: 110

 

I love the color work in this back garden here, with the bright pinks and blues subtly battling against the sea of warm beige and greens. 

 

 

 

Expo Miami is just smooth, clean, but also not afraid to experiment and push the bounds with architectural forms, really well implemented neon objects, and great colors. 

 

One of my favorite parts of this whole map for me is actually similar to Vere Aeternum, in the way that everything is designed to flow and blend into each other in a way that makes the map very satisfying to dance around on. The way that buildings flow from bright to dark blue, to purple to pink works really well. This map edge here, and the way that the water shifts from dark to bright, complemented by the square holes effect and neon lines is so cool.

 

 Expo Miami 2024-08-21 12-41-25.png (1.37MB)
downloads: 130

 

 Expo Miami 2024-08-21 12-42-39.png (1.19MB)
downloads: 117

 

The black void foliage and flamingos here are a great touch of surreal Floridian naturalism on an otherwise futuristic map.

 

 Expo Miami 2024-08-21 12-44-34.png (1.45MB)
downloads: 109

 

I love the forms of this building here, combined with the roof patterns and pools on the roof. The ships and aquatic elements... Might be my favorite area on the map.

 

 Expo Miami 2024-08-21 12-46-30.png (1.81MB)
downloads: 113

 

These neon floors are an amazing effect. A great way to add flow and movement to what would otherwise be mostly negative space. The colorwork implemented on making these paths change depending on the area they're in is one of those subtle touches that are really just so smart, making the map feel connected and vibrant. 

 

 Expo Miami 2024-08-21 12-50-51.png (1.69MB)
downloads: 116

 

I love this square effect from the cel shade object in the water. Unfortunate use of the Tesla Truck here, could be make or break for the voting.

 

 Expo Miami 2024-08-21 12-53-57.png (1.67MB)
downloads: 148

 

Loved these nets and canopies here over the paths. As a sidenote, there is a great balance here of making each area/building have its own unique voice and not get too same-y, while retaining enough motifs to not feel like you are viewing multiple different maps glued together. 

 

 Expo Miami 2024-08-21 13-00-01.png (1.1MB)
downloads: 127

 

Quick shoutout to the macro overview. The fluidity of shapes, the colors, came out so well.

 

 

Not sure who to vote yet so I'll just keep enjoying these two parks for now. Congratulations to both teams on great runs and on two great finals parks. I have to admit, without speculating, It's endearing that both of these parks are of a style and an aesthetic that I imagine are special to the builders. It's a great way to cap off a season.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chateau Frontenac

 

Not only is this my favorite yet from you guys, it's also probably one of my favorites of the contest. This park is pure atmosphere. There are so many small and subtle touches that go a long way in making this park just feel good to have open. The swaying bushes and falling leaves of the autumn foliage, the sound design... A bit of a tangent here but the sound design is gorgeous. Seriously. The separate sound of falling water by the waterfall, the chirping and cawing birds. The individual church music next to the sound of the guitar music in the town. The effort put into this pays off big time and shows real love and attention from the builders, and made me want to linger just a bit longer in every area, as I could imagine being there. Architecturally, I think the buildings by the river in the town and the bridge are big highlights. But the strongest part of the park might be the landscaping. Those dense clumps of autumn foliage are just gorgeous, along with the rockwork around the waterfall. That middle area under the bridge between the two parts of the park might be my favorite part of the park. I could live there. I also like how there are 9 different pumpkin objects. Never enough. By the hotel, I thought it was well done, if a bit blocky. Some pop and depth could've taken it from good to great, I think. The fact that the interiors were done was a nice touch (really clever piano), but maybe some peep scenes and movement could've really brought it to life. The scenes outside were great however, with the valet service pulling up, and the golf course with the putting peeps. The coaster was well done too, compact and with fun moments. Also, we haven't seen a map shape this long so far I think, and I appreciate the risk. Unorthodox map shapes can be hit or miss, but it worked well here to create three separate, distinct areas. All in all, a favorite of mine so far, I wanna live here

 

 Quebec Park 2024-07-19 00-34-28.png (2.08MB)
downloads: 122

 

Delicious

 

 Quebec Park 2024-07-19 00-34-51.png (2.11MB)
downloads: 136

 

This whole area is painting-esque, just beautiful colorwork.

 

 Quebec Park 2024-07-19 00-35-43.png (1.95MB)
downloads: 144

 

The whole lobby/golf area in the front of the hotel was very well done. I think leaning into it even more, maybe making it more festive or gatsby-esque could've been nice to make it more atmospherically pronounced and distinct from the town. Lights? Party-goers? Still done well in any case

 

 Quebec Park 2024-07-19 00-35-54.png (2MB)
downloads: 186

 

Loved all the details and architectural shapes going on here by the river, one of the best areas in the park I think.

 

Cedar Point's Maverick

 

I'm not typically the biggest fan of recreation or realism building, but as I've improved at the game, so has my ability to appreciate the craftsmanship and creativity that goes into works like this. First off, loved the music, loved the banjo cover(?) of The Chain, and all of the subsequent tracks that follow. I don't know how faithful the layout is in recreation terms personally, but it was still very well done. The way this park breaks the grid through all of the varying angles of trims and paths was so seamless that you don't even really think about it unless you're paying attention to it, which is a sign of great execution. The landscaping and mixing of textures outside of the park is so well done too, feels so real. I think what really elevated this park for me though was the attention to detail in tiny peep scenes that give the park life. The floating drone that links to actual ride footage, the peep on the outskirts recording for views, all of the little peep scenes with dialogue... that one mechanic hammering the sign onto the roof was so cool. These details breathe life into the park and make it easy to immerse myself into it. Not all of the cutaways were done, but I see that more of as a bonus, and the ones that were done were very well done. I also now have banjo The Chain stuck in my head.

 

 Cedar Point's Maverick 2024-07-19 00-57-45.png (1.99MB)
downloads: 184

 

Amazing pathwork here, so dynamic 

 

 Cedar Point's Maverick 2024-07-19 00-57-28.png (2MB)
downloads: 175

 

Love this moment here with the curved fences and pond detailing.

 

 Cedar Point's Maverick 2024-07-19 00-57-59.png (1.94MB)
downloads: 166

 

The landscaping here for an entirely negative space is so good. It shows how consistent the quality is throughout the whole park.

 

 Cedar Point's Maverick 2024-07-19 00-58-35.png (758.59KB)
downloads: 164

 

Lovely cutaways.

 

 Cedar Point's Maverick 2024-07-19 01-00-36.png (773.12KB)
downloads: 129

 

The peep scenes scattered throughout were a lot of fun, with this one being one of my favorites.

 

 

 

I'm leaning towards LHC now for the the quality of atmosphere, but the craftsmanship and execution of Jazzcats is so strong, so I'll have to think about it. Great job to both teams for two beautiful parks. 

Ghiradelli's Dream

 

This was a cute park that was hit or miss for me. The ambition of the landscaping and roads is admirable, but there were a decent amount of areas that felt too raw. I also don't think I fully understand what the idea was behind the "dream" of the chocolate maker. Some more hints or more integration of chocolate motifs would've gone a long way towards making the park come together. 

 

 Ghirardelli's Dream 2024-07-16 05-42-08.png (1.6MB)
downloads: 94

 

Loved the vibe of this waterfront. 

 

 Ghirardelli's Dream 2024-07-16 05-39-13.png (1.82MB)
downloads: 102

 

This clump of buildings here was one of my favorite parts of the park. 

 

 Ghirardelli's Dream 2024-07-16 05-42-38.png (1.78MB)
downloads: 100

 

Solar Panel design coupled with the weaving roof pattern was another cool design moment. 

 

 Ghirardelli's Dream 2024-07-16 05-40-39.png (362.39KB)
downloads: 101

 

Very clever object usage in these mini aerial vignettes. Wish we would've seen more of this level of detail in the main park itself.

 

Ultimately a relaxing and enjoyable park. I think a bit of extra oomph or bite would've given it the edge over its competitor. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hot Springs

 

Jerks' park was frustrating because it has the skeleton of a truly great park, but it feels undercooked in a way that makes me wish we could've seen this idea developed to its full potential. The "Hot Spring" Ice kanji is a great moment. In some areas, the density of the micro is imaginative and alive, and in others, stale and stiff. There are strange and yet really fun choices, like taking the time to detail the entire alleyway that can only be seen with cutaway. Intricate moments like this suggest that there was real potential for life to be breathed into this whole map. 

 

 Pro Tour 2 Bench 2024-07-14 18-38-26.png (939.83KB)
downloads: 106

 

Having the kanji "click" as a macro moment was pretty dope, really cool idea.

 Pro Tour 2 Bench 2024-07-16 05-10-23.png (1.82MB)
downloads: 105

 

Great moment here, with the mixture of neon colors sandwiched between two vertical icy paths.

 

 Pro Tour 2 Bench 2024-07-16 06-30-28.png (1.68MB)
downloads: 107

 

Such an interesting vibe on certain structures like this one, don't know if we've seen anything quite like it before. Loved it.

 

 Pro Tour 2 Bench 2024-07-16 05-11-13.png (1.85MB)
downloads: 108

 

The lines and colors here create a kindof layered depth that I love, chaotic but not completely illegible, creating a feeling of realness, making us want to see more. 

 

 Pro Tour 2 Bench 2024-07-16 04-10-02.png (1.8MB)
downloads: 103

 

I was paying attention to this tiny, detailed storefront hidden behind the layers, when I used cutaway and found that this whole alleyway was fully detailed. It's a decision that fascinates me because it doesn't make much sense to do this from a contest perspective, where immediate impression is of paramount importance, but it does add even further to the uncanny liveliness of the park. 

 

 Pro Tour 2 Bench 2024-07-16 04-12-27.png (1.67MB)
downloads: 98

 

 

 Pro Tour 2 Bench 2024-07-14 18-46-58.png (2.1MB)
downloads: 94

 

This corner really needed something to break it up and add some energy to it. Too much chunky red.

 

All-in-all, while it didn't entirely stick the landing, the fundamentals were enough to push it through: strong concept, strong macro, and moments of life that left me wanting more. I'd love to see the builders revisit this if they were ever curious to, because I think there was a massive amount of potential here! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

pretty flowers

H2H9: Crazy

H2HX: Less Crazy

In all seriousness, the last three years of my life have been such a paradigm shift that it’s hard to compare. I fell in love, got my heart broken, took a train across America, left the country for the first time to explore Europe, made new friends, lost my best friend, made more new friends (some from here!), and made peace with childhood dreams and wishes. I used to look at my life through the lens of cycles (how have things changed every year, every three years, six, half of my life etc.), but now it feels like it’s all caught up with me. It’s a strange feeling to describe, when you’ve lived life in a sort of shell, a cocoon, and to finally venture out of it and experience being a person, real and present. Feeling free to be yourself, realizing you don’t have to hide yourself. Realizing that you are free to define yourself the way that you want, create what you want.

So that’s where I’ve been at. RCT now is this funny thing that I’ve had, like a microcosm of this idea. The limits are only where I choose to define them as of now, and I’m free to explore and have fun beyond them, to be curious and imaginative.

And of course I’m curious and excited for this H2H as well. I won’t be the same hotheaded newbie eager to prove himself, but that’s totally fine with me. I’m just grateful that I’ve had this game and community as an outlet throughout, even if I was just lurking at times.