Layout - Score 8

This is your typical city map, built within a city block. There are buildings around the edge of the map and a small inaccessible building in the center, connected by a covered walkway. Most of the buildings allow roof access, but only three of the buildings have interior rooms. There does seem to be some difficulty getting down to the street level from some of the buildings. A jump is required, onto the brick building with the 'Coke' sign, so you can make your way down the building under construction. The line of fire provides unlimited gaming action for both snipers and shotgun or MP4/machinegun players. The sniper could be at an advantage if holed up in the building where the sniper rounds regenerate, as it is tough to get a kill when the wall provides cover. After all, there is only one way in and out. This map is well balanced allowing for manageable game play. Weapon layout is scattered throughout the city, making it well balanced.

Textures & Sky - Score 6

The alignment of the background cityscape adds a touch of color to the otherwise brown, bland map. If there were additional stars in the sky, this too could have given urban a more dusk or early evening feeling. Overall, the theme of the map works, there are no areas or building which seem inconsistent within this city block.

Prefabs - Score 5

There is nothing overly spectacular about urban. Gerbil! did take the time to use a few different prefab ladders, electrical units and a Coke sign on the buildings, giving a bit of randomness to the map. This map does not require the use of many prefabs, as they would only hinder gameplay.

Sounds - Score

N/A. There was no use of sounds, unless you want to consider all the times a player attempts the jump over to the brick building with the 'Coke' sign on top. If you misjudge, there is a yell, followed by a splat. Outside of that, this is a quiet map. I do think some sound would have been out of place if used.

Lighting - Score 5

There are not really any dark areas on the map, but the author did use lighting on both the streets and on the corridor for effect. Looks a bit false shinning on the streets, maybe because I don't think it is dark enough, but it does help out this map.

Playability - Score 6

By no means is Urban the "perfect" map when it comes to r_speeds. This map abuses the rules and exceeds 1200 in a few spots on the taller buildings when looking across the map. On average, speeds fluctuated from 300-700. Some of the alleyways, rooms and stairwells revealed somewhat lower speeds. There is also clipping when you are stadning on the tall building, facing the Action Quake sign, this can cause problems finding your enemy. All files are zipped correctly.

Teamplay - Score 9

I find this map to be an excellent map to play and have experienced both teamplay and DM on urban. There are a few areas which snipers seem to covet, like the shielded area near the parking garage, accessed by jumping over to the grey building. Also for those who dare to access the roof of the parking garage, BEWARE. This can become a prime location to be picked off from. I know, because I love this spot. A note to the sniper, if no one is covering your back, your opponent could easily climb the building sneak up behind you. For those who like to get into blaring gun fights, you are in luck. There is enough area where you are usually covered from being shot at. There does seem to be a problem respawn spot in teamplay. That being the spot on top of the center building. There is only a single way down, by jumping onto the roof of the walkway and dropping through the hole in the roof. A door and some stairs leading into the small enclosed room would have made for even better team action.

DM - Score 8

I've only had limited game play in DM, but the spread of weapons is not bad. It becomes fast paced when you are without a special weapon. Usually resulting in ending up on the wrong side of a weapon. On this map, limit the game to no more then 8 players, or the fight for weapons become difficult.

Originality - Score 6

Still one of the most popular and well designed maps around. Its simplicity makes it a map which will stand the test of time. The map does have great play characteristics, but there is potential for even a better urban map. This has been accomplished in the follow up maps, urban2 and urban3. A few parked cars or trucks would have helped for cover when running through the empty streets.

General Feel - Score 9

Great gameplay and action all the time on this map. Not too big for a few players, but large enough for a good team match. Still a great map for all types of players. This is worth the download, check it out!

Final Rating 6.8 (62/9)