WarCraft Maps Go Mod

Mapmakers create new ways to play WC3.
Sep 1, 2004 | 564 words , 0 images

WarCraft III is evolving from the game you bought a couple years ago—it isn’t just an RTS about snarling green orcs and scantily clad night elves anymore. Thanks to user-made maps, whole new game types are being introduced. Just log on to Battle.net, join the game of someone who’s playing a custom-map mod, and enjoy the whole new game that’s automatically downloaded. And we’ve got to say, what most user-made maps lack in grammar and maturity, they more than make up for in creativity and originality.

Defense of the Ancients

What it is: Choose a hero and fight amongst three choke points along a river. Seems simple enough, doesn’t it? It isn’t.

What it isn’t: An RTS game. This is a combat-RPG with all the trimmings.

Why we like it: Most versions of DOTA feature amazing new heroes with excellent new spells, but beware of unbalanced versions. We prefer version 5.36, created by Guinsoo.

Run Panda Run v 1.3

What it is: Race your Panda Brewmaster through a squared spiral, avoiding treants that kill you with one hit.

What it isn’t: Fun, if you’re playing with selfish gits. Try to get to the middle alone and you’ll be stuck waiting for everyone else to save you.

Why we like it: Teamwork required. When you’re killed, another player must stand on the spot where you fell to bring you back.

Skibi Castle TD 5.7

What it is: A unique tower defense map with dozens of minigames played between each round.

What it isn’t: Easy. You will be ridiculed by your fellow players until you learn the ropes.

Why we like it: This map must have been a labor of love. The minigames range from ghost busting to spider dodging to an obstacle course, and they really spice up the already-amazing tower defense gameplay.

Life of a Peasant v 1.0

What it is: Complicated. You can be an average Joe, police officer, drug mogul, hooker, Mafia boss, forest ranger, mailman, sheriff, teenage girl, fast food restaurant owner...you get the idea.

What it isn’t: A game. This map plays more like a city simulator, and it always ends with the cops amassing outside the drug dealer’s house.

Why we like it: For the sheer joy of being able to play as a coke mule in a videogame.

Grand Theft Auto 2K v 1.65

What it is: Steal a steam tank, buy new weapons, rob the bank, and destroy houses for money. Two teams compete for control of the city.

What it isn’t: Grand Theft Auto. It’s fun, and it’s an interesting take on WarCraft, but really, it’s nothing like Rockstar’s baby.

Why we like it: The feel of the machine gun. It’s so cathartic after playing with axe trolls and blunderbusses all day.

Mr. Shroom beta v.26p

What it is: Do we condone drugs? Hell, no. But you can’t argue with fun. Dope Wars is a classic game. Now, mix that with a little stealth and you get Mr. Shroom. Buy low, sneak into town (avoiding the cops), and sell high.

What it isn’t: Politically correct.

Why we like it: Lots of people have tried to make stealth maps in WC3, but this is one of the few that actually plays well.