With the growing base of M2TW, and the need for a review team, I've taken the liberty of posting this.
In order to become a member of the review team, you must be willing to provide an application email, (Sent to one of the seraphs) and some pretty basic contact information.
1. Post in this thread
2. Post your Forum name, and your downloads name. (Only applies to people with name changes)
3. Your email address
4. The files you are interested in reviewing. (Modpacks, Tools, Maps, Replays)
As a reviewer, you will be expected to:
-There are no new files in the section which you are willing to review.
-You have stated an extended absence to either me or any other staff here at TWH.
If you wish to resign for whatever the reason, either email one of the seraphs, or post in this thread.
When reviewing Custom maps, rate them in regards to the following:
-Playability
-Design
-Balance
-Creativity
When playing a custom map, you must look at it as a whole. Sure, the map may look great, but if the guy on the left side of the map has a huge hill in front of him, that map might score pretty low in the balance department. If the map is based on a historical battle site, (IE: Crecy) take into account how well they took that into account regarding actual balance and design. If the sacking of Jerusalem takes place in the black forest, that's not really historical, is it?
There really is no specific criteria on how a score is given in Playability but there are quite a few things that can effect playability in a negative manner. Trigger bugs, victory condition bugs and any other playability-destroying bugs obviously can ruin a maps's playability. If a player is ever confused about the next goal to accomplish, that's a playability problem. If a player can complete an objective in a way that the author obviously did not intend to be possible, that's a playability problem. Anything that adversely affects your enjoyment of a scenario can be deducted from the Playability score.
Be sure to review maps with factions you enjoy playing as. If you despise playing as or against a certain faction, it would be better to avoid reviewing that one yourself, to prevent any bias from getting in the way.
Overall design and creativity are quite simple: If the map was just grassy flatlands with some trees added, that's not much for either. If the map was created from scratch, well, that may do some good for the design.
Remember, don't ever be afraid to post poor reviews. Just remember to provide clear, detailed reasons why you did. And be honest!
Review replays on the following:
-Deployment
-Tactics employed
-Viewability
Replays that are often short lived, (IE: Cav Rushes) or ones that bog down into wars of attrition with both sides doing little to nothing will score low in the watchability department. The actual skill and deployment employed by both sides should be taken into account, but should not be greatly integral to the review.
Modpacks and Tools will be rated of the following:
-Functionality
-Instructions
-Originality (Modpacks only)
Ask yourself: Does this actually work? If not, then don't review it. Send an email to the author, letting them know in advance, possibly to correct the problem before you submit your review. Coming to instructions, are they coherent, comprehensible, and clear? No instructions at all is rare, but can be seen in novice modders eager to submit their work. Don't be too harsh. Once again, send an email.
For modpacks: While some can be just basic Cookie-Cutter Mods as in "All Factions unlocked" or "Start with XXX" instead of normal, some can be quite original, providing new unit skins, maps, or even factions/campaigns. Dont just give low reviews on the grounds of "I've seen this done before", but actually look into what was done.
If you feel that any file you have submitted has been reviewed unfairly or inappropriately, email the Downloads Moderators. What will be deemed unfair or inappropriate will be under discretion, so don't spam the inboxes just because you got a 4 and wanted a 5.
bad reviews may contain any or all of the following:
This is an effort to encourage the forumers to get out there and help the community. Don't be shy! I hope many of you will apply!
*Anyone wishing to submit pointers or corrections to the review guidelines may post them in this thread. However, do not protest openly if your pointers are not taken, email a Download Administrator instead.
Scotty the Fallen | One-time Angel Reincarnate, and Former BFME2H and TWH Downloads administrator, and BFME2 Strategy Administrator.
"And I shall go softly into the night, taking my dreams, as will you." - EoJ
"Scotty's probably the only forumer here who can make every post a defiant claim of his own superiority." - Atzy
[This message has been edited by Edorix (edited 01-27-2011 @ 04:47 PM).]