Mountain Hamlet
Monday, 17th March 2025
Design
What an extraordinary map! I’ve always found this one to be truly unique — there really was nothing quite like it when it first appeared. The design is wonderfully clever, with a fantastic balance between open areas for combat and tight spaces for hiding or manoeuvring. It’s not just good-looking, it’s strategically sound too. The aesthetic is stunning — almost lifelike in places. The attention to detail is phenomenal: a fully realised meat shop, a weapons store, the bell you can ring at the top of the tower, and the destructible bridge barriers that change the dynamics of the map entirely. And let’s not forget the river... take a misstep, and you’ll plummet to your doom before you can shout “medkit!” A gorgeous, immersive map that’s firmly embedded in my server’s rotation.
Gameplay
One word: fun! Pure, unrelenting fun. This map is chaos in the best possible way. With a full server, it quickly becomes an absolute bloodbath — but there’s plenty of room for stealth too. You can hear footsteps and gunfire echoing through the buildings, allowing smart players to hunt (or hide) with precision. Once you’ve got the long jump module and the crossbow, you’re well-equipped to dominate — but the map’s balance ensures no one can hold all the power for long. You'll constantly be on the lookout for health, armour, and ammo. It’s fast-paced, tactical, and gloriously unpredictable.
Verdict
I’ll be honest — this might not be the most impartial review, because I’ve always adored this map. I remember reading the old Planet Half-Life reviews when it was first released, and the buzz was undeniable. It truly was — and still is — something special. It’s one of those timeless maps I’ll never tire of. From the sound of that bell to the danger lurking beneath the bridge, it just works. A true classic that I’ll always look forward to playing.
