CP_Lazytown (mapper Zeta) was one of the first fun, playable custom maps after TF2 was released in October of last year. The map had flaws; it was very plain-jane in the visuals, and it was tough to “cap out” on. That made for some intense battles but felt unsatisfying….it didn’t seem to have momentum. Also, the mapper must hate Engineers, the metal and health were skimpy.

Welcome to Busytown! The visuals have been lavishly re-worked, with a beautiful 3D skybox job. The name was changed to differentiate it from the scores of ripoffs that came from Zeta’s original Laztown. Although I’m sure these scumbag map stealers would think nothing of propagating a legion of lame Busytown knockoffs. Anyway, it’s really a professional job and even had at least two (that I noticed) custom decals.

I LOVED the new middle capture point – there are new side routes that Zeta opened up here:

Playing as Soldier, I loved how you could jump on top of this building on the right (CASALI SHAFTING CO.) to harass enemies trying to capture the middle. Oh yes, this fellow died while taunting me. You’re lookin’ good, Nixon!

Zeta improved the map even more by using advancing spawns to bring the action forward. I’ve played it once, and I will tell you we were brutalized, our butts handed to us in little cardboard conference lunchboxes. So your mileage may vary, but I found the first caps to be wayyy too prone to spawn-camping. Some alternate exits would be great here.

Also, the Engineer gets no love from this map, as the metal is about the same as Lazytown, few and far between. All in all, it’s a fantastic looking improvement, yay for moveable spawns and new routes, big boos for Engy punishment and spawn-camping problems. Hopefully it’s not the final version as this map is getting very close to perfection.

1. Map Review: CP_STEEL_B4
2. Map Review: CP_Fastlane_b1
3. First Impressions: ctf_Turbine
4. TF2maps.net Contest Map: Haarp
5. Gamer’s Spat (Part II)