When I decided to seek out this community again, I thought that I had seen it all. I was here for the supposed "Golden Age" of NUMA, a time when 50 maps were submitted every day by as many authors. Even so, Spackal shows us that there is still room for improvement in this game. Afternoon Lines does something I never would have considered: turned an action map into a fully realized race that looks as though it was built from scratch. Congratulations on placing 3rd in the ReTile competition, Spackal! — origami_alligator

Behold the mighty dragon in all its splendor.

It's fiery eyes and shrewd disposition cast a penetrating gaze upon its next meal.

For once you lock eyes with the mighty Cantdie dragon, it will be the last set of eyes you ever see. It's merciless attacking dive will cause the dragon to sink its jagged teeth into your torso, rendering you unconscious in a matter of seconds. To the dragon, though, you are but just another meal in its long line of insatiable conquests. — ska

Strontium-90 half-and-half
Mix it with coffee, make you laugh
Make your neck long like a giraffe
Sitting so nicely, photograph

Hyacinth flowers lost their hue
Baby, you lost your blue eyes, too
Brewing espresso meant for two
How can you say this is adieu?

- Excerpt from a poem found on a sheet of paper taped to the back of a bench by a playground of an abandoned school, 15 years from now — origami_alligator

The ideal of the center, either around a single enemy or having you otherwise move through its perimeters to reach the end (Sendy’s Edgeplay [nmaps.net], stepself’s Rue the Whirl [nmaps.net]) has long-enticed NUMA’s architects. Here, like Zaha Hadid to Rudolph Schindler, is its inverse. fingersonthefrets forces the player to run directly and harrowingly toward the center rocket, which is like an atom split, tiles seeming to fusillade out from it while the path snakes exactingly around the level, forming out of midair graphite and steel, blasted and pulled. To achieve such a perfect form in competition is striking. Congratulations and excellent work! — Yahoozy

Every so often a map is published that causes one to question their dedication to N. This particular submission separates players into three distinct groups: the elite, the dedicated, and then everyone else. For those who dare to try this, be aware that this map doesn't skimp on the difficulty. The upper and lower sections each have their own challenges that make this map feel more thought out than one would suspect. It took me many tries to simply complete this map - I suspect it will take many more to collect all the gold in a single run. — origami_alligator

The design of this map feels mountainous to me, and the way it plays feels as though one is heading down some moderately difficult ski slopes. This feeling is derived in part by the slingshot-esque ski lift that takes you from the bottom to the top in moments. This design isn't something most of us would think to incorporate, but that is why GreenEggsAndHam sits at the cool kids' table. As you carve your route through the snow on this one, play around and take in the scenery as much as you can before you head back to the lodge. — origami_alligator

"light and dark strokes" by nitrile is an aptly named map that makes great use of two visual ideas. The first, a progression of linearly spaced stripes that form the backbone of the tileset, the second, three bouncing bands outlined only by the space they cut. Three gauss turrets guard the main channels of movement; one further turret protects the gold found at the back of the room. The map can be played cautiously, hide in the nooks and take shortcuts between locations, or in a swift fashion, effortlessly run through the channels while still remaining wary of searching turrets. — lord_day

As mines rain down from the heavens on high, it is time to perform the Dance of the Moon and the Sun. Tread carefully, the dance is perilous yet ultimately compelling. And once the caper is complete? Those who feel their act is done would be found mistaken. The Dance of the Moon and the Sun holds one final secret. — lord_day

This unstable core takes the form of an unfolding pattern of red light. Just looking at the center exposes you to the laser drones and their intensifying pressure. Seek shelter from Plutonium's deadly core for a short break, but know that every moment wasted causes even more radioactive decay - and that you've still got to get out alive... — PALEMOON

Crafted within just ten minutes, Blanc Bec is a well balanced map that sends the player snaking across the map on a collection of floating platforms. The gauss turrets take turns targetting the player as they switch from side to side of the rising structure, creating some moments of real tension in this ultimately relaxed setting. It's safe to say that if you are reading this review, then stepself was a better mapmaker than you are. Those looking to improve their own maps should definitely take note. — lord_day