[b]DEMO REVIEWS[/b]

\\r\\n\\r\\nThe last two weeks were definitely a few of the memorable ones here, at XJ. Surprisingly not just because of the huge number of demos released. An astonishing count of 45 world records were released during this time, majority of them were a real treat to the eye. We had therefore some serious difficulty in picking out the best 5 among them. (Yes, we raised the special count demos to 5 this week from the previous weeks "Best 3"). So, if you have missed out the last two weeks activity, check out the following:\\r\\n\\r\\n[b]1. kz_cg_extreme by [flag]be[/flag] koukouz in 07:36.46[/b]: When [flag]se[/flag] [b]zhady[/b] improved his own time on kz_cg_extreme by 35 seconds on http://xtreme-jumps.eu/comment.php?comment.news.1012, a majority of the community believed that probably this was another end release of this map. But [flag]be[/flag] [b]koukouz[/b] managed to pull out this map with a 12 seconds further improvement, in addition to a visually-appealing back strafe in the midst of the run; which makes the demo a treat to the eye. Without any doubt, this demo gets to be one of the best demos of the week.\\r\\n\\r\\n[b]2. sld_bside_nightblock by [flag]be[/flag] koukouz in 01:48.95[/b]: Another example of a clean run by [flag]be[/flag] [b]koukouz[/b] where he manages to snatch the former record on this map from [flag]cn[/flag] [b]sKiCg[/b]. The way this map is being improved over the times, it seriously poses the question, is it the end or do we get to see more ??\\r\\n\\r\\n[b]3. kz_stoneblock_ez by [flag]be[/flag] koukouz 01:45.30[/b]: A near-perfect demo on one of the most famous maps of kreedz, which had been beaten and rebeaten about 21 times by esteemed recorders like [b]brian[/b], [b]heL^_x,[/b] [b]zhady,[/b] [b]TrageDy[/b], [b]juanch0x[/b], [b]daza[/b], [b]kimo[/b], and [b]dujes[/b] (the list never ends).The former World Record on this map by [flag]fr[/flag] [b]heL^_x[/b] has been improved by almost a huge margin of 5 seconds, which certainly adds to the viewing pleasure of this demo. \\r\\n\\r\\n[b]4. cg_strafejumpZ by [flag]bg[/flag] mgD in 01:02.40[/b]: Back from his long-drawn days of hibernation, [flag]bg[/flag] [b]mgD[/b] seems to be into active recording once again. And this demo is definitely worth a watch, with a neat and precise run, amalgamated with some sick strafes. \\r\\n\\r\\n[b]5. kz_owensvalley by [flag]us[/flag] pizza^ in 02:22.66[/b]: The talented newcomer [flag]us[/flag] [b]pizza^[/b] managed to grab a quick one from [flag]be[/flag] [b]koukouz[/b] in his last release with an amazing run on this map, which makes this demo a must-watch. Do make it a point to check out the conversation at the end of the demo which is sure to make you roll on the floor laughing.\\r\\n\\r\\n\\r\\n

[b]MAP REVIEWS AND PROJECTS[/b]

\\r\\n\\r\\n[b]1.[/b] [flag]ru[/flag] [b]tranCyfast[/b], the maker of trC_climbgarden has already released the sequel of this map along with another speed map on his steam blog and is preparing the release of trC_equilotica.\\r\\n\\r\\nSome screenshots:\\r\\n\\r\\nâ– [b]trC_climbgarden2:[/b] \\r\\n[link=http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/2356/95451214.jpg]Screen1[/link] \\r\\n[link=http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/7972/31487320.jpg]Screen2[/link] \\r\\n[link=http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/7603/81626209.jpg]Screen3[/link]\\r\\n\\r\\nâ– [b]trC_darkcity:[/b] \\r\\n[link=http://img709.imageshack.us/img709/927/63470168.jpg]Screen1[/link]\\r\\n[link=http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/8508/76121919.jpg]Screen2[/link]\\r\\n[link=http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/764/33518968.jpg]Screen3[/link]\\r\\n\\r\\nâ– [b]trC_equilotica:[/b] \\r\\n[link=http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/1753/70407327.jpg]Screen1[/link] \\r\\n[link=http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/9771/18263709.jpg]Screen2[/link] \\r\\n[link=http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/3866/61068065.jpg]Screen3[/link]\\r\\n[link=http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/5460/29279801.jpg]Screen4[/link]\\r\\n[link=http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/3098/46624070.jpg]Screen5[/link]\\r\\n[link=http://img830.imageshack.us/img830/3629/10107677.jpg]Screen6[/link]\\r\\n\\r\\n\\r\\nFor more information, please visit [link=http://steamcommunity.com/groups/etfn]tranCyfast's Steam blog[/link].\\r\\n\\r\\n\\r\\n[b]2.[/b] [flag]ca[/flag] [b]pLANE[/b] wants to complete the famous synergy trio and therefore is working on synergy2, that will be "[b]as hard as synergy_x[/b]", only that this time it will be concentrated on climbing.\\r\\n\\r\\nThough this is only going to be released in the future, still we have been provided with two screenshots:\\r\\n[link=http://img840.imageshack.us/img840/723/x201h.jpg]Screen1[/link] \\r\\n[link=http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/4250/x202.jpg]Screen2[/link]\\r\\n\\r\\n\\r\\n

[b]MOVIE REVIEWS AND PROJECTS[/b]

\\r\\n\\r\\n[b]1.[/b] [link=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnwhh5UKaxs][b]Feet Off The Floor[/b][/link] by [flag]nl[/flag] [b]VoNK^[/b]: A movie that started off with a contradictory and "not so" fitting in intro and slowly picked up pace, This movie featured a lot of trickjumpers namely [b]S7R1K3R[/b], [b]wemera[/b], [b]VoNK^[/b], [b]FLOPPY[/b], [b]sAllow[/b], [b]spogi[/b], [b]Akseon[/b], [b]subwayz[/b], [b]Bananus[/b], [b]NAPZ[/b] and [b]gen4y[/b], who managed to pull off some interesting jumps in style. Featuring some cool soundtracks and a productive text usage, this movie boasts of having some good quality jumps that definitely adds to the value of the movie. This work of art is definitely worthy of having a place in your kz movie collection!\\r\\n\\r\\n[b]2.[/b] The [link=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4dVF2Tq20Y][b]ROTW[/b][/link] movie featured [flag]be[/flag] [b]koukouz[/b]'s impressive run on sld_bside_nightblock, the movie by [flag]fr[/flag][b] ZMX[/b]. The ROTW series is back, with some new promising features and participations, and it is expected to deliver a whole set of new experiences from now on with newer and promising moviemakers.\\r\\n\\r\\n[b]3.[/b] [flag]fi[/flag] [b]Nubz[/b], who has created movies such as [b]Code 1337[/b] and [b]The Triple[/b], is about to release a new movie called [b]Cloudy Night[/b], starring [flag]bg[/flag] [b]theddy[/b]. We have been promised some intense trickjumps and [flag]fi[/flag] [b]Nubz[/b] has been kind enough to give us a few screenshots:\\r\\n [link=http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/7040/11rt66h.jpg]Screen1[/link]\\r\\n [link=http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/6864/311kqco.jpg]Screen2[/link]\\r\\n [link=http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/2212/fkod8p.jpg]Screen3[/link]\\r\\n [link=http://img693.imageshack.us/img693/765/wstjky.jpg]Screen4[/link]\\r\\n\\r\\n[b]4.[/b] [flag]no[/flag] [b]n0ztic[/b], the Norwegian moviemaker, is ready to come to the limelight once again as he will appear in a new movie named [b]Perfecting Perfection[/b], but this time as a jumper. The movie is going to be edited by [flag]dk[/flag] [b]Lazze[/b]. He already made a [link=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiDRyMGCQKk]teaser[/link] for the movie, \\r\\n\\r\\n\\r\\n

[b]INTERVIEW WITH Timmycakes[/b]

\\r\\n\\r\\n[flag]us[/flag] [b]pLaguE:[/b]\\r\\n[i]First of all, why don't you introduce yourself to the ones who don't know you.[/i]\\r\\n\\r\\n[flag]us[/flag] [b]Timmycakes:[/b]\\r\\nWell, my name is Timmy, I'm 22 and live in Ohio (USA). I graduated college with a computer science degree and I've been hooked on video games since I got my first Atari and Asteroids was all the rage. I love sharing my maps with fellow cs-ers and hearing what they think of them; it helps me grow as a mapper.\\r\\n\\r\\n\\r\\n[flag]us[/flag] [b]pLaguE:[/b]\\r\\n[i]How long have you been mapping for?[/i]\\r\\n\\r\\n[flag]us[/flag] [b]Timmycakes:[/b]\\r\\nI couldn't rightly say at the moment but 5 years sounds about right to me. I got into it when a cs community was offering free admin for maps so I figured I'd try my hand in designing. I've always loved the idea of being able to manipulate the world as one saw fit. Unfortunately I've been cursed with the "gifts" of realism and detail instead of true creativity and ideas so as a result I can recreate better than simply create.\\r\\n\\r\\n[flag]us[/flag] [b]pLaguE:[/b]\\r\\n[i]Why don't you tell us about the first kz map you ever made?[/i]\\r\\n\\r\\n[flag]us[/flag] [b]Timmycakes:[/b]\\r\\nWell I actually just reposted a link to it on the map presentation forum, it was tc_duskblock. It was originally tc_shockablock, named for my friend Shocka J but upon rethinking the concept, I decided to make it a desert themed map. To be honest I think it turned out rather well, although the atmosphere was lacking and there were bugs here and there. Duskblock was pretty universally accepted by the players but it was sadly denied and I got discouraged and never bothered to fix it up (as per the old map check process) or resubmit. The rmf was lost unfortunately and I have no ambition to remake it.\\r\\n\\r\\n[flag]us[/flag] [b]pLaguE:[/b]\\r\\n[i]People have noticed some of your beautiful maps you have posted, is there any chance were gonna see some more official maps from you?[/i]\\r\\n\\r\\n[flag]us[/flag] [b]Timmycakes:[/b]\\r\\nHopefully brickfacility, emblem, and with a little luck, abstract_plane can be fine-tuned enough to be accepted as official. I worked hard on all of them and the community seems to like them a lot. There has been talk of the "Timmycakes Paradox", which is "superb map look, boring jumps" and I hope to dispatch this paradox with emblem and brickfacility. For those asking about stairblock, I don't think I will finish it; something about it I just do not like unfortunately. Maybe sometime in the distant future...\\r\\n\\r\\nI've been working on a hard/extreme map lately and I have some nice screenshots (I think). It doesn't actually have a name yet, but that will be decided later on. It's still a work in progress, I'd say about 40% done.\\r\\n\\r\\nhttp://img178.imageshack.us/img178/5112/kzushardreal0000.png - Starting room\\r\\nhttp://img43.imageshack.us/img43/9015/kzushardreal0001.png - Another part of the starting room\\r\\nhttp://img842.imageshack.us/img842/656/kzushardreal0002.png - First kz room\\r\\nhttp://img834.imageshack.us/img834/276/kzushardreal0003.png - A simple hallway :)\\r\\nhttp://img148.imageshack.us/img148/586/kzushardreal0008.png - A bhop section\\r\\n\\r\\n\\r\\n \\r\\n[flag]us[/flag] [b]pLaguE:[/b]\\r\\n[i]What do you think about the mapchecking system, and what do you think we can do to make it better?[/i]\\r\\n\\r\\n[flag]us[/flag] [b]Timmycakes:[/b]\\r\\nOh boy I knew this one was coming... Well I believe the idea of a new system with which to weed out lower-grade maps is a good thing. There will always be people submitting bad maps, though, and it is something the community has to deal with. I do not want to get much further into it and simply wish on the map checkers the gift of good judgement. \\r\\n\\r\\n[flag]us[/flag] [b]pLaguE:[/b]\\r\\n[i]What do you think is your best work on any type of map?[/i]\\r\\n\\r\\n[flag]us[/flag] [b]Timmycakes:[/b]\\r\\nIt's kind of funny because personally I think abstract_plane is my best work, but I've received the harshest criticisms on that map. I do not disagree with these criticisms (for the most part), but it is odd how my idea of a good map can differ so much from someone else's. Where as with emblem, a map that literally took me 2 days to complete, and was really a throw-away project, was hailed as being "...the future of KZ" (TheCracker). Another map I really like that I have made is actually a zombie map called zm_underground. Unfortunately it was a little TOO realistic for ordinary zombie mod so it sort of got lost in the wave of zombie maps.\\r\\n\\r\\n[flag]us[/flag] [b]pLaguE:[/b]\\r\\n[i]Before we go, are there any shout-outs you would like to make?[/i]\\r\\n\\r\\n[flag]us[/flag] [b]Timmycakes:[/b]\\r\\nEven though she will never see it, I would like to shout out to my best friend Cathy for always putting up with my goofiness and constant movie references ;D To XJ as a whole, of course, for giving me a forum to share my ideas with literally the whole world. Also a shout out to my friend Suzi who is away at college (good luck!). Oh and Plague for picking me to interview heh.\\r\\n\\r\\n\\r\\n

[b]THOUGHT OF THE WEEK - TEACH ME PRO-JUMPS[/b]

\\r\\n\\r\\nOne fine evening, [b]ndR[/b] receives a private message from an unknown guy:\\r\\n\\r\\n[i]Hi,\\r\\nMy name is Saumya, in-game nick A3T!U$. I am from India, a country where kz is unknown and a country which is unknown to kz. I have been playing Counter Strike since May,2007 and kreedzing since Dec,2009. I can manage to do some average level trick-jumps and no-check some easy bhop maps. I want to promote kreedz in my country and at the same time get better myself. Can you plz help me out regarding that matter. Any sort of help would be more than appreciated...[/i]\\r\\n\\r\\nI bet, more than 90% of the newbies wouldn't have even dreamt of being crazy enough to address such a message to one of the admins from the management crew of the community. But why ? The first and foremost reason being the misconception that pr0's never help out newbies. Secondly, even if they wanted to, by what means would they be helping such newbies out??\\r\\n\\r\\nWhile all of the admin staff and the sensible, dedicated members of XJ are busy trying to make the site look more "professional" by applying means such as getting new designs for the website, organizing tournaments such as "pro-challenge" and "pro-league", promoting kz viz ROTWs, etc. has anyone ever put a thought, what has been done for the "newcomers" ?? Does posting a "Kreedz Tutorial", replying kindly to the private messages from newbies and advising them "Practice" sound enough ??\\r\\n\\r\\nThe point that is to be noted is that promoting and making a way for the newcomers should be one of the first and foremost motto of the community. The next question that arises is "how"??\\r\\n\\r\\nOne of the easiest and obvious ways would be to organize "amateur leagues" for kreedz newcomers. Budding mappers, movie-makers, coders, etc should be given more chances to showcase their talent. Admins and/or pro kreedzers should devote some of their free time (even if it is 10-15 minutes) on a regular basis to help out newcomers with their doubts/ queries over IRC and/or steam on a one-to-one basis. \\r\\n\\r\\nThere could be a lot of other better ways in which the aforementioned goal can be achieved. Its an earnest request to all the members of XJ to come forward with innovative as well as practical new ideas to facilitate the same. \\r\\n\\r\\nAt the end of the day, sometimes even a "few encouraging words" also works out wonders for some of the newcomers instead of rolling on the floor laughing at comments, or rather I should say requests, like "Teach me pro-jumps"...\\r\\n\\r\\nPS: ndR and many others (you know who) helped out newcomers like me to achieve whatever knowledge and skill I have as of now. May be I was lucky, but is every newcomer lucky as I am ??\\r\\n\\r\\n\\r\\n[b]

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

[/b]\\r\\n\\r\\n[flag]in[/flag] [b]A3T!U$[/b]: [i]"@ Koukouz:\\r\\nYou achieved a target of 120 WRs. Now try to achieve a target of 120 friends in XJ."[/i]\\r\\n\\r\\n\\r\\n[b]Note[/b]:\\r\\n\\r\\n1. The XJ Weekly team urges you to actively participate in the meaningful and reasonable discussions so as to come up with innovative ideas and also to get full control over the urge to flame. Any member of the community irrespective of his nation, color or skill level is free to share ideas and articles. You just have to pm either of the XJ Weekly team members with your suggestions/ articles/ quote of the week, etc.\\r\\n\\r\\n2. The content and the views included here within the weekly are by no means intended to harm, insult or offend anybody. The reviews and the feedbacks presented are the collective personal opinion of the XJ Weekly crew and in no means are influenced by anyone. If by chance, there is any inconvenience, please feel free to pm any XJ Weekly Crew member and we would get back to you as soon as possible.\\r\\n\\r\\n[i]Demo Reviews, Movie Reviews and Quote of The Week by [flag]in[/flag] [b]prad[/b]\\r\\nMap Reviews by: [flag]ro[/flag][b] w1zz[/b], Interview by: [flag]us[/flag] [b]pLaguE[/b]\\r\\nThought of The Week by: [flag]in[/flag] [b]A3T!U$[/b], Reviews by: [flag]in[/flag] [b]prad[/b][/i]\\r\\n\\r\\n\\r\\n","isOldNews","prad",46823,"authorCountry","authorPicture",{"_93":94,"_95":94,"_97":94,"_98":94,"_99":94,"_100":94,"_101":94,"_102":94,"_103":94,"_104":94,"_105":94,"_106":94,"_107":94,"_108":94,"_109":94,"_110":94,"_111":94,"_112":94,"_113":94},"newsDate","19/09/2010 02:00","isNew","commentsNumber",56,"hasExtendedContent","user","colorTheme","chatDock",{"_476":-5,"_477":-5},"openOnArrival","size"]