River

River (ps_river) is a map in Firearms. It first appeared in Firearms 2.4. Game mode for this map is Push.

Overview
The map is located, depending on version, in a summer-time or misty forest area. A river divides two main parts of the map. Both teams do have one larger ground to defend or capture beneath the river before they can capture the opposing team's base.

A notable feature is that the river area can be accessed and crossed from different levels, making it difficult to defend.

The following areas are to be captured:


 * The farm house (red base)
 * The barn
 * The river area
 * The boulder
 * The helipad (blue base)

Common experience is that both teams clash and a lot of the action happens to occur in the middle spot, namely the river area. Multiple locations which allow for securing the approaching ways for both teams are accessible from any side.

The forestal parts of the map (mostly in the blue team's area) pose additional difficulty because of their labyrinthine structure. Buildings, such as the farmhouse or barn, do provide upper stories with windows good for scoped weapons or MGs.

The graphical overview shows that nearly all places, especially capturing areas, of the map can be reached via (at least) two routes. Each team should have at least 3 players to keep the game fluent.

History
The map was developed by Graham Davis. Other co-developers credited in the map .txt file are Belial for the side tree texture, Ben (presumably Ben Irwin) for the splash sprite and Svante Ekholm for some of the bush textures.

It underwent several revisions through its deployment. In RC 2.7, fog was added with varying intensity (see pictures below), which was complemented by rain in RC 2.8.

However, the fog can be disabled by client variables. A developer note states that this is not considered "cheap", but merely a question of player preference or performance tuning. Since RC 2.8, no further edits to the map are found in the change log.

Tactical
Both teams:


 * Look for lianas in the river area. The can be used to change levels and / or areas which normally can't be reached. Some of them might not be directly visible.
 * The sniper spot on the upriver part does have a shaft with the river floating below. If you manage to hit the center stones in the river, you will be thrown to the blue team's side of the river with no damage. Be advised that you may get stuck hitting the stones on the right side.
 * The only way to avoid snipers or MG nests covering the riverbanks is to take the lower route through the tunnel. Note that there is an area on the opposite of the waterfall, from which this way - theoretically - is prone to come under fire, although it is unclear if this spot actually can be reached.

Blue team:


 * Use the overhead boardwalk on the left side in the forest beyond the boulder to defend the area. It can be reached by climbing up the liana, and an ammobox is placed to the upper end.
 * A covert way leads from behind the barn to the farmhouse area, from which it cannot be entered, making it ideal for pinning down the enemy.

Red team:


 * Watch out for the sniper spot on the left side when approaching the river, which is easier to reach for blue team. Almost any part of the area can be targeted from there.
 * When approaching the boulder from the cliff, use the small ledge on the right side to avoid fall damage.

Trivia

 * The Menkey can be found in the water fountain. It is wearing a diver's suit.
 * When the player falls into the river and goes over the waterfall, he will be killed by trigger_hurt
 * The fountain is accessible by jumping into the well in the barn area.