My Favorite Map 
by Tyler D. Starkweather-Jones

My review is about the map called Pyramid - Upper Level. It is highlighted in the first AvP Collector Set. (There are also some Alien models in the box to provide some fluff.)

The Pyramid map is brutally wonderful. I have played nearly all of my games on this map. Each game has been characterized by random actions caused by Crossing the Third Wall. The Pyramid Map showcases the awesome powers of the walls. Sure, usually walls just stand around trying to look as non-threatening as possible, but these walls move can move. They dance to their own smashing, bone-cracking beat.

The obligatory roll at the start of each turn to check walls can be both comedy-inducing and maddening. Watching a Constrictor slither aimlessly between two shuttering openings is great family-safe fun. Squishing your own monster with a bad roll is only redeemed by the fact that your opponent gets no points – since there is nothing left to identify.

Presentation – The map looks great. It is covered with grays and blacks that really showcase blood spots. Hindering terrain is everywhere. Walls open and close with no regard for monster life. It becomes tempting to just push the Cheerleader towards the wall just to see what happens. . . but I digress.

Tactics - The opening and closing of the walls forces one to choose between the hindering terrain in the stunted corridors or the open pools of water. Both can slow down an army immensely. Plan B quickly becomes Plan WTF when a monster is forced to wait – just wait patiently while dreaming of gore-soaked fields of daffodils.

Conclusion – The Pyramid Map will bring new levels of excitement to your game. Is your opponent used to barreling down deserted hallways, taking all victims and slashing all of your poor little monsters? Are you always trying out new monsters just to counteract a brilliant plan? Try taking on a new partner – the Pyramid Walls. Just don’t be surprised if the walls suddenly shift against you. After all, they are just blocks of randomly moving rock – WITH NO LOYALTY WHATSOEVER!!!

P.S. Love you Walls.

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