Inevitably so, there will never be a “perfect” map in Call of Duty, from the gamer’s eye. However, with eight or so years of Call of Duty experience, the one map that comes very close to perfect, is Firing Range, from Call of Duty: Black Ops.
When I say this, I am speaking from a competitive standpoint, however this map could just as well be looked at the same way from a casual gamer’s point of view as well. To me, the structures, features, and most importantly how the map functions in competitive play is what constitutes a solid map.
For those unfamiliar, Treyarch classified Firing Range as a “small-medium” sized map, which is also set in a military practice facility (hence its name) with “hectic domination games.”
Although this is very true, the map makes for even better Capture the Flag and Search and Destroy games, more so on a competitive level.
Not to go too in-depth with all of the maps features and structures, (as a map and graphic will be provided) but this map is not overdone at all, which makes it just perfect for almost every game type. For example, a concept made popular by most competitive players known as “pre-nading”.
Which is commonly done on this map on Search and Destroy and Capture the Flag matches, being that the spawns are fairly close together. Of course along with many other things, this plays a huge roll on Firing Range, as it is essential that teams try to gain an advantage, as early on in the match as possible.
Although the placings of the bomb sites are nothing too extraordinary, the flag routes are virtually perfect for each team on firing range. On one side of the map, nearest to one flag, there is a wooded trail, often referred to as “back jungle” or “back road” and on the other side of the map, by the tin building, is an alley behind a white trailer which players have simply referred to as “back trailer.”
Both of these routes are really nothing special, but in combination with the size of the map, and the chance every player has to launch a grenade at an opposing player in hopes to intercept the flag capture makes for a very smooth, intense, and competitive match.
Not to mention, the structures of the map, “trailer” “tin building” and “wood building” really serve as a choke point and a great advantage for a team, when taken control of.
In my opinion, a great map is simply one that has some simple, basic structures, but more importantly a great map is one that is never overdone, and that’s why I believe there hasn’t been a better map for competitive AND casual play than Firing Range.
Disagree? Let me know in the comment section below.
Doug Detwiler
The Gaming Ground
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Tags: Call of Duty, COD, COD ranting, Perfect map, Treyarch