Knuckle Cracker

Normally, your maps are amenable to multiple approaches (both in CW3 and PF), and while a start may be tight, it is usually clear what must be done, and options begin to present themselves after a short time.

This is not the case here.

In another map, you expected the correct tech selection, three different actions immediately, and the moving of the HQ clear across the map at the beginning. That map was soluble, if slow, by another method.

This is also not the case here.

In the previous maps on this theme, holding a the landmass was sufficient to allow a shelter in which to build even a single ship. This was possible through careful manipulation of the HQ, even if it did sometimes require a warp-in.

This is further ... wait for it ... not the case here.

This approximate style of map worked in CW3, where there were only so many actions, the opposition was well-guided and the player options limited and well-understood. Also, there were various strategies that could be employed after the first minute or so. In PF, the number of things that the HQ could do is vast, and when multiple initial techs are combined with this in a lengthy and difficult start requiring the correct selection - the result is not enjoyable. It is instead comparable to crossing a darkened room, while being pushed forward (that you might not stop to feel the way ahead), along the rafters, which both require jumps from one to the next and do not necessarily lead anywhere. This, while having no ability to catch oneself if falling. It might be a challenge if one had seen a map beforehand, but merely knowing that one exists is not enough.

It has been said elsewhere that closing every back door to a map can take out much of the fun. This is not necessarily true, but there should generally be at least one alternative path. The term "rail-roading" applies to many maps - there is one clear path. Some of these maps you have made are reminiscent of the stereotypical trapped floor - take the exact path required, or pain ensues. This is a common form of rail-roading. However, you have also removed any hint of what the correct route is, leaving trial-and-error as the main method. This has no benefit to playability, and is a breeding ground for frustration.

As one metric, if your score is better by a considerable margin than every other score posted - the map is overly railroaded. You, knowing the route backward from testing, can proceed with confidence along a path designed to be sure and safe. We, blundering along in the dark, must test each step individually, not knowing if it will lead anywhere - therefore having much longer times, even when replaying.