JCS Awards 2014 - Results!

[Seren]

Update: The list of winners has been revealed, click here (http://www.jazz2online.com/jcf/showthread.php?p=485425#post485425) to see it.

Vote for the entries you consider most worthy of the annual awards. The following rules apply:

You are allowed to vote in as many of the available categories as you wish but only for up to one entry per category. Voting for more than one will invalidate your vote.
You are expected to acquaint yourself with all entries nominated in a category before casting your votes in that category. Please do not vote if you don't know the alternatives you reject.
You are allowed to vote for levels that weren't nominated, as long as they fulfill requirements for nomination (having been published in 2014).
Until the voting is over, votes are to be kept private. The default procedure is to post your votes in this thread and immediately afterwards delete them, so that they can be restored by a moderator after the deadline. Optionally, you can send me a private message with your votes instead, and I will announce them at the end of the voting. No other methods of voting are accepted unless under confusing circumstances.
I can guarantee that your votes will count even if you cast them onto your own level. I cannot guarantee that you will be able to hide from forum members' looks of disappointment if you do so.

Voting will be open for a period of two weeks, i.e. until 01:00 CET January the 25th, 2015.

Here is the list of nominated entries:

~Best Battle Level of 2014

Inside the Warehouse Reloaded (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7365/renewed-inspirations/) (xlmnewbtl07) by DarkSonic
Ancient Acropolis (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7365/renewed-inspirations/) (xlmnewbtl09) by DarkSonic, Loon and PurpleJazz
Acht (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7365/renewed-inspirations/) (xlmnewbtl08) by Loon
Verdoemenis (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7365/renewed-inspirations/) (xlmnewbtl01) by Loon
Warpspacer (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7365/renewed-inspirations/) (xlmnewbtl04) by Loon
Decimation (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7395/decimation/) by Sir Ementaler
Kolmas Valtakunta (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7373/anniversary-bash-xvi-levels/) (ab16btl02) by Snooze
Pool Party (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7365/renewed-inspirations/) (xlmnewbtl06) by Superjazz

~Best CTF Level of 2014

Castamere (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7390/castamere/) by Blackraptor
Castle of Camp (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7433/castle-of-camp/) by Blckrosz
A Giant Drifting Log's Jungle (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7417/a-giant-drifting-logs-jungle/) by FireSworD
Ancient Museum (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7364/ancient-museum/) by FireSworD
Grand Glacier (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7365/renewed-inspirations/) (xlmnewctf01) by Loon
Daybreak (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7386/daybreak/) by Ragnarok
Trigelateral v2 (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7379/trigelateral-v2/) by Ragnarok
Cold Storage (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7373/anniversary-bash-xvi-levels/) (ab16ctf17) by Snooze

~Best Other MP Level of 2014

Buddha's Zen Alley (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7411/buddhas-zen-alley/) by Agnes
Damn Exit (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7456/damn-exit/) by FireSworD
Overgrown (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7452/overgrown/) by Laro B.
Warpspacer (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7365/renewed-inspirations/) (xlmnewdom01) by Loon
Vault Of Ceramicus (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7448/vault-of-ceramicus/) by Slaz

~Best Single Player Release of 2014

Stone Abyss (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7444/stone-abyss/) by Bloody_Body
Urdung Levels Castle Chapter (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7415/urdung-levels-castle-chapter/) by FarkasUrdung
Rocket Powered Rabbits (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7336/rocket-powered-rabbits/) by Salamander
Sonic with a Gun (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7343/sonic-with-a-gun/) by Violet CLM

~Best Use of AngelScript in 2014

Ancient Acropolis (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7365/renewed-inspirations/) (xlmnewbtl09) by DarkSonic, Loon and PurpleJazz
Daybreak (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7386/daybreak/) by Ragnarok
Rocket Powered Rabbits (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7336/rocket-powered-rabbits/) by Salamander
Decimation (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7395/decimation/) by Sir Ementaler
Pool Party (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7365/renewed-inspirations/) (xlmnewbtl06) by Superjazz
Treasure Jail (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7447/treasure-jail/) by XxMoNsTeRXM

~Best JCSer of 2014

555 - 555Level, 555ynaruto, Super hyper fácil (http://www.jazz2online.com/user/20712/555/downloads/)
Borgia - Borgia's Acrid Test, Borgia's Desolate Test, Borgia's Haunted Test, Cathedral of St. Borgius (http://www.jazz2online.com/user/20704/borgia/downloads/)
DarkSonic - Ancient Acropolis (collab), eXperimental, Inside the Warehouse Reloaded, Reaching the Sun (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7365/renewed-inspirations/) (xlmnewbtl09, xlmnewbtl02, xlmnewbtl07, xlmnewbtl05)
FireSworD - A Giant Drifting Log's Jungle, Ancient Museum, Damn Exit (http://www.jazz2online.com/user/7121/firesword/downloads/)
Loon - Acht, Ancient Acropolis (collab), Grand Glacier, Verdoemenis, Warpspacer (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7365/renewed-inspirations/) (xlmnewbtl08, xlmnewbtl09, xlmnewctf01, xlmnewbtl01, xlmnewbtl04 / xlmnewdom01)
PurpleJazz - Ancient Acropolis (collab) (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7365/renewed-inspirations/) (xlmnewbtl09), Electric Express (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7373/anniversary-bash-xvi-levels/) (ab16ctf07)
Ragnarok - Daybreak, Trigelateral v2 (http://www.jazz2online.com/user/4043/ragnarok/downloads/)
Sir Ementaler - Decimation (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7395/decimation/)

[Jelly Jam]

BEST BATTLE DECIMATION
BEST CTF CASTLE OF CAMP
BEST OTHER MP BUDHA'S ZEN ALLEY
BEST SINGLE PLAYER RELEASE STONE ABYSS
BEST USE OF AS ROCKET POWERED RABBITS
BEST JCSER BORGIA

[Seren]

Thank you for this magnificent example of what not to do.

In future JCS Awards threads I shall consider including a Terms and Conditions clause where by casting a vote you agree to donate your kidney because apparently there is no need to read the opening post.

Edit for confused readers: the above post was not deleted at the time. Also it was posted at the same minute as the thread, which would suggest the voter didn't actually gather extensive knowledge about the nominations, but what can you do, I cannot possibly prove lack of photographic memory thereof et cetera.

[Artegor]

Castle of camp by blackrose for the best CTF
Decimation by sir E for best battle
Vault of ceramicus by slaz for best other mp
stone abyss by bloody body for the best sp
Rocket powered rabbits by salamander for best use of AS
And borgia for the best JCSer

[Superjazz]

Best Battle Level: Acht by Loon
Best CTF Level: Daybreak by Ragnarok (extremely hard decision)
Best Other MP Level: Overgrown by Laro B.
Best Single Player Release: Rocket Powered Rabbits by Salamander
Best Use of AngelScript: Rocket Powered Rabbits by Salamander
Best JCSer: Loon

[PurpleJazz]

Best Battle - Pool Party (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzVB3zHeh4U)
Best CTF - Castamere
Best Other MP - Damn Exit
Best SP - Rocket Powered Rabbits
Best Use of Angelscript - Decimation
Best JCSer - FireSworD

[Ragnarok!]

Best Battle: Pool Party by SuperJazz
Best JCSer: FireSworD

[Stijn]

Best Single Player: Stone Abyss
Best other MP level: Overgrown

[Blackraptor]

Battle: Acht
CTF: Castamere
SP: Rocket Powered Rabbits is a lot of fun, but knowing how difficult it is to make a J1 pack from scratch, SWAG gets my vote
Best Use of Angelscript: Looks like I can vote for rocket powered rabbits after all :d
Best JCSer: Even though I didnt vote for any of his maps individually, FireSworD!

[Seren]

I'm glad to see that the thread (and, to a lesser extent, my inbox) already gathered a good deal of votes. I'd like to remind that the voting will be over in about 6 days, so keep that deadline in mind if you're yet to make up your mind.

[Zah dud4h]

Best Battle Level of 2014:Decimation by Sir Ementaler
Best CTF Level of 2014:Daybreak by Ragnarok
Best Other MP Level of 2014:Damn Exit by FireSworD
Best Single Player Release of 2014:Rocket Powered Rabbits by Salamander
Best Use of AngelScript in 2014:Decimation by Sir Ementaler
Best JCSer of 2014:Sir Ementaler - Decimation

[Slaz]

Best Battle: Decimation
Best CTF: Trigelateral v2
Best Other MP: Overgrown
Best SP: Sonic With A Gun
Best AS: Decimation
Best JCSer: Sir Ementaler

It's obvious that I liked Decimation as an Unreal tourny player (and know that it's underreviewed and that I should write one). My personal amount of amazement is the same for Sonic With A gun, but apparently Violet is no nominee for 'Best JCSer' this year around (well, technically JJ1 is no JCS and he won a lot last year so I guess that's okay). :p

[Seren]

Other: Overgrown
JCSer: Loon

[XxMoNsTeRXM]

Best Battle Level: Decimation by Sir Ementaler
Best CTF Level: A Giant Drifting Log's Jungle by FireSworD
Best Other MP Level: Vault of Ceramicus by Slaz
Best Single Player Release: Rocket Powered Rabbits by Salamander
Best Use of AngelScript: Decimation by Sir Ementaler
Best JCSer: FireSworD

[Loon]

Best battle: Kolmas Valtakunta
Best CTF: Ancient Museum
Best other map: Overgrown
Best SP: #SWAG
Best scripted level: Decimation
Best JCS'er: Couldn't even come up with a top 3, so I'll leave this one blanc.

[DarkSonic]

Best Battle: Acht - a truly epic level, big and the biggest level in kb ever.
Best CTF: Ancient Museum - a level that is good because of its strong theme.
Best other MP: Overgrown
Best SP: Sonic With A Gun
Best use of AngelScript: Decimation
Best JCS'er - Loon - because he was the most active JCS'er and he made high-quality levels too.

[FireSworD]

Best Battle Level of 2014: Pool Party by SJ.

This wasn't an easy choice, and my personal favorite was Ancient Acropolis. I voted for what I think is the stronger entry in terms of suitable gameplay, and it's also quite creative with its scripted concepts, including "drowning" in water etc. Ancient Acropolis is better with ec in my opinion, but I don't find its layout to be very solid, because some aspects require rather awkward jumps and some spring placement is questionable, and I prefer more versatile layout designs anyway (E. Prime for example). I think Kolmas Valtakunta is a solid battle level, but nothing about it struck me as exceptional to the other levels. Warpspacer, Inside the Warehouse Reloaded and Verdoemenis are just decent imo. I'd like to play Acht with around 32 players, but would I vote it best because I really like large games that likely happen once every...year? - Lastly, there's Decimation, with its scripted weapons and health etc, but it's quite buggy and laggy for relatively large games.

I don't have strong opinions on the other categories. A lot of the levels are around the same level imo. Uh, I will acknowledge Loon for being rather prolific, but I'm not voting in the best JCSer category.

[Seren]

Voting is now closed. Thanks everybody for participation.
To avoid an anti-climax, I suggest to moderators that we repeat last year's procedure, i.e. keep all votes hidden until my summary post and send me a private message with their collective content, if that's not too much trouble.

[cooba]

Best Battle: Kolmas Valtakunta
Best CTF: Ancient Museum
Best SP: Sonic with a Gun
Best AS: Decimation
Best JCSer: FireSworD

[cooba]

I dedicate this post to The Moving Bot

[Torkell]

Bad Moving Bot. No cookie for you.

I'll send SE the votes.

(for those who were wondering, the Moving Bot deleted SE's post)

[Jelly Jam]

Dooooh, are we there yet? I really wanna know the results :(

[Seren]

Here are the JCS Awards 2014 winners!

~Best Battle Level of 2014
http://www.jazz2online.com/J2Ov2/media/icons/award_star_gold_3.pngDecimation (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7395/decimation/) by Sir Ementaler (6 votes)
http://www.jazz2online.com/J2Ov2/media/icons/award_star_silver_1.pngAcht (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7365/renewed-inspirations/) by Loon (3 votes)
http://www.jazz2online.com/J2Ov2/media/icons/award_star_silver_1.pngPool Party (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7365/renewed-inspirations/) by Superjazz (3 votes)

I'm deeply moved by your choice. When creating Decimation, I aimed for simple level design and huge weapon modifications, and I'm really glad it turned out as it did - different from any other battle level and fun to play in. Whether it deserves the first place is arguable - I'm sure a lot of the attention came from the fact it's so unusual - but it certainly belongs in the top 3 group if I can say so myself. The second place maps are more traditional battle levels with minor AngelScript twists, both solid All You Can Roast event material. I feel like Snooze's Kolmas Valtakunta deserves an honorable mention as well, having received 2 votes and only barely not making the cut.

~Best CTF Level of 2014
http://www.jazz2online.com/J2Ov2/media/icons/award_star_gold_3.pngAncient Museum (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7364/ancient-museum/) by FireSworD (3 votes)
http://www.jazz2online.com/J2Ov2/media/icons/award_star_silver_1.pngCastamere (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7390/castamere/) by Blackraptor (2 votes)
http://www.jazz2online.com/J2Ov2/media/icons/award_star_silver_1.pngCastle of Camp (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7433/castle-of-camp/) by Blckrosz (2 votes)
http://www.jazz2online.com/J2Ov2/media/icons/award_star_silver_1.pngA Giant Drifting Log's Jungle (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7417/a-giant-drifting-logs-jungle/) by FireSworD (2 votes)
http://www.jazz2online.com/J2Ov2/media/icons/award_star_silver_1.pngDaybreak (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7386/daybreak/) by Ragnarok (2 votes)

The competition in this category was very even, as you can tell, but the victor is clear. Ancient Museum is an excellent level that greets players with astonishingly well executed atmosphere before it lets them play in its easy to learn layout and discover a variety of strategical choices it offers. An impressive fact about it is that it really reminds a structure that could exist in the real world, which is not an easy feat to accomplish if one wants to keep gameplay good. There were many runner-ups in this category, and I don't think I've ever seen a four-way tie in JCS Awards before, so I won't cover each of them separately but they're well worth checking out.

~Best Other MP Level of 2014
http://www.jazz2online.com/J2Ov2/media/icons/award_star_gold_3.pngOvergrown (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7452/overgrown/) by Laro B. (6 votes)
http://www.jazz2online.com/J2Ov2/media/icons/award_star_silver_1.pngDamn Exit (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7456/damn-exit/) by FireSworD (3 votes)
http://www.jazz2online.com/J2Ov2/media/icons/award_star_bronze_2.pngVault of Ceramicus (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7448/vault-of-ceramicus/) by Slaz (2 votes)

Apparently this year's Other MP category is filled with TreyLina's treasure hunt contest entries. It's an uncommon game mode and it's heart-warming to see new quality levels made for it. Despite representing the same game mode, the three featured levels vary in all matters. Overgrown is a brilliant level that more than the other two managed to keep the fragile balance of weapons in treasure hunt. It's a lot of fun fighting in it and the fact that half of the level is underwater and the other half utilizes pinball events spices things up. Damn Exit is particularly awesome for its unusual gem placement that makes players feel like real treasure hunters, looking into every corner of the level and each time finding a precious reward. Vault of Ceramicus makes use of several different concepts but probably requires very many players to work well - hopefully some future event will show what it's really worth.

~Best Single Player Release of 2014
http://www.jazz2online.com/J2Ov2/media/icons/award_star_gold_3.pngSonic with a Gun (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7343/sonic-with-a-gun/) by Violet CLM (6 votes)
http://www.jazz2online.com/J2Ov2/media/icons/award_star_silver_1.pngRocket Powered Rabbits (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7336/rocket-powered-rabbits/) by Salamander (4 votes)
http://www.jazz2online.com/J2Ov2/media/icons/award_star_bronze_2.pngStone Abyss (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7444/stone-abyss/) by Bloody_Body (3 votes)

I admit I can't say a lot about Sonic With A Gun because I've yet to play it properly, but what I can tell for sure is that its first place is well deserved. This mod didn't simply get famous on J2O but also gathered moderate media attention outside of it; the number of levels it contains is huge and the scale of the entire thing is massive. It wouldn't feel out of place to name this single player campaign the devres of JJ1 and it will likely become the first thing to convince me to actually play JJ1. The runner-up is a must-play by Salamander, the person who bends AngelScript to their will and raises the bar for future scripted JJ2 single player levels. Rocket Powered Rabbits features a ton of brand new enemies and epic boss fights you have to see for yourself. The third place is a pack of traditional JJ2 single player levels, an unexpected debut by Bloody_Body. He's not active on the forums but I sure hope he gets to find out about this because I'm looking forward to seeing more of his works.

~Best Use of AngelScript in 2014
http://www.jazz2online.com/J2Ov2/media/icons/award_star_gold_3.pngDecimation (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7395/decimation/) by Sir Ementaler (7 votes)
http://www.jazz2online.com/J2Ov2/media/icons/award_star_silver_1.pngRocket Powered Rabbits (http://www.jazz2online.com/downloads/7336/rocket-powered-rabbits/) by Salamander (4 votes)

You have no idea how hard I have to stop myself from making a pun involving "decimation" in this category. The results are nothing unexpected I suppose; these two were the only levels this year that were scripted to such an extreme degree and of the two, mine was chosen as better, perhaps due to being the first multiplayer level like this, while Rocket Powered Rabbits had to face comparison against last year's winner Ozymandius. If you're looking for new, fresh experiences, both are certainly worth your attention.

~Best JCSer of 2014
http://www.jazz2online.com/J2Ov2/media/icons/award_star_gold_3.pngFireSworD (http://www.jazz2online.com/user/7121/firesword/downloads/) - A Giant Drifting Log's Jungle, Ancient Museum, Damn Exit - (5 votes)
http://www.jazz2online.com/J2Ov2/media/icons/award_star_silver_1.pngLoon (http://www.jazz2online.com/user/12072/loon/downloads/) - Acht, Ancient Acropolis (collab), Grand Glacier, Verdoemenis, Warpspacer - (3 votes)
http://www.jazz2online.com/J2Ov2/media/icons/award_star_bronze_2.pngBorgia (http://www.jazz2online.com/user/20704/borgia/downloads/) - Borgia's Acrid Test, Borgia's Desolate Test, Borgia's Haunted Test, Cathedral of St. Borgius - (2 votes)
http://www.jazz2online.com/J2Ov2/media/icons/award_star_bronze_2.pngSir Ementaler (http://www.jazz2online.com/user/11963/sir-ementaler/downloads/) - Decimation - (2 votes)

This year's grand winner is FireSworD, who released three levels, each of which can be found somewhere in this post, making it quite an accomplishment. It's nothing new that FireSworD produces top-notch multiplayer maps but, as far as I can tell, this is the first time in JCS Awards history that he really gains the deserved appreciation for it. Loon takes the second place in this category, having made as many as four levels for XLM's Renewed Inspirations pack, plus one by collaborative effort with other members of the group. When it comes to the third place, both JCSers who obtained it came as a surprise to me - Borgia only started his adventure with JCS in 2014 and already scores this high; meanwhile, I only released one level this year and considered it luck that my name was nominated, for sure I never expected to qualify for the third place.

<hr>
16 people took part in the voting this year, 15 by posts in this thread and 1 by a private message:
Alright, here are my picks for this year's awards. I hope I made the right decision to vote these maps.

Best Battle Level of 2014 - Decimation by you (just a coincidence, but I love your map)
Best CTF Level of 2014 - A Giant Drifting Log's Jungle by FireSworD (man oh man, I love that map so much)
Best Other MP Level of 2014 - Damn Exit by FireSworD (it should've won Treylina's contest D:)
Best Single Player Release of 2014 - Sonic With A Gun by Violet CLM

I am not going to vote for the next two categories because I am not good at this domain.

Special thanks to Stijn and Torkell who helped keep J2O news section and this thread updated, and one of whom will hopefully undelete the votes in the near future.

This is it for 2014. Congratulations to all winners and those who were just nominated alike, and good luck in 2015!

[FireSworD]

Congrats to all of the other winners and runner ups! - I may have won a couple of categories, but that doesn't mean the other levels in them aren't cool imo! - Perhaps you can win best JCSer award for this year Loon? ;)

Thank you all for voting!

Good Game.

[Primpy]

So I was the only one who voted via PM? I feel a bit awkward, but I'm glad the results are finally shown. Good job who everyone who made it into the top!

[Borgia]

Well, this does encourage me to continue building tests.

Guess I'll have to extend my work to other domains as well...

Thanks to all who nominated me, and of course to those who voted for me :). Also, congrats to the numbers one! :D

[Loon]

Congrats to all the winners! Expect some brand new levels from me this year!

[XxMoNsTeRXM]

Congrats to all of the winners! Decimation is a really awesome map! For the best other mp level I voted Slaz's Vault of Ceramicus. Anyway congrats to all of the winners!

[Slaz]

Thanks Arte & Monster for voting my level into the third place. It was kind of the black sheep of Trey's contest but I'm glad you liked it.

Congrats to all winners and may 2015 be a great year for JJ2! ;)