Sometimes

Sometimes I admire the littlest things, the really littlest things
A simple rock. A blade of grass.
They need no future goals, no tax exemptions, no playability intentions
They do not need to go or be anything
They just are.

They just are, sometimes, the really amazing littlest things. — zoasBE

When naming this amazing map,
be sure to mention the thunderous boom of the thwump drums in the cloud palace of the laser king.
He patrols the sky with a wicked eye turned toward his gilded, treasured hoard.
Thunder's mentioned when lightning speaks, and lightning strikes from the clouds of rain;
so call it something rain related. — script

Minejumpers are a tricky thing to get right. Often, when playing one, it feels like you've done it all before – many of the jumps feel uninspired and repetitive.

Enter “Bury the Hammer”, counter-example par excellence. While it boasts few to no elements that have never been done before, its composition is fresh and innovative, at the same time striking that perfect balance between challenging and yet never being unfair or frustrating. Add to that a visually striking tileset that rounds off things aesthetically, and you've got one of my favourite maps from 2015.

Here's to another 600, buddy!

— lifdoff

I love DW40 maps. He sees N in a very different way to me. His heavily object-based mapping allows him to see potential in empty spaces, and create deeply interesting and enjoyable structures in ways nobody else does.

The top section of this map serves as a prime example of this. Creative, challenging, complex, and unique - this map was the first in a long time to make me stop and actually think "How do I do this?". — _destiny^-

Sequels to great maps, just like movies, seldom live up to their predecessors, but this is the rare exception – like “Saxophony”, this map boasts a visually striking tileset, intricate routing and surprisingly varied jumps, while also adding the challenge of trying to get all the gold into the mix.

And yet, while most jumpers are too hard to complete repeatedly, this is a map so brilliantly addictive that a mere completion is in no way satisfying enough, but merely an incentive to finally, finally nail that elusive perfect AGD, in pursuit of which so many ninjas have already perished. — lifdoff

I won't lie to you. I've had a love/hate relationship with zoasBE for a while now. Sometimes his maps are terrible, and sometimes they're brilliant. Cuz for me, making maps isn't always easy, but at least it's not rocket science.

Using beautiful tile tessellations and glorious gold patterns, zoas creates a magical fairyland in which you can prance about and enjoy yourself. Feel the flow as you fly through dangerous corridors. Use your heightened senses to dodge gauss fire and zap drones. Gobble up as much gold as your little ninja tummy can hold.

In short, play this shit. — Aidiera

I'm not a huge fan of races, mainly because most of them feel so similar that after playing a few, the genre seems to have little more to offer.

And yet, there are exceptions. True, “Demolishing”'s aesthetic isn't anything new in the race genre, but it more than makes up for that with a great use of thwumps, challenging jumps, an exhilarating, breakneck pace and one of the coolest finishes to a map that I have ever seen.

Riobe might be best known for his stunning tilesets, but “Demolishing” shows that he's one of the finest race-makers as well. — lifdoff

Oh my. So clean, so clever. The core conceit alone is brilliant, but this isn’t just a concept map — no, ska planted his nifty little idea in the midst of a thrilling race. The compelling curves and sensuous flow make for a damn fine map in their own right, and when paired with the never-ending pressure of the beat-beat-beating thwump, they provide a thoroughly pleasurable experience for any adrenaline junky. Give it a shot — I’m sure it’ll keep you busy for a while….
— Tempus_Fugit

It sounds weird but “Iced Tiles” will confront you with your worst nightmares and pleasure at the same time. You’ll drop down several times, ruining all the hard work done up to that point, leaving you frustrated and furious, yet you’ll be amazed by how brilliantly structured and innovative this tile jumper is.

Disclaimer: Play at your own risk. Neither chume nor I are liable for any broken keyboards, smashed windows or tortured pets.
— macrohenry

While StreetsAhead is best known for his creative races, some of his best maps, in fact, are those that aren't races at all.

Take this little gem, for instance. Using nothing but one of the most simple tile patterns imaginable and intelligently placed mines and gold, StreetsAhead has created an atmospheric masterpiece that is challenging in its simplicity, yet never boring or frustrating to play.

On the contrary, it is surprinsingly addictive, and won't let you go until you've finally managed to pull of those jumps that are far more tricky than they seem.

(Also props for the Opeth reference [youtube.com].) — lifdoff