Big maps are something that you really do just get used to with time.
I appreciate what you guys are saying and I suppose you are right.
If all it was, was just a big map then I’d likely not complain. It just felt inconsistent with the rest of the levels. Almost like it was doing what it did just for the sake of it.
Mixed feelings about Mazu’s map as well, although not for the size (I’m a big fan of big maps with tons of monsters and secrets).
For all his sadistic inclinations, I’ve always found his maps brilliant, however demanding and frustrating they can be on first run(s). In this case, my repeated failures in the section right after opening the Gold Key Door made me switch from Hard to Easy. But I ended up giving up on this map because of the puzzles and jumping sections. I don’t mind them when they’re optional (when hunting for secrets or power-ups for instance), but if they’re mandatory I just switch to a different map. It’s just not for me.
By the way: It’s been a while since I played episode 1, but I’m under the impression that episode 2 is much harder. (I haven’t tried the updated version yet). I simultaneously dread and look forward to the remaining episodes …
In any case, thanks to the whole team for this wonderful pack. You truly raised the bar again.