Over The River is the latest map script by MFO@Mapster.  Unlike any of our previous map scripts, this was written especially for newer players or those who like a more defensive style of play.  Over The River places each team on a separate side of a river that is lined on each bank with a thin strip of trees, varying from one to three trees wide.  The river has lots of shallows and fords, so that once the strip of trees has been breeched, it is relatively easy to cross the river.

The geography of this map allows rookie players the chance to get some build up before attacks occur, as it is difficult to get through both tree barriers before late Feudal or early Castle Age.  In addition, you have the opportunity to attack any woodcutters coming thru the barrier on your side of the river with Archers in Feudal and also with Monks or siege units in Castle Age.  An important tip is to scout for the thinner areas of the forest to chop thru, since in some places the forest is only 1-2 tiles (or trees) wide.

As with most maps, certain civs have advantages on this one.  All of the fast civs are good on this one, and the Celts shine with their faster woodcutting.  Civs with better towers such as Koreans or Teutons may also have more advantage from placing defensive towers at strategic locations as soon as enemy woodcutters are seen along your side of the river.

One strategy that has proven helpful is to use some Archers or Skirmishers to patrol up and down the river once you have broken thru your first barrier, so as to attack enemy woodcutters and slow their progress.  Another strategy option is to breech your side of the river forest and assemble an army to rush and take over the enemy's opening to his side as soon as he breaks thru.

Over the river and through the woods,
To the enemy's town I go!