Name: Path 1
Hack: Hollow
ROM Base: Emerald
Comments: The flower tiles are currently in the process of being changed for blue versions of the ones out of errica's gym :D
I'd like to start off by saying that I absolutely love the tiles you have used here, but some aspects of the map are a bit off in terms of their construction.
Review: There are a number of 'one-tile' paths present in your map (underneath the ledge at the bottom and top of the path in the centre). These paths restrict the movement of the player enormously and can generally be seen as an sign of bad mapping. I'd also like to note that the majority of your route that is not grassy is pretty resticted in comparission to the areas that have long grass - Have a look at the far right path leading out of the map, it has a width of two over ten tiles, where as the central grass patch has heaps of room to move. Try to keep your widths consistent if possible :D
Don't get me wrong, it seems like a nice map, but there are several possibilites to improve it.
Suggestions: Remove all of the one-tile paths from the map - At the very least you can do this by moving the ledge up by one and removing the two small trees at the top. Widen the paths that do not have any grass in them and attempt to keep and widths as consistant as possible.
My map :)
Map Name: Route 1
Map Game: FireRed
Credits: GameFreak xD
Map:
I tried to do the shading, I think it looks okay :)
Review: No offense, but this map is extremely poor. Whilst I know you have tried, your results aren't very good.
Your main problem is the construction of the construction of this map - look at all of the empty and barren space - Ingame it is far larger than it looks and is generally unflattering. Unlike the other map I reviewed, you need less space. In addition to your spacing problems, giving the map a sense of direction would also help to make it realise its potential. What the map above does well is give the player a predestined path, which they can follow whereas a player in your game may wander around the boring empty areas with no knowledge as to which way to go.
The tall grass is also a bit on the nose - There is only one patch on the entire route and it is enormous. Space it out throughout the entire route as it will help fill the map and ensure that the player isn't frustrated by walking throught the massive glob in one go.
Finally, whilst you might think you have done well in terms of tree shading, I would argue against it. I can't really point out what needs changing at this moment due to time constraints, but have a look over all of the trees make up your frame and redo the trees in the middle.
Suggestions: Give the player a sense of direction throught the use of pathways rather than open space or sand/gravel instead of open grass. Fill it up with whatever you can imagine (Large trees, small tress, rocks, mountains, lakes, more ledges) the
worldtileset is your oyster!
Don't be discouraged by this review: if we all built on our mistakes we would be all the better for it :D