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The CTF map to end all CTF maps. A great U-shaped canyon with two nicely defendable bases at each end. Sidewinder can be split into 3 main sections and each one is a different rout to the enemy base. All have their own advantages and disadvantages. They are the teleporter cliffs that run round the outside of the level, the tunnel structure that cuts right through the heart of the level linking one side to the other and the canyon floor which is probably the longest rout of all.
The teleporter cliffs are fantastic for sniping and the in base teleporter provides easy access but they are only one way, meaning once you've gone through, the only way back is a long walk on foot. This renders the teleporters a poor choice for invasion since when you've got to the second cliff you have to walk the rest of the way with no cover. One good method of making it across the cliffs is to grab a sniper rifle back wall of the second floor of the base and use it to take a look at the first cliff before making your way through the teleporter to take you there. From here you can check the second cliff and move on through the next teleporter. This puts you in great position to observe the enemy base occasionally taking th odd pot shot or cover a team ground attack. If you want to use the cliffs to return the flag then it's a good idea to send some team mates through the teleporters in the other direction as a sacrifice to slow down the pursuing enemy and have a sniper waiting to cover the flag carrier on that last stretch from the cliff to the base. The teleporters also act as a good escape route, so when your base is being shelled by a scorpion then go through the teleporter, collect the rocket launcher (another great thing about the teleporter cliffs) and you should have a clean shot to take the tank out.
If you prefer a much more close combat fight then take to the tunnels, picking up the power ups on your way (best done on the enemy's side to ensure they last longer while your engaging in combat) It's also fun to drive a warthog into the tunnels and squeeze it up the ramp and drive it off either of the two cliff faces (Emmadale). This is good for invading but the tight squeeze can make it too slow for a flag retrieval but a great is to grab the flag and head into the tunnels on foot but instead or turning to go up the ramp, make your way to the grid where the power ups are located and pass the flag through to a waiting team-mate who can return it while you hold off the opposition. The tunnel cliffs can make a reasonable sniping spot which is so close to the bases that a pistol works as well as a sniper rifle. It's also a good idea to camp in the tunnel entrance either at your base for defence purposes or on the enemy side to taunt your opposition. A great unknown sniper spot is a couple of ledges down from the blue base tunnel cliffs, behind a rock.
If vehicles are more your thing then you'll probably take the low road and simply drive to your enemy. If your in a warthog then the ice can pose to be a problem and the best route is right down the middle, hugging the ice on the inside, avoiding the rocky outcrops. It's best to just ignore the over shield in the middle of the level because that is probably the only part of the level that can be sniped from everywhere and the ice that surrounds it makes it hard to get your hog moving again. In ghosts it's best just to keep as close to the inside as possible for increased speed and stealth. Scorpions can go pretty much anywhere on the level as long they can fit and those caterpillar tracks allow them to but keeping them at your base makes them a great defensive post or parking up halfway round the level and shelling the enemy base.
The bases are very easy to defend because there are only two ways in and they are so close together they can both be covered from the one point. When the enemy is entering your base then you can hold them off by throwing grenades into the doorways and with a bit of luck you'll do considerable damage before the shoot out begins. If your defending on your own you can hide half way up one the ladders, wait until they have the flag then drop down with a shotgun and do what you have to do. If the game is set to flag at home to score then the ladder is a great place to stash the flag carrier and if any one tries to comes up then he can just whack them on the head, drop the flag then finish them off whatever gun he's got to hand.
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