First, the maps.
"Hotel" is built for close-quarters combat, though snipers will find a few holes to hide out in to pick off unsuspecting opponents. The map stars out on the top floor of a hotel, eventually leading to a lobby and swimming pool. If you can picture "Highrise," but larger, you know exactly what to expect from "Hotel." The map is a little confusing at first, and could probably stand being half the size, though the labyrinthine halls and large open area between the two buildings offer a lot of opportunities depending on the match type. "Hotel" isn't ideal for Deathmatches of any sort, but works well for Team-based matches like Domination.
"Stockpile" is an all-purpose map that works for nearly every match-type available. Although size doesn't work in favor of "Hotel," "Stockpile" is just the right size. It's not huge, so it can feel a bit claustrophobic in some team-based match types, but otherwise it's a great "speedy" map, especially for Deathmatch. It's a cool map, though definitely one of the pack's more generic and easily the weakest of the bunch despite its versatility.
"Convoy" is a large map, though it is designed to promote faster gameplay. The map places players on a massive, crumbling freeway, complete with a gas station, diner and motel, so there are numerous open spaces. Although it initially looks like a paradise for snipers, it favors close combat. There are open spaces, but explorers will find a couple of well-hidden paths and cover-spots throughout the map, nullifying any sort of advantage a sniper might have. Similar to "Stockpile," the map works for numerous match types.
"Zoo" is my personal favorite of the bunch. As you might expect, the map places players in an abandoned Soviet Zoo. The layout is incredibly complex, though unlike "Hotel," there's a better sense of balance and internal logic. There are lots of buildings to duck into and between and, in a really nice touch, there's a monorail track surrounding the entire map, which is great for snipers or players who want to get around as quickly as possible.
"Zoo" favors players who have the patience to stick around in certain areas. The multiple levels to each building and layout don't support running around and hunting down players. It works for most game types, though it is a map that players are going to have to learn.
