Layout Check and Critique Please

[subquark]

This is just a layout, no preloaders, no plug-in check and I need some harsh critique please. Tell me what you like and what you don't like.

To quote the client: ". . . a high speed computer and X-Box gaming center. . . Counter Strike tournaments or Halo tournaments".

~65K

http://www.flashvacuum.com/netstryke/

Thanks in advance!

[mindlessLemming]

1. The vertical spacing between the 3 boxes on the right needs to be matched, creates unbalance.

2.Centre of screen (above centre box) needs 'something' (helpful, I know.) Upon loading the site my eye was drawn by the Logo to that point and once there, there was nothing to see.

3. 'Flag' under logo needs work/re-think. I can see what you're going for, but it looks too harsh/fake.



You asked for harsh, there it is. Do with it as you please.

[SSC Cosmic]

'Flag' under logo needs work/re-think. I can see what you're going for, but it looks too harsh/fake.

True! It's a very striking idea, just needs the tweak.

I can't get into the file-folder shaped text boxes anymore, it's a very old style. If they were in tight rows it might look good though. With them scattered around like that there's no flow. The colors are right for the gaming community, though I personally would find it refreshing to see a gamers' site that isn't all dark colors.

G/L!
Cos

[subquark]

It's a very striking idea

thanks! That's great since it's Net Stryke!

Both of you have great ideas: yes the dark colours are what most game sites are about (the inspiration site was incredibly dark: http://www.planetunreal.com/darkhorizons/site/main.asp (give it a sec, an ad loads first and then the page refreshes into the actual site). The site on a white background is actually very attractive.

I agree on the folders, very old school, especially with the "tab".

Good critique on the flag (stylized dragon), it's from an illustrator file brought into Swift 3D. Needs to be redrawn in Swift3D or in Photoshop . . .

Yes, needs to have animation in the center and in that "banner ad" in the top right.

Thanks for the time and good ideas!