The map is large by comparison to others, with flat terrain being broken by a chasam dividing the teams as well as a moat surrounding each base. The bases are your standard Sanctuary layout with the generator's in the same location. The attention to detail in the bases are adequate with placement of items like the Generator's being obviously out of square. This shouldn't however distract from the gameplay of the map, which with the right number (Death Birds Fly number) it would certainly be exciting. There is a vehicle station which only allows you to purchase ground vehicles, and since the only way from base to base is across the chasam over the bridge, there will be considerable fighting going on to protect this key asset. The bridge bases are well defended with 2 plasma turrets, a mortar, and a missile turret making for some very fun spam by the heavies to take them out. The respawns are at the bridge bases, and main base, and while playing the map I spawned more often at the bridge bases.
Obviously a lone group of lights can take the edge of the map, avoiding the bridge defences and moving around to the side of the enemy base, inside the moats protecting the base there is many jagged areas which can easily hide a swarm of lights waiting for the opportunity to make a quick grab. Punctuated around the moat on the edge of the "island" there are key rocks which would be used by the base defence for picking these lights off. With the right co-ordination a team of light armours should be able to make off with the flag from a poorly defended base with ease, however I cannot see this happening with a large number of people, meaning control of the bridge is essential for team movement.
There is a single inventory in the main base, as well as 2 inventories on the vehicle pads. At the bridge bases there is a total of 5 inventories. Piloting of the vehicles across the bridge can be daunting if the defences arent taken out prior to travelling.
All in all I would say this map has potential to be one of those great "Lan Maps" played everywhere. And for a first time map, I can see StormShadow has plenty of potential.