This map exists in more than 2 dimensions.
tiki854 created an impossible figure, then sliced it crosswise.
The result is astounding; a map that defies logic.
The lines of gold have limit points.
The enemies cause spooky actions at a distance.
Moving through this map, you'll feel vast distances go by in an instant:
like an ant jumping across a folded piece of paper, you'll end up in the danger zone
before you know what happened.
But if you stay on your toes, and forget everything you think you know --
you'll have one hell of a (space)time. — script

The legendary tktktk, N's first grandmaster [n.wikia.com], had a lengthy mapping career that spanned nearly five years. It's incredible to believe that more than seven years have passed since he last graced us with a new map, but "Digital Age" certainly is a fitting way to go out, with his trademark minimalist design, and elegant, refined gameplay. Give "Digital Age" some digital love today! — ska

Sometimes

Sometimes I admire the littlest things, the really littlest things
A simple rock. A blade of grass.
They need no future goals, no tax exemptions, no playability intentions
They do not need to go or be anything
They just are.

They just are, sometimes, the really amazing littlest things. — zoasBE

When naming this amazing map,
be sure to mention the thunderous boom of the thwump drums in the cloud palace of the laser king.
He patrols the sky with a wicked eye turned toward his gilded, treasured hoard.
Thunder's mentioned when lightning speaks, and lightning strikes from the clouds of rain;
so call it something rain related. — script

Minejumpers are a tricky thing to get right. Often, when playing one, it feels like you've done it all before – many of the jumps feel uninspired and repetitive.

Enter “Bury the Hammer”, counter-example par excellence. While it boasts few to no elements that have never been done before, its composition is fresh and innovative, at the same time striking that perfect balance between challenging and yet never being unfair or frustrating. Add to that a visually striking tileset that rounds off things aesthetically, and you've got one of my favourite maps from 2015.

Here's to another 600, buddy!

— lifdoff

I love DW40 maps. He sees N in a very different way to me. His heavily object-based mapping allows him to see potential in empty spaces, and create deeply interesting and enjoyable structures in ways nobody else does.

The top section of this map serves as a prime example of this. Creative, challenging, complex, and unique - this map was the first in a long time to make me stop and actually think "How do I do this?". — _destiny^-

Sequels to great maps, just like movies, seldom live up to their predecessors, but this is the rare exception – like “Saxophony”, this map boasts a visually striking tileset, intricate routing and surprisingly varied jumps, while also adding the challenge of trying to get all the gold into the mix.

And yet, while most jumpers are too hard to complete repeatedly, this is a map so brilliantly addictive that a mere completion is in no way satisfying enough, but merely an incentive to finally, finally nail that elusive perfect AGD, in pursuit of which so many ninjas have already perished. — lifdoff

I won't lie to you. I've had a love/hate relationship with zoasBE for a while now. Sometimes his maps are terrible, and sometimes they're brilliant. Cuz for me, making maps isn't always easy, but at least it's not rocket science.

Using beautiful tile tessellations and glorious gold patterns, zoas creates a magical fairyland in which you can prance about and enjoy yourself. Feel the flow as you fly through dangerous corridors. Use your heightened senses to dodge gauss fire and zap drones. Gobble up as much gold as your little ninja tummy can hold.

In short, play this shit. — Aidiera

I'm not a huge fan of races, mainly because most of them feel so similar that after playing a few, the genre seems to have little more to offer.

And yet, there are exceptions. True, “Demolishing”'s aesthetic isn't anything new in the race genre, but it more than makes up for that with a great use of thwumps, challenging jumps, an exhilarating, breakneck pace and one of the coolest finishes to a map that I have ever seen.

Riobe might be best known for his stunning tilesets, but “Demolishing” shows that he's one of the finest race-makers as well. — lifdoff

Oh my. So clean, so clever. The core conceit alone is brilliant, but this isn’t just a concept map — no, ska planted his nifty little idea in the midst of a thrilling race. The compelling curves and sensuous flow make for a damn fine map in their own right, and when paired with the never-ending pressure of the beat-beat-beating thwump, they provide a thoroughly pleasurable experience for any adrenaline junky. Give it a shot — I’m sure it’ll keep you busy for a while….
— Tempus_Fugit