First off, the new map shows that PGI is learning to make mech maps now. The geometry looks like something that might actually exist, rather than creating all these choke points that are typical of standard FPS games. The new maps are great step in the right direction....however....
...Turn down some! The lightning and eruptions on Therma look cool, but they also look like they were added by a hyper ADD child. Have them occur every 5-10 seconds, not every half second. It is too much.
Same for river city... there is just plain too much burning and it really impacts the fps of many computers forcing them to play on a lower graphical setting than they would otherwise have to.
Don't get me wrong. I love the directing things are going with map design, but use the effects to add that little something special rather than feature them every second.