When used with map pack shops (or not) this flip-mat is a great product that has huge potential for a variety of adventures.
In regards for the backside having no buildings, this is perfectly understandable as another building design would limit the mat to just 2 different layouts. With the addition of the map pack shops this empty side can be laid out with what ever design you want, from a smaller town with only a few shops to all of the shops placed where ever you'd like (don't feel I should have to say this to role players but, use your imagination). What would have been great is if the map pack shops had the same shop from above on the reverse side, like the flip-mat has.
I only gave 4 stars as I feel its fullest use relies on the map pack shops complimenting it, and some people may not have this other product.
I recently picked up the Friends and Foes Deck and was blown away by all the cards in the deck as well as the card stock used. I ordered the Enemies Deck despite the bad reviews and the known issue with the sub paizo standard card stock issues. I just looked through them and while yes the cards are a LOWER QUALITY OF CARD STOCK, BY NO WAY HAS THIS LOWERED THE GREAT ART AND IMAGINATIVE USAGES FOR THIS HELPFUL GAMING AID. There is a much more diverse types of faces, as enemies are not always so common in their guises.
I do want to let those know that there are quite a few "normal" faces in this deck which was also quite pleasing, though they all tend to show a some what sinister or sad expression which I find fantastic given the nature of "enemies".
I'd also like to point out that when placed in a clear Deck Protector sleeve the quality is not noticed and the backs can still be written on with a dry-erase marker and wiped clean.
I personally will be buying all Face Cards put out in the future by paizo and look forward to future sets.
