As I mentioned in the contest thread, I had an idea to make a map that would resemble levels from old N64 video games. So I'm actually making a map that resembles the first level from 007 GoldenEye (Dam) and I'm wondering what you guys think about the idea. I'll post some pictures of it later.

I think copying ideas from existing maps can be okay, if you use it in a creative manner. For example: copying the ramp that opens isn't bad, as long as the puzzle will be different. But I think that in general copying an entire level from another game isn't such a good idea.
1) You could get problems with copyright stuff
2) People might already know the map
3) It's much more fun to use your own imagination! If you want to copy a specific part of the level that was really awesome, there's nothing wrong with that, but an entire level... nah, no thanks

Just my two cents

Well, I've heard about people making a GoldenEye and Perfect Dark Source Mod and I haven't heard anything bad happening to those people. Hmm... Now that I think about it, copying a specific part of a level may be better than the entire level. I just wanted to capture the "familiar feel" of classical levels.
Any other opinions?