Played all but the final 3 levels.

Episode 1 was good, but the first two maps needed more monster variety and the third was FAR more challenging than I was prepared for, and had a number of frustrating parts. Still decent maps, though. Fourth map was my favorite, boss was decent.

Episode 2 was where it really shone for me, and being by the author who then released "Ruined Nation", I expected no less. I was knew it would be a challenge, so I conserved and sure enough, it was tough. What made it so good wad that frustrating moments were fairly rare and brief despite the difficulty (unlike qte1m3). The deep underground secret level was nice and different - definitely had the "get me out of here!" feel to it. The final fight wasn't the greatest, but it did little to taint an excellent episode.

So, one nice episode and one excellent episode, worthy of excellent overall I'd say. I might give thoughts of the last three levels later, but a very worthy "unofficial mission pack".

Played final 3 maps.

The Coagula map (qtfin1) was great, and the first fight with the boss was good, but it fell down in the last level - too easy, nothing new, although the crypt wasn't bad and the ending text is worth rading.

Overall thought largely similar to before, distrans is the better of the two mappers but even the scragbait maps are pretty good. Especially when considering that there are at most five good or excellent free mission pack out there for Quake, there's no excuse not to play Travail.

Two episodes of good and big levels, need I say more? Well I guess maybe, this is like another mission pack (joining Nehahra and Soul of Evil in this category). Episode 2's maps were best but the others weren't a letdown! The only letdown really is the final boss, it's too easy. But Nehahra messed up its boss sections worse than this.