Quake 1. That's what comes to mind after about 90 seconds of play in this fantastic little piece by Kona. If you're looking for some old school action in a new school game engine, Devonaire is your fix.

 

True, the map does use some Quake 1 textures but it's in the gameplay that you get that feeling you're back in 1996. Narrow platforms, vertical action and twists and turns make for non-stop fragfests. No lifts, just steps and teleporters have you moving from one side of the map to the other, searching for that ever-elusive map strategy that will elevate you to the top of the frag list. Know what? Won't happen. Kona has done such a superb job with this map that a route is impossible. You cannot develop a route, even a deviation of a route and expect to win. This map is like chaos, packaged. Your only hope is to correctly manage the RL and the shotgun to their full extent.

 

How do I mean? See the above right image. Action seems to really flock to that lowest portion, with the blue floor. Once you're down there, you're left with no weapons, only the megahealth. So, as you and your opponents move about the map you're going to inevitably move towards the center which is this lowest tier. There is a plasma gun up a stairwell but the action is so close and intense you'll have no time to get to it. If you do manage to find yourself at this lowest tier be ready to be fragged. There is an escape hallway but it's very tight and a well placed rocket on a nearby wall or floor is lights out. You'll need your A game if you plan on hanging with this map.

 

Weapon selection is good, however, the inclusion of the railgun takes away somewhat from the whole feeling of the map. Almost everything is close quarters here and, as we all know, the rail isn't as effective at handshake distance. No, if you want to dominate this map, use the RL or the shotgun. You'll have more "round the turn, face to face" encounters than you'd like and you'll need something that packs a whallop at close range. The grenade launcher is included in this map also and it actually works. Just stand on one of the upper tiers and start lobbing to the bottom to your heart's content. You will get a frag.

 

Recommended player loadout is 3 max. You can play with 4 if you want a 2 minute match. No, 3 is good and 1v1 is perfect.

A hearty thumbs up indeed for Devonaire. Download and enjoy.