[ Reviewed by: Vigil ] - [ Date: Monday, 28th May, 2001 ]

 

Kona's latest SPQ offering is packed full of monsters in a ingeniously interconnected layout. Kona is not a new author, having released several SP levels for Quake and Quake2. He definitely has some experience and that shows.

 

Not exactly a new theme here, just mixing some old ones. A mix of blue and light brown. It's a medieval castle, with a few small outdoor sections. The walls look a bit bland at times and most of the rooms have a "basic" design. It does look fairly good, but not excellent. The layout, though, is very excellent. Rumors say that this level was originally started as a large Q3 deathmatch level, but then converted to SPQ. As a result, the layout is planned very well, with lots of connections and a good amount of backtracking. The level does feel quite non-linear, though there aren't that many side areas to explore. There are two secrets, have to admit that I didn't find either. The theme and construction here remind me of Kona's earlier level Egyptian Myth, not a bad thing though.

 

While the looks were nothing special, the gameplay is. 122 monsters in Normal skill makes sure you'll be really fighting here. Just what Quake is all about. There are a bunch of new monsters too. Snakemen are familiar from Kona's earlier levels, Axemen are as annoying as ever with their ridiculous speed. Centroids from the mission packs are used too. Hellknights have been upgraded with few variations of old attacks. From Mexx comes a new Hellknight boss. And that's not all. Ogres now shoot nails instead of grenades (no vertical bombardment unfortunately). They also can jump and they do jump a lot. Charging in a frenzy, jumping up to a ledge to meet you, jumping around corners. With the Ogres, Snakemen and Centroids, the level is full of monsters who use nails (mental note : ouch). Strangely the monster placement felt a little sparse at times. Monster usually attack in packs, later on even Shamblers team up on you. Knowing Kona, you won't be getting too much health, but with plenty of ammo and caution you'll be fine. Doesn't mean it's easy though, you might want to consider using a lower skill level than usual.

 

Technically, it's a clean level. I might consider the Axemen as a bug though, as they really are so annoying. Anyway, it's a solid level with good, tough gameplay. A good addition to your collection.