[ 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. |