Like Alk05, this level relies on a strong,
original, consistent style for visual effect,
rather than any diverse or spectacular designs.
The theme is an Egyptian palace, at least
in the textures and details: Sandstone walls,
gold buttresses, and rich red buttresses
with torches set in. Some pale green textures
give it a curiously mildewed look, while
occasional hi-tech-ish doors look out of
place. Designs are quite simple, the map
is based around a two storey selection of
sometimes basic rooms and corridors. The
most impressive architecture is in the larger
outdoor rooms, the smaller in-between sections
are stylish, but repetitive. However there's
a great use of angles throughout, and the
build quality is consistently good. The
level needed more diversity in designs -
temple fronts, more 3D sections, use of
water, for example. It's a bit like a custom
DM level in that the eye-candy comes from
good texturing and details rather than structures,
but being SP, more impressive structures
could have been used.
Progression round the map is good, as there
is some non-linearity and a clear choice
of routes through some sections. With the
distribution of weapons, all paths are balanced.
Secrets are simple though. Like the design,
the gameplay's main strength - and weakness
- is it's consistency: Combat is steady
and unrelenting through all areas, with
plenty of monsters (including Snakemen),
all sections well used for fighting, and
plenty of teleporting monsters appearing
to keep the combat flowing even when backtracking.
But it's not overwhelming as the map design
makes it easy to channel monsters to where
you want them: I.e. backing away from monsters
shooting, or just ducking behind the nearest
corner if they dare fire at you. It continues
like that throughout the level, and provides
a war of attrition rather than any especially
challenging combats - the finish, against
a toughened Deathknight, is easy to escape
from. Items are in good supply, tending
towards ammo more than health, and with
the secrets the balance is very good. However
the combats can be too similar, and the
only slightly effective skills settings
might make it too hard for some players.
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