[ Reviewed by: Vigil ] - [ Date: Saturday, 10th March, 2001 ]

 

Special note: I playtested this level shortly before it was released. I commented on the gameplay and gave the author ideas. That's it.

 

Besides his Mel Soaring series, Shaun Ross has done a few independent levels, not continuing the saga of Mel Soaring. His third SPQ level, Egyptian Myth, is one such level. Released only about 4 months after The Savage Sanguine, it's again fairly recent. Between this level and The Savage Sanguine, Kona released Ancient Rigby, a medieval SPQ2 level. Too bad that the excellent curves don't make an appearance here. The level is set in an ancient Egyptian temple this time, using textures from the second mission pack. They are combined with normal Quake textures and Egyptian Myth has an original, yet somehow familiar feel.

 

The architecture and design are pretty similar to Kona's earlier SPQ level. There are only 2 different levels though he has managed to get in some minimal vertical fighting. Some of the ledges could've been used better. Ogres would have done well, bombarding you from above. The level mixes indoor and outdoor, some of the rooms have rocky ground, sometimes leading to an upper level. Most of the vertical connection is done by staircases however. The sights here are nothing special, no spectacular designs that will stay in your mind months after playing it. Just good, steady visuals throughout. Personally I would've preferred some texture variations: Even though the theme is consistent, it might get a little repetitive. Only the final area has some little variation. The layout is mostly linear, but you'll be backtracking a bit and there are a few limited route choices. Usually these provide a slightly different access to the next room. I had no problems navigating the level, my destination was clear at all times.

 

The gameplay is quite different though. While The Savage Sanguine felt relatively easy, this will make you sweat. The level has 119 monsters on Normal and 122 on Hard. These are packed into a level about the same size as The Savage Sanguine and they are a good deal harder too. The Snakeman is included here too, as deadly as before. Then add hordes of Knights and Hellknights, some Ogres and Scrags. And if that's not enough, there are several Shamblers and Vores. To fight all these, you're given an impressive arsenal. Every weapon except the Grenade Launcher and the Thunderbolt (lightning gun) are included. Strangely, you'll get two Rocket Launchers, one about halway through the level and another one just before the ending. And to ease your task, there are loads of ammo. Shells and nails mostly with a few rockets here and there. Ammo was never a problem. I enjoyed the special arenas a lot, where more monsters kept teleporting in after you had finished the initial ones. These were very fun, just after you thought you had survived, 2 more Shamblers teleport in. Thanks to the good use of teleports, for the most part combat is very constant. You'll be given a few moments to breathe here and there. Also, the tight corridors can be hazardous, as you try to dodge grenades and Scrags. The final combat was a bit lacking though. You fight a special Hellknight with more attacks and health. If other monsters had been used with this one, the fight would've been more climactic. Nevertheless, the combat is enjoyable and good, though a few more monsters would have fitted in.

 

The lighting, on the other hand, is nothing special. I found it a bit bland, there were very few shadows. This could've been improved a bit. There are two secrets, activated by buttons, I found both. They are very helpful, but you can complete the level without them, just be more cautious. There weren't any apparent visual flaws, but on Normal skill you can get 122/119 kills. Also, the difficulty settings seem to change the level very little, some players might have problems with this. Nitpicking, some of the monsters were looking at odd directions so I could sneak up on them.

 

To conclude this review, Egyptian Myth is definitely an improvement over Kona's earlier SPQ levels. And even though the visuals aren't too impressive, the good combat more than makes up for that. Another recommended level.