The latest offering from one of Quake's most prolific authors...

 

A fresh new theme this time around for the latest Alkado offering, with a range of icy, snow-tipped and wintery textures, from various sources such as Daikatana and Hexen II. These give the map a somewhat unique look and set it apart from the author's other levels with similar architecture and layout. As you would expect from [Kona], the map is, for the best part, based around two floors, and interconnected heavily around obscure and blocky designs, complete with natural rocky terrain. The end combat is cast off from the rest of the level in a different BSP, but features some of the most visually appealing architecture, with a small cliffside keep overlooking a deep chasm, surrounded by a snow-carpeted ground. Although textures are often varied, the winter ambient is well exectued, and apparent throughout the level.

 

The level is predominently action-based, with monsters often attacking in groups, with little rest in-between. Hipnotic's nifty little gremlins are included, but their placement could have done with a little more thought, as they rarely prove a threat. Other adjustments to the Quake setup include the reskinning all of monsters (to fit with the snow theme) and a new nailgun sound (no explanation). The skins are passable, but have a problem with fullbrights, for those who use engines which enable them. Software mode or recent fullbright-enabling GL-based engines are not recommended to play this level.

 

Monsters by the bucketload are balanced nicely by plentiful ammo supplies, so difficulty never gets out of hand, but rather increases modestly throughout the map, making the arena-style end-combat seem more rewarding and satisfying. However, when given the map's bleak atmosphere, a more subtle approach to gameplay than [Kona]'s favoured 'in-your-face' scheme might have been more effective.

 

Original, atmospheric and well executed theme, along with relentless action, make this level worth downloading and adding to your collection.

 

Build Quality = 81%
Playability = 86%
Layout and connectivity = 77%
Weapons and Ammo = 80%
Overall Score = 81%