[ Reviewed by: Vigil ] - [ Date: Friday, 28th September, 2001 ]

 

Rapture is a new Single Player unit by Shaun "[Kona]" Ross and Dustin "Tronyn" Geeraert. It consists of several new large levels, and the usual start and ending arena. The style is described by the authors as "medieval-Norse", which really sounds good to me. After all, it does use textures from the third episode of Daikatana, which takes place in Norway.

 

There are four different main levels, the realms of Earth, Fire, Water and Wind. Rain Palisade is the one which starts luring you deeper, to the other realms. A well-done castle that has been standing for ages, and it shows. Starting with a very cool set-piece, then continuing with wet interiors, the whole level looks very good, like a real castle, with lots of impressive designs. After that your journey takes you to Castle Rapture, A Cross to Bear and Storm Dungeon. The other levels are also large and complex, perhaps with the final one as an exception, as it is more like an ending arena than a full level.

 

A well-done story unfolds as you progress through the levels. You're Bruce, apparently a mercenary, sent to cleanse the first castle from enemies, so human armies may use it as a staging point. Of course, things are not as simple as they seem. It's good to see that authors are putting more thought into the backgrounds of their levels. Of course, in the end, it's still mindless gibbing, this is Quake after all.

 

With the levels being large and complex, this time they are full of monsters. Besides the normal Ogres, Knights and Scrags, there are modified Knights, Axemen (YUCK!) and those cool Gremlins from the other mission pack. If you haven't played the mission packs, now is a good time to check out the handy abilities the Gremlins possess. Monsters usually attack in larger packs, and by the last two levels, you're going to have react quickly to new situations. With the constant flow of monsters, especially in the final level, you don't have much time to breathe. In other words, bloody carnage is favoured here, instead of slower-paced combat. Ammo is fairly abundant, unlike health and armor, so watch your step. And last, but not least, you'll also get your hands on the Mjölnir. Yes, that lovable hammer that shoots lightning from Norse mythology. Delicious, simply delicious.

 

As a final word, get this pack. Four excellent levels packed with carnage. An awesome package, all in one.