[ Reviewed by: Vigil ] - [ Date: Tuesday,
20th August, 2002 ]
Shaun Ross's latest level is actually quite
different from his other levels. The two
major differences are monsters, and the
way it was built. [Kona] has used scraps
from other, unfinished levels, to produce
a small two-level unit.
The style here is not perfectly clear,
being more of a mix. It's definitely an
industrial level, but has some more medieval
touches thrown in. Also, at times it seems
like a base level. The two levels mainly
consist of solid metal butresses, lots of
brick walls, posters as details, and some
outdoor areas, caves and pools of water.
Of these, I found the caves to be the least
visually appealing, while the rest of the
areas looked from average to very good.
Texturing was top notch, and helped create
a good atmosphere for the levels, though
it was mostly brown. [Kona] has managed
to breathe some freshness into his style,
and as a result the level does not suffer
from looking like all his other levels.
However, his style is still very visible,
and so it is not difficult to recognize
his work. Lighting wasn't particularly catching
to the eye, but at the same time I didn't
notice anything really wrong with it. There
are two secrets, one in each level, and
I managed to find the second one.
Gameplay is really unlike [Kona]'s previous
levels. Firstly, there are lots of Grunts,
Enforcers and Rottweilers. Secondly, those
are the only enemies you'll meet, aside
from a few Scrags. The levels are quite
large when together, but fortunately the
monsters have been modified a bit. They
have new skins, which vary in quality, and
some pack new weapons. Especially the Grunts
with rocket launchers can be troublesome.
New AI is mentioned in the text file, but
I didn't notice it; even with explosive
weapons the Grunts don't really care how
close the player is. Progress is very linear,
with practically no exploration. I played
on Normal, and the first level was fairly
easy. It was sparsely populated, and you
won't meet too many enemies at a time. The
second level was more satisfying, with more
enemies, and an exciting finale. The ending
wasn't too hard, but it was very satisfying
with lots of enemies to gun down.
One odd thing I noticed was how some of
the Grunts couldn't be damaged until I had
ventured fully into their line of sight,
instead of just dodging around the corner
as soon as spotting them. And even then
they stayed put for a split second, before
reacting to me. I also had some navigation
problems with some of the slanted surfaces.
All in all, I enjoyed this small pack.
Though it is quick to complete, it's fun
to play through, with a good theme, that
isn't really all that usual.
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