"A unique and huge base level with a rusty red, grey and black flavour using Q2 textures."

 

Alk05 is set as a huge factory called Sanguine that resembles more of a base than anything. It does feature some nice design and architecture but that's just the tip of the iceberg.

 

What makes Alk05 great is its gameplay. Just the right amount of action is used with some fierce battles yet time to enjoy the level itself. The addition of the Snakeman, which has almost became a [Kona] trademark, is featured here but is set in some great spots for surprise attacks adding a nice element of surprise. Your other targets consist of Fiends, Shamblers, Ogres, Vores, Scrags, and a few Enforcers. Personally, I would have liked to have seen more Enforcers and Grunts. Like I said, the map has a definite base feel to it and those Quake1 characters would have fit in nicely.

 

What helps add to the gameplay is the excellent balance between health, ammo, and enemies. The option of storming a room or dispersing your targets carefully is completely up to you. There should be plenty of health and ammo to restock you before the next major battle. I still recommend using tact because this is a [Kona] map which means large amounts of enemies at one time.

 

There are plenty of large rooms that provide good battles, but the way [Kona] connects them is what really gives the level its nice design. There are usually different paths to choose from to enter a room, the ground floor or the upper floor. The upper floors are mostly just walkways that provide some great sniping points for your enemies, or for you if you conquer them. The gain of the walkways are especially helpful when battling the vores and shamblers.

 

Architecture is very solid. Like I mentioned before, it really gives off a base feel instead of a factory. Some machinery could have gave the factory idea a much needed boost and would have also added to the story line.

 

Overall, I feel that if [Kona] would have stuck to a more base style this map would have been a lot better. With the walkways and large rooms, Grunts and Enforcers would have provided for some great action. Still, the map has some nice touches and fantastic gameplay that any Quake fan would enjoy.

 

 

 

 

 

Design = 7
Flow = 7
Balance = 9
Textures = 8
Overall : 7.63