The Epoch Turning

Content - Quake - Quake Levels - Quake Single Player

Author: Andrew Smith | Rating: 8.00 | Download: epochgl.zip

Here we have another older map, but still of a very high quality. The Epoch Turning takes place in caves, with a slight influence of e1m4 ( the grisly grotto ) which is very evident as the same trap is used in both maps.

Architecturally, the map is more than competent. Everything is built on a large scale, which accommodates the game play well. Not much detail, but everything looks good enough so that it does not become boring, with appropriately angled rocks in the many natural sections encountered. There are some neat bits, such as subtle hints of base poking through stone walls. Texturing is good, mostly it’s rocks intertwined with brown stone, and some base thrown in. Lighting is good, not really dark, everything is easily visible.

Design is truly 3D. Several areas overlook other places you have yet to tread. The layout is great, you have to find two keys to exit, and as soon as you find the keys you’re right at the corresponding door. There is some water thrown in, which actually works quite well, as it feels like a natural stream running deep underground. The base section near the end is strange, it looks good, and the way it’s introduced causes it not to feel out of place.

Well, how about the game play? How does 115 monsters on hard sound? The game play is simply excellent, a steady barrage of ogres, knights and scrags, with the occasional fiend and shambler thrown in. This is one of the most fun maps to play. The plain design leads to great fighting, nothing to get stuck on as you run around frantically. Never in this map should you run out of ammo, everything is there when you need it, just don’t stick to just one weapon and you will be fine. Every weapon in the game is available here, although I did not find a lightning gun worth a rocket jump. Near the end there are base enemies thrown in, which is actually fun with the rocket launcher you’ve just acquired. Four secrets to be found, which I only found one of. The ending is about the same difficulty as the rest of the map, challenging but not impossible, a worthy, if unexceptional, climax. Skill settings are in full effect for those who need them.

I recommend you get this map. The great game play makes this a must have, don’t deny yourself and pick up this classic.

- Edgecrusher

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