Nihilore: The Mechanical Empire

Content - Quake - Quake Levels - Quake Single Player

Author: [Kona] | Rating: 8.15 | Download: nihilore.zip

Originally slated as a single map, Nihilore has literally been in the works for over 2 years. It’s basically a bunch of ideas (scraps is the word chosen by the author) that were placed together. In comparison to other [Kona] maps, Nihilore does fall short of glory but what it lacks is quickly made up with originality.

In most [Kona] maps you are engaged in battle with tons of baddies coming at you from every direction. Here most of the battles happen in a linear fashion with only a few exceptions. Most of the Quake minions are Grunts and Enforcers with a few Scragg and Rottweilers thrown in to the mix. To those of you that think this sounds like a boring and mundane fight, not to fret. There are modified Grunts that shoot nails, grenades, and rockets at you and some modified Enforcers that fire in a wider spread than usual. To make things worse, the modified characters have better aim and fire quicker. Luckily, the Grunts that shoot rockets have had their damage turned down some so not to kill you to quickly.

You will be able to notice these modified characters because they each have some fantastic new skins that look like they could have come straight from the game. These are without a doubt some of the best new skins seen for Quake.

Architecture is very similiar to [Kona]’s other works with the jagged angles and bi-level areas. Only the beginning of the first map is untrue to this with simple hallway leads to corridor play. Of course, the author has stated that this part of the level was thrown in at the last minute. The map flows quickly with minions around every corner. Ammunition come in plenty so you can choose from stealth attack to room rushing. Every weapon makes an appearance if you can find the secret. Health can tend to be a sparse so if you rush, watch it. The texture work is very well done with a nice brick/metal combination and help create some nice atmosphere. These maps really look nice if you use one of the user made engine mods that enables fog. BTW, these screenshots were taken using Telejano Quake engine.

The climax of the map is by far the ending where you will find yourself in a large open area surrounded by buildings. Minions will already be present but as you kill them off more and more will begin to spawn in. Eventually you will find yourself surrounded by Quake baddies and you will be engaged in a deathmatch style fight for your life. A fantastic ending with gameplay that I would love to see repeated.

Although it does not have the standard [Kona] feel to it (its winnable in one attempt) it does provide enough interesting new tricks. With modified Grunts and Enforcers, stable architecture, great atmosphere, and a nice original design, Nihilore is a must download.

- DorKwolf

Screenshots