Insomnia

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Author: CZG | Rating: 9.50 | Download: czg07.zip

The title is very fitting because once you start this map pack you won’t go to sleep ’till you finish it. Featuring 3 levels and a start map, Insomnia shows why CZG is known for quality works.

Your introduction to Insomnia begins with the start map. Fans of Zerstorer will recognize some of the textures used. Once you move a little farther along you come in sight of a large complex where you can choose which difficulty setting you would like to play on. The complex is an awesome sight and really gives the player insight to what lies ahead. From there you travel along a small path that leads you to a portal to begin your mission, see screenshot 1.

Core Decomposed :
The first map will drag you completely into the world of Insomnia. Simply speaking, it’s amazing. The architecture provides sights that this reviewer has only seen in deathmatch levels.The cliff embedded base holds long curving hallways, extremely large open areas, and the most outstanding use of traps. These features alone would have made this map an automatic classic by itself.

Your weapon choice here is limited. In fact the only weapon you receive is the nailgun, of course you come with the ax and the shotgun. There is plenty of ammo available just as long as you don’t take advantage of the great long distance shots. There are plenty of these shots to take but it will chew through your ammo.

Subgud :
After finishing one of the neatest levels you’ll ever play in Quake1, Subgud loads up. This map doesn’t feature as many of the traps and tricks as the last, but here the action kicks into overdrive. There are still those vast areas, almost too vast. In some sections be prepared for a drop in frame rate. The architecture is still completely sound with plenty of areas for great fighting. Although the real eye candy award would belong to Core Decomposed, Subgud holds plenty to see.

Here the base seems to be more inside of a mountain. Naturally, there are darker textures here giving the map new atmosphere. There are plenty too shoot and plenty to run from. Luckily, you pick up some fresh gear here. Make sure you figure out how to get the rocket launcher. You will see it but it’s one of the secrets on the map. You will not find the rocket launcher anywhere else and although the map can be finished without it, the few seconds it takes to find it are worth it.

As you push through this maze of a map, make sure you watch how the terrain slightly changes bringing forth the next map. This is one of the highest regards to detail I have seen.

Push Underground :
This level holds the key to successful mapping. Once again you encounter large open areas and some great architectural eye candy. If you did not receive the rocket launcher from Subgud, don’t worry. It is quickly available here and believe me, you’re going to need it.

The action steps up here bringing in more Shamblers, Vores, and tons of Fiends. To be honest, I got tired of finding a Fiend around every corner, plus, they are never alone. There are also a couple of difficult traps so watch out. The level intertwines nicely, you can almost go wherever you want and still be led along the correct path. Another great map that could have done fine on its own.

Overall :
It is difficult which to say was more exciting, the game play or the design and architecture. You will see things here that you would think the Quake engine couldn’t handle. I played most of this pack using MHQuake. Core Decomposed played perfect but I noticed some drag in the Subgud. Unfortunately, Push Underground was practically un-playable. I had to switch to standard GLQuake to complete the pack. Honestly though, when you consider the size of Insomnia, these problems are expected.

Insomnia is an example of pure quality and a must have for any Quake fan. Each map gives you the feeling of openness and offers the feeling of exploration that isn’t common in Quake. Weapon and item placement is great and each map balances out nicely.

- DorKwolf