The Netherworld

Content - Quake - Quake Levels - Quake Single Player

Author: Dave Kelvin | Rating: 6.75 | Download: networld.zip

Here we have a fairly small, old metal map, from about midway through 1997. I had never heard of this author before, so I was thinking that maybe it would not be of the highest quality. Dave put me fears to rest, somewhat…

Architecture is very similar to that of e1m6 ( The Door to Chthon ), as the author acknowledges in his readme. It’s about the same size, and pretty much the same in most respects, except this level has less traps. Texturing is very similar to e1m6, standard metal walls, with grate and runic symbol detailing. This level is built almost completely out of 90 degree angles, with the occasional angled wall, but it’s functional. The final room looks really nice, but other than that there is nothing outstanding architecturally.

Layout is one of the more symmetrical I’ve seen, yet it does not feel that way. But, basically, you press a switch, which opens doors on opposite sides of the room, which lead to the same place, or a mirror image place. Not to say that the whole level follows this conjecture, but most of it does. Although, for some reason, it does not become boring. Both keys are needed to exit, as well as a lot of button pushing, and even an easy trap.

Gameplay is pretty good, despite the low monster count, the level takes a some time to complete. Ogres are your common foe here, with fiends, scrags and zombies providing moral support. It’s not too hard, but ammo is on the low side. Health is more than adequate, but guns and ammo are a different story. The only weapons out in the open are the double barreled shotgun and the grenade launcher. The super nailgun was in the only secret out of the five I found. Things would have been very rough without this secret. The ending is interesting, it pits you up against a solitary foe, with very low ammo. Skill settings are in full effect.

Small map, small download, but pretty good playing time. Recommended

- Edgecrusher

Screenshots