A medieval level in a grey stone walls / blue brick floor / rivetted metal trim style, which follows directly on from Lthsp2 (review) and Lthsp1 (review), and is an improvement for design and architecture. There are still some simple rooms, but the layout and room connectivity is more complex, and there are some cool designs - specifically arches and spike-tipped pillars - to liven up the theme. This arch/pillar/spike design is used continually throughout the map, and is quite spectacular where it forms collonades or a square spiked tower. Along with arched doors and small arched windows, it gives the map a strong medieval feel. Also used are some nice metal trim texture details on the walls or ceilings, again adding interest to otherwise blank spaces. Lighting and sounds are good too.

The downside to the cool arched designs and the good connections between areas, is that r_speeds get noticably high in the upper sections of the map, so it may run slowly for some players (and gives greyflash in software). Another issue is consistency: some of the plainer areas retain their boxiness and definitely need a design boost so they match up to the style and feel of the better areas. No exploration, but 3 secrets, including a nicely placed, if useless, Megahealth - other such secrets, or items, that use exploring around scenery would be good. Gameplay is hard: You'll need the weapons following on from Lthsp2, as there are a lot of monsters, often attacking awkwardly from multiple directions, right from the start. Monsters are limited to Knights, Deathknights, Ogres, and a new "Crossbow Knight", complete with crossbow model and firing animations, which fits well into the setting, though it needs a new skin.

Combats include gang attacks and crossbow snipers, and with limited ammo early on, the map is best played with a lot of caution. Some players may relish the challenge, but there are flaws with gameplay balance: Constant harrassment by Ogres around the top of the map gives a rather unappealing choice of killing them initially and running out of ammo, or leaving them to bombard you in most areas until they can be faced up close. The ending, despite a good ambush, is no harder than the rest of the map, thus lacking any climax. And placing a Perforator partway through is odd, given you have one from Lthsp2 - it would have been better replaced with the barely used Grenade Launcher that's at the finish. The few surprises are the best balanced aspect of the gameplay, and skill settings are present.

- - - - - -
Previous reviews
- - - - - -