"A unique
and huge base level with a rusty red, grey and
black flavour using Q2 textures."
Alk05 is set as a huge factory called Sanguine
that resembles more of a base than anything.
It does feature some nice design and architecture
but that's just the tip of the iceberg.
What makes Alk05 great is its gameplay. Just
the right amount of action is used with some
fierce battles yet time to enjoy the level itself.
The addition of the Snakeman, which has almost
became a [Kona] trademark, is featured here
but is set in some great spots for surprise
attacks adding a nice element of surprise. Your
other targets consist of Fiends, Shamblers,
Ogres, Vores, Scrags, and a few Enforcers. Personally,
I would have liked to have seen more Enforcers
and Grunts. Like I said, the map has a definite
base feel to it and those Quake1 characters
would have fit in nicely.
What helps add to the gameplay is the excellent
balance between health, ammo, and enemies. The
option of storming a room or dispersing your
targets carefully is completely up to you. There
should be plenty of health and ammo to restock
you before the next major battle. I still recommend
using tact because this is a [Kona] map which
means large amounts of enemies at one time.
There are plenty of large rooms that provide
good battles, but the way [Kona] connects them
is what really gives the level its nice design.
There are usually different paths to choose
from to enter a room, the ground floor or the
upper floor. The upper floors are mostly just
walkways that provide some great sniping points
for your enemies, or for you if you conquer
them. The gain of the walkways are especially
helpful when battling the vores and shamblers.
Architecture is very solid. Like I mentioned
before, it really gives off a base feel instead
of a factory. Some machinery could have gave
the factory idea a much needed boost and would
have also added to the story line.
Overall, I feel that if [Kona] would have stuck
to a more base style this map would have been
a lot better. With the walkways and large rooms,
Grunts and Enforcers would have provided for
some great action. Still, the map has some nice
touches and fantastic gameplay that any Quake
fan would enjoy.
