Like Alk05, this level relies on a strong,
original, consistent style for visual effect,
rather than any diverse or spectacular designs.
The theme is an Egyptian palace, at least in
the textures and details: Sandstone walls, gold
buttresses, and rich red buttresses with torches
set in. Some pale green textures give it a curiously
mildewed look, while occasional hi-tech-ish
doors look out of place. Designs are quite simple,
the map is based around a two storey selection
of sometimes basic rooms and corridors. The
most impressive architecture is in the larger
outdoor rooms, the smaller in-between sections
are stylish, but repetitive. However there's
a great use of angles throughout, and the build
quality is consistently good. The level needed
more diversity in designs - temple fronts, more
3D sections, use of water, for example. It's
a bit like a custom DM level in that the eye-candy
comes from good texturing and details rather
than structures, but being SP, more impressive
structures could have been used.
Progression round the map is good, as there
is some non-linearity and a clear choice of
routes through some sections. With the distribution
of weapons, all paths are balanced. Secrets
are simple though. Like the design, the gameplay's
main strength - and weakness - is it's consistency:
Combat is steady and unrelenting through all
areas, with plenty of monsters (including Snakemen),
all sections well used for fighting, and plenty
of teleporting monsters appearing to keep the
combat flowing even when backtracking. But it's
not overwhelming as the map design makes it
easy to channel monsters to where you want them:
I.e. backing away from monsters shooting, or
just ducking behind the nearest corner if they
dare fire at you. It continues like that throughout
the level, and provides a war of attrition rather
than any especially challenging combats - the
finish, against a toughened Deathknight, is
easy to escape from. Items are in good supply,
tending towards ammo more than health, and with
the secrets the balance is very good. However
the combats can be too similar, and the only
slightly effective skills settings might make
it too hard for some players.