Nehahra's enhanced
mapping potential is catching on it seems, with
another good recent release. This unit doesn't
use many of Nehahra's enhancements, but extra
effects such as fog and skyboxes spice up the
maps visually, while the new and improved monsters
increase the challenge. The pervading theme
through these maps is a sorta gothic/industrial/medieval
style, and the pervading architecture is a heavy,
solid, well angled look - both of which fit
Quake's ethos well. There's some dramatic designs
too, such as the ominous buttresses that tower
overhead, or the great final area, an imposing
chapel set in a rocky bowl.
Gameplay keeps the focus simply and directly
on the action - lots of action. The fighting
is very continuous, and each map is packed with
challenging monsters. There's no outrageous
situations, but it's a dedicated player who
will manage this in one sitting - the rest of
us will want to take a breather or two. The
start, with Nehahra's heinous base enemy, is
rather hard and offputting, but perserve, and
once better weapons are gained, the fighting
becomes more fun and fair. Supplies are reasonable,
so it's a matter of putting finger to trigger,
and not stopping until everything is dead. The
final conflict is the epitomy of this fighting
- waves of monsters in a dramatic situation
provide a fitting finale.
