The
latest offering from one of Quake's most prolific
authors...
Atmosphere!
A fresh new theme this time around for the
latest Alkado offering, with a range of icy,
snow-tipped and wintery textures, from various
sources such as Daikatana and Hexen II. These
give the map a somewhat unique look and set
it apart from the author's other levels with
similar architecture and layout. As you would
expect from [Kona], the map is, for the best
part, based around two floors, and interconnected
heavily around obscure and blocky designs, complete
with natural rocky terrain. The end combat is
cast off from the rest of the level in a different
BSP, but features some of the most visually
appealing architecture, with a small cliffside
keep overlooking a deep chasm, surrounded by
a snow-carpeted ground. Although textures are
often varied, the winter ambient is well exectued,
and apparent throughout the level.
The level is predominently action-based, with
monsters often attacking in groups, with little
rest in-between. Hipnotic's nifty little gremlins
are included, but their placement could have
done with a little more thought, as they rarely
prove a threat. Other adjustments to the Quake
setup include the reskinning all of monsters
(to fit with the snow theme) and a new nailgun
sound (no explanation). The skins are passable,
but have a problem with fullbrights, for those
who use engines which enable them. Software
mode or recent fullbright-enabling GL-based
engines are not recommended to play this level.
Monsters by the bucketload are balanced nicely
by plentiful ammo supplies, so difficulty never
gets out of hand, but rather increases modestly
throughout the map, making the arena-style end-combat
seem more rewarding and satisfying. However,
when given the map's bleak atmosphere, a more
subtle approach to gameplay than [Kona]'s favoured
'in-your-face' scheme might have been more effective.
Round up
Original, atmospheric and well executed theme,
along with relentless action, make this level
worth downloading and adding to your collection.
Build Quality = 81%
Playability = 86%
Layout and connectivity = 77%
Weapons and Ammo = 80% Overall Score = 81%
