Quake 1. That's what comes to mind after
about 90 seconds of play in this fantastic little
piece by Kona. If you're looking for some old
school action in a new school game engine, Devonaire
is your fix.
True, the map does use some Quake 1 textures
but it's in the gameplay that you get that feeling
you're back in 1996. Narrow platforms, vertical
action and twists and turns make for non-stop
fragfests. No lifts, just steps and teleporters
have you moving from one side of the map to
the other, searching for that ever-elusive map
strategy that will elevate you to the top of
the frag list. Know what? Won't happen. Kona
has done such a superb job with this map that
a route is impossible. You cannot develop a
route, even a deviation of a route and expect
to win. This map is like chaos, packaged. Your
only hope is to correctly manage the RL and
the shotgun to their full extent.
How do I mean? See the above right image. Action
seems to really flock to that lowest portion,
with the blue floor. Once you're down there,
you're left with no weapons, only the megahealth.
So, as you and your opponents move about the
map you're going to inevitably move towards
the center which is this lowest tier. There
is a plasma gun up a stairwell but the action
is so close and intense you'll have no time
to get to it. If you do manage to find yourself
at this lowest tier be ready to be fragged.
There is an escape hallway but it's very tight
and a well placed rocket on a nearby wall or
floor is lights out. You'll need your A game
if you plan on hanging with this map.
Weapon selection is good, however, the inclusion
of the railgun takes away somewhat from the
whole feeling of the map. Almost everything
is close quarters here and, as we all know,
the rail isn't as effective at handshake distance.
No, if you want to dominate this map, use the
RL or the shotgun. You'll have more "round
the turn, face to face" encounters than
you'd like and you'll need something that packs
a whallop at close range. The grenade launcher
is included in this map also and it actually
works. Just stand on one of the upper tiers
and start lobbing to the bottom to your heart's
content. You will get a frag.
Recommended player loadout is 3 max. You can
play with 4 if you want a 2 minute match. No,
3 is good and 1v1 is perfect.
A hearty thumbs up indeed for Devonaire. Download
and enjoy.
