Another Q1SP level from Kona, who turns maps
out a remarkably consistent rate. This level
is a traditional Kona level in the "alk"
series, what this translates too is split level
architecture and a consistent barrage of id
and custom monsters. He has used some interesting
textures which are the modified Q3 Gothic textures
that the Fresh Team used in their Gothic Resurrection
Q2DM pack. They give a light blue (or even Ultramarine,
DOH!) theme and color scheme to the map, and
there is also some grey mixed in too, along
with big fanciful doors that slide open and
shut with a hugely satisfying *bang*. Most of
the architecture is solid and nicely proportioned,
although some areas seem *slightly* plain. There
are plenty of open rock faces mixed in with
the walls and corridors. With its blue textures
and typical 2 level kona design this map might
remind some of the veteran Q1SP players of one
of kona's previous maps - "Grisly Manifest"(alk11).
This map is not as long or as hard as that previous
map however.
The Gameplay in this map is slightly more
forgiving, although it still presents a tough
challenge, particularly on hard skill (115 monsters).
In addition to the tougher knights, Axemen and
Nehahra barons, there are also the "Nail
Ogres", which were in Grizly Manifest.
These guys are really hard enemies, and one
of my personal favorites, due to their very
fast nail attack, when you have been on the
end of one of their long-range nail attacks,
you remember what a powerful weapon the nailgun
can be. They can also move faster than regular
ogres, which can make for some nasty shocks.
Gremlins also spawn in (often behind you) and
ambush you, and if they steal your double shotgun
can be nasty, they are a decent challenge when
enough of them attack the player in packs.
A couple of shamblers provide a nasty shock
too at one point. Gameplay is further improved
by a very low amount of health throughout most
of the map, this increases the tension as the
player is often playing with very low health,
e.g. i was often down around 5-30, which always
makes things a bit more exciting!. My only criticism
of the gameplay is the final arena, just before
you enter this area you are again (as in Fearcraft,
although there you get the Rocket launcher much
earlier) given a RL and 45 rockets. I found
all these rockets made the final battle simply
too easy, which for me was slightly anti-climatic.
Otherwise another excellent and fun Q1SP level
from Kona with his distinctive and relentless
"alk" style, featuring a steady stream
of tough battles and set-pieces still very clearly
intact.
Overall Verdict - A very good largish, 2 level
stone map, with cool textures and a decent challenge
