Originally slated as a single
map, Nihilore has literally been in the works
for over 2 years. It's basically a bunch of
ideas (scraps is the word chosen by the author)
that were placed together. In comparison to
other [Kona] maps, Nihilore does fall short
of glory but what it lacks is quickly made up
with originality.
In most [Kona] maps you are engaged in battle
with tons of baddies coming at you from every
direction. Here most of the battles happen in
a linear fashion with only a few exceptions.
Most of the Quake minions are Grunts and Enforcers
with a few Scragg and Rottweilers thrown in
to the mix. To those of you that think this
sounds like a boring and mundane fight, not
to fret. There are modified Grunts that shoot
nails, grenades, and rockets at you and some
modified Enforcers that fire in a wider spread
than usual. To make things worse, the modified
characters have better aim and fire quicker.
Luckily, the Grunts that shoot rockets have
had their damage turned down some so not to
kill you to quickly.
You will be able to notice these modified characters
because they each have some fantastic new skins
that look like they could have come straight
from the game. These are without a doubt some
of the best new skins seen for Quake.
Architecture is very similiar to [Kona]'s other
works with the jagged angles and bi-level areas.
Only the beginning of the first map is untrue
to this with simple hallway leads to corridor
play. Of course, the author has stated that
this part of the level was thrown in at the
last minute. The map flows quickly with minions
around every corner. Ammunition come in plenty
so you can choose from stealth attack to room
rushing. Every weapon makes an appearance if
you can find the secret. Health can tend to
be a sparse so if you rush, watch it. The texture
work is very well done with a nice brick/metal
combination and help create some nice atmosphere.
These maps really look nice if you use one of
the user made engine mods that enables fog.
BTW, these screenshots were taken using Telejano
Quake engine.
The climax of the map is by far the ending
where you will find yourself in a large open
area surrounded by buildings. Minions will already
be present but as you kill them off more and
more will begin to spawn in. Eventually you
will find yourself surrounded by Quake baddies
and you will be engaged in a deathmatch style
fight for your life. A fantastic ending with
gameplay that I would love to see repeated.
Although it does not have the standard [Kona]
feel to it (its winnable in one attempt) it
does provide enough interesting new tricks.
With modified Grunts and Enforcers, stable architecture,
great atmosphere, and a nice original design,
Nihilore is a must download.
