Rapture is a new Single Player unit by Shaun
"[Kona]" Ross and Dustin "Tronyn"
Geeraert. It consists of several new large levels,
and the usual start and ending arena. The style
is described by the authors as "medieval-Norse",
which really sounds good to me. After all, it
does use textures from the third episode of
Daikatana, which takes place in Norway.
There are four different main levels, the realms
of Earth, Fire, Water and Wind. Rain Palisade
is the one which starts luring you deeper, to
the other realms. A well-done castle that has
been standing for ages, and it shows. Starting
with a very cool set-piece, then continuing
with wet interiors, the whole level looks very
good, like a real castle, with lots of impressive
designs. After that your journey takes you to
Castle Rapture, A Cross to Bear and Storm Dungeon.
The other levels are also large and complex,
perhaps with the final one as an exception,
as it is more like an ending arena than a full
level.
A well-done story unfolds as you progress through
the levels. You're Bruce, apparently a mercenary,
sent to cleanse the first castle from enemies,
so human armies may use it as a staging point.
Of course, things are not as simple as they
seem. It's good to see that authors are putting
more thought into the backgrounds of their levels.
Of course, in the end, it's still mindless gibbing,
this is Quake after all.
With the levels being large and complex, this
time they are full of monsters. Besides the
normal Ogres, Knights and Scrags, there are
modified Knights, Axemen (YUCK!) and those cool
Gremlins from the other mission pack. If you
haven't played the mission packs, now is a good
time to check out the handy abilities the Gremlins
possess. Monsters usually attack in larger packs,
and by the last two levels, you're going to
have react quickly to new situations. With the
constant flow of monsters, especially in the
final level, you don't have much time to breathe.
In other words, bloody carnage is favoured here,
instead of slower-paced combat. Ammo is fairly
abundant, unlike health and armor, so watch
your step. And last, but not least, you'll also
get your hands on the Mjölnir. Yes, that
lovable hammer that shoots lightning from Norse
mythology. Delicious, simply delicious.
As a final word, get this pack. Four excellent
levels packed with carnage. An awesome package,
all in one.
