This level is getting a little old now (six
months old). It was released just before I started
reviewing. But it is such a good level, and
because there are so few Quake levels to review
at the moment, I thought I would review it.
The design and architecture was very well done.
I wasn't expecting sections such as the small
town near the start, or near the end. Both were
quite unique to Quake and I thought were done
nicely. The indoor section were done even better.
Much attention has been into details in these
areas, especially parts like the rooms with
tombs in them (pictured). And not to be forgotten,
the outdoor sections were great too! The old
bridge with the lava below was nice looking,
and added to the gameplay too as you had to
be careful crossing it. The best section was
just before the bridge where you come out of
the underground structures and have ogres standing
next to and on the tower. That looked really
good. With unique textures and great design,
the lighting was the finishing touch to create
a brilliant atmosphere in The Occursed. Although
lighting was almost too dark (you'll need to
play in a dark room) it was very appropriate
and gave the level a more eerie and spooky feel.
The gameplay, fortunetly, did
not let the level down! It was very well done
and provided a good challenge most of the way
through. What was most memorable was the great
end battle... all three of them it seemed like!
You would start one big fight in a small town
area, before dropping down the well to take
on another bunch of monsters. Both, in any average
level, would have been the final battle. But
in The Occursed there was more...
Health and ammunition was provided
just enough. Although if your not a good shot
you may end up running out. For the end battles
you are fine, but everything before this ammo
was lacking. But that is probably the only weak
point of these two fine levels (and a start
map). The Occursed is highly recommended as
a unique and atmospheric Quake level.
