An absolutely fantastic level
from Nunuk and Alcatraz, unsurprisingly. From
the master of space maps, I'm glad to see him
turn his hand to a normal FFA DM blast.
Sock's custom textures are
used, a good gothic mix which I haven't seen
used in Quake3 yet, and despite not being highly
detailed, Nunuk uses them well. Unfortunately
this is also the last time we'll probably see
these textures, as ID have told Sock he no longer
allowed to distribute them unless they are part
of a proper map release like Batcula. Brick
is the main style, with angled blue tech lights
and lots of woodem trim and details. The Nunukian
architecture is evident, especially at the upper
portions of the level overlooking large battlegrounds.
His spires and neat angles and mixed all throughout
the map.
To add to the good textures
and architecture, comes some brilliant lighting.
Some of the best lighting I have seen in a Quake3
level. Mostly of the areas are a light hue of
yellows but to add very high contrast a number
of those blue lights and also a blueish glow
from the sky. It makes it all very atmospheric.
The layout was nicely interconnected
and very vertical. But bots do not play the
level very well, with 5-6 they pack into the
area with the Regen, while using a couple less
(the script included suggests 2) made the game
very quiet. They did spread out over the map
a little more, but a few more players are needed
to get some fast action going.
Not much of a bot map, but
with some human players it is a lot more balanced
and quite a fun level. I couldn't see any flaws
with item placement. The rocket launcher was
interesting, placed on a ledge. While the two
powerups, Regen and Haste, were nicely positioned.
Overall a good vertical map to play with humans
with fantastic architecture and visuals.
