Deaf, Dumb and Blind is an
older level for Quake2, released back in late
1999. But it was a classic from a new author.
Five medium sized level set in a typical Strogg
base. Plenty of objectives gave the levels good
purpose.
The level design kicked off
with a stunning blast. As you climb out of a
pool you gaze upon two huge arches extending
from the distant Strogg base. Throughout the
levels is some really creative and interesting
architecture. The standard ID textures are used
well. However the last couple of maps were a
little plainer than the rest, but still provided
some nice eye candy. Overall very solid and
professional design.
The lighting however was a
weak point. There were sections and corridors
that were quite dark and in some areas it seemed
as if there no lights at all, and the minimum
light was set just high to be able to see.
Gameplay was good, but not
without its flaws. Plenty of enemies are spread
throughout the levels. Starting off with alot
of Soldiers and Infantry. The author decided
to make the player be very patient, and not
it's not until quite a way through that you
finally feel comfortable with the addition of
the Super Shotgun. When I first came across
the Gladiator, grouped with a bunch of other
enemies, I thought I must have missed it and
noclipped back over the previous ground! Also,
ammunition dictates much of the gameplay. It
is very tight throughout all the maps, and I
found myself using every last scrap up. It is
not a good feeling picking off lone Soldiers
with grenades and cells! Also health is not
in plentiful supply, but is certainly not a
problem the will ruin the map. You just need
to be careful.
While the first few maps were
very good, unfortunately the last couple really
seemed to fall short. These are where your ammo
takes a dive, and also the level design and
lighting isn't so interesting. Otherwise, it
is a very good unit that will take a good amount
of time to get through.
