Killazontherun has made various DM maps for both Quake II and Quake III Arena in the past, but this is his first map for Quake DM. However his past experience does show through in this maps layout and gameplay styles. The level is decked out in brand new, industrial styled textures from the Head Hunters 3 mod for Quake III Arena. Personally I didnt really like the converted textures as they dont fit very well into the Quake palette, especially the lighter textures as they all seemed to look strangely pastel like rather than heavy metallic rusting sheets.
The lighting on the map varies between very good and super fullbright l33tness in a few easy steps. The main area containing the mega health and the yellow armour is well lit with some nice areas of both light and dark and good contrast between the two. The other two smaller areas however are incredibly bright which is further enhanced by the lighter textures in these areas. It seems strange that when one area is well lit, the other looks like it was done by an upside down weasel with acute rectal difficulties due to having an AOL signup CD inserted into its buttcrack sideways.
Having said all this however, I do like the gameplay on this map a lot, it really does rock. The weapons are spread well across the map with plenty of health dotted around for comfort. The armours are also spread out across the map nicely. My one problem with the item placement is that there is a slight lack of ammo, especially for the lightning gun, not enough to completely ruin the game, but enough to be noticeable.
I would still recommend getting the map as it is brilliant to play and the textures arent THAT bad. And it is still highly playable despite the lighting.
GrindSpire