Well this
will probably be the first map you'll boot up once you have the pack. First
impressions? Just from wandering round you can see the high standard that
has been set. Highly detailed. Using mostly old industrial Quake 2 textures
with the UKPAK textures. Theres a couple of outside sections, but the majority
of the map is set indoors. R_Speeds are good considering how detailed some
areas are. You can see from 3 of the shots how detailed it is.
What you can't
see from the pictures I've selected is that in certain areas of the map
the texture scheme is completely different. Admittedly it works well and
merges in with the rest but to me it just seems to be a little odd.
Lighting is
good. A few dark spots but nothing major. Most of them are in the water
and if you daft enough to hide in the water then you deserve to be shot.
Inside, lighting is all sourced, whereas outside you get a sort of darkish
moody look. Which matches the grey sky. Something else to note is the use
of sound. Its not something I usually mention, probably because I don't
have speakers plugged in =). Anyway it seems a little quiet in some areas.
The water areas had a swamp type of sound and outside areas had the usual
wind one. In the corridors though it was peaceful, but you'll disrupt the
peace soon though with the sound of clattering grenades and rockets pounding
into walls.
Looking at
the name you'd think there'd be alot of camping spots. Theres the odd one
or two but since this is a teamplay map they shouldn't come into play.
A prime example is the little alcove near the Quad. You can see it on the
left of the third screenshot.
Now down to
business. It may look good but does that mean it'll play well? I'm not
sure. Weapon placement is a bit iffy. Sometimes I could easily walk for
quite a distance and not find a weapon. I'd be there with the good old
boomstick taking on someone with an LG or RL. Guess who'd win? Ammo wasn't
too much of a problem I'd have plenty of shells to keep on firing. There
seems to be very few weapons in this map. Items in general were a little
light on the ground. I think there are 3 pieces of armour in the entire
map. This did have an affect on the game, it meant people were easier to
take out. Not something I'm that keen on.
4 on 4 was
a rather dull affair. It was ok when things got going but it was became
more of slow, hunt the player down type of game. 5 on 5 though was a little
more lively.
Paul