A really good map if you've got enough players, otherwise its till good. The gravity is true to the xen world and so is the texturing. A very fun map indeed
(note: this review originally written 15th March 2001)
I've only ever come across 4 Xen DM maps (2 of which were for Opposing Force) in the two or so years I've been playing Half-Life. This seems to me quite odd, as you can do so much more with Xen levels than you can with boring labs and crate rooms. The examples I've seen were all pretty good, and this one is no exception- not surprising from a very experienced mapper, who's released tonnes of decent maps, even if it is totally different to his regular output.
As can be expected, the map is set around a bunch of arenas, with loads of nifty (although pointless) architecture, bottomless pits and low gravity. Plus all the other "Xenny" things you'd expect to find, such as those odd light plants, teleporters, healing pools and jump pads. You heard me- jump pads and low gravity. The only thing that is missing is a giant floating baby! It's more of a technological look though; instead of making loads of tunnels coated with biological textures that make it seem like you're running around inside something's body, this is more reminiscent of... er, well, it's outside, and looks more artificial. There's still plenty of small caves and tunnels for you to explore if you so wish, but the outdoor sections of the map, which have nice and low r_speeds throughout, is where the fun is to be had.
It's made very well indeed; texturing is interesting and the architecture is good. There's loads of those pointless tower objects, and corridors have a nifty skeletal structure to them. Lighting in them is provided via well made crystals growing out of the wall, and it's never too dark to see where you're going. It might just be my computer, but for some odd reason there was a Christmas tree growing out of the ground in one area... Yeah, I think it's just me. Never mind. The only negative thing I can think of was that the clipping of the map was a bit confusing; I'd often try to gauss onto one of the high up ledges, which seem perfectly accessible, only to find there's a clip brush over it, and fall to my death. Nonetheless, there's still plenty of other equally inaccessible ledges you can snipe from.
Gameplay is much what you'd expect from an open, open-air level with low gravity and even lower r_speeds. Umm, OK, well it's like playing bounce, but bouncier and set in different arenas so it's not as hectic. But there's still sniping/RPGing/gaussing aplenty going on, as all weapons are included. That includes the hornetgun, which can be a horror on this level, since it's so large and using the bounce pads make you a sitting duck. Although this weapon may be easy to find/reach, other weapons are not- they're often tucked away on a high up ledge or in some small crevice. The presence of the longjump and gauss, in conjunction with the low gravity, make it even more fun to play!
Health is cared for mainly by one of those small pools of green water that slowly heal you whilst you stand in it; but this one is in the middle of a small chamber with 3 entrances to it that make using it quiet risky and adds to the fun. Connectivity of the map is also superb; it's hard not to be with maps like this. There's loads of underground tunnels and overhead passageways linking the arenas, as well as teleporters and bounce pads to make life easier as I've already explained.
Overall, a job well done in all areas, at the time of writing at least it's the best Xen map I've ever come across. Not only does it make a pleasant change from all the usual lab/industrial maps covered in concrete textures, but it's also fairly different to the other Xen maps available. It's certainly a departure in style from his other levels, and it's high quality just goes to show what a good mapper QS is.
Design
Very well done- good architecture, sounds and spinkee visual effects. No r_speeds probs.
Gameplay
Nnnrgh hornetgun does not go down well here... But everything else does, especially low gravity
Verdict
Not only the best Xen map to date, but a damn fine DM experience too.
(note: this review originally written 15th March 2001)
I've only ever come across 4 Xen DM maps (2 of which were for Opposing Force) in the two or so years I've been playing Half-Life. This seems to me quite odd, as you can do so much more with Xen levels than you can with boring labs and crate rooms. The examples I've seen were all pretty good, and this one is no exception- not surprising from a very experienced mapper, who's released tonnes of decent maps, even if it is totally different to his regular output.
As can be expected, the map is set around a bunch of arenas, with loads of nifty (although pointless) architecture, bottomless pits and low gravity. Plus all the other "Xenny" things you'd expect to find, such as those odd light plants, teleporters, healing pools and jump pads. You heard me- jump pads and low gravity. The only thing that is missing is a giant floating baby! It's more of a technological look though; instead of making loads of tunnels coated with biological textures that make it seem like you're running around inside something's body, this is more reminiscent of... er, well, it's outside, and looks more artificial. There's still plenty of small caves and tunnels for you to explore if you so wish, but the outdoor sections of the map, which have nice and low r_speeds throughout, is where the fun is to be had.
It's made very well indeed; texturing is interesting and the architecture is good. There's loads of those pointless tower objects, and corridors have a nifty skeletal structure to them. Lighting in them is provided via well made crystals growing out of the wall, and it's never too dark to see where you're going. It might just be my computer, but for some odd reason there was a Christmas tree growing out of the ground in one area... Yeah, I think it's just me. Never mind. The only negative thing I can think of was that the clipping of the map was a bit confusing; I'd often try to gauss onto one of the high up ledges, which seem perfectly accessible, only to find there's a clip brush over it, and fall to my death. Nonetheless, there's still plenty of other equally inaccessible ledges you can snipe from.
Gameplay is much what you'd expect from an open, open-air level with low gravity and even lower r_speeds. Umm, OK, well it's like playing bounce, but bouncier and set in different arenas so it's not as hectic. But there's still sniping/RPGing/gaussing aplenty going on, as all weapons are included. That includes the hornetgun, which can be a horror on this level, since it's so large and using the bounce pads make you a sitting duck. Although this weapon may be easy to find/reach, other weapons are not- they're often tucked away on a high up ledge or in some small crevice. The presence of the longjump and gauss, in conjunction with the low gravity, make it even more fun to play!
Health is cared for mainly by one of those small pools of green water that slowly heal you whilst you stand in it; but this one is in the middle of a small chamber with 3 entrances to it that make using it quiet risky and adds to the fun. Connectivity of the map is also superb; it's hard not to be with maps like this. There's loads of underground tunnels and overhead passageways linking the arenas, as well as teleporters and bounce pads to make life easier as I've already explained.
Overall, a job well done in all areas, at the time of writing at least it's the best Xen map I've ever come across. Not only does it make a pleasant change from all the usual lab/industrial maps covered in concrete textures, but it's also fairly different to the other Xen maps available. It's certainly a departure in style from his other levels, and it's high quality just goes to show what a good mapper QS is.
Verdict
Not only the best Xen map to date, but a damn fine DM experience too.
A really good map if you've got enough players, otherwise its till good. The gravity is true to the xen world and so is the texturing. A very fun map indeed
