[map] OP4 Nightops

This is a a discussion topic for the map "OP4 Nightops" by unknown which can be found here

Map description:

Read review.

Map screenshots:

(note: Review originally written 28/02/01)

This level is essentially op4_dm1, but with different textures, and a slightly different layout. Need I say more? Well, I suppose I have to, seeing as the screenshots will just mean there's a big empty white space here. So, err... hmm, I think I'm right in saying that this map was released a whole year after op4_dm1, so the author has had ages to sort out the few problems that were apparent with it. And has done so, to a certain extent.

The essential layout is the same, with the truck that's being repaired, the boot_camp style outside area, and various other arenas still remaining, but all set at night. They've all been slightly altered though- for a start, the connecting corridors are all different, and they're textured differently. The author uses a few custom textures on the walls, but they're just dark brick textures, nothing special. The interiors of rooms have also changed, especially the RPG/crate room, and the building outside in the middle of the courtyard that used to house the SAW. There's plenty of improvements, such as more crates or spare tires lying around, and some one-way platforms to help you between floors. The only section that hasn't been improved are the sewers; it's been textured differently (so it's uglier- even by sewer standards) and the teleporter has been removed.

Gameplay isn't much different either. Connectivity is mostly the same and there's still the occasional grapple point, and weapons are found in the same areas. You won't have to relearn the map, or invent any tactics. The only thing worth noting is that the area around the sniper rifle has been changed- you can only access it via a teleporter (which you can trip mine up), and there's no air ducts. But those awful grey corridors, and weird toxic pool that the gauss used to be on have been removed, and this version is in fact slightly smaller.

R_speeds and lighting are much the same, seeing as the large open areas haven't been changed much, and it's still set at night. There are one or two decent looking light fixtures, but not much else to talk about. There's are a few texture errors, such as on the truck or in the sewer, but nothing major.

In conclusion, there's not much to decide between the two versions of this map. Although it's going to get the same score, seeing as they're both nearly exactly the same, I prefer this version over op4_dm1 as it's slightly better looking, and more interesting to look around. But they're still both excellent OP4 DM levels that should find a home on your hard-drive.

Verdict

There's not much point in downloading this if you already have its predecessor, but still a fine map.

(note: Review originally written 28/02/01)

This level is essentially op4_dm1, but with different textures, and a slightly different layout. Need I say more? Well, I suppose I have to, seeing as the screenshots will just mean there's a big empty white space here. So, err... hmm, I think I'm right in saying that this map was released a whole year after op4_dm1, so the author has had ages to sort out the few problems that were apparent with it. And has done so, to a certain extent.

The essential layout is the same, with the truck that's being repaired, the boot_camp style outside area, and various other arenas still remaining, but all set at night. They've all been slightly altered though- for a start, the connecting corridors are all different, and they're textured differently. The author uses a few custom textures on the walls, but they're just dark brick textures, nothing special. The interiors of rooms have also changed, especially the RPG/crate room, and the building outside in the middle of the courtyard that used to house the SAW. There's plenty of improvements, such as more crates or spare tires lying around, and some one-way platforms to help you between floors. The only section that hasn't been improved are the sewers; it's been textured differently (so it's uglier- even by sewer standards) and the teleporter has been removed.

Gameplay isn't much different either. Connectivity is mostly the same and there's still the occasional grapple point, and weapons are found in the same areas. You won't have to relearn the map, or invent any tactics. The only thing worth noting is that the area around the sniper rifle has been changed- you can only access it via a teleporter (which you can trip mine up), and there's no air ducts. But those awful grey corridors, and weird toxic pool that the gauss used to be on have been removed, and this version is in fact slightly smaller.

R_speeds and lighting are much the same, seeing as the large open areas haven't been changed much, and it's still set at night. There are one or two decent looking light fixtures, but not much else to talk about. There's are a few texture errors, such as on the truck or in the sewer, but nothing major.

In conclusion, there's not much to decide between the two versions of this map. Although it's going to get the same score, seeing as they're both nearly exactly the same, I prefer this version over op4_dm1 as it's slightly better looking, and more interesting to look around. But they're still both excellent OP4 DM levels that should find a home on your hard-drive.

Design
Few changes, although better texturing and various objects placed to make rooms less boring.

Gameplay
R_speeds might still be a slight problem, but weapons are in the same place as before.

Verdict
There's not much point in downloading this if you already have its predecessor, but still a fine map.

Pros
Good texturing & general design

Design
R_speeds sometimes too high