Thunderpeak

Fantastic use of dramatic sound effects, darkness, muted gray/brown scheme with a dash of electrical blue, and stony architecture to transform a utilitarian-sounding location into a site of apocalypse and potential (madness). Energy cackles through the powerplant, but it does not illuminate: derelict machines hum their luminescence, while electricity slithers through the walls or apparrates in sudden flashes. It is difficult to see where the Thunderpeak mountain, swallowed by the night, begins and ends, as concrete is molded in spectacular displays of slopes that seem organic as they are orderly. The overall effect is to render the Thunderpeak power plant a tribute to the virtue and folly of human progress. It is grand but unwieldy, impressive but maddening.

 

With such a superb sense of place, I wish that it was in service to something more than dreary room clearing that dominates the proceedings, only seeing a badly needed spike in intensity with the battle with the Terminator (perhaps due to his terrific sprite work and the novelty of not circle-strafing a boss. Still a fairly simple fight though). As it stands, it is not hard to see why it is considered such an iconic release, and it is still decently playable. I don’t see this release challenging my belief that Vader’s best work ever was in BTSX, however.

 

(I gave 3 stars but it is more like a 3.5)

those who are aware of ZPack know that the most amazing levels in the megawad come straight from Vader, which include the two maps here along with Blackrock (which sadly wasn't a standalone release). Thunderpeak nails the grim atmosphere, a derelict powerplant with demons running in the dark, and while the place seems quite complex, in reality things aren't entirely so bad. the place is designed well, there's vents to crawl through and enemies to take down in each area. progression is decent enough as well. the second level has an appropriate boss fight, but the prelude before it works alright as well. it's not actually that tough, but it's sure a memorable experience, and this being a standalone release makes it much better than just IDCLEVing to this mapslot in ZPack. not that all of ZPack sans Vader is bad though. this is just the best of the bunch.

Two very cool maps which use ZDoom features extensively, yet purposefully. The difficulty level is fairly easy, but never overly so.

 

In many other ZDoom mods, the advanced port features feel like a gimmick to spice up otherwise poor levels. Thunderpeak is different. Here the slopes, scripts, custom monsters and so on are used very well and enhance the overall experience. Recommended.

Incredible map, shows that the IDtech 1 engine is just as capable of both jaw-dropping visuals and stellar game-play as modern engines.

"What do you mean 'They cut the power'? They're animals!" Vast and extravagantly detailed, with a nice mixture of weather and technology effects, indoor and outdoor environments. Cool secrets. Just don't be a numpty and forget to jump and crouch like I did. I don't usually like new monsters, but here they add zest to a tired game. Gameplay-wise, rather too many barons for my taste. Barrels are more often a danger than a boon. Check it out.

Cool map!-Candle M

this is one of my favorite levels of all time!

These levels are amazing! The levels are beautiful they have realitic and amazing detail. The atmoshere is fantasitc scary, but fun. 5/5 Work Of Art. -arch129

What the hell happened to the rest of the votes? Anyway 5/5

Visually this level is outstanding and there's no question that 5/5 is in order for that. Unfortunately the most important aspect is the gameplay, and this WAD offers uninteresting gameplay at best. There's no sneaky ambushes, no interesting battles and everything is just flat, flat, flat - your enemies always appear on the same level as yourself. 2/5

Epic win.

My only complaint was the final boss was really boring. Just rocket/plasma him from a distance. There was no other way either, because he rips you apart in seconds with a chaingun if you get close. Still 5/5 though - Deathman101

Auferstehung is superior

The atmosphere is very great here. There is enough detail and some monsters to kill. All in all very good! 5/5

Ugh Vader I can't believe you caved in and released these separately. The maps are good, but there's plenty in ZPack too so you may as well download that.

Some of the best looking and best playing maps for Zdoom out there. Absolutely beautiful, though at times I noticed slowdown, especially outside. However, it wasn't enough to affect my playing, so no stars off for that. Also, as said above, download Zpack if you liked these. Not all of the maps in there are such gems, but there's a lot of good ones. 5/5

Very good maps, great gameplay. High emphasis on exploration. 4.5 / 5

It's not often that you say WOW before you even move in a DOOM level. This is one of those time! WOW! Absolutely awesome. 5/5

Some of the best maps I've ever played. The architecture is absolutely incredible. To the second reviewer, by "plenty in ZPack too" I'm guessing you're referring to Vader's other two maps from it.

Fuck yes, I'm glad Vader released this separate so people don't have to wade through all the crap in ZPack to get to it. 5

Looks great, but it feels a bit stale and boring. 3 stars

Quite a journey! 5/5

Wow, the first wad I've seen where every single comment is positive. Seems like a winner to me. 5/5

Yeah, Björn, finally you've released them separately. Now i can enjoy them without beating 7 ZPack maps... :). These maps are excellent from both architecture and gameplay, though they make my framerate going down...:( But still excellent. 5/5. Morpheus

Definitely one of the best!