Ok, deathz0r decided to disappear this week, so you've got me a little earlier than expected. I don't think he'd be too disappointed though, as there isn't much to write home about. 9 wads containing 10 maps in all, including a few Doom 1 maps, some of those ever-rare JDoom maps and even a hatful of new weapons to splatter with. Begin:
- BBG's Speedmapping Compilation #1 by Various Artists
27kb - doom2.exe - SP -
"Hello speedmappers, I'm BBG, one of the new hosts for these events. Please, read the theme, which will not explain our rules but will explain your task for this evening. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me via IRC or email." The theme in question was to create Doomguy's home, attacked by demons et al. Two maps, one of which is a joke map (but completable nevertheless) and the other a small indoor map with a couple of ok fights.
- Blitz 2 by Ismaele
400kb - source port - SP -
A pretty big map, set in a city-based UAC techbase. True to form, the map is highly detailed, with some nice realistic touches, but unfortunately the map also suffers from the flat, mostly linear layout and repetitive gameplay like the Outpost maps do. There are 3 new weapons though, and it's never easy, getting gradually tougher throughout, culminating in a very tough, scary battle. There's also an innovative (and increasingly familiar) ending to the map. But it's flaws mean that this map is probably for challenge-seekers, fans of Ismaele's other maps and industrial/tech fiends only.
- Doom 2:2 - The Time Travel Saga by B.P.R.D
44kb - doom2.exe - SP -
Hmm.
- Waste Processing by 5hfifty
48kb - doom.exe - SP -
Whoever made this map has obviously been reading the recent E1 thread. A small map set in a base with an authentic Phobos look and feel about it. The layout, detail and texturing are authentic Phobos, and so is the gameplay. (ie. ridiculously easy). Despite the presence of shiny metal in one room, this is certainly a genuine tribute and one that most people should enjoy.
- What the Fuck! by Derrick A. Allen (BloodSplatter Inc.)
504kb - ZDoom - SP -
A pair of small, ambient ZDoom maps. Both are set in bases and are not that detailed, despite the presence of slopes and other ZDoom features. Gameplay is a bit better, with new weapons, one altered enemy and some neat battles done by scripting. It's not too difficult, and the railgun is using only 1 cell a shot (which IMO isn't too good), but the atmosphere is quite good and it is quite enjoyable nevertheless.
- Loaden - Preview Level 1 by MLdB
85kb - ZDoom - SP -
A small demo map designed to preview an upcoming project. The detail is quite good, particularly with the lighting. Gameplay comprises of mostly small monsters, but ammo is a bit short and you'll be relying on that pistol quite a lot. Health is finely balanced too, so expect a small-scale challenge on this one. Not bad, and certainly a good opener for the project when it's finished.
- Infest by Micah Harwell (i387)
287kb - source port - SP -
An update of E1M7 from an old Doom 1 episode called Industrial Techware. It's a large map which doesn't really know what it wants to be, as there's a mix of everything from hell and gothic to industrial and tech. They're not segregated either, giving the impression of a patchwork quilt. Detail has been improved in many places (and is quite good overall), but some of the bare areas still remain. It is reasonably challenging though, with plenty of monsters, a reasonable health balance and some heavy encounters, although there's quite a lot of ammo. But it's certainly an improvement on the original, and this version's even clean, too.
- Warhell by Jow
23kb - JDoom - SP -
OMG, a JDoom map! Apparently a recreation of the author's first map, so that's probably why it's quite small and fairly uninteresting. Replacing E1M1, it's basically an outdoor area made to look like some kind of crash site, with a dark passage leading down. Detail lacks overall, except for the uneven ground in the outdoor area. There's plenty of monsters for a map this size though, and the pistol gets used quite a bit, too.
- FYP by Jow
990kb - JDoom - SP -
OMG, another JDoom map! This time it's an anti-tribute map dedicated to a certain admin on the other side (and you won't need a degree in Doom forum politics to work out who). Relevant textures enclosed, along with the map design. The map doesn't look too bad, although it would've looked better if the PK3 file actually wanted to load in Doomsday 1.7.11. (as this had coloured lighting, hi-res textures and also grants access to secrets and the last lift). So keep no clipping mode and the map cheat handy as you work your way through this dark industrial-type map. The gameplay isn't bad too (despite the linear layout) with plenty of monsters and one or two decent battles. It's not that great, but ok, and you don't have to be of any particular forum allegiance to play this. [insert additional comments here if you can somehow get the PK3 file to load]
Recommended Comments
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now