Title : Class Section D
Filename : pluto.wad
Release date : January 31, 2014
Author : Obake
Email Address :
ryanobake721@gmail.com
Title : UAC Training Facility
Filename : hololib.wad
Release date : November 29, 2013
As you can probably guess, this is a review of two maps by the same
author which appear to be part of the same project. In the zip file are
the two maps as well as a decorate wad which you will need to load with
the maps
UAC
Training Facility and Class Section D, authored by Obake, are two maps for
Doom II, running the ZDoom source port. Set at MAP06 and MAP08 respectively,
these two moderately challenging maps lure you into a false sense of
security before crushing you in their grips. Don't let your senses deceive
you if you want to survive.
Difficulty: 7
While not
the most challenging maps I've ever played, these two maps certainly gave me
a run for my money. There are several new beasts to encounter in UAC
Training Facility - the Nightmare, which appears to be the return of the
Nightmare Spectre from Doom: Custom Playstation Edition, zombie scientists
with fire axes, and something that appeared to be a zombie with a freeze
weapon. Though it's difficult to tell for sure with that last one, watching
an imp burst into icy chunks after an infight is pretty indicative. Your
standard weapons feel quite underpowered when handling these beasts, but if
you take your time with the Nightmares and zombie scientists, steady aim and
plenty of distance will help you prevail.
And of course, there's the Holodemon, which is essentially a faster moving
Cyberdemon with more HP. Tight quarters makes combat with a faster, more
powerful Cyberdemon, not an easy feat, even when weilding the BFG. Make sure
you explore for ammo before taking him on.
In addition to new beasties, the maps take advantage of ACS scripting to
transform relatively harmless environments into death traps full of fireball
spewing turret traps, and dynamic spawning of enemies where you've already
been. Grab the BFG, and you'll see what I mean.
I'll have to admit, though, I felt UAC Training Facility was much more
difficult than the latter Class Section D, which felt pretty standard in
difficulty, to be quite honest. You get some zombies, some Hell Knights, a
couple of Pain Elementals... Nothing you haven't already handled before. A
bit of a letdown, actually, since UAC Training Facility spoiled me with new
blood.
Design: 4
While the
ACS effects are fun, it's difficult to mask the fact that the maps
themselves are actually quite ugly. To be blunt, the actual layouts of UAC
Training Facility and Class Section D could use some work. While I do
applaud Obake for thinking outside the box, the levels don't really "feel"
like they're anything believable. Hallways generally don't twist the way
they do here, and it all kinda feels thrown together. It also doesn't help
that there appears to be a missing ceiling texture in one of the dark rooms
of Class Section D. Not exactly sure why.
In essence, the layouts feel like something a new map designer created, for
the sake of having new levels. Although, there were some decent effects in
there. Animated smoke walls, light running up staircases, and the classic
flaming sky texture from Doom: Custom Playstation Edition were are a nice
touch here and there. I do encourage Obake to continue mapping and improve
his mapping skills, because he has some nice ideas here and there.
Playability: 8
These maps
are certainly playable, there's no denying that. Just remember, if it looks
too good to be true, like having a red key on a pedestal in the opening
room, it probably is. These maps will play on your greed and swallow you
alive if you're not careful. Keep your wits about you, and do some exploring
to prepare for the traps that await, and you should be able to handle what
the maps throw at you.
Overall (Not An Average): 6
UAC
Training Facility and Class Section D are somewhat of a mixed bag. While the
layouts are somewhat lackluster, I did enjoy the level of challenge the
levels provided. They're not too hard, but they're not too easy, either. I
did have some fun running through these maps, though I'll admit, the designs
and lack of detail really turned me off. But if you're looking to have your
wits tested, give them a try.
