Introduction
I felt it was time to dive back into the world of doom with a new
mod. This time around I wanted to
review something that was reletively a bit more modern. So I decided
on "The Darkening," by Jan Van der Veken.
The mod was published on the Doomworld.com site January 07, 1999.
The mod almost acts as a custome retelling of Doom II. I personally
enjoyed it even though there were a few things that annoyed me, but
we will cover that in the next few sections.
Level Design
Running through the first map I found myself wanting to explore
everything and figure out where all
the secrets where. The design choices were refreshing and definitely
keeped me interest enough to keep playing. In fact, the levels where
all very uniquely designed that I could not wait to reach the next
area of map. Being a Doom modder myself I definely took note of some
design choices that I could use as inspiration for when I finish my
mod.
The middle maps however, seem kind of simple and very very open.
Some other maps the puzzles were a bit confusing.On one of the Maps
there are eyes on the wall that act as switches and I did not
realize that. I mean, I would destroyed every single enemy on the
map and still could not figure out how to end the level (by the way,
not all exits are Exit Doors). On these maps it roughly took me an
extra 10 minutes to figure out.
But if you stick with it, the level design picks back up toward the
end!
Other issues I had with the game was trying not to use the 'Jump'
key. Since the mod was developed back in 1999 some maps you can just
jump out the window toward the exit door.
Enemy placement is by far one of the best I have seen.I will discuss
more about it in the gameplay section.
Gameplay
This is where the game shines!! So many enemies!! So many Allies to
save and take out bosses with!!!
So many jump scares!!! So much blood!!! Lets just say this now,
Brutal Doom makes everything better!! I found myself too many times
in a cocoon of false security only to get hit by four Revenant at
one time. Every time I felt I had a bit insight the developers I get
hit by a half dozen Spectres.I was unloading missles, using lame
throwers, and tossing grenades like crazy.
Music
Cannot argue or say much here. Nothing custom. Just the awesome Doom
II tracks we all know and love.
Replayability
This Mod is not something I would see myself playing more than
twice. Only because some of the levels
just annoyed me with their "find the impossible exit."
Conclusion
Overall, I loved this mod and I am definitely looking forward to the
sequel. Some tips that I would
recommend is try not to jump ( I couldn't help it), not every puzzle
is obvious, and definetly play with
Brutal Doom on!!
