Sp Map Corner

Happy new year 2012

2012-01-02T05:51:00.000-08:00

I wish to all visitors a happy new year, just enjoy every good moment of you life and don't think to much about future because you don't know anything about it

So I wish a great gaming year for all of you ;)

Still arround

2011-11-19T08:39:00.000-08:00

Still not enough time to post something even if i'm still there, to be honest actual time playing FPS game this year didn't exceed 10 hours. Last year the same time was spend every week, but i'm still arround and collect stuff i'm shure i will come back one day motivated with some review ;)

Happy New Year 2011

2010-12-31T08:36:00.000-08:00

to all of you may 2011 bring you all the success you're expecting

this year bring me a big change that i never expected in my private life and 2011 will just bring the turn over so don't expect to much about this site in the upcoming month but i will try to do some update ;)

Poll number 4

2010-09-09T04:15:00.000-07:00

For the Poll the question was: How did you come here?

here are the results:

In addition I create a sub post folder and asked people to explain a little more especially for blogger google and forum search sadly only one people used this feature to give is opinion

I have added his comment :

I am not sure anymore, either a link from Planetphillip, or simply a Google search, looking for some active Quake2 SP community stuff. Q2 is still one of my favourite SP games (so I also play Q1 and oaccasionally other games as well), so I´am happy I found your site. I visit your blog regularely. Good job!

Tetz

I was really estonish that most of the people find this blog through google search sothat it seems that this is the best way to promote you blog also giving feedback to people making maps through forum seems also a good deal to be find

A new poll will come soon since quite a while I have made some excell speadsheet regarding maps and mod for game releases that I have compiled for quite a long I would like to complete them through info given by you, readers, and also share this with you taking in account that all maps and mod refered in bold are available through personnal backup

Finally it can interest some people, since I have less and less time ,to review stuff.
If anybody out there would like to share my passion and add some review of maps and mods feel free to contact me I would really appreciate

Perception for Quake1

2010-08-28T13:02:00.001-07:00

***New***

Level name: Perception

Author: Rich 'XeNoN' Thorne

Release date: 22 june 2001

Size: 476 ko

Number of maps: 1

website: None anymore

download:
from quaddicated

Description

None

Review :

Small map started as a speed map from the author that increase the content since he found it quite good to make a small classic Q1 map. the theme is Egyptian, and has an interesting custom textures content, the author had several other good project or contribution include soul of evil. since it was at start a speedmap it's not a huge release but all that was put together make it a really enjoyable release.

Design is well balanced though the use of custom textures and well put together architecture it's certainly miss some more of these extravagant egyptian design and has a to squary look in a too repetitive use of texture but this doesn't really bring down the whole unit and don't forget that it was firstly made as a speedmap.

Gameplay is certainly not let on the side its well balance and provide some thaught places, you need also to take care of your ammo and health. The progression is also well organised, your starting place will lead your progression in the key qwest that are needed for you to progress to the exit, it's unlinear and also take place on several floor sothat you encontered most of the things needed to create a good and enjoyable map.

In conclusion: it's certainly not perfect but well enjoyable and this is what we are looking for...so for the short break it's time if you didn' t do it before to try it

Statistics on normal skill: playtime 13' 42'' secrets 0/1 kills 57/57

Playtime: 20 minutes

Rating: A B C D E (74%)

I'm still there :)

2010-08-27T00:03:00.000-07:00

sorry for the big lack of update (3 months) but lot's of things happens in my life that bother me out of gaming time I hope i will have a little more spare time in the future to add several review

The Evil Town for Quake 1

2010-05-31T05:17:00.000-07:00

***New***

Level name: The evil town

Author: Anders Gustavsson

Release date: 1 November 1997

Size: 449 ko

Number of maps: 1

website: None anymore

download:
from quaddicated

Description

None

Review :

Small map with interesting custom texture release from the beginning of Quake 1 mapping...The author became after a progressive Q1 experience a must play author for all is quake 2 releases.

Design: The interest of this release is certainly some custom town texture that really creates something that catch you attention at start with the fist location after interest dicrease but it's still worth through correct layout and architecture but nothing really from high quality there are no movable stuff nor effects it's a quite simple progression in a correct layout we could also regret those dead hallways and corridor that ended into dark and the way the author didn't use enough the light source to create some more oppresing atmosphere

Gameplay: Is well balance but sadly a little to easy except in one or two location there isn't a real aim just activate some trigger that doesn't rely to any storyline, items are well place and even if the expereince flows in a good way the filling is a little mixed because we hopes for something more developped regarding the first location .

In conclusion: lot's of hope from the first location felt a little bit down after, it's still enjoyable for arround 10 minutes without to much expectation

Statistics on normal skill: playtime 8' 59'' secrets 0/2 kills 47/49

Playtime: 10 minutes

Rating: A B C D E (71%)

Arcane for Quake1

2010-05-11T02:50:00.000-07:00

***New***

Level name: Arcane

Author: Matt Sefton

Release date: 14 September 1997

Size: 782 ko

Number of maps: 1

website: None anymore

download:
from quaddicated

Description

Full Runic-themed Quake map, designed for single play with Deathmatch enhancements.
This map was inspired by the awesome map work of Andrew Smith and Dave Kelvin.
This level has been compiled for GLQuake.

Review :

Design: Another small an interesting release from the beginning of Quake 1 mapping...Everything is well put together in this one. It's most of the time build in a classic way without anything really impressive but it's simply close to perfection in it's approach with good architecture, lightning and interconnection, the present of not accessible extended environment and even if texturing could have perhaps been a little more thaught, the atmosphere is simply great...there are not a lot of word to explain something when you like it...it's just a feeling.
Gameplay: well balance in terme of combats that increase in challenge with you progression, but it's never difficult or a source of frustration. This expereince is enhance by some qwest for keys that will oirented the progression in a non linear travelling leading you to the ultimate chamber where the challenge could have been a little higher

In conclusion: simple and efficiant...this is typically the experience I really like

Statistics on normal skill: playtime 13' 03'' secrets 1/2 kills 53/53

Playtime: 20 minutes

Rating: A B C D E (82%)

Siren for Half-Life2: Ep1

2010-05-07T07:49:00.001-07:00

***New***

Level name: Siren

Author: Kaami

Release date: 03 February 2008

Size: 43 087 ko

Number of maps: 3 + 1bonus map

website: none

download: at planetphillip

Story
You start in a small town and have to work your way through the tunnels. You meet Father Grigori but are blocked from reaching him and from then on your objective is to join him.

Review :

Design: Was pretty well done, the action take place mostly 90% indoor and is only oriented to meet Father Gregory somewhere...at the end. The architecture is well put together to create an enjoyable environement in a kind of Abandonned City only filled up with all the sort of zombie races, the look to detail and small touch just enhance the classic style of mapping we all know and like (a little confusing start without suit and weapon) a part witch in underwater A feeling of maze you could be lost in...but without any frustartion.The progression into this classic building facility is mostly streight forward to use of light (sometime too bright) or not enhance the feeling to be alone, but in the other hand it lack some atmospheric through music sound and event (incluing cutsenes)...You never get bored and the fact that architecture even if good is never impressive don't really bother you because everything is well balanced

Gameplay: At start it doesn't seems obvious wil you get the suit? where to get a weapon...so for the 5 first minutes the gameplay is a little bit confused but after that everything flow perfectly, there are some nasty surpise and those suicide zombie will really make you experience worth...some tiny puzzle will also be provided on you way and the use related unaccessible part that you will travel after add a feeling of a really big complex you are travelling through...So the gameplay flow perfectly and the end battle that awaits you event if not difficult will rpovide some challenge before mmeting father Gregory

In conclusion: The author prefer to release a not perfectly finished release than to wait too much time and finally lost everything, it certainly need some tiny attention a porper end and some more atmosphere through sound and music but for a first approach by the author, he certainly succeed in catching our attention and provide us an really good enjoyment for arround 1 hour.

Note: the author included a bonus map that is only accessible through the console by typing ''map map-arrival''

Playtime: 50 minutes

Rating:A B C D E (86%)

Anonca base: The shamblin for Quake1

2010-04-19T04:15:00.000-07:00

***New***

Level name: Anonca base: The shamblin

Author: Rob Marton

Release date: 06 February 1997

Size: 492 ko

Number of maps: 1

website: None

download:
from quaddicated

Story

Anonca Base, located on Neptune, has been rumored to still house outlaw shamblers. Find them. Kill them, and get your butt back home.
Review :

This medium blue metal base as a unique feeling it doesn't offer a great challeng nor an impressive gameplay but the fact the author added several custom futuristic design and several other thing make it well enjoyable

Design: particular let say even the starting of the map with the entrance into the main room from the top was well done, the archtitecture may look basic in terms of direct layout but provides a lot of particular object or stuff to come accross: elevator, some decoration object crossing brigdes an so on.The team mostly oriented on blue metal texture cretes something special enhance by the good use of limited but perfect lightning. Travel will offer you to activate trigger that will interconnect the whole map making sometime the search for the next step not evident.

Gameplay is correctly balanced with not a lot of surpise, most of the items and enemies are well places with some, awaiting you from an upper position and other put on lower that will make you go for the direct confrontation (schambler in the central room), the path to follow isn't that evident and teleport event if smart doesn't really add something interesting to the map. Challenge isn't present in this one because you will recieve everything what is needed to make it not that hard... search and hunting for secret places is well balanced with easy to find and more tricky ones.

In conclusion: even if I can critisize several point and the absence of some background of a strong storyline the unique theme and presence of some innovative architecture features really make a expeirence to play also by the fact it's not a difficult map to accomplish.

Statistics on normal skill: playtime 18' 03'' secrets 3/7 kills 54/57

Playtime: 20 minutes

Rating: A B C D E (78%)

Operation Deus Ex Machina for Quake 2

2010-04-12T12:25:00.000-07:00

***New***

Level name:Operation Deus Ex Machina

Author: Andrea Rosa

Release date: 15 january 2006

Size: 10 054 ko

Number of maps: 8

website: here

download page: author's page

Story

At the beginning of the Strogg War the Earth forces gambled essentially on two factors: the destruction of the Big Gun and the assassination of the Strogg Leader. While destroying the major planetary defense of Stroggos gave us a considerable tactical advantage, killing the Makron did not sort the expected results. We sought to drive the Strogg Warlords into internal struggles by eliminating their leading mind, however no turmoil happened. Instead of choosing a new Makron, the Warlords revolutionized the political structure of Stroggos, abandoning the old hierarchies and turning their world into a collection of feudal states. That way, they could continue to keep firm control over the strategic locations they were given and were able to organize defensive positions independently.

Operation Deus Ex Machina:
You are part of a small group of TCM marines currently scouting the region of Stroggos we refer to as Ishtar Chasmata. Headquarters have been monitoring this area for some days since evidences of anti-matter experiments were detected. If the Strogg can develop anti-matter weapons the equilibrium of this war could be drastically changed. They could even be able to restore the interplanetary gateway between Stroggos and Earth and launch a terrible counterstrike. We urgently need to know their plans, thus your primary task is to infiltrate the underground arsenal and steal whatever weapons designs or schematics you may find. Once you get the secret information, you’ll need to find a Com Center and transmit your data to the mothership. Intelligence will elaborate further strategy and orders according to your findings. You will be likely sent further deep into Ishtar Chasmata to find the source of that a-m relief and attempt to neutralize it. But beware, it won’t be easy. The local Warlord will surely track your moves. He has a loyal and well-trained army at his disposal, and he’s ready to deal with you with his own hands, if necessary. We wish you the best of luck in accomplishing this mission.

Review :

This episode made of 8 maps including some feature only available through lazarus engine is the first one from the author and even if the srart may look a little average it really grow up while you progress and will make you cross some intense and great looking area.
Design: For a first release and even if the author took some inspiration from other well done level (this is mentioned in the html included in the zip file), I was definitely impressed. At start and especially for the two first maps the design looks OK with some interesting detail features but honestly is quite average with a feeling of putting together some squared placed well interconnected but lacking spirit and atmosphere. After and when you enter the base the author slightly and surprisingly increase is mapping skill and the size of places you are going to travel through, it’s not just the design but also the use of moving things the way gameplay is oriented, the traps, the secret places everything just catch you attention in the way we like this game (first screen)… it will not just continue on the same level till the end and some place can be minored by a simple use of repetitive texture and minor lightning but this happens not too much and is normal to all human who are working on a whole unit to have some decrease in inspiration.

Gameplay: is most of the time correctly balance but sometimes, and especially at the end of level 3 and start of level 4 the challenge was put a little too high (with the help of the quite harmful turnable canon) and nearly turn into frustration. The use of the new feature coming with the lazarus engine really put an interesting additional point, also the way you need to travel cleverly through each level never look confusing and add a immersive feeling to each level you need to travel. Features are always well put together (included ammo, weapon you receive and health) but the fact that at the middle of the episode there were some tight moments, when you receive something extra, you just keep it, so that both end battle look somewhat easy to accomplish due to those extra quad damage and invulnerability… The search for those secret features and secret places was also well put together to add more stuffs to people who are looking for everything but without letting the one who won’t take too much time without nothing.

In conclusion: for a first attempt, Andrea really creates an enjoyable and challenging experience in a mostly well put together environment, it’s not perfect but not far from it so this is a mission that everybody should test if it wasn’t done before.

Playtime: 3 hours

Rating: A B C D E (90%)

Note: for the one interested in the statistic releated with the release here are the details:
enemies ___objectives___secrets_
map 1 : Hydroponic labs_________54/54______ 1/1__________ 2/4
map 2 : Greenhouse____________24/25_______ 1/1_________ 1/2
map 3 : The Arsenal____________70/73________2/2_________ 0/4
map 4 : Terminal 2______________62/62_______2/2_________ 4/5
map 5 : Spare parts factor________56/55_______5/5_________ 2/3
map 6 : Factory Engineering_______29/32_______1/1_________ 0/2
map 7 : High tech academy________80/80______3/3__________0/1
map 8 : Inner City______________134/136_____1/1___________0/0

Double Helix for Opposing Force

2010-04-07T13:51:00.000-07:00

***New***

Level name: Double Helix

Author: Richard Hammer

Release date: 26 July 2001

Size: 2 735 ko

Number of maps: 10

website: None

alternative download: note that the readme was include in the pak2 file so I have recompile it with 7z

Story

17TH SEPTEMBER 20--

MESSAGE FOR: AGENT SHEPHERD, ADRIAN

WE AT THE UNIT ARE GLAD YOU DECIDED TO JOIN US, RATHER THEN SPENT A FEW MORE MONTHS IN CONFINMENT. YOUR MISSION, WHICH YOU WILL ACCEPT, IS TO INFILTRATE THE BASE OF THE TERRORIST ORGANIZATION KNOWN AS 'DOUBLE HELIX'. THEY HAVE BEEN LINKED TO A NUMBER OF RECENT THEFTS AND SABOTAGE OPERATIONS IN SCIENTIFIC ESTABLISIHMENTS ACROSS AMERICA. MOST RECENTLY, THE ORGANIZATION KIDNAPPED 5 OF THE WORLDS TOP GENETIC RESEARCHERS. YOU MUST RETRIEVE THESE SCIENTISTS WITH DUE HASTE.
BE WARNED, THE ORGANIZATION IS A VERITABLE ARMY THAT BEEN RECIEVING FUNDING FROM SOME UNKNOWN BENEFACTOR FOR SOME TIME NOW. FURTHERMORE, WE BELIEVE THE GROUP HAVE BEEN CONDUCTING A NUMBER OF ILLEGAL GENETIC MUTATION EXPERIMENTS. YOU MUST STOP THESE IF YOU CAN.
AFTER YOU HAVE INFILTRATED THE FACILITY, BACKUP FORCES WILL ENTER THE REAR ENTRANCE OF THE BASE AND RENDEZVOUS WITH YOU. GOOD LUCK, YOU'LL NEED IT.

OFFICE OF THE ADMINISTRATOR,
THE OMEGA UNIT

Review :

this is the third releae from Richard and it's certainly also the best, He took a lot of attention to the remark that were done regarding the previous release but at then end this one miss a lot of cohesion through poor attention to fixable details and to something just fluid and not a collection of well designed area.

Design: is a mix between some well layout scene and lots of tiny detail missing like more than one missaligned texture...This was something that really estonished me after playing and looking to the screen...you will travel through a lot of well designed area not perfectly crafted but well atmospheric but the way they were put together just miss a good fluidity and storyline, in additon you have a lot of missaligned texture floor and corners witch is really sad regarding the good general design and also the something poor map change and especially the last one that make in adition the game returning to OS more thatn one time...

Gameplay: is well balanced nothing is really hard here but it's really fun thats why it won't take a long time to get to the end of this one, that, except the minor bugs was quite enjoyable, all feature were well matched and I only will regret that there was no more use of ambushes, traps or simply better use of OF features (under others, new enemies, weapons, and puzzle associeted)

In conclusion: This collection of maps was fearly enjoyable but could have been a lot more fun if the author would have put some more attention to detail and set of gameplay. for playtime is still well worth to give it a try.

Playtime: 40 minutes

Rating: A B C D E (61%)

Q2 Episode 1 for Quake 4

2010-04-07T02:23:00.000-07:00

***New***

Level name: Q2 episode 1 base

Author: Porutchik

Release date: 8 january 2010

Size: 208 873 ko

Number of maps: 3

website: None

download from filefront: here

Story

None it's a remake from the first part of Q2 converted to Quake 4

Review :

Design is quite what it should be so the conversion is a good reproduction from the original Quake2 it's fun to play through this classic FPS for all fans through a more accurate game...it only lack a little from originality, make a new intro cutscene in place of using the the Quake2 associated with the quality of 10 year ago, a 'not so close to the original' approach a better integration of original texture expecially through the fact that there is a high resolution project available and finally the mission of good sound effect in place of this repetitive till boring music background

Gameplay is well balance and fun to play even if the enemy damage is sometime put quite high witch caused some really thaught challenge but never unbeatable, I would have hope to find back those 'secret place'and have this backward/forward travelling from map to map like it is available in Quake2 but those minor issue could perhaps be more difficult to solve.

In conclusion: the author spended a lot of time (4 years) to try to convert Quake2 to Quake4 witch seems to have been quite difficult the result even if it suffer from minor issues is quite enjoyable and so if you have still Quake4 install and would like to have a good action fighting in a not perfect but above average environment, this experience is for you.

Playtime: 1 hour

Rating: A B C D E (68%)

The Xen Campains for Opposing Force

2010-04-04T02:51:00.000-07:00

***New***

Level name: The xen campain

Author: Red Sky Projects

Release date: 21 spetember 2003

Size: 13 367 ko

Number of maps: 14

website: None

alternative download:

Story

*********************************************************
Incoming Transmission
*********************************************************

Classification: Classified

Date: 3/2/3 PBM (Post Black Mesa)
Assignment: 20316A- RETAKE AND INVESTIGATE

Subject’s History: 3 years after black Mesa, Adrian Shepherd was been assigned to a remote outpost on an outer Xen Moon. Reason For Assignment: Convoys to inner Xen world bases have been disappearing, confirming the reports that the massing Xeno Armies have been strategically attacking and taking control of the Terran Space Force bases.

Objectives: Primary- Retake Xen Base Alpha

Secondary- Investigate the source behind the massing of forces and the attacks on the TSF bases.

Outcome: Unconfirmed….

*********************************************************
End Transmission
*********************************************************

Review :

this team wanted to send back caporal Sheperd to an outpost called xen but most of us didn't really like this HL part wish was certainly a part of the challenge of this addon to make us like something that we didn't too much like
Design: is most of the time pretty average and sadly decrease in quality when we reach the end (last maze before the end scene) several location looks ok but never enhance the quality for this release several touch where still enjoyable but more on an external way to put the storyline through on text message and cutscene the way the team also wanted to stay to close to xen original theme and is lak of original texturing also make the whole unit suffer from creativity.

Gameplay: is well challenging most of the time and also sometime try to be not too classic by integrating some team fights, puzzling but hopefully no jumping. For the puzzle they also may look frustrating through the fact it's not always easy to understand what to do and especially with the Tentacle (just keep in mind that you need there to find the barnacle , that is needed after for another puzzle, and kill the tentacle) but expet this experience it never turn to frustration and was quite pleasant. regarding the fludity of the gameplay the items placement and special cases it was OK

In conclusion: This addon felt just a little bit to light in mapping consistance, gameplay feature and interest.
I think like in a big amount of maps and mod authors really were immersing into there job for the first part and after that wanted to make it more and more perfect but this leads to an increase in time spending that at the end turns to a rushing to finish stuff because of loosing interest regarding the time spend. It's not from great quality but if you have an our or two to spend playing something it could satisfy you.

Playtime: 2 hours

Rating: A B C D E (58%)

The Katagean Redoubt for Quake1

2010-03-29T05:30:00.000-07:00

***New***

Level name: The Katagean Redoubt

Author: Chris 'Simulacrum' Houston

Release date: 04 March 2008

Size: 1 465 ko

Number of maps: 1

website: None

download:
from quaddicated

Story

YOU BIG SHOOTY MAN GOOD GOOD SHOOT NOW NO DIE FAILURE NOT OPTIONAL OP3N D00Rz L0lz

Review :
The author who did several attempt back in the early 2000 wanted to get a little expereince in order to apply to some gaming industry job, He so decided to get back into design and especially for Quake 1 regarding the success of his release he wanted to extend this map to a small episode but nothing shines since then
Design: The architecture is a mix between e1m3 and e1m4 brigging some Castle base design full of those green bricks and wood floor, It can easilly be consider as 'old school' regarding the inspiration comming from the original level. The layout is neat and impressive featuring a well interconnected castle full of nasty surprise and secrets places (8). A lot of attention has been put into this one to create some wonderfull places to visit and this with an up and down view regarding the way you progress...Action even if perfectly balance nearly doesn't take place outdoor and doesn't really provides a lot of mechanism and trigger effects (both would have certainly increase the skill of the author and the way we can judge his skill). But this is only a personnal point of view and only minor aspect regarding the whole unit.

Gameplay is a good mix beween fight and progression in a quite linear way at first and after (regrading the central room and the access through keys) more unlinear. Weapons give is progressive sothat you need to really take care to enemies and the ways you use each weapons...This time I had not that much problems finding the secrets places which is also from the 'old school' approach. The fights where pretty well balance and most of the time easy to predict when they should be more challenging but even in this way the last battle was a real nightmere....The way the gameplay was balanced was perfectly fitting to my way of playing and it was therefore a pure playtime delight
In conclusion: this release should really encourage everybody to try to handle some mapping experience, the author come back after 7 year and a short immersing time to produce a enjoyable challenging experience in a well crafted environment it's certainly not perfect but in the way the author used his skill he did it in a remarkzble manner.

Statistics on normal skill: playtime 33' 03'' secrets 6/8 kills 133/136

Playtime: 40 minutes

Rating: A B C D E (88%)

Arkot_Catlekeep for RTCW

2010-03-22T05:11:00.000-07:00

***New***

Level name: Arkot_Catlekeep

Author: Arkot 24 (Reedited by Vicpas)

Release date: 04 June 2006

Size: 10 165 ko

Number of maps: 1

website: None

alternative download:

Author's Desciption

This map is my first work in single player maps . This was made in about 3 month's time on and off and was created to learn more about single player mapping

Review :

Design: Regarding this one the way is was design looks more like an early stage of mapping, it's more a collection of squared rooms put together with the needed stuff with just here and there some different touch and especially the wood stair to access the second floor. Most of the action take place indoor with some outdoor view, general layout and architecure even if I might be consider as basic, provides all we would like to find from brakable objects to secret places, lighting is also good so that on an average level everything is nice several content where still for me above average and especially the intro objective map (sadly not in english) and the small cutscene when you activate the access to the storage area.

Gameplay: is well balanced all items and enemies are waiting for you where they should be, to progression is quite free and not to oriented (different way of progression until the last objective exit). So finally the gameplay is well put together with the design to provide an enjoyable experience more base on an action fighting than on a action thinking and looking.objective being also mostly evident to find and do.

In conclusion: A well balanced expeirence map correctly related between gameplay and design, don't except any 'waouw' while you progress but in the otherway you won't get bored while playing this one.

Playtime: 40 minutes

Rating: A B C D E (72%)

OPOF for RTCW

2010-03-19T01:44:00.000-07:00

***New***

Level name: OPOF

Author: Jakub 'Thompson' Poniatowski

Release date: 4 August 2004

Size: 1 027 ko

Number of maps: 1

website: Author's profile

filefront download: here

Story

None

Review :

Design: it's a quite short release with starting in a kind of inside place of a Castle were some german and stuffs are waiting for you after that you need to find an entrance to the Cave and secret operating center the interconnection isn't perhaps that good and the starting place look a little to boxy and without any surounding view even if detail and realism is well used. the switch to the lower part is a bit ectic but what follow even if a little repetitive is well done the attention to the wine cave, the meeting room and all breakable stuffs and secrets really put in advance the real volonty from the author to do it's best

Gameplay: quite short...some tiny challenge in the outside area and after it become more obvious excpet what you really need to do so go into each corner to find some secret and activating system, after you will need to travel a little to find the exit witch will done finished with the status page.

In conclusion: I really think the author wanted to make something more important but certainly trough lack of time just release a short but well done RTCW experience...sadly it's too short and the was really a lot of potential.

Playtime: 10 minutes

Rating: A B C D E (68%)

new poll and info

2010-03-17T06:07:00.000-07:00

So I have started a new poll...just wanted to know how you came here

In addition I Have add a new feature perhaps up to date (is it still?)that allow you to follow this blog update more easily, but if you use a reader with RSSfeed I don't think it's highly usefull, except for me to share some other small information that doesn't really need A blog update.

Breakfast at twilight for Quake 1

2010-03-16T06:17:00.000-07:00

***New***

Name: Breafast at Twilight

Author: Peter 'Hrimfaxi' Sörensen

Release date: 12 September 2007

Size: 4 856 ko

Number of maps: 1+ 1start map

website: None

download:
from quaddicated

Additionnal pack required :
quoth is necessary to play correctly this one...and a bunch of recent releases

Story

Not really - just shoot anything!
Review :

Design: In one word : Wonderfull !!! and shine directly through the statring map where you can choose your skill.
The Place is quite huge and will provide a large area that need to be discover by accessing key protected area, the fact that you sometime can seen trough windows balcony and other view what is awaiting you is well crafted.

The outdoor and indoor scene are well put together to make you admire the places you are going to travel through, architecture and use of textures really creation some intense visual moment, lightning is also well provided. The skybox is perfectly fitting the theme and name of the map...Visually everything looks really great some more sound or background atmosphere would even add a more immersive feeling but this would only be a tiny touch.

Gameplay: like the design it's solid, with over 160 monsters on normal setting the battle to survive and progress will be quite hard the use of new monsters and there placement was also well done lot's of secret zone are there to provide you with some addition qwest if you are able to find them (witch wasn't my case), the surprise is just behind every corner and this will only reinforce your desire to finish the map. Battle are sometimes surprising, sometime tough, through the difficluty to move and fight back but it was the aim wasn't it? to be able to play this type of release you should be prepare through the challenge and difficult to deserve whats next

In conclusion: after several play through Peter's release I'm now a total fan of is mapping skill that remind me from another great mapper Shaun 'Kona' Ross this one is without no doubt a must play and extremely invite you to reinstall Quake 1 for the amount of great release that still need to be revisited or/and review

Statistics on Normal skill: playtime 48' 40'' secrets 2/11 kills 166/166

Playtime: 1 hour 20 minutes

Rating: A B C D E (94%)

Star scream for Quake 1

2010-03-11T04:19:00.000-08:00

***New***

Level name: Star scream

Author: Dustin 'Ttronyn' Geeraert

Release date: 07 Mai 2003

Size: 329 ko

Number of maps: 1

website: None anymore

download:
from quaddicated

Story

None...a map oriented to be playing with all support so perfectly design for SP Coop and MP

Review :

Design: It's a short map with mostly a linear gameplay from the top to the bottom of a kind of 'space castle' Architecture is well put together and reminds me of some UT deathmatch maps, it creates a immersive highlight Castle, indoor is limited but outdoor, especially regarding the small size, is well interconnected. Lightning is put were it should be and if the use of texture is limited it give perfectly the ambiance we like.

Gameplay is wellbalanced with a design from the bottom to the top. You will need to get rid of enemies that are most of the time attacking you from above, additionnally it's quite easy if you move too much to fall down into space and die, this add a bit of challenge. It's still quite an easy map in normal mod with limited amount of enemies. All freatures are put where they needed to provide a good single play experience

In conclusion: short and enjoyable what else do we need if we want a break.

Statistics on normal skill: playtime 5' 27'' secrets 0/1 kills 35/35

Playtime: 10 minutes

Rating: A B C D E (70%)

Human Error: Ep 1 Fpr Half-Life 2 Ep2

2010-03-08T12:56:00.000-08:00

***New***

Level name: Human Error: Episode 1

Author: Half-Life Short Stories Team

Release date: 8 February 2010

Size: 334 893 ko

Number of maps: 7

website: here

download: at planetphillip

Story
Some chose to resist, others chose to collaborate; to yield to the Combine and enforce their rule and will. One such body is the Civil Protection unit, an arm of the Overwatch that maintains order in the Cities. In Human Error, become part of a small Civil Protection team that is pitted against the remains of the Xenian forces, who are making a last ditch effort to escape Earth. Utilize a variety of new tools such as controllable manhacks, and use new vehicles such as the APC.

Review :

Design: Looking back to Duke Nukem and the first age of FPS we found a lot of release that came with some new features and was called back Total Conversion... this one totally reminds me from this approach, new enemies, weapons, textures, voice acting... It was a long time ago since I had this particular feeling playing a free release that integrates a full custom content. The story behind was perhaps not that clear (at least for me) with Andrew's girl through flashback and appearance with a little F.E.A.R. because sometimes you have some doubt about her real thaught (good or bad).
The overall design can always been critisize especially when you have a lot of custom content, people think that everything should always been from high quality especially when it seems more difficult to create some custom content that to create maps. It this way it's clear that human error never make you travel through unique location from high atmosphere like you can encounter them in the original Episode 2...Location are really from a classic bottle perhaps sometimes too dark, witch is for me part of the atmosphere but will decrease the feeling of general layout and detail, this wasn't for me disapointing because I was happy with what it was. Addition to the General layout Human error comes with a lot of new created content and this is was I really loved.
Starting with the new models from enemies to weapons to the cusomized overuse power generator, the pilotable NPC and Manhacks, the sniper rifle sadly unuse through a dedicated gameplay area and the attention to modelling of all main characters. All of them were quite well done and also gave a good turn back to half life first experience.

Gameplay: The fact you play as a combine was still perturbating and this something i don't like to, like playing as a german in a WW2 game, I think it's part of our 'the bad and the good' approach witch can sound as nonsense regarding the fact that FPS gaming is just a 'killing' game witch is certainly not good...But all in all this 'combine team' appoach with some differents main characters add this cooperative gameplay I really like in the more recent FPS gaming experience, sadly in my appoach if you part of a combine team it's a kind of squad where the main aim is too be efficient (move and act without thinking too loud) and not to talk like if you where on a happy journey, It's sure it add a better filling than to play without any 'sound environment' but for me it's unrealistic...
With this team apporach you will also be able to conduct the NPC (cool experience), to drive the manhack through vent and stuff, an amazing experience through the difficulty of third dimension mouvement and also through the limited angle of view this was really a great moment of inovative gameplay.
Even if it was sometimes challenging, also by the fact you cannot carry out all weapons but need to choose, it was also a little disapointing with the too easy end battle gameplay sometimes also went to 'what's next now?' feeling where you turn arround and after turn to external help to find what to do (happens ones) but all in all the fluidity of all those feature dropped into the game while you progress was perfrectly timed to create a not perfrect but still unique experience.
There are certainly a lot of things to improve but the challenge was put on a high live through integrating a lot of new features, trying to make a background storyline, an interesting gampelay and give the whole first episode a good structure, even if not perfrect through voice talking, mission, combats and puzzles

In conclusion: Even if there are a lot of things that could have been done better, the fresh new content really add a woaw feeling when I encounter it sothat I defenitly consider this mod as a personal favorite and can only recommend it clearly and hope we won't wait too much for Episode two.

Playtime: 2 hours 30 minutes

Rating: A B C D E (94%)

Biotoxin for Quake1

2010-02-19T04:42:00.000-08:00

***New***

Level name: Biotoxin

Author: Christian 'CZG' Grawert

Release date: 03 April 2001

Size: 550 ko

Number of maps: 1

website: None anymore

download:
from quaddicated

Author's Note

My entry for 100 brush V2.00 contest:

Biotoxin - Where toxic waste comes to die, and to be pumped out into earths ecosystem.

Review :

Design: It's an hundred brush competition so it may look quite limited but Christian is a master so everything is well put together in a limited base a lot influenced by Quake2 (the author even use some Q2 textures) everything is well oriented to make you travel through, enjoy the lightning and even some little effects with on text messag. Enemies placements, weapons and ammo/health is put were they should to create some challenge but not too much...

Gameplay is perfectly balance increasing while you progress puzzle are only there to make you travel from up to down, it's really enjoyable and never frustrating with in some spot a nasty surprise what elese should we expect from a limited competition enjoyable well eyes looking and not frustrating.

In conclusion: I'm really a fan of those base map for Quake 1 and this one, build by one of my favorite quake author, even if quite short isn't an exception. Short, fun and sweet the ideal break for the people, like me , that don't have a lot of playtime.

Statistics: playtime 10' 30'' secrets 0/0 kills 54/54

Playtime: 20 minutes

Rating: A B C D E (91%)

hrim_sp4 - For Love of Evil for Quake1

2010-02-11T05:25:00.000-08:00

***New***

Level name: hrim_sp4 - For Love of Evil

Author: Peter 'Hrimfaxi' Sørensen

Release date: 01/01/2010

Size: 5 645 ko

Number of maps: 3 + 1start level

website: here

download: here

Author's Note

this collection of maps were build over 5 years... and have been finally put together in this pack

For Love of Evil: The main map a large map mostly ID metal textures but also some textures by Kell and others.

Voidscape: A turtle map made in two days in 2004. Se the included Readme file below.

Brownie: A map intented for the sm128 session bur it wasn't finished at the time andabout half a year later I made it into a turtlemap (build it within a week)

Start: This map was made for this release within a weeks time.

These maps are totally unrelated and wil not follow each other when you play.
They all play independently.

Separated Review :

Start short and sweet it's from here you will enter the skill selection that for myself I let on the normal challenge.

Brownie is the first one I played, I will consider this one as a classic map through it's gameplay featuring a castle full of those evily surprise that can provide Quake 1.
Design is oriented arround a well crafted castle made of custome texture. Several place of view really give a nice touch, the general layout even if limited through the contest it was firstly build for, creates a nice atmosphere that could perhaps been a little enhanced by a more gloomy skybox.
Gameplay is for me quite classic but its what I like, never too hard but well balanced, the challenge will increase with your progression, the weapons you find and the keys to acces new places. the final battle may look too easy in the way you approach the fight but ones more this way is the one i prefer in comparaison with an open area where you only possibility to survive is a mix between run and shoot.

Statistics: playtime 13'40'' secrets 0/1 kills 52/52

For love of Evil like the author's tell this is the larger and the main one. Eveything has been put in this one, base on a metal atmosphere, the author has put a lot of effort to created an enjoyable but not repetitive gameplay through fights and traps that need to be solved with a minimum of thinking.
Design even if the texture theme used may limit the interest was really well put toghether to show some wonderfull place to visit with some nice architecture in several place that really increase the atmosphere though their size,especially in height, lightning is good but some effect could have been put there to create one'smore a better gloomy feeling (but it wasn't perhaps suppose too).
Key, button and secret hunting will also face some challenging and unexpected event, but the fluidity through all those events was perhaps a little too expected.
For the gameplay this one like the previous really put the gameplay I like not unbeatable with some good challenge and some break and here and there some triggered event that need some small thinking, only those secret seems for me too difficult to find, but too be honest I really didn't look for them...ammo and health were perfectly available where we really needed them

Statistics: playtime 35'02'' secrets 1/9 kills 130/133

VoidScape the last and the shortest and an original layout in space it was tiny to quite clostrophobic in some place but perftcly challenging and put together.
Designed like a passage lost in a mountain just put somewhere on a tiny flotting planet Peter was able to create something unique played fully outdoor with some jumping puzzle and havy fight in restricted area...with a totally different approach he was able to catch our attention for and quite enjoyable experience even if it was short and hard in someplace thorugh well placed ammo and health.

Statistics: playtime 10' 48'' secret 0/1 kills 32/32

In conclusion: An enjoyable expeirence played arround different theme put together in a single pack...It helped me at least rediscover Quake1, with some fun an pleasure it's well worth if you are fan to test this one

Playtime: 1h 30 minutes

Rating: A B C D E (86%)

Note: thanks to Quakis

I finally could handle to have the mouse look...I know it may sound stupid but this was the most reason i didn't touch Quake1 anymore...just try it without mouse look...for the one who don't know how just open the console and type +mlook

Half-Life 2 : Episode two

2010-01-28T05:13:00.000-08:00

HL2 : Episode 2 Personal review

Publisher : Valve

Release date : september 2007

Developper : Valve

Recommanded reiquirements for XP:

CPU 2.4 Ghz Processor
512 Mb
DirectX 9 128 Mb

Test: Made on average skill using the default setting on my computer [ AMD64 3400+ - 2Gb Ram - GEforce 6 128 Mb] some really small slowdown just limited to the resume episode one at start .

Cost: Include into the orange box sell arround 30€ or if you have a steam account just wait like a did to some anniversary were valve propose the game at a really low price got it for 4€

Orange Box Info
--------------------

Half-Life® 2: Episode Two is the second in a trilogy of new games created by Valve that extends the award-winning and best-selling Half-Life® adventure.

As Dr. Gordon Freeman, you were last seen exiting City 17 with Alyx Vance as the Citadel erupted amidst a storm of unknown proportions. In Episode Two, you must battle and race against Combine forces as you traverse the White Forest to deliver a crucial information packet stolen from the Citadel to an enclave of fellow resistance scientists.

Episode Two extends the award-winning Half-Life gameplay with unique weapons, vehicles, and newly-spawned creatures.

Design
--------

Through 18 maps, you will be once more dropped into the Half-Lfe experience just after the train crash that happens at the end of the little disapointing Episode one. This time you mission will be surprising in term of happening and discovering what's next. The design is still pure classic Half-Life but the new texture used, new enemies and skyboxes really creates some marvelous scenes that really gives a fresh breathe to a games that doesn't seems anymore up to date. Travels through all kind of new area from outdoor (most) to indoor (like the interesting travel through those caverns) really creates a catching experience enhanced by the help of Alix Vance that will guide and help you during this whole unit...she has also beter in her woman's rule...talking a lot.
The cutscenes, new caracters (include enemies) really add values to this opus and help really to minimize the fact that the gameplay hasn't really been improve and is still made out of the same bottle witch his a mix between search, fight and solve in a quite oriented gaming environment
No real new weapons of feature for our friend Gordon just some improvement. The mission is a little more cooperative to the fact that somebody is most of the time behind you to orient a little the gameplay...I'm still waiting for the automatic gun of Alix and hope we will be able to play with it in next chapter

Gameplay
--------------
Gameplay is what we have got before except that here, there is a kind of bigger orientation of what's the next step and this mainly through Alix intervention. There will be some special surprise in this opus and more psychology will interfere this time because you are now really part of this team that will save the world and also because you are the most relyable people to help them in this qwest.
On you qwest two new enemies (not taking in account this fast zombieguard bomber) are waiting for you one in the caverns another in those outdoor section both will make you life less easier and this is certainly another good point even if somewhere it nearly turn into a frustrating experience with that end battle to save the launch base...
We can certainly regret that there is no new weapons and that in place of and inhanced car there wasn't something really new (moto, quad, truck...) but even if those small imporvment could felt a little disapointing it was certainly 10 times better than the new features of Episode one. We could have also hope for some weather changing but the rain or snwo wont fall during this episode.

In conclusion:

This is perhaps not a simple game with all it's feature but simply an new episode for a well know game so the change are not really that important.
Still through some minor addition and change Valve really could add some additional value to a game that was really waiting for it after a little disapointing first Episode.
The fact that some external even took place in this one, that external intervention of team mate (Alix, Vortigaunt, Scientists ) orienting the gameplay in a quite enhanced designed environment makes from this mission a must have addon for all real Half-Life fan, Playtime was just good like this quite difficult end battle that nearly turns into frustration...the interesting ending just letting you brain full of upcoming hypothesis with has guidline Alix just let us hope it won't stay long before Episode 3 comes out. Don't hesitated to get this game through steam if you have the opportunity and just keep in mind that through a lot of excellent custom maps and mods HL fans simply wanted to thank valve to have finally developped and interesting and enjoyable (through it's usable content) addon.

Playtime: 7 hours

Rating:

Too Many Crates for Half-Life 2

2010-01-18T03:09:00.000-08:00

***New***

Level name: Two many crates

Author: Kyle AKA The Awesome Possum

Release date: 2 January 2010

Size: 13 059 ko

Number of maps: 1

website: None anymore

download at palnetphillip.com: here

Story

none behind you are just in a warehouse full of crates and you only aim is to break them, but pay attention there are some particular crates that can open well hidden place, you aim is simple just try to destroy all of them (1000)

Review :

I need to admin that after a first rush i just didn' t directly understand that you need not only to break but only to think what to do end when to brake, so I really after 10min wanted to stop this one...

Design

Even if the main objective in this map is to brake crates the author didn't only focus on it but also create an enjoyable 'crates depot' where you will need to walk arround pushing button to activate some chain transport or conveyor belt or transport colored box that have different use it's certainly not a big map but the way you travel through really makes you like it a lot the author also well squale the entire map and pay attention to those unreachable area, the well organized building with travel on 3 floors and small detail like the truck

Gameplay

We all like to smash those crates to find something behind but when you have so much to brake could it be also fun...the answers was for me without no doubt, after a second more thinking try: YES.
You hav really to think in wich order you will make you work and also you will fast find some special colored crates that have a particulary behavior and use of them magic, exploding, burning,attaking...

there is also some voice help in some case (not always from perfect understanding) and the motivation when you reach a certain amount of braking crates travel through elevator or stair also is a question of personnal aproach and will certainly increase you gaming time.

In conclusion: Regrading this special mission a too highly detailed review will certainly spoil a lot of enjoyement so there is anything to detail more just make you best through thinking and braking to reach those 1000 broken crates.

Playtime: 2 hours

Rating: A B C D E (87%)

Nuclear winter for Opposing force

2009-11-03T04:29:00.000-08:00

***New***

Level name: Nuclear Winter

Author: Loki's mission (Mr White)

Release date: 15 July 2002

Size: 22 896 ko

Number of maps: 27

website: None anymore

alternative download:

Story
In the early 21st century the U.S. fight several anti-terrorist campaigns in the Middle East. Bickering in the world community over the morality of these campaigns eventually leads to the withdrawal of China and Russia from the U.N. Even NATO is divided and it soon becomes obvious that America's only real support comes from Great Britain.

In 2009 the league of Arab nations invade and occupy Israel. The U.S. and Britain come to Israel's defense but it is a struggle that will eventually be lost. China and Russia are supplying arms and troops to the invaders. Tactical nukes are used in the offensive marking the first time nuclear arms have been used in war since WW2. Six months later, India falls to Pakistan. The world is in a state of shock.

In 2010 Russia, China, Vietnam, North Korea, and the entire Middle East form the Eastern Alliance. They quickly expand into most of Europe, Asia and Africa. Since they possess a large nuclear arsenal plus most of the world's oil supply, no countries, including the U.S. are in a position to oppose them. A cold war sets in that would last for 7 years

It is suspected that the Alliance, headed by Russia is working on cloaking technology. It is rumored that they have discovered a way to bend light, making it possible to render things invisible, such as troops, weapons and even missiles. Despite their best efforts, U.S. scientists are unable to crack this technology. This would prove extremely detrimental.

In January 2017 the Eastern Alliance launch an attack of cloaked nuclear missiles upon major cities and industry in North America. The U.S. is helpless as all but 2 of its retaliatory missiles are shot down. What's left of the free world watches in horror as Eastern troops invade American shores in an attempt to occupy the country. Even though most of the command structure has been wiped out, the Americans aren't just going to roll over. A fierce fight ensues that would last for months. This is where you come in. Corporal Adrian Shepherd, a soldier with grit and determination.

Review :

Intro: this is not the first try from Mr White in mapping I gave a some solid experience from a first pack review also on this blog called escape for Quake 2 to two interesting mission for Half-Life and a bunch of multiplayer pack and maps this seems to have been one, or even perhaps the last release. It has a good storyline, well interconnecting use of HL and OF and some custom content include music, texture and voice acting

Design: the mapping experience from the author is quite high already so you will find the best out here from outdoor to indoor places, with some interesting cutscene non repetitive expeirence without those hallways that get you boring, the use of custom texture and skyboxes, especially for the city part create something totally new, lightning is also really enjoyable like all those trigger effects that will happens while you progress. The experience really provide a well balance progression: barney will help you on some places on other you will need to travel to complex ,city, or even mountains without to forget to put here and there some well thaught puzzles also visualy enjoyable.

Gameplay is really well fitting with the design of the mod, the progression is mostly linear and oriented to combats with a perfectly placed ammo and health the experience is really immersing without causing any frustration even for the jumping sections and especially the radioactive one (second screenshot). All those cutsenes really add some breath to the mod and try most of the time to immerse a little bit more the player. Another interesting use of what can be implemented is the cooperative part with your squad ore some barney will help you out for your progression the minor flaws in that most of the time they just shine from a corner or a helicopter without any linking storyline.

In conclusion: Certianly the last release from Mr White that really use all the skill he has been implemented for arround 5 years to create this final opus. Even if everything is really enjoyable in this mod it's perhaps a little to classic regarding what came out the past 5 years and that's why it certainly deserve a 9 out of 10 but not more. I think it's still certainly one of the best mod for Opposing force

Playtime:2 Hours 30 minutes

Rating: A B C D E (89%)

Poll 3: would you like some build game related stuff reviewed here

2009-10-19T04:25:00.000-07:00

the title was:

would you like to have some build game related stuff reviewed here ?

here are the result :

Not a great encouraging vote regarding the possibility to add build game, sothat I think people don't really care about and let me the choice to add them or not...my actual point of view is simple for the moment I don't have enough spare time to add classic review (like the one already present) so I will certainly in the close future not add those build games but perhaps this will get some evolution in 2010 or even after

I have also a quite mixed filling regarding both actual blog i'm taking care of:
first i'm pretty proud to have reach arround 5000 hits to my blog in one year (4000 for WWspmapcorner) I wouldn't thaught that so much people could pass by my blog thanks to all In addition to this 100 reviews have been added in arround 3 years witch is quite consistant
second i'm pretty disapointed by the fact I don't find enough spare time to play and review stuff this principaly because I actually more and more being involved into rally simulation and second that my private life also need some more attention than before if I don't want to ruin everything

I don't have any actual possible poll in mind to submit, but when I have one I will add it.

thanks for your visits

Arkanian for Quake2

2009-10-09T04:13:00.000-07:00

***New***

Level name: Arkanian

Author: Mike 'Jerkoff' Daugherty

Release date: 7 March 1998

Size: 1 678 ko

Number of maps: 3

website: None anymore

download: from Talon's database

Story

With Stroggos in ruins and Makron and his body destroyed, you have now crash landed on Afeitazar, a military base built into one of the barren rocks in a nearby asteroid feild. Fitting, this military base is inhabited by Makron's twin brother, ARKANIAN.
ARKANIAN and his forces have but one mission:
***To destroy planet Earth.***
With Stroggos destroyed, Afeitazar is rapidly plummeting towards earth,as there is no gravitational pull holding Afeitazar in orbit.
ARKANIAN is not located in the military base as we first thought, but in a large Space Station that is using Afeitazar as a shield to get close to earth, where he will activate the doomsday device equipped on his station.
As long as ARKANIAN stays behind the asteroid, Earth forces will not be able to stop him.
**Your mission is as follows:**
As Earth's only chance for survival, you must infiltrate the military base on Afeitazar. There is only one point of entrance into ARKANIAN's space station, and Intelligence reports that it is heavily guarded. Find it, and enter ARKANIAN's lair.It is probable that you will encounter ARKANIAN and you *will* have to kill him. From satelite images, we have determined that once he is killed, you will have access to the doomsday device.
Once you have disabled the device, the space station will become unstable.
This is all the information we have right now, and it is unclear whether this station is equipped with escape pods. It is very unlikely that they are present, as this station was built to serve only one purpose.
Good luck, soldier - This mission may be your last...::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
**Some information that might help you in "The Final Trial":
SAVE the quad that you get in "Ruins of Arkanian". It will help GREATLY in the final level.

Review :

Wouw it's over ten year that this one was produced the author shifted after to half-life mapping but i really lost it's trace. This one consist of a small episode featuring 1 major map intro and outro boss experience. the author didn't put as much effort as he would in this release so that he think this one isn't perfect and could have been really more developped but if you want something to be perfect there is never an ending to it's development.

I will be honest I was quite impressed with this release trough it's layout and architecture even if it's not that perfect, really creates something close to the original game but totally from scartch with a good storyline effect enjoyable texturing and quite a lot of travelling in a non linear way the experience isn't to much repetitive and alternates in the way we like puzlles and combats

Gameplay was perfectly balance with the progression and the weapons you find increasing the challenge while you're travelling; there is no secret to find and this is perhaps the only disapointment objective are well put along the expeirence to keep you busy all stuff (enemies and features) are well place and at the right moment to prepare you to the end battle that add the prefect challenge but without falling into a boring impossible ending.

In conclusion: this is the typical expirience i like it's well balance regarding design and gameplay and as a reasonable playtime certainly part of my best map for Quake2.

Playtime: 40 minutes

Rating: A B C D E (89%)

Induction for Half-Life

2009-09-24T00:16:00.000-07:00

***New***

Level name: Induction

Author: Hazard team

Release date: 1 August 2009

Size: 18 943 ko

Number of maps: 8

website: None

download: at planetphillip's page

Author's note

None

Review :

In this one you will like in the original game, take you first day for your new just at Black Mesa, there is no combat it's a more original approach not taking in mean the fact that an accident could occur and so evreything seems to be working well today at Black Mesa...is it really?

Design except for the last part really takes advantage of what was seens before in the original game (2 of the 8 maps visited comes from the original game) and certain addon that started the same way. There is no outdoor area and you will just travel to get you suit go to the test chamber en so on several event will occur to give you some side event. Design may look repetitive simply because the theme is one of the most visited in the Half-Life history but there are no major flows and the test chamber will add some new touch in the testing approach. All this experience comes with a lot of voice acting sadly in russian (witch for non native speaking may sound a little frustrating) but also with some under title in english that try to add a different spirit an especially brakes the strict ambiance found in the original game (this ones seems more like an actual research center were all people are working together without too much preasure). Gameplay is quite limited ther is no combat nor complicated puzzle it's simply your first day of work like in real life without any really bad surpise

In conclusion: his time the approach is different you'r on a classic day of work without no real bad surprise it's short sweet and is perhaps, I just hope, a first introduction to something more consequent to come.

Playtime: 30 minutes

Rating: A B C D E (74%)

Lost Coast for Half-Life 2

2009-09-22T05:28:00.000-07:00

al***NEW!!!***

Title: Lost Coast

Author: Valve

Release date: 27 October 2005

Size: ?
Number of maps: 1

website: official Info

download: to get it just go to you HL2 steam folder and download it

General Info:

“Half-Life 2: Lost Coast, a single-player level custom-created to showcase High-Dynamic Range lighting (HDR) in the Source engine, is available now to all owners of HL2. As a technology showcase, Half-Life 2: Lost Coast’s system requirements are very high. During installation, Steam will prompt you if your system does not meet the recommended configuration. We hope you enjoy it.”

Review :
I never took the time to play this one before for to major reason (A bad bandwith connection and regarding the approximate size I wasn't that motivated to get it and most of the people had a mixed feeling about it and especially because since it was coming from valve as a techdemo everybody was hoping for something really interesting
This one was especially design to show dynamic lighting and for sure directly at start you have a wide open marvelous view a little submerged by the sun right in your ice you recieve a brief mission from an older fisherman and so starts your experience...Design is impressive causing my configuration (4 years old) to sufer from a drop in fps not dramatic but a little frustrating the climbing enhance the total view and lead you to the top village where your mission awaits you in a beautiful church where all the lightning effect shows it's advantage through windows
Gameplay is really simple: eliminate the combine protecting force, destroy the bombing system and escape back to the old fisherman through the special design of location and especially through the climbing combat, it may be a little enjoyable but this won't really add a lot of playtime (that can be spend on a more tech exploring qwest) to this quite short and easy experience.
In conclusion: after all those year this one doesn't really feel out of date but also I won't consider that waiting so long to play it was a shame. It was a little fun, provide some really good looking views but really felt too short in gaming time to let a memorable feeling.

Playtime: 20min

Rating: A B C D E (75%)

Poll 2 : For wich game would you like to see more review

2009-08-12T03:47:00.000-07:00

the title was:

For which game (non-Half-Life) would you like to see more review

here are the result :

Thanks to the 17 voting people for encouraging me to continue this poll system, there are some interesting info that came through the follow up of this poll

the first option what multiple choice so you could have vote for diffferent game at the same time...but most of the people only use a one vote choice.

the last four people only voted for Q1 which didn't revieve anything before

another interesting suprise is older game reseive a lot of vote and especially quake serie

I Know which orientation I could give in the future for my blog and thanks ones more for you help with this ;)

So it just increase my opinion for the third Poll:

Would you like to see some build engine games review here ? (game such as Duke Nukem, Shadow Warrior, Blood, Redneck Rampage)

Curse: Episode 1 for Half-Life 2

2009-07-24T05:06:00.000-07:00

***NEW!!!***

Title: Curse : Episode 1

Author: Curse team

Release date: 28 may 2009

Size: 240 047 ko

Number of maps: 3

website: official website

download: at filefront

Author's Note:

Curse Episodes is a Half-Life 2 single player total conversion : a mix of physics based combat, puzzles and exploration. In the first episode you can explore an egyptian necropolis and kill mummies, monsters with a morning star. Curse Episodes is a Half-Life 2 single player total conversion : a mix of physics based combat, puzzles and exploration. In the first episode you can explore an egyptian necropolis and kill mummies, monsters with a morning star.

Review :

Whoaw, when I saw the screenshots of this total conversion I was really impressed by the high quality view and thaugh I would give it a try as soon as I could.

Design is really from great quality in term of general layout and developpment (new monsters, textures, colors and features) the aim is to create a kind of egyptian experience more base on spirit effect and exploration in order to solve puzzle than real epic battles. You progression wil be catch by the wonderfull layout it's so impressive at the first look that you just stay in front of you screen and enjoy the instant. Attention has been put in everything great texturing impressive egyptian architecture, movable/breakable objects the color theme puzzles associted with 'colored theme' chambers and the mix between enemies and puzzles you will need to solve

Gameplay was perhaps a little be put in downward in my opinion simply because the objective is different from classic HL2, here like in an egyptian temple you will mix puzzle solving to access new locations and this agremented with some enemy fight base on a kind of spirit effect not that easy to use. then you will wonder what next to do do you really need to travel way back or is it just close to you actual progression you will more and more deliver access to new room but the complicated inteconnection (which seems totally justify by the egyptian theme) will make you catched attention decrease slowly. For the ambiance event if it comes with a perfectly suitable music theme, the real immersion missed something ( a toarch light progression, traps affecting you progression and some oppressing feeling). The project was perhaps a little to ambitious to integrate all those interesting stuffs without loosing a little of you attention for as long as the experience will take place.

In conclusion: visualy this modification is really tremendous with great reward through music and visual, sadly for me the easy way to get lost not knowing what to do next in addition with the lack of trill and fear created a downtrend attention while progressing...the main reason in my opinion was the fact that the team didn't focus on some choice but wanted to cover all new idea that came up and shine like THE stuff to add.

Playtime: 1 hours 30 min

Rating: A B C D E (87%)

Death Rebellion for Doom3

2009-07-17T06:29:00.000-07:00

***NEW!!!***

Level name: Death Rebellion

Author: Kris 'Skul' Tennant

Release date: 16 Mai 2008

Size: 31 399 ko

Number of maps: 9

website: author's page

download: at map factory

Story:

This is a remake for an episode I made for the original DOOM, which I never released prior to this. The original DOOM version has been included in the .zip (dereb-DOOM1), except it looks a bit better than my first attempt.This episode includes nine maps and difficulty levels. Feedback is appreciated. I'm still learning how to make good-looking maps; I know mine don't look professional. Give me feedback on the gameplay rather than the aesthetics for now, please.

Review :

I don' t know if the author really respected the original doom 1 episode, but I suppose he did

Design was quite simply builded up, architecture was correct but basic at first with squared room interconnected by some hallways, most of the level are small and finish quite fast except the two last ones. the general layout and detail increase with progression attention to texturing is good but lighting could have been better, there was some event produced like with those surprising happening that can show up in doom3 custom maps, they add certainly somevalue to this mini episode sadly to much dedicated to indoor gameplay.

Gameplay is simply oriented, there is no real puzzle just some key hunt and fight, there isn't use of the PDA or on screen objective, You simply need to access the exit button room. and this make you progress from level to level untill the two last boss levels (because there are two squared single room with pillar and boss fights). This is something I personnaly hate to turn arrond and fight in a nearly impossible beating mission...and so if my feeling grew up during the seven firsts levels, it just let after those final levels a dispointing feeling...

In conclusion: I didn't test the converted episode using the original wad, I focused on the classic D3 episode and exit this 9th level experience with a mixed feeling some good design with good gameplay for the 2/3 of this mission but a boring ending fight that didn't add any enjoyable expeirence really destroyed my first feeling ...

Playtime: 45 minutes

Rating: A B C D E (62%)

The search for wulfhere for Quake2

2009-07-07T12:34:00.000-07:00

***NEW!!!***

Level name: The search for wulfhere

Author: mats holm

Release date: 29 August 1998

Size: 702 ko

Number of maps: 1

website: None

download: at deacons tomb

Story:

save your best friend wulfhere not to be a zombie,
then kill general egon. (to save the world)

Review :

when you read the txt you have some doubt about this one beeing a single player experience and indeed it's well interconnected and design to propose a real good frags arround. It also come with a surpsising single player experience with quite good looking design layout.

Design even if first dedicated to deathmatch is quite well done an above average in a symetric layout oriented on a impressive egyptian theme (regarding several detail and the only use of regular texture) It's a quite small map but provide some huge architecture not only in term of brush but also regarding atmosferic size of several location and especially the end battle place...but remember it's at first a deathmatch map so it's a quite limited and repetitive design especially in term of hallways and intercoonection.

Gameplay is simply oriented on the pyramid key qwest and the final battle (really challenging regarding your weapons) the amount of enemies is limited like things you may grab...so it's just a short experience that mixes all... a little above average.

Inconclusion: short, surprising, enjoyable.

Playtime: 15 minutes

Rating: A B C D E (78%)

E.T.F. for Half-Life

2009-07-03T06:04:00.000-07:00

***New***

Level name: E.T.F.

Author: Jan 'Fresco 'Ripper

Release date: 24 December 2007

Size: 5 018 ko

Number of maps: 3

website: author's website

download: at author's page

Author's note

E.T.F. is a short mappack for Half-Life 1 containing three action-packed maps. The story is yet another What-if-scenario that takes place in good old Black Mesa. Initially it was created for a single player contest at thewall.de.
Since I had to finish this one very quickly I re-used a lot of old stuff. Some of you will probably recognize some parts of the maps from my Lost source maps package.
The contest project however has never been completed, so I decided to release E.T.F. as a standalone episode. For more information, please refer to the included readme.txt!

Review :

This is the second release from Jan and even if a short and not as good as it's first release it's certainly an enjoyable one. It take part in black Mesa 12 hours after the accident and you only aim is to find a way to escape...it's challenging in some part and well put together to motivate your qwest.

Design is like in the previous release from Jan, well put together, your progression is quite obvious with a lot of trigering element but not that much puzzles, the author puts a lot of attention in adding a huge amount of detail like the sandwich on the table customized posters and so on even toilet has it's own quite up to date design. This mission is only taking place, except the last cut scene, indoor . The general layout really take in advance all quality of HL engine and add a lot of visual effect to immerse you into this small mission..it's certainly not perfect and limited too much to the way you progress with lots of closed door but it's enjoyable...

Gameplay is straight forward with no complicated surprise except the ones dedicated to the fightings...but this make this mission certainly enjoyable by adding some difficulty. all stuffs are well balance except perhaps the ending that close this mission just when it's starts to be enjoyable.

In conclusion: Time of trouble was an enjoyable mission and for me even if this one was not that much immersing you, especially because it was too short it certainly lets you a good filling after you finish it and that is for me the most important.

Playtime: 20 minutes

Rating: A B C D E (77%)

Space Lasercore for Half-Life

2009-06-21T02:39:00.000-07:00

***New***

Level name: Space Lasercore

Author: Tommy "Tlax" Pettersson

Release date: 27 August 2004

Size: 1 052 ko

Number of maps: 1

website: author's page not updated since 2005

download:

Story

You are Gordon Freeman and you are now a soldier in the administrators MR.G-man army.You base is on a space station, A attack on one of the earth installations send you on a mission.

Review :

Tlax came up to half-Life community with a impressive release in 2004 called Timefall (check is website) after no other major release was done but a lot of small put together things especially for the TWHL competition were done, they were always short but really impressive, with a mix between puzzles, cutscenes and well put together archtitecture, this one is certainly not an exception, I'm especially impressed by the map size...regarding all what it contains.

Design is perfectly using the feature of Half-life, starting with a small cutscenes and after a mission briefing before you jumps into action with the help/protection of barney, the architecture is the grunt base theme but imaginative with as major highlight the laser core. the attention to detail and layout makes your progression enjoyable with help of allies and some (tricky) puzzle.

Gameplay is quite hard but weapons and ammo are there to make you rush through this map trying to protect Barney even if puzzle are not that evident it certainly add some intesting thing on what to do next, use of custom and original content give a good fluidity to this somewhere short release.

In conclusion: I didn' t find any trace of this one even not on the author site it's defenetly a 'Hall of Fame' one at least for me .

Playtime: 30 minutes

Rating: A B C D E (92%)

Small Pile of Gibs for Quake2

2009-06-13T03:03:00.000-07:00

***NEW!!!***

Level name: Small Pile of Gibs

Author: William 'Spog' Joseph

Release date: 20 August 1998

Size: 2 076ko

Number of maps: 1

website: here

download: at 3dgamers edge

Description:

*Mission background*
A long range scan from a TCM battlestation has discovered a newlybuilt Strogg installation hidden in the mountains to the east ofCerberon. Further surveillance reveals that the Strogg are usingit as a resource for their war effort, and taking advantage of the natural geological features: Essentially they are pumping uplava from deep within Stroggos' crust, and using it to melt thetip of a glacier that is creeping towards the installation. Thiswater is then pumped out into the natural streams and rivers,where it flows down to Ceberon and provides an invaluable supplyfor munitions and vehicle factories.Obviously removal of the installation would help the TCM attackforce, but a defence system around the mountains prohibits anaerial attack, and the dangerous terrain prevents ground forcesmoving in. Thus we are using subterfuge and taking advantage ofa brief maintenance period, when the installation is less activeand minimally guarded. We have encoded two data CDs with a hugelydestructive computer virus, which when used on the installationcomputers, will annhilate the operating systems. This allows usto shut down the installation, without the need for a wastefulphysical assault.You will be sent in via a drop pod, targeted at the upper areaof the installation, very close to the control computers. Toprevent the Data CDs being revealed if you are captured(unlikely as the installation should be almost deserted), theyhave been dropped to nearby ledges surrounding the top of theinstallation. Thus you may have to do a small amount of searchingto find the CDs and apply them to the installation computers.Once this is accomplished, you should return to your drop podand activate a homing beam that will trigger a teleport fromthe nearest TCM battlestation - the drop pod has just enough powerreserves for this, so don't waste any juice once you land.I would wish you luck marine, but the simplicity of this missiondoesn't really warrant it, as there is very little that couldgo wrong - easy in, easy out!!

Review :

I won't be different about any other review done on this one, This is THE LEVEL for Quake2 even perhaps the best sp level ever, there is nothing that impressive in it and if you look to some part, building or the whole montain, it's quite classic but when you will finish this one the only word is a WOUAW. It's difficult to explain bu when you make a map you have some idea to put in and on a certain point you won't be able to push you idea futher due to the limitation of the engine or the complication you may enconter. For this one the author knew exactly what he could do and manage to do it in the perfect respect of mixing all argument needed to build a map, he wasn't good to do several things but the whole thing like all of us dream to make some release was made...

Design is perfectly put on the industrial base design that is so good for Quake 2 experience with a complex castle/base designed into the montain with water, caverns, buildings and so on it's so huge and immersing that if at any moment you fall down or doesn't find what's next you may turn arround for quite a while, area after area your only mains objective will get on your nerves...but when will i be able to finish...and when you find an item or a solution it's only to a small step forward, all this was done with only original featured with is another remarkable touch

Gameplay is also brilliant with over 200 stroggs the challenge is everywhere without any hords attack but respawning and enemy placement was also perfectly manage, like weapons items and health given you at the best moment it can, In addition to this map you can also sneak for 8 secrets zone well worth to find and add with the perfect realism touch. Finally this huge and tremendous work come also with a technical perfect fitting balance you won't experience any slowdown, attention to perfectly fitting view will encourage you in you qwest and will release the 'conceptual grandness' of this one while you progress. Exept for the map done by Billy boy for duke nukem i never saw something comparable in a one simple unit.

In conclusion: William have produce what a lot of mapper never did before the nearly perfect map: it's huge, complex, enjoyable and so good looking that it's certainly the one you should never miss.

Playtime: 1 hour

Rating: A B C D E (98%)

Help Wanted for Half-Life

2009-06-10T10:07:00.001-07:00

***Previously reviewed on my french blog***

Level name: Half-Life : Help Wanted

Author: Bryan 'Zouave' Dillow

Release date: 31 October 2000

Size: 9 768 ko

Number of maps: 10

website: author's page not updated since 2001

download: At author's page

Story

according the author's page the mission just started as you apply for a job just after you recieve you degree. The offer follows:

Sanitation Engineer
Immediate Openings for full time position in laboratory setting. Ideal candidate must be able to handle vigorous work schedule, possible overtime, and pass drug screening and background check. Hazardous Environment Suit to be provided to you on site. Please apply to the Human Resources Department, Black Mesa Research Facility.

and so, It's your first day at work. The job is simple enough, put on your HEV suit and head over to Sector C. If somebody spills something, clean it up. What could be easier?

Review :

Black mesa... never heard about? this mission is then what you are looking for to travel to complex that become similar through one of the most popular game from the last decade...Your new position is a sanitation engineer, so put on your suit and jump into your first day a labor everything is running well for you first day sadly for you just on the moment you are close to the experience zone something went wrong and so the accident happens.

Design is a lot inspired by black mesa, perhaps a little to much and lovers of this theme will cetainly appreciate it while other will just complain about 'another black mesa' experience... The design is well manage there are a a lot of detail really enjoyable (but you could easily be lost through the extension of detail that makes you take the wrong way) and will really catch you attention through your progression, this really give some good remembering the author also add some custom content through texture and skybox ( a bunch of them are available on his website).

Gameplay will directly immerse you with the original intro scene, after a good mix between search and puzzle, that can easily orient you gameplay if you didn't find the pied de biche (perhaps it is no available), if this is the case you only way to survive the first part is to run... after the challenge will increase with you progression but never with frustration, everything is well balance and will make you progress to the outdoor area that just stop your progression with future possibility since the project was abandonned

In conclusion: Even if it's not completed it's cerainly an enjoyable experience to play through and a recommanded experience for all half-Life fans.

Playtime: 50 minutes

Rating: A B C D E (82%)

Ubilitus for Quake 4

2009-06-06T05:24:00.000-07:00

***NEW!!!***

Level name:Ubilitus

Author: Victor 'EFX' Lundberg

Release date: 07 July 2006

Size: 43 952 ko

Number of maps: 2

website: here but dead?

download: at map factory

Description:
None mentioned, it's a classic mission with two main objectives: first regroup with the rest of you team and take the elevator, second shut down the power and escape through the transport bay

Review :

This is the second experience from EFX with mapping after a map made for doom3 that was quite a good suprise. Ubility is something more consistant with not simply mapping but also some coding and scripting to let the player be immersed in a well put together experience.

Design start slowly with a basic design and layout in a linear way that is quite crafted and limited in term of environment to the way you progress, after the design become more complex and fitting with more inteconnectivity, the progression make some backtracking, the bad suprise are here and there arround the corner, the internal lighting and the perfect colored touch Quake 4 can provide shine through those new areas and so the player got better and better immersed while he is progressing. The use of elevators is this map add something that was for me only well used in some Half-Life modifications, the squad experience is also something that let you progress with a better feeling. The author add here and there some extras below a ladder behind a corner like in all those old FPS where the quest for secret places add a interesting touch, some autosave and cutscenes are also present to better prepare the player for what comes next...sadly you will only see the outdoor through several view at the end but will never be able to make some outdoor battle.

Gameplay is mostly base on the shooter aspect there are no puzzle to solve here and only a few activating button that make you travel form place to place...it's mostly a battle from you (and you squad in the second map) against the evil forces. health and weapon are well placed to make it challenging but never to complicated and this until the end battle a little bit thaugh but not that difficult. The interaction with you squad is really a good point because it can support better challenge through more enemies present at the end it's perhaps a little too classic but it's still fearly enjoyable for arround an hour of intense immersion

In conclusion: For a second release of the author it was certainly a success perhaps too oriented to combat and limited only to indoor environment but regarding the playtime it was really enjoyable and well worth to play.

Playtime: 1 hour 15

Rating: A B C D E (92%)

First Poll : What's your favorite Science-Fi FPS Serie

2009-06-04T03:42:00.000-07:00

the title was:

What's you favorite Science-Fi FPS serie from all time

here are the result :

I would really like to thanks all the people (20) who participate to this first one and hope they enjoy sharing their opinion with me.

there was no real suprise for me and just put in evidence that through the viewer of this blog, Half-Life serie is the most liked...I wouldn't really expect it to be so dominant...

for the second poll I will take this first one to orient the coverage of this blog that is not only dedicated to Half-Life serie (even if both make the most covered maps & mods) but also to other FPS game.

For the second Poll I will Just ask you to make a (multiple choice) on other game you would like to see reviewed more often (duration of this poll will be two months

Sadly I'm limited in choice sothat I could add Build game that I may cover in the future if people ask for so the third Poll will be dedicated the the Build Engine games ;)

Please if you choose other just post a comment to tell me which one(s)

Calamity for Half-Life 2

2009-06-03T08:19:00.000-07:00

***NEW!!!***

Title: Calamity

Author: Bobby 'Spas12' Cardona

Release date: 28 may 2009

Size: 94 047 ko

Number of maps: 5

website: author's portfolio

download: palnetphillip's page

Author's Note:

Half-Life 2 calamity is an exciting new addon to the Half Life universe. Battle the violent combine regime, obliterate zombies and Xen creatures, and learn even more knowledge surrounding the rise of Earth's benefactors. Calamity is around 1-2 hours of solid gameplay filled with tense combat scenes and puzzling conundrums mixed within the deteriorating setting of one of Earths last thriving cities - City 17.

Review :

This time there is a consequent pack to be added to this Blog. The story behind seems to be from the classic half-life bottle, during the accident in black mesa you where teleported to city 17 you mains objective is to progress through the city and access the hiddenbase...for the rest I won't spoil the ending...Even if I didn't really understand what really happening at the end.

Design is really above average (not constently) but still for me average, the attention to detail the way different enviroment where mix, the general ambiance through custom music everything is here present to make this mod shine through your eyes, the only mixed feeling is that you always feel to be oriented in you progression there was never an alternative route it's straight forward (especially regarding the outdoor part) but it's not monotonous and you never want to stop until the end which is a gage of quality. The author gives you also some break through radiotransmission listening with custom voice, which even if not from perfect quality and perfectly fitable through it's content was well used to give the player a break.

Gameplay gave me more a mixed feeling even if it was well set together, some places of battle where quite challenging to be close to provide some frustration (especially the loading screen part,the sniper area and the descending jump part of the fortress) puzzle where negligable even if the hall with those red containers didn't directly shine to what was the task to do and certainly make me waste 15 minutes to figure it out, for the rest everything flow together to really keep the player perfectly busy, not always in the best way through those bad surpise like for example the exploding barrel in your face when you open the access corridor or those sily respawing fight that keeps you busy without any other choice than to survive...

In conclusion: In general, it was an enjoyable release that has certain repetitive flaws that could provide more frustration than enjoyment if you prefer to solve puzzle instead of shooting combines but thought it's light custom content, above average design and quite efficient playtime it's certainly a recommanded one... not highly but still recommanded one.

Playtime: 2 hours 30 min

Rating: A B C D E (89%)

Old building for Chaser

2009-05-28T11:57:00.001-07:00

***NEW!!!***

Level name: Old Building

Author: MortarMan

Release date: 01 April 2007

Size: 5 549 ko

Number of maps: 1

website: none

download: here

Description:
This one seems to be a short beta unfinished of a Chaser map, you need to infiltrate a a complex building were you objectif is to kill the mafia boss gameplay is quite challenging with well placed enemies regarding the way you progress.

Review :

Design is certainly too squary and repetitive you progression is made by floor to floor using the destroyed elevator cage, pay to attention and detail isn't that good too, lighting is nearly forget so that there isn't much to save regarding design it's just a poor map thay lacks design attention and detail...to even frovide some bugs like the ending.
Gameplay is pretty challenging and will old you busy for quite a while regarding the map size, the way how the access to floor is dedicated make it quite challenging to progress to even frustrating, there is no real mission except to kill all enemies. Weapon, health and ammo are spread just like it should to make it challenging, but for the rest there isn't a lot to talk about...

In conclusion: Not really sure I should review this one but regarding the fact that this one is part of a not enough coverage really enjoyable game, I thaught it might be worth to add it...event if it won't let any great memories.

Playtime: 25 min

Rating: A B C D E (51%)

Enmity for Quake 4

2009-05-27T09:54:00.000-07:00

***NEW!!!***

Level name:Enmity

Author: Jordan Hirsch

Release date: 11 December 2007

Size: 23 825 ko

Number of maps: 1

website: here

download: Author's page

Description:
Enmity is a single player Quake 4 Mod focusing on creating an interesting boss battle utilizing a standard Tactical Strogg and slightly modified A.I. base code

Review :

For this one the author worked for his project at the guildhall more on coding than on creating something classic, the new 'coded' enemy is well created and add a kind of chase gameplay.

Design is quite limited to a succession of 5 places to visit, in a classic way with some intersting touch like the starting scanner or the automotive ladder, for the architecture it's perhaps a little too squary and not enough 'tube and vent' if you understand what I mean lightning is correct like detail placement even if a little limited in my opinion.

Gameplay is the interesting part of this release, you will chase a guard from place to place that has a quite good acuracy and a life indicator for witch,everytime you reach the end, will make him escape to the next place, where with a different weapon, he will try to defeat you. Ammo and health are in large amount so that event if the gameplay has a more chaleeging touch it won't take you a lot of effort to defeat him. It has also to be noticed that some cool ambiant music will follow the 'boss progression' making it even more enjoyable

In conclusion: Yes I know it's too short like most of these descent release from the Guildhall... but, one more time you will have a short enjoyable moment playing you Quake 4 game .

Playtime: 15 min

Rating: A B C D E (72%)

The Plague for Half-Life

2009-05-06T10:29:00.000-07:00

***NEW!!!***

Title: The Plague

Author: Scrama

Release date: 16 March 2009

Size: 6 657 ko

Number of maps: 1

website 1: author's page

website 2: other author's page where I found this map

download:author's page

Story:

None,The author Just submit this map to Half-life.ru contest "Level-design"

Review :

Yes I know another short release But this one, like Kaspberg's releases, really creates something different. You can easily link this one to quake 1 and perhaps some inspiration, but I'm not sure if the author got influence, from Shaun [Kona] Ross .

Design has a good looking architecture, with impressing texturing, in a way to create a route to your nightmare, attention to detail like those flying weapons and the gold rune with the addition of some scream and barrrier traps want to reproduce what we can find in some quake mission with a certain succeed.

Gameplay is also a lot influence by quake, pay attention when you pick up something because those zombies, alien slaves and grunts, Bullsquid and for an ending some alien controllers will spawn and cause you some nasty surpise, there is also at least one secret place. Progression is a short mix between activating button an backtraking to open new area. Ammo and health is exactly what you need to make it like it should be, at least for me...

In conclusion: The ambiance and the quake style feature really create something special, it's not that great because it's certainly too short but certainly put in front of our eyes that there is, there in the far east, a community that certainly old a lot of those interesting maps.

Playtime: 15 minutes

Rating: A B C D E (85%)

Research & Destroy for Half-Life 2

2009-05-03T01:39:00.000-07:00

***NEW!!!***

Title: Research & Destroy

Author: Clancy Powell

Release date: ?

Size: 3 958 ko (bsp file)

Number of maps: 1

website: here

download: author's page

Author's Note:

Re-Search and Destroy is a single player Half-Life 2 level that takes Gordon Freeman through a Combine research facility to cripple the Combine's teleportation research efforts. I focused on creating both interesting combat situations as well as narrative elements that would give the player a sense of purpose, a sense of place, and motivation to keep playing. This level was used as a test level to collect data for my thesis: Importance of Story in Single Player First Person Shooters.

Review :

I will certainly continue to pop up those small Guildhall release, they can easily be criticize but I know (suppose) that most of the people that plays SP release just are looking for something new or forgotten even if it's not that great or prefect.

Design is lets say the 'less that it's needed', you start from an outdoor area then will need to enter a building to free one of you mate and clear all combine force. So the outdoor looks ok but seems a little clanky, and the indoor area is a collection of romm you need to visit from floor to floor with switch activation in a real middle classic way of design it's a expeirence intended to be short where the author tells he use 140 hours to create this map.

Gameplay is quite well oriented with some detailed info by on text message to tell you your mission (it's perhaps a little bit too detailed and I would certianly prefered some voice recording).
Combats are way to easy regarding the ammo and health you can find or recieve, the progression use enough back track to prevent from making this one to linear but still misses something more original that some simple console activation to make you progress. The good point is that trough the map all event that will happens seems really to obvious, expect the end...short but unwaited

In conclusion: Another short experience with classic design and gameplay nothing really perfect or estonishing, just perhaps an interesting ending.

Playtime: 10 min

Rating: A B C D E (67%)

Underhalls for Opposing Force

2009-04-30T11:57:00.000-07:00

***NEW!!!*** added some info include author page

Title: Underhalls

Author: D_nawrocki

Release date: 27 February 2006

Size: 993 ko

Number of maps: 1

website: author's page

download:author's page

alternative download:

Story:

None, it's just a remake for opposing force of the second map from Doom II

Review :

Another short release for Opposing Force I don't remember where I got this one but found it worth to be added to Sp map Corner

Design has certainly more an arena approach in a concrete mixed with HL theme Design, it's quite limited but well done with some good architecture and layout . the attention is correctly put together with some custom content. A fair design for sure.

Gameplay is a mix between trigger, hunting grunts and speical squads with lots of respaw to add some 'living time' to this short map, it's perhaps a little to small with tiny area that doesn't really provide place to make the hits deadly simply by the fact that combat is quite close. appart from the combats it's a simple travel from place to place to activate trigger in a non linear crossed progression it's quite obvious and has only as aim to find an elevator exit...and that it

In conclusion:A short arena style release well enjoyable for a small experience limited to a quite restricted place.

Playtime: 10 minutes

Rating: A B C D E (64%)

No Freedom for Half-Life 2

2009-04-28T07:56:00.001-07:00

***NEW!!!***

Title: City 17 : No Freedom

Author: Brandi Alotto

Release date: 19 June 2007

Size: 3 922 ko

Number of maps: 1

website: here

download: author's page

Story:

None mentionned but it's part of an invidual guildhall project ( cohort 5), made for their graduation terms.

Review :

Another short example of people who will be working in future gaming company are able to do .

Design has a good external feeling in a night city under combine's control. The outdoor architecture is quite enjoyable, more than indoor and organized in a quite squared area the main objective is divided in 3 parts: rnter the main building, search for a switch, get to the roof to escape. The indoor is build in a classic way according an everyday house that has been transform as a general head quatter of the combine force, it's just a succession of room with general layout that are well interconnected even to outdoor by windows, it has a maze feeling so that you will perhaps not directly find the next thing to do.

Gameplay is typical FPS progress and kill to escape, you will encounter lot's of combines respawn when you travel back, you will open all door to find what to do and access to the rooftop to escape there the challenging is well put together with combine reinforcement, trip mine drop (I think it's one of the first time a see this in a custom map) and a strider to need to be destroy to exit the level. the ambiance is perhaps the small thing that is missing in this release like a little bit more scripted progression.

In conclusion: In a standard design way, the author succeed in ceating a average experience hightlighted by the end combat.

Playtime: 20 min

Rating: A B C D E (71%)

Mechanized death for Opposing Force

2009-04-25T03:20:00.000-07:00

***NEW!!!***

Title: MECHANIZED DEATH: An Army of None

Author: Jed Kirchner

Release date: 15 August 2001

Size: 2 248 ko

Number of maps: 4

website: none anymore

download: Atomic gamer's download

Story:

None, just a small make from scratch with no real storyline just another escape from black mesa with an opposing force point of view

Review :

I quite like a ll release from Jed and just nothice that after a lot of good quake 2 mission he also did some experiment with HL even if he appologize a little for the triger/scripting event that isn't really is cup of thea.

Design Has some great looking area with a mix a let's say corridor, hallways and pipes (perhaps a little too much) the design has certainly a touch that I like when I play custom maps it's certainly a good feeling to travel and to shine up in a huge open area that easily create a interesting atmosphere this happens several time and i like it. From the general design it has a lot of Quake2 touch and especially the last elevator/exit zone all in all it's well interconnected and enjoyable to travel through.

Gameplay is the classic one linear progression, increasing little challenging combat. and some small puzzle mostly triggering. In a mix with the architectured it's really enjoyable but defenetly too short

In conclusion:A good mix between design and (too easy) combats gives a short but correct gaming experience that it's worth to be played.

Playtime: 20 minutes

Rating: A B C D E (75%)

Rosa-sewer for Half-Life 2

2009-04-19T01:36:00.000-07:00

***NEW!!!***

Title: Assault on a Strider Base : Rosa-Sewer

Author: Jennifer Canada

Release date: 15 June 2005

Size: 3 931 ko

Number of maps: 1

website: here

download: author's page

Story:

None mentionned but it's part of the assault on a strider base guildhall project ( cohort 2), made for their graduation terms.

Review :

I really like those small guildhall mission they are most of the time short and not perfect but finally it produce a correct playtime enjoyment worth to be mentioned.

Design is good with well put together area and a same grey_dark theme that add a certain touch to this map (like if the experience that take place in this hypothetic future was set in a polluted...distroyed environement where people don't really have the will to live). The general theme is base upon concrete sewer and interconnection, some 'on text' messages will lead you through this maze not only focus on a self floor gameplay but with lot's of up and down progression and also adding some outdoor area.

Gameplay is quite easy with metrocops, combines, headscrabs...so classic enemies. Puzzles are limited but make you progression oriented in a non too linear way and will lets you be busy for a short thinking time. The ambiance is perhaps what lacks to this map not a lot of sounds, voice messages would add a better immersion into this unit, and some more challenging place would also have increase the interest of this map...but it's not really part of the main objective of this map which is to mention to teacher the knowledge of the hammer engine.

In conclusion: A short enjoyable experience that lacks some more combats and a background ambiance.

Playtime: 15 min

Rating: A B C D E (68%)

Fallback, Fire & Ice for Opposing Force

2009-04-18T04:50:00.000-07:00

***NEW!!!***

Title: Fallback, Fire & Ice

Author: Peter Lok

Release date: 17 February 2002

Size: 13 197 ko

Number of maps: 15

website: none

download:

Story:

FALLBACK FALLOUT After the escape from the Monte del Oscuro facility, Corporal Shephard and his fellow marines have been assigned to a hardship post in the Antarctic. Icy cold winds, eternal ice and snow and 6 months of darkness in the winter. The Top Brass didn't look kindly on having their research facilities being overrun by aliens even if it wasn't your fault.

FIRE This is a flashback level to a Balkan town. Objective is to rescue a UN representative from a Warlord. Then you flash forward to the Antarctic.

ICE In the Antarctic, Shephard and his squad are guarding yet another research base in the middle of nowhere. It was a quiet posting until a mysterious alien artifact was found while drilling ice cores. The secret is out, and foreign powers desire the artifact. Your orders are to defend the base and the scientists at all costs.
Hopefully, a happier ending is in the the works for Corporal Shephard.

Note: You can find at several review site: Planetphillip,tenfour,... Both releases reviewed (Fallback and Fallback,Fire & Ice) playing this map pack gives you the oportunity to play directly both releases in a one whole unit.

Review :

Finally I played this one from Peter who did several small releases before this one and also worked for the Intolerable Treat mod.

For this release as a first part Peter took is previous release for Opposing Force (Fallback) and add a new consequent episode.

Design is a mix with correct layout, interconnection, good use a texturing and prefabs with a excessive use of copy/paste sections, so that it leaves a impression of repetive progression. For the rest and not taking in account the hallways you visit and the too squared design in some places, it's quite from good quality. You will also be catch by the quite huge progress in design Peter made while you pass from the first (old) part that seems a little poor and the second where several place,especially through use of prefabs, really shine in interest.

Gameplay is quite challenging in different parst and this will provide an extension of playtime through the fact that several battles will take time to be completed. Porgression is mostly steight forward but add external help (team squad mate, scientist, key search) to break the repetitivity of this experience. Some external scenes will also sometimes happen to add for the spectator some visual experience witch I really like in Half-Life approach. You will encounter all weapons from HL and OF and will find health and ammo when you really need them, I died a couple of time but it was never frustrating...Puzzle are mostly easy to solve out and I was only lost a little in the wind mill area just because the door trigger-generator wasn't that obvious for me.

In conclusion:Even if regarding the design it's sometimes a little bit poor or too repetitive the experience and general layout are above average, like the gameplay...in the hard way.

Playtime: 2 hours

Rating: A B C D E (71%)

Redwill Manor for Doom3

2009-04-14T04:01:00.000-07:00

***previously reviewed on my french blog***

Level name: Redwill Manor

Author: Lionel van der kolk

Release date: 2 October 2005

Size: 14 234 ko

Number of maps: 1

website: here

download: At filefront

Author's Note:

A short singleplayer map with all new textures and (animated) models. It's also my first singleplayer map for doom 3. I wanted to give this map a totally different look than the mapsyou see in Doom 3. I got my inspiration from the movie Rose Red and the Disney attraction"The Haunted Mansion". I love the feeling of those two and the Doom engine fits perfectlyfor this type of environments.

Review :

This is the first and perhaps also last release from the author that worked after this one on a quite interesting modification for Doom3 but without any update since almost 3 years.

Design is impressive and immersive, highly colourfull to create something unique according FPS experience, the nightmare seems this time just behind you door ... If you look to the way the map was build and the texturing added it's suprsisingly well done for a first release, every new place visited is another eye candy...nothing to complain just a full visual enjoyment.

Gameplay is simply trow into this map to give a objective and add some 'trilling' ambiance to this release, no real puzzle or heavy fight and this could be the only minor point of this one, you will easily fight you way through the cave witch will sound as the end of it.

In conlcusion: This is a particular experience more base on visual and ambiance than on gameplay, you will fast progress through this one a little out of what we are abilited to see. Even if it's a quite short experience it's really a must seen one.

Playtime: 10 minutes

Rating: A B C D E (82%)

Tangent for Half-Life 2

2009-03-31T03:32:00.000-07:00

***Previously reviewed on my french blog***

Level name: Tangent

Author: Nick 'Daedleback' Williams

Release date: 12 April 2006

Size: 6361 ko

Number of maps: 1

website: none active anymore

download: from Planetphillip

Author's note:
This level was created as coursework for my Games Engines & Physics module at Staffordshire University as part of my Computer Games Design degree. The brief was to create a level in the source engine (we had created a level in the Unreal engine in the first semester) based around Staffordshire University, Beaconside campus. The level is set several months before the events of Half-Life 2 and the player is briefed via Text messages received on their phone from various sources.”

Story

“From: Student Union - 26/03/09 20:15The combine have been oppressing the students at this university for several years now. The vast majority of students couldn’t be bothered to get out of bed to fight the overlords, but now they have reason. The oppressors have denied the sale of alcohol on the university premises. The time to fight has come. Fight your way to the Lounge and Legends bars and turn on all beer taps.”

Review :

This was another school project based on a preview UT2004 release from Nick. The story behind is quite simple, before all what we know about HL, students parts of a university already got a huge conflict against the administration that wanted to prohibit the consumption of alcohol, Rebellion will fight against the authority to free the whole university.

Design even if this map wasn't completed totally is well balance between outdoor and indoor with a good looking layout and design...The univestity theme was perhaps a little under visited and went a little bit more to a industrial theme which is not a problem at all and won't bother you since the experience is more than failry enjoyable.

Gameplay was well balance with a sort of new hud featuring transmision message (sms type) that wil orient your mission the rest is from the classic bottle and is a mix between fight against combine and puzzle solving to progress in a linear way. The mission end a little abruptly after the Antlion guard fight there is a simple switch to push and thats all.

In conclusion: back then there wasn't still a lot of stuff available for HL2 and this experience even if short was certainly a good enjoyable one, another good find from the snark pit. The author appologize for the little bugs than can be found and the abrupt ending but the main school objective was achieve and succeed so that the author lost interest and switched to new projects.

Playtime: 20 minutes

Rating: A B C D E (74%)

Light For Quake 2

2009-03-27T02:04:00.000-07:00

***NEW!!!***

Level name: Light for Awakening SP mod

Author: Jed Kirchner

Release date: 13 August 2000

Size: 2 582 ko

Number of maps: 1

website: none active anymore

download:

Important Note:

To play this one you need a official mod called Awakening sp and since you got this one it came also with a separate single palyer release both can be find at the Official website should also be tried for a short, enjoyable moment note there is an awaken2 version only limited to Multiplayer

Story:

This map takes place a few years before the events of Quake when the government conductedthe first slipgate test in an abandoned mining colony on one of the moons of Jupiter. Thisconcentrated release of energy emanating from our star system was what first alerted the Stroggas to our presence. They immediately came to the conclusion that any race advanced enough tobuild such a powerful device posed a serious threat to their civilization and should bedestroyed. They also discovered that by locking on to the gate's signal they might be able touse it to their advantage. That's where your story begins. I guess.
. . .
It's been a few days since the sounds of gunfire stopped and you've decided it's safe toassume that the creatures have taken over the entire complex. You're not sure why they're stillkeeping a few of you alive but the other day you saw them collecting the bodies of your comradesso they apparently have some use for humans, dead ones anyway. They also somehow forgot tosearch you for weapons so you still have your pistol and a full clip of bullets. That clip lookskinda useless now, however, since you'll only need one bullet to use on yourself when the timecomes.
You're suddenly startled by some sort of inhuman yell and look up to see that theforcefield for your cell has shorted out and two creatures, both bent on eliminating you nodoubt, are headed in your direction. You waste no time in emptying your clip into the twomontrosities and cautiously emerge from the cell. Then it suddenly dawns upon you that you havenowhere to go. You know for a fact that the shuttlecraft, the only means of getting off theplanet, were all either taken or destroyed leaving you in more or less the same situation youwere in a few minutes ago.
Then you remember the slipgate. It wasn't thought that it could transmit organic matterbut those things, whatever they are, seem to have proven otherwise. You're not real eager to meetwhat's on the other side of thing but it seems like a slightly better idea than staying where youare. Especially if the government decides to destroy the base, something you gather they've beennotorious for in the past. As you grow accustomed to your surroundings you realize that you'resituated just a few rooms away from where the slipgate is stored. It shouldn't be that hard tofight your way there... should it?

Review :

This is the third release of Jed(idah) Kitchner and regarding the two previous one
Burial at Sea and Cranky Steve's Haunted Warehouse (both reviewed at 10/4 maps) I was really hoping on something special and highly enjoyable. After palying the map, even if it was a quite interesting release, it won't let me a memorable experience.

Design Is a mix of a small texturing choice handled with a wide, upon several floor, Industrial complex that isn't far away from several high detail custom map from Q1. Everything is well polished and creates a impressive complex perhaps a little to empty especially regarding box and items that can add a real complex feeling. Architecture is well crafted but without any tremendous places you will stil have some impressive vue and a not too repetitive environment to walkthrough.

Gameplay is oriented in a non linear multipath choice way (all way will lead to the final quest). Lot's of enemies will try to brake you progression (166 in normal skill) and will hold you busy enough without any boredom. All items are well placed, like great looking weapons (all new from the awakening mod) really powerfull (too much). The objective are simple but the path to release them will look a little more complicate and the more you progress the challenging it will be there are 2 well hidden secret places to increase your quest if you want...I didn't find them.

In conlcusion: This is a great map with a correct challenging gameplay. it just miss in my opinion a better use of the high quality texturing that came with awakening and at the end all visited places where to similar with a grey touch that easily could lead you to boredom. A quite good but not a great experience finally.

Note: I encounter a sad issue that I wasn't able to reload my savings and this 3times so that i was obliged to complete it without dying.

Playtime: 50 minutes

Rating: A B C D E (81%)

create your own playlist on your blog with Deezer

2009-03-21T06:42:00.000-07:00

Finally I succeed in creating a playlist using Deezer

It took me a while to understand how it works and how I could add my playlist to this site but when you understand it's quite easy to do and ...to share

Here are the step in case you would like to make the same

1 ->First you need to create your account at the above mentioned site it's a simple free registration

2 -> After you create your playlist by simple using the search engine to find track and album you're looking for

3 -> finally you copy the full link in the share 'Partager' section that you see on the picture below and in your block add a widget and just use the Html/javascript widget put a Title a short description and copy the embeded code given and that's it

Hope this will help people to do the same at their blogs ;)

Website of the moment

2009-03-19T06:01:00.000-07:00

I thaught it would be an interesting idea to share some links, stuffs or infos that could be usefull to all visitors of this place. This message will serve also as an archive for all relevent informations to keep an eyes on. I'm also looking to add a section where I could share my 'music from the moment' where I could simply put author's name and album's name with some short part of dedicated songs like when you go to itunes store...if anybody knows about a blogger gadget to do this i'm interested.

Will certainly add soon a poll gadget to better interact with readers of this page.

date 19/02/10 : Sixth website of the moment After more than 10 years Quake 1 has still a quite active community but a lot of information are spread all over the net and it's not always that evident to find the right info at the right moment, there has been a solution for quite a while so if you need anything related to Quake1 just pass at Quake terminus , I'm pretty sure you will find the info, site, map, stuff...that you need.

date 24/09/09 : Fifth website of the moment This one really seems to be the hugest collection according FPS everything is referenced here since the first FPS till now (there is hundreds of them referenced from offical one to even particular addon only available in certain country), everything can't be nearly find here or at least some information, download are also published but sometime it may need a quite bit of time if you want to download it or it can only be linked to torrent system whish are not always erfectly secured...so it's on your own risk so just take a look at 3d Shooter Legends , I'm ptretty sure you will find the addon you never found before.

date 01/06/09 : fourth website of the moment Nothing really exeptionnal but so handfull if you play an offocial game, look for easter eggs or want some perfectly fitting screenshots it's really an ants works and deserve easily some attention Visual Walktrough for the most classic games You wont need it regulary but perhaps like for me on one day it will be very usefull

date 23/04/09 : third website of the moment regarding the previous link to those old FPS games from first generation if you are looking to the game based on the build engine the biggest ressources is certainly Ressources for Total Conversions and Mods page nearly all good thinks from building to playing is here available a must for every fan

date 01/04/09 : second website of the momentHere is an interesting web page oriented to all loved old FPS and related port to make them more playable with actual OS
FPS Ports

date 19/03/09 : first website of the momentI will start with Nem's tools a site dedicated to...tools used for mappers and especially the one usung the valve enginefrom terrain generator to file viewer and compiler there seems to be a quite interesting link of stuff here
Nem's tools

for previous datas : Archive

Uplink extended for Half-Life

2009-03-16T05:05:00.000-07:00

***Revisited from a french review I made in 2006***

Title: HL : Uplink extended

Author: MuzzleFlash

Release date: 21 october 2006

Size: 4 566 ko

Number of maps: 3

website: at author's page

download: from author's page

Author's Note:

What is Half-Life: Uplink Extended?Well, it is my personal remake of the original Uplink, also known as the Half-LifeDemo. I did this remake because i really enjoy the original Uplink. First: it is thefirst "Half-Life" i've ever played. Second: I just love the atmosphere and its simplestoryline. Since im a mapper, i always look at other people mapping. In thiscase: Valve's mapping, which is kinda... bad. So i decided to make my own version ofHL: Uplink with interesting looking architecture. Gameplay and entity work is stillpretty much the same. There are a couple of changes here and there. I hope you'reok with that. And trust me, everything is build from scratch by my! So, if you enjoyedthe orginal Uplink, you gotta love my remake. ;-)

Review :

Like it's told this is a revisited version from the first 'official addon that was available with Half-Life (Kind of first demo that was made as a starter for Half_life and was after put back but remains on a HD so that it was added to the second or third official version of Half-Life)... I didn't replay the original uplink before reviewing this one so this review hasn't any aim of compare both releases, it's just what I thaught about.

Design was really enjoyable regarding this first official release from the author, It's really close to the official valve design but with a personnal touch, full of tiny detail, that want's to make this one nearly perfect and with no slowing framerate. You fast get immersed in this small episode with a more than enjoyable design a well as balanced theme, it's a mix between outdoor and indoor, lot's of interconnected trigger event, all in all in a non too linear experience.

Gameplay is also classic with an increasing challenge with some hot spot, mostly all enemies available in Half-Life are here present and puzzle will add what is needed to make this one not turn down as a simple grunt feast...The end is close to the first opus and let a certain doubt about some future follow up

In conclusion: A perfect challenging project that to try to rebuild an extend an original work from valve. MuzzleFlash totally succeed in this quest of the holy graal with a strong, enjoyable experience that will give you a memorable, perhaps a little short, experience.

Playtime: 40 minutes

Rating: A B C D E (88%)

FarCrab demo for Half-Life

2009-02-25T01:30:00.001-08:00

***NEW!!!***

Title: FarCrab Demo

Author: Killermapper

Release date: 30 October 2008

Size: 28 536 ko

Number of maps: 5

website: at author's page

download: at author's page

link for future progress: at MODDB

patch for english translation:
just replace the Titles.txt file from you FCdemo2 folder with this one

Story:

I Won't tell you a lot about it, this mod is a slight conversion from Farcry. It contains a well detailed (perhaps too much) storyline that i won't spoil here

Review :

I was honestly surprise by this small demo that really introduce to an intesting experience ful of sea and sun.

Design is quite classic and create a good mix not too squary of a lost island. there is no real tremendous layout here and some places may look a little too repetitive but choice in texturing add an enjoyable fresh touch. It's still just a demo that won't add a lot through it's short playtime, but from what we see it's certainly promising

Gameplay is really simple and classic this was also not the real aim of this demo so that apart from finding your way and making some jumps, you won't encounter much to do here. just follow the on screen storyline and enjoy this small little demo

In conclusion: A nice and fresh touch fell with this demo, the progress of this mod is slow and constant and I just hope there will be a future update but nothing is planned in the near future...

Playtime: 15 minutes

Rating: A B C D E (70%)

Campagne première partie for Opposing Force

2009-02-23T13:07:00.001-08:00

***NEW!!!***

Title: Campain First part

Author: caco

Release date: 17 may 2008

Size: 1 391 ko

Number of maps: 3

website: none

download: at vosmaps.fr

Story:

None mentionned (no TXT avaialble) you just wake up in black mesa for a kind of different mission that the one you are normally doing.

Review :

This small release was made using tutoriails made by a french site called le siteduzero Its a quite short experience but except the starting place design was quite good for a beginner map architecture is perhaps a little too boxy and a little too linear but texturing and scale are quite good make it fun to walkthrough.

Gameplay is quite limited, you progress in a quite easy way with no real puzzle and as only enemies some zombies...easy to beat you will reach quite fast the end of developpement when you need to explose box and the crack doesn't apears in the wall

In conclusion:I really hope this one will end and provide some puzzles and more fighting challenge because the design and ideas are already there and enjoyable.

Playtime: 15 minutes

Rating: A B C D E (65%)

Serengrove for Doom3

2009-02-15T12:12:00.000-08:00

***NEW!!!***

Title: Serengrove

Author: Andrew Hill

Release date: 2 December 2007

Size: 43 519 ko

Number of maps: 1

website: none

download: at Map-Factory

Story:

"The night has grown dark and cold by the time you arrive at the fortress city of Serengrove. Wind and dark shadows are all that occupy the empty streets in absence of the usual bustling activity. The fortress walls stand unguarded, merchant's wares lie abandoned at the Western Gates, and the foul stench of decay lingers in the cool midnight breeze."

Greetings, and thankyou for taking the time to have a look at my work! Serengrove is a Tudor themed map for Doom3 with lots of custom models, textures, animations, sounds and nasty surprises. I hope you have as much fun trying to survive this map as I did making it.

Review :

Looking to the size of the download and the screenshots available at map factory I hesitated a lot to play this one thinking it was a long hard and frutstating experience...sadly for me I was totally wrong so i lost over a year before playing this suprsising release

The author wanted to create something more part of the past than the future with a look to a middle age design with a sweet clever touch from Harry Potter world (that what I feel mixing ambiance, talking animals and monsters in a cold darked ambiance). Design is perfectly feeting and add consistance through the way the experience and architecture is put together, using a lot of custom content.
Texturing is great with a lot of attention to details, atmosphere is perfect and you have always the feeling to travel through some cold to even freezing environment The architecture is above average even if a little repetitive, additionaly some voice acting and modified models add a spicy touch to this package.

Gameplay is evident, you recieve some briefing and need activate stuff to open door and go further feature are well placed everywhere and will take your attention and travelling time to find them all, whish will make the final a little easier gameplay increase a little with progression but never become frsutrating. It's a mostly streight forward experience well enhanced by enemy respawn...It's a classic experience according gameplay with no good or bad surprise just a little too easy but i won't complain from that

In conclusion: This one is really a good surprise with a personal touch and atmosphere it's defenetly a recommanded one.

Playtime: 40 minutes

Rating: A B C D E (88%)

Failure for Half-Life

2009-01-18T13:57:00.000-08:00

***NEW!!!***

Title: Failure

Author: Benoit 'DaMnation' Champagne

Release date: 16 August 2001

Size: 3 124 ko

Number of maps: 5

website: none anymore

download: at planetphillip

Story:

You have failed. the Nihilanth still lives. Fortunately, before your failure, scientists managed to teleport you to a secret lab. The problem is that a secret agency has constructed a special device, letting the Nihilanth come to earth. You must destroy this device, before the worst can happen.

Review :

This one seems to get some interest recently through several post at planetphillip, I decided to give it a try and was plesently surprise.

Design is conventional with sometimes some lack to detail but also in the other hand attention to design with innovative hallways and places...the author tells that he did some mapping for CS and he certainly got a good skill, the progression is not boring, gman appears several time and except some outdoor part and something more immersive for the player (with more on text message, voice acting or puzzles) that is missing, all the rest that is needed is present.

Gameplay is from the classic bottle with one or two seenes some traps and a streight forward progression well balance with combatsthat will make you progress to the nihilanth chamber. There is no real suprise it's just a succession of even and action that will lead you to the final goal with here and there some bugs (for me the mad scientist runiing inside me and make me stuck)...but it hold you busy with a fair enjoyment till it's end more thorugh it's correct gameplay that it's mostly oriented combat action.

In conclusion: it's a simply classic enjoyable release with nothing special for the short download (but who cares for this now) and the short playing time it's well worth to be played

Playtime: 45 minutes

Rating: A B C D E (68%)

Rebellion for Half-Life 2

2009-01-11T03:08:00.000-08:00

***NEW!!!***

Level name:Rebellion

Author: Raphaël Gilot

Release date: 4 January 2009

Size: 97 570 ko

Number of maps: 6

website: here

download: Planetphillip's page

Story:

In Rebellion, you play as Mandella, colonel in the Confederation, a powerful military force. At the beginning, you explore the mothership as you’re asked by admiral Spade to attend your briefing. You’ll discover that you’re part of the first attack wave sent to storm Tor29, a little colony lost in the Nephele system.

Accompanied by your best friend, major Threepwood, you’ll face an oddly weak resistance. Why does the Confederation unleash its wrath on a colony that is clearly of no match ? What hides behind this conflict driven by doubtful justifications ? These obscure reasons are not to please you and Threepwood.

Will you carry on following blindly an authority fouled by power and arrogance ? Or will you break your former links and embrace a cause that seems fairer to you, however desperate it may be?

Maybe these are favourable times for… Rebellion.

Review :

A new creator just came up at the starting of 2009 and to be honest it was really a good surprise.
With an experience which had something different from what we have seen before even if in my opinion like for forward motion the author, while creating is mod, took perhaps a direction of making a mod that becomes a little too compicated...

Design was pretty good with perhaps some detail flaws (marble floor if the first metallic section)
but also manage to bring you some impressive part like the storage hall (screenshot1) but it was for sure above average in term of quality and architecture.
Gameplay is special, cause for a first part you play as a combine chief and make mission in order to kill the rebellion whish was for me, an especially the part with the storage containing civilian, quite annoying; after things get back to the normal way of HL2 gaming.
In addition to this fact the author also took a mission more oriented on movie/comics interaction...to explain a little my point of view you will, during this episode, more follow conversation and read on text message than actually play...creating for me more frustration than real enjoyment by the fact that the action is too much oriented, on a static way. (not easy to translate my frensh opinion into english...sorry for that).
Appart from this and taking the other point of view, the storyline is strong in a kind of movie/comics view that add lot's of humour and 'living' to the different actors like in eveday's life.

In conclusion: Raphaël defenetly manage the HL2 engine and was able to create something differents that wanted to immerse the player into a strong storyline with an everyday's life feeling. Sadly in my opinion those idea came with a lack of gameplay that can cause some frustration to player which was my case...I still think that a lot of gamers are going to like this fresh touch of gameplay

Playtime: 30 min

Rating: A B C D E (84%)

Blaster Master for Quake4

2009-01-10T03:36:00.000-08:00

***NEW!!!***

Level name:Blaster Master

Author: Robert Gee

Release date: 19 May 2008

Size: 9 900 ko

Number of maps: 1

website: here

download: Author's page

Description:
In this map which takes place in the Quake 4 universe, the player takes on the role of a space marine who has been separated from his squad and lost most of his equipment. My goal for this level was to create engaging and satisfying gameplay while only allowing the player to use the blaster gun, which is the first and weakest weapon that they player receives while playing through the campaign. In order to accomplish this, I added the gameplay element of environmental destruction, which the player can trigger by shooting certain objects in the level within a certain time limit. This allows the player to have a feeling of power when he creates large chain reaction explosions to solve puzzles and destroy his enemies, without actually giving him a more powerful gun.

Review :

This is defenetly a new approch in Quake4 FPS more base on interaction with the environment than with simple fighting, you will need to solve small puzzle to be able to join you squad. Don't forget that most of the action that take places is indirectly performed and if you don't know what to do next there is a short video of the level viewable at Robert Gee's page.
Regarding this release it perfectly mix design with (inter)action and even if like for most of guildhall students releses it's too short... it's another must play experience.

Design is well done with a good attention to color and environment in a enjoyable way to progress. There is certainly too much pipes out here but regarding the fact that it's mostly needed to progress it doesn't really bother.

Gameplay is special, it's less oriented to fightings and more oiented in small interaction with environment to make progress to your squad. The environment is also active with robots working, sounds and voice to make you really get into this short experience. alll text objective really explain what you need, as a next step to do.

In conclusion: everything is present in this small release fight, thinking, objective, ambiance and gameplay what more do we need except more gaming time.

Playtime: 10 min (depend if you can easily understand/solve the puzzles)

Rating: A B C D E (87%)

Happy New year to you all readers

2009-01-08T03:50:00.000-08:00

I wish to all of you the best for the upcoming year(s) and would like to thank you all for your discrete support during this past 2 years (I didn't have a lot of feedback according the over 70 post i made), but having more than 1000 hits in arround 2 month and a half was a great surprise that encourage me to update this blog more during the last two months.

I think I won't change the rules during 2009 and will continue with reviews about things that let me a good feeling while playing, I just hope to succeed in posting arround 30 review a year like for the past two years.

Just want to remember that you can contact me to submit something to review or simply post your feeling about the reviews, I had also a mixed opinion about digging some old stuff for game such as quake, duke nukem, Redneck rampage but i'm not sure if a lot of people would be interested.

So feel free to ask and make proposal to increase the quality of this site

Oh and don't forget that soon the new virtual rally championship will take place at Rallyesim just hoping to do better that in 2008 where i finished on the 20th place on over 600 players that were able to score.

For this year I also launched with my friends from our WRC private team a blog (only in french) don't hesitate to follow our carrier there during this year

Cold Steel for Quake4

2008-12-30T04:39:00.000-08:00

***NEW!!!***

Level name:Cold Steel

Author: eLuSiVe

Release date: 28 Janaury 2006

Size: 25 108 ko

Number of maps: 2

website: none

download: At Doomwadstation

Story:

None

Review :

This was the first descent release for Quake4 back in 2006 from an author that had been mapping for sevral month for Doom3 on a huge project after making a map called prowler.

According this release it's starts like in the original Quake2 release with a crashed cuscenes well scripted after you will neede to progress through the place the destroy the master of this place.
Design is perfectly manage in a cool dark and spoucky ambiance more related with Doom3, attention has been put on details that surrounds your progression, events that occurs and ambush that are happening add the fear to this experience, all part are well linked together in a non linear way adding despites a cohesive storyline some cutscenens that put perfectly the player into the Quake 4 theme

Gameplay is correctly balance with some thaught part where you will see you health dicrease fast (perhaps too fast) the progression is a mix beween suprise (from thinks falling to mad ambushes) and activating switch (you don't always know wher to go next...). The Challnege really increase till the end arena where the nightmare seems to never stop...but when it's over it's in an abrupt way that just throw the end generic at you face.

In conclusion: back when it came out this one was considered as a must have. Regarding the small amount of release for this game it still is but since then other maps have shine to the community and provide something more releated with what Quake4 offers (pilotable vehicles, squad progression, on screen objectives,...) . This one is enjoyable well put together with a good time enjoyement but for me wont let any memorable souvenirs...simply because the originality that comes with the intro scenes just fely appart after that with it's weak storyline.

Playtime: 50 min

Rating: A B C D E (82%)

Forward Motion for Half-Life 2

2008-12-27T08:47:00.000-08:00

***NEW!!!***

Level name: Forward Motion

Author: Justin 'SneakySpeckman' Carlton

Date of release: 26 May 2008

Size: 47 389 ko

Number of maps: 10

website: none

download: here

Author's Note:
This map pack is really just group of ideas. Any constructive criticism would be appreciated. Each map proceeds in order. Every map can be played individually, so you can load any map and start with weapons. These maps may have some bugs. You can consult the walkthrough if you get stuck. If you get stuck you can always just load the next map.

Review :

The short Note from the author explain directly that there was no real story just idea after idea through wich the author wanted to create something enjoyable.
Design was well put together in a simple but efficiant way increasing (but at start is was quite average) in quality and realism as you will travel through all the 10 maps. The feeeling was really great and archtiecture well manage, everything is present from the original game but never let a feeling of dejà vu. You will travel from outdoor to indoor with limited weapons using the hovercraft for quite a while with tips and tricks.
All in all and even if the author didn't pay a lot of attention to details, but this doesn't really bother, every new part with it's traps, effect surprise and even more will really want to play this one in a sinlge experience.

Gameplay is really the major interest from this map pack from fight to puzzle passing through it's 'wierd' storyline, you will never have a moment that's lack from interest, action is always present and will increase with you progression sadly reaching a kind of moment where the author was perhaps a little submerge by what he wanted to create and starts to make things a little to complicate in my opinion. hoperfully the readme contains a walkthrough that will certainly b you friend.
What was really put in evidence is that the author manage the engine to it's quite complicated features and with a better thaught storyline from starts to end, I'm pretty shure the author could really catch the full attention from the community.

In conclusion: Even if the readme doesn't come with a lots of information and that maps were simply linked together, letting the posibility to play them each separatly, without no story, background map or 'new features' if was defenetly a great enjoyable surpsise for me, that i highly recommed to everybody.

Playtime: 3 hours

Rating: A B C D E (86%)

Absolute redemption for Half-Life

2008-12-16T03:52:00.000-08:00

***NEW!!!***

Title : Absolute redemption

Author: Maverick Development

Release date: 01 November 2000

Size: 38 779 ko

Number of maps: 32

website: down

download: at planetphillip

Story:

It was written in the ancient scrolls of Xian that, during the last Crelat of Xen time, a portal would be opened between two universes and a being would cross the void and cause the second re-birth of Nihilanth, and all Xen would be drained of their lifeblood, their knowledge. And that, in this time, the Xen race would be oppressed by the armies from the far side of the portal.
It was also written that once the portal was opened, a human known as "Freeman" would cross the galactic transverse into Xen space, and set free the three sacred Telnorps, the guardians of the gate who had been captured from the ancient enemies of the Xen, the Zan from the Theldran galaxy.
And so it was that the prophecy came to pass, and the weakened Xen were powerless to resist an onslaught from the Zan. In the dawn of the first Ashaan of Xen time, the elders of the high council sanctioned an uneasy alliance with the perpetrators of the impending disaster, the Human race, in order to restore the sacred telnorps, and thus sealing the Zan gateway... forever.
The ambassador of the Alien Investigation Unit on earth was called upon to "redeem" the situation by employing the use of the very individual who had inadvertently caused the situation...

Review :

Before Wanted a western conversion for half-life (check it here) and after Drug-Barrons (one of the first interesting HL release Maverick Dev came with a huge release containing 32 maps were once more you will need to stop the evil machine!

We will say that the mission is divided in 3 separate ones with a final travel to xen, the gman will constently stay in contact with you through cutscene mission breafing and so on, so you will need to catch back in every mission the 3 sacred Telorps to close the portal on xen. so travelling through well thaught and design mission will keep you busy during a correct time.

Design is impressive back in 2000 r-speeds is really well manage by placing map change in the place they should, from the first mission that take place in the himalayan montain to a carnival full of impressive attraction witch reminds me from the first chapter of Blood: the criptic passage game to a end research complex, the design is really put on a high quality, attention to models was also well done and interconnectivity in a way you could easily be lost in a non linear progression add certainly a great touch to the management layout. There is really too much detail that could be described here that it's noncense to spoil them. The mix between storyline and the gameplay is for me really well handled and push you to play this one without no break which is for me really a sign of quality. The small break through cutscenes and briefing mission with a quite enjoyable voice acting (that is not always from the best quality), is enhanced by the personality of Gman and add even more value to the whole content.

Gameplay isn't that easy in fact that you could easily be lost or don't directly know what the next objective, regarding combats and traps they are well balanced to make it challenging but not frustrating, puzzle are mosltly absent or easy to solve but all those things flows perfectly to create a memorable mission.

In conclusion: like other production from Maverick this one is another enjoyable map pack that really create a new mission guided by the Gman i'ts for me also the best one and is defenetly worth to be play and replay especially regarding the details, effort and humour that has been put in it.

Playtime: 3 hours

Rating: A B C D E (92%)

Chronicle episode 1 for Half-Life

2008-12-12T11:45:00.000-08:00

***NEW!!!***

Title: Half-Life: Chronicles

Episode One : Traumatic Experiences

Author: Radioactive Software

Release date: 9 August 2000

Size: 10 005 ko

Number of maps: 5

website: none anymore

download: at planetphillip

Story:

Half-Life: Chronicles once again places you in the boots of scientist Gordon Freeman. Trapped in the Black Mesa Research Facility, and pursued by humans and aliens alike, you must use your wits (as well as firepower) to stay alive. However, Chronicles takes place in what could be called an "alternate timeline" wherein certain events in Half-Life unfolded differently.

Review :

So i have still a lot of HL stuff to play and decided to give a try to several one that seems back then, in HL stoneage, to catch the attention... This one, release as a preview of upcoming stuff that never did tried like for opposing for to imagine at a certain points another storyline...for making this more attractive, there are some new sounds, weapons and texturing.

Design is great, you really have the impression to play something professional; texturing, flowability through the collection of maps is perfect (especially taking in account it was released more than 8 years ago) new weapons model are also fitting well, the architecture is well put together with a well balanced use of texturing from classic to newest one. The architecture and use or environment layout make it easily linkable to the original game but this is more a valuable comparaison.

Gameplay is also well put together more oriented on grunts combats (you won't see a lot of aliens) than on puzzles, progression is quite obvious and misses perhaps some outdoor area, there aren't a lot of stuff required to make you progress: from a moving element to a keycard all seems quite obvious, the G-man is always present and will in some place appears.
The travelling is mostly done by foot progression with the exeption of a memorable subway ride with some shooting that remind me from the experience that happens in movie like the Goonies or Indiana Jones first opus...but sadly the expeirence just stop abruptly with a 'to be continued...' on text message that never happens after this release.

In conclusion: Back in 2000 this first release from radioactive software looks really promising with a classic mission start used some original element but also a really good design...sadly there was never a sequel to it. for the one who never gave this one a try it's not to late and regarding the small playtime experience it's defenetly worth.

Playtime: 25 minutes

Rating: A B C D E (78%)

sp_valley for Half-Life

2008-12-05T12:08:00.000-08:00

***NEW!!!***

Title :sp_valley

Author: [fpsb]agressor

Release date: 30 july 2008

Size: 4 977 ko

Number of maps: 1

website: none

download: at fpsbanana

Story:

none, but as author's note :"This single player map was created using prefabs from fpsb (this site). There are a house with garage and two floors and one waterfall. If you want to play on this map in multiplayer, please tell me about it in feedback. [I'm sorry, my english is not good enough))))"

Review :

Not a really old release (4 months) i found this one at FPSBanana it's quite short and just provide 2 main places there is no puzzle or objectives it's just a grunt feast.

The architecture even if not realistic regarding the house location isn't that bad, for the design and if the author only use prefabs it's then a little bit weak and also provide some mapping error like the lighting that appears in the mountain wall and the part of the toilet that is...out of the house. But in a way of just looking and walking through it , it's not really bad, and could easily be use for multiplayer purpose.

Gameplay is short not that intense and well balanced to create a short but not frustrating experiences, like told before there is no puzzle, no search just shooting (include a chopper)

In conclusion: don't expect to much from this one it's for me just correct enough to give it a place at 'SPmapcorner' for the rest don't blaim me if you didn't like it there is no aim just elimate all resistance and i didn't even find an ending ...

Playtime: 15 minutes

Rating: A B C D E (52%)

Half Secret for Half-Life

2008-12-02T03:51:00.000-08:00

***NEW!!!***

Title: Half-secret

Author: TTK/Freeslave

Release date: 8 August 2008

Size: 5 597 ko

Number of maps: 5

website: none

download: at planetphillip

Story:

none, it's just a classic black mesa type episode with a good nostalgia feeling

Review :

Here is another recent release that came out during summer it's a classic straight forward experience that exactly begins as the official HL version but hand maded with the qwest following the same path.

Design is well handled with nothing really special and perhaps sometime a lack to details and a use of repetitive walls textures especially the hallways at the beginning, but after it's becomming beter, you get into the complex and the design will be more representative. Even if most of the part are not perfectly crafted or designed to be great eyes looking, it's enjoyable to progress into this sientific complex. There aren't a lot of new features (except some new wads) in this small episode but it's just about nostalgia so this wasn't really what we were looking for.

Gameplay was build also like the original game with a mix between fight, events and puzzles integrating or not some barneys (only for fights) to help you, it's well handled and balance to increase your interest with your progression. There is even a new 'aliens' weapon (i think it was the first time i saw it but i may be wrong), the experience quite obvious but i prefer it in this way than when i encounter lots of puzzle that frustrates me.

In conclusion: another interesting release from this year... it may looks too classic and perhaps you will prefer to replay the original game but for the not too long playtime and the effort from both authors it's another enjoyable experience.

Playtime: 50 minutes

Rating: A B C D E (80%)

use destruction for Quake4

2008-11-30T13:34:00.000-08:00

***NEW!!!***

Level name:Use destruction

Author: Sebastian 'Tombery' Peters

Release date: 6 October 2008

Size: 79 966 ko

Number of maps: 6

website: here

download: At MODDB

Story:

A short one in german traduce with babelfhish...

An attack on the outguard Nexus is approaching. We may not leave the Stroggs too close at us ran and one may not give you the possibility to a counterstroke draw back, navy said the core. After to long negotiations the resolution was set to the attack into force and the employment is approaching. To survive the will and hope on a victory must be steadfast. Much luck.

Review :

The author is not on it's first attempt and release 2 good mods for Doom3 before, this time he create an entire experience with cutsenes challenge, impressive design so be prepared for a great experience...

Design starts directly with a marvellous intro scene, i like those small think witch ask for a lot of work but direct put the player into the experience. So you crashed onthe nexus base and will meet with some squad to progress and find out what's next. Everything is well handle according architecture it's a classic combats/activate button/ progress experience but well handle through the choice of textures and the general layout not only straight forward but also with alternatives routes. The author didn' negligate the use of vehicules, some small cutscenes and the travelling through the complex with a mix between outdoor and indoor. for me it's huge well crafted and not at any moment boring.
The gameplay flows with the rest and is a good mix between single and teamplay experience, the experience will increase in difficulty with progression and will also provide some side experience like jumping plateform, crushing doors and robot vehicle combat. The atmosphere is always holding you into the gameplay and will surprise you when you don't think of it, combats are taught but just what is needed not to be frustrated (note that the end combat experience may look unbeatable and frustrating if you don't now what to do...) weapons and health are perhaps sometime put without any logic but provide when it's needed.

In conclusion: Sebastian did some good work for Doom 3 and now even beter for Quake 4, his skill did increase and provide so a chalenging experience but for me just missed a strong storyline that could be a wire to this mission with voice acting and a real aim like saving somebody... But i won't be to exigeant regarding the work that was made cause the experience was impressive and provides finally something strong for this great game. Highly recommanded

Playtime: 2 hours 30

Rating: A B C D E (93%)

outwards for Half-Life

2008-11-28T04:31:00.000-08:00

***NEW!!!***

Level name: Outwards

Author: Visa "Zandramas" Alanko

Date of release: 11 August 2001

Size: 8 616 ko

Number of maps: 8

website: here

download: At plantphillip.com

Note : this one is recommanded to be played in easy mod except if you are really a good player and don't be bothered buy surronding spawning of enemies. The author told that you may encounter a problem at the last stage when you need to fall down by a vent and loose lot's of health points if you are below 40pts and no HEV points I juggest you to use god mod or simple take the quicksave kindly provide by guilfarry from Planetphillip -> here below

Story :

You are a Gordon Freeman in a time after deciding to take the chance, which G-man offered to you. First he commanded you to carry unidentified materials for researching to Black Mesa Research Facility in New Mexico. You arrive to laboratory and there should be someone to receive you, but you see nobody and hear only blowing wind. Something makes you think there has happened an accident or something like that again.You decide to take a little look around....

Review :

This release seems to have passed trough the wire of lot's of HL sp fan so that it just came out recently at planetphillip. The impression during the playing of this episode was really a mixed feeling, the author created something interesting at start but didn't put enough effort in general layout with oversized places laking details, big place looking to boxy, too much use of copy/paste without any change (the office hallway before the tank attack) but this was mixed with some interesting design and detail and some correct interconnection

Design is intended to be not repetitive but even if the author wanted to make a good mix between outdoor and indoor, the lack of detail and weak architecture design let sometime the feeling of visiting places that look quite similar but with different texturing. The theme is the most visited in hl release (research complex), but doesn't succeed in adding value to the original game, and this even if some place are well crafted and that some events or puzzles seems sometimes intersting (tank attack, 'clark lift' puzzle, end scene,...) they are mostly lost in the mass of the gameplay and doesn't really succed in highlinthing this episode.
Gameplay is really the sad part of this episode all fight and combats are not that easy and quite unrealistic with sad trap that won't let you a chance at the first try, the progression seems mostly obvious and puzzle,even if they seems quite well handled, doesn't add any value to the frustrating fighting gameplay...ambiance and especially sound seems more to lack so that you never really get immersed in the experience.

In conlcusion: this one was lost somewhere on the internet and is really intended for HL fan who likes to play everything, it's really not a priority...because at the end it let more frustration feeling than good memories. But you can only at it's advantage not too difficult regarding gameplay, in easy mode it seems ok and finally it will take you a little bit more than a half hour to be completed if you don't know what to do for this period of time in an evening why not give it at try but don't forget all the weaknesess mentioned.

Playtime: 50 min

Rating: A B C D E (58%)

Separation Anxiety for Doom3

2008-11-23T14:10:00.000-08:00

***NEW!!!***

Level name: Separation Anxiety

Author: Thomas Hoeg

Date of release: 01 May 2008

Size: 5 137 ko

Number of maps: 1

website: here

download: here

Story:

While Bravo Team was moving through sector 3 of the Alpha Labs, an explosion rocked the facility sending debris and assorted pieces of machinery crashing to the ground. The chaos of the explosion and the subsequent wreckage left one of the Bravo Team marines (the player) separated fro the team and unable to rejoin them. In addition, the explosion damaged the marine’s equipment leaving him with only his sidearm and flashlight to fight off any potential threats. That marine must now traverse the dangerous maintenance passages under sector 3 in order to reach a maintenance lift that will allow him to rendezvous with the team in sector 4.

Review :
Another short but enjoyable release from a student at the Guidhall .
This map contains all what is needed to create 'atmosfear' you qwest will directly go wrong but on text message will help you out to progress and find more and more pda's and challenge

Design is perfectly fitting the theme ambiance, sounds traps are present in a well related environment in a linear but not repetitive progression from out to down to shaft and even more there are not a lot of area to visit but some small lateral path may add a value to it so don't esitte to visit every corner. don't forget to read email from pda no important data's have to been read but i think it's really an enjoyable part of Doom3 features.

Gameplay is progressive, it's a push and fight progression with surprise but no real puzzles the challenge increase with progression and i quite bad suprise awaits you there isn't a lot of things to discribe just download it and appreciate what has been done
In conclusion: I really thought that the best for Doom 3 was behind us this new fresh breath I a good reason to justify a Doom3 folder to sleep on you Hard Drive, if it’s not the case you should directly reinstall it…

In conclusion: like most of the production of guildhall students it's defenetly too short but perfectly makes the circle arround the question...giving a reply to (or shoud i say a use) from most of the features coming with Doom3 and this with enjoyment...so get it even if it's too short.

Playtime: 10 min

Rating: A B C D E (76%)

Enlightenment for Quake4

2008-11-16T03:58:00.000-08:00

***NEW!!!***

Level name:Enlightenment

Author: Jane Chung

Release date: 1 may 2008

Size: 4 326 ko

Number of maps: 1

website: here

download: Author's page

Story:
Kane must find and rescue Lieutenant Reynolds of the Raven Squad, who has been captured by the Strogg. Reynolds is being held in the research wing of the Strogg Medical Facilities. This is a side mission, taking place when Kane enters the USS Hannibal (before the briefing to “Operation: Advantage”). Kane has not (yet) experienced Stroggification for himself and this mission will be the player’s first impressions of the Strogg’s treatment of P.O.W.’s.

Review :

Another Short but interesting release from a Student at the SMU Guildhall (people are dedicated to a year cursus classified on SMU as Cohord, the author is part of the last one).

Design is atmospheric and well put together for what is intended as kane to be you first mission. You will get down with an elevator activate switdches to progress and after get out by another elevator...the author use ambiance sound and ligthning perfectly in the middle of this short release to get you 'trapped' into this release. Original voice acting is also something that add the necessary filling to add to your ego by some encouragement when you succeed objectives.

Gameplay is well balance between puzzles and battles even if those seems a bit weak in challenge it offer some surprise...

In conclusion: this was a midd term work done in a small period but even if it's short it contains everything to make it really enjoyable its neat in scritping and design and well worth the download

Playtime: 15 minutes

Rating: A B C D E (77%)