Reviewer: Tronovision

Map Name: DmColdrak
Author: Sidney "Clawfist" Rauchberger
Map Type: Deathmatch
Date Released: August, 1999
Unreal Version: 224
Overall Rating: 7.0/10

[Download DmColdrak.zip] - 646 Kb

Reviewer's Thoughts:

While perusing the map archive I decided to pull this one out and give it a shot. Created in late 1999, this map was probably one of the earlier castle maps created by an Unreal fan. I would say that the most notable feature of this map is the geometry, with neat sconces (maybe imported from UT) vaulted ceilings and interesting inlays and supports. The texturing came with mixed feeling though. Although being, for the most part well aligned, the texture choice did not leave much in the way of complementation or contrast and left you seeing the same textures repeated throughout the level. The lighting did not do much to help the texturing, being of almost entirely the same hue and monotonous in contrast, although lighting was sufficient to see (the addition of some natural lighting would have helped tremendously). The inventory was spaced out nicely but I the level felt a bit empty, with the occasional health pack here and weapon there, some rooms were almost devoid of pickups. I felt that the lighting/texturing and inventory somewhat hurt the overall playability of the level and had to be reduced. Perhaps since this was one of the earlier unreal maps created, it should be considered that maybe at the time this map would have impressed me a lot more but now is left behind by the evolution and progress of mapmaking of the present day.

Scoring Breakdown:

Ambience: 7.5/10
Geometry: 8.5/10
Texturing: 6.5/10
Lighting: 7.0/10
Inventory: 7.0/10
Playability: 7.0/10

TOTAL = 43.5/60