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I appreciate new maps for UT3 because while the new editor is stronger in some aspects (and has also some stronger flaws ;-)) new maps are generally expected to be more detailed... so called "next-gen". And that makes UT3 mapping much harder. Brits_Hit decided to create rather simple map relying on BSP and we're here to decide now how he's dealt with it. First thing first - as you can see from the pictures as well, this is definitely an arena map. That brings us to the question if it's good for you or not. I prefer rather more refined maps but I like this one for targeting practises. I'm hardly able to hit new bots (even on masterful) with sniper from the top of this map and I decided to take it as a challenge and practise it here (because from top you have to aim in both axes) until I either decide that new bots are stupid aimbots or I win. So for me this map is a keeper - for the time being. :-) Eh... it looks like I started from the end, so let's make it properly again.
Pure is an arena that's symmetric along both x and y axis. You could call that map Plain or Simple, but Pure sounds better. I can't judge theme of the map - you can see stone, wooden and grassy textures here - but in overall the map is indifferent. I like the way this map is textured and lit. It's no prouber-realistic work - on the contrary. For lack of words I'd say it's semi-cartoonish because of the clean texturing, clean feeling and clean lighting. Also the symmetry adds a lot to this. It reminds me clean maps like Churn and Mania - although comparing Pure to these masterpieces is... well, too bold. No, I don't want to compare them, just that texturing reminds me them. That's all. I like clean maps as a change from all those worn-down rusty levels. However Pure is not executed well because while textures itself are fine I'd appreciate some trimming here and there because seeing grass going all the way to the sharp edge is a bit weird.
AVA are generally suffering from the overall simplicity of the level. I know it was probably on the purpose - but in times of UT3 I can't give the same amount of points for visuals that are rather from UT99. There are also no ambient sounds (at least I didn't hear a difference playing with or without ambient sound) although this map is far from silent. Jumppads (12 together) and few power-ups are more than enough to make the proper background and with few opponents thrown in you don't really miss the ambient. Especially when this map doesn't have realistic objects that could generate some real-life noise.
Pure arena consists of three main levels. Lower one hosts UDamage, 4 pads to middle tier around and another 4 pads at the end of corridors leading from the center. This floor is not that big, central spot with UDamage is a bit higher which makes it less open and you generally can't jump here too much without accidental step on the jump-pad. And so you're suddenly on the middle floor. On those staircases leading to the central space (check pictures) you can find rocket vs. flak and shock vs. minigun. Nice try to balance strong splash weapons out by putting them against each other. However in many cases you'll not have the chance to grab them both in the same life-span, so don't worry about this. ;-) 45 degrees rotated to those staircases there are another four entrances leading from those lower corridors. Bio-rifle and link gun is in front of two of them - and force field and stasis field generators are near the others two. No kidding. ;-) In normal map I'd dismiss such a nonsense but here it works in a funny way.
If you continue straight from these entrances you'll fall down on one of the last four jumppads and these are leading to the top level. Here is some wooden construction with a little platform in the middle with a breast plate and another platform underneath it with invisibility. In four alcoves around there are two shocks and two sniper rifles. This is ideal sniping position - although as I said - you have to aim in both axes when you want to kill someone down there - and you have to take care of players who are likely to respawn in other alcove. They grab the shock and nail you with combo before you realize what's wrong. As you can see on pictures there are tons of vials around but there is no normal health pickup. With quite hectic tempo you'll hardly be able to refill your health. It's also quite risky to take these vials because they are placed mostly on narrow wooden beams. But after some time you'll find yourself favourite ways how to fall down and take as much health as you can along.
So now I got to the unlucky position - I'm quite enjoying this map but I can't score it high. I can hardly score it average really. It's simple and really plane. There's no real strategy from the gameplay point of view ("camp the top" is not a strategy to me). Some spawn points are worse than others when you expect to grab the weapon right away and fight for a few seconds you're able to live. It brings seriously substandard visuals and has sub-par arena-like gameplay. Good point is that this map is fun. It is more fun that LiftKill while preserving the same z-axis madness.
Bottom Line: I'd never say I'll enjoy map with score like this - but I do. That doesn't mean I want more UT3 maps like this.
Score: 4.0
Average User Score: (0 scores)
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Brits_Hit
Thanks for the review Virgo. I've emailed you. ;)
2008-03-10 00:18:14
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