DM-Aloneinthedark
Map Info
	File Name dm-aloneinthedark.zip Author Clay Gametype UT Deathmatch Date Added 07-06-2000 File Version 1.00 File Size 378 kb Player Count 2-4 Map Description None Review Rating 6.5 User Rating 7 Overall Rating 6.5
Review
Reviewer ArcadiaVincennes Awe Score:  1.5/3 Date 01-14-2005 Build Score:  2.5/3 Review Schema Cast Score:  2.5/3 User Point:  0 Overall Score:  6.5/10 DM-AloneInTheDark (UT) Taking its cue from a certain game, the map pleases in a few ways and displeases in a few others. A tight map well constructed, it has some good gameplay. However, the visuals and atmosphere could have used some more love. AWE: 1.5 The textures were relatively well chosen for this in terms of keeping to a semi decrepit industrial facility. The textures vary slightly from section to section, mostly purposely, but sometimes accidentally, it seems. This is good overall but they’re all very similar colors and styles which in one way makes sense but in another they blend to create a monotonous texture palette. In the middle of play the subtle texture shifts aren’t very apparent. Some of them were misaligned, and there was a trim missing here and there but overall they were well-applied. Of special note are the contrasting ceiling and shaft segments where rubble/dirt is applied to rough patches where the ceiling fell in or where the shafts were filled. The only thing lacking from this is that areas on the floor where the rubble fell has obviously been swept clean because there’s nothing to suggest that the ceiling did break other than the texture and geometry change. The lights were good overall. I would have preferred that the blue and red had been a little less saturated but as it is they are not bad, per se. What is bad is that there’s no real red and blue light source. There is one flickering light effect in a collapsed shaft that actually does have debris in it and this particular location was well-executed and looks very good. The rest of the lighting is mostly light with some too subtle shadow work. More lighting contrasts would have really increased the visual impact of the map. The architecture is pretty decent. Nothing too special, but all the little pieces add up to create something nice - not outstanding, but nice. It’s a very tight form to run around in but a nice tight map every once in a while just varies one’s DM experience. Overall the texture palette is a little bland as is the lighting. There are a few nice texture/light effects but they’re few and far between. The architecture really helps the map redeem itself but there’s always room for improvement. BUILD: 2.5 The BSP work here is nicely put together with many interlocking parts and nice subtle variations scattered through the map. The movers work fine and their matching sound is appropriate. The ambient sound in general is lacking, however, and really would have benefited from a more varied soundscape. The map’s theme is fairly limiting in the regard but more location-specific sounds – like the light flicker fluorescent buzz – would have been appreciated. Not much to complain about in terms of the build. The sound is really the only significant detriment. CAST: 2.5 The gameplay is what really sparkles in this map. Although the z-axis is limited to mostly two levels with a little bit of a mid level thrown in, it doesn’t disappoint at all. The bots will travel everywhere giving you a run for your money. The weapon placement is fairly good and aids in the flow which is also quite nice. The bots, however, do not go for the shield belt at all, seeing as it needs a lift jump to access. For humans it’s a decent challenge and is well placed. Between the bots, the z-axis, and the flow, the fun factor is fairly high here. A little more z-axis variation and this would be a winner. Put together, the map’s texturing and lighting could use some work. But the architecture and gameplay balance out the negative side and lead to quite fun matches. Unless you’re extremely picky, this is a DM map to get. With it being as good as it is, make sure you don’t play it alone.
Map Comments
Lok 01-16-2005 08:30 AM MST Rating: 8   hey no comment on it? hey Clay , the gameplay is wonderful and the layout too ... I just love your map !This map really put me in the context of your them. Continu your beautiful work even if this map his very old...lol Edit: Oh yeah the review is complete , thx to Arcadia...I dont know why im so happy that your map is reviewed ( maybe because it was me that i posted the review )but i enjoy that everyone can know it...?:). RayZidane 01-15-2005 09:37 PM MST Rating: 7.5   Damn!!! I should post my comments!!!! Before! I play this map a lot of times and this map rules guy! IN_tr_der5 02-06-2005 07:36 AM MST   Nice 2 run about in, could be bigger but hey!! 7.5 score theBAMNman 02-11-2005 08:08 PM MST Rating: 7.5   Maybe a bit simple, but good fun. There's nothing too elaborate in the visuals, but the gameplay is good and somehow, amid its tight corners and claustrophobic spaces, it has some atmosphere. Again, not great, but nice. Manticore 05-22-2006 06:52 AM MDT Rating: 8   Great layout and construction. Worth a download. Rakiayn 05-22-2006 01:46 PM MDT Rating: 8.5   yep totally a great map wich i have for quite some time now great!