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| DM-1on1-ORM-Mappack | | | Map Info |
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|  | | | | Review |
| | Reviewer | Mister_Prophet | Awe Score: | 2.5/3 | | Date | 04-15-2003 | Build Score: | 2.0/3 | | Review Schema | Cast Score: | 2.0/3 | | User Point: | +1 | | Overall Score: | 7.5/10 |
Fresh off the plate following my last review, which was of the 7 map 1 on 1 Pack, comes yet another brew of 1 on 1-oriented maps. The 1 on 1 pack was certainly the most widespread pack for this genre as far as popularity goes, and while the maps played spectacular for the most part, the map themes themselves took a nose dive in standard genre-atmosphere (with the sole exception of 1on1-Ictus). Now here comes 1on1-ORM, a 5 map-pack of some well made stuff. The authors include Rich Lord Heisher Black, Stuart StuMan Fitzsimmons, Dean Goldabar Tate, and more known in the UT2K3 community also contributes Rogelio Desperado#2 Olguin. I should mention that Rich Akuma Eastwood is mentioned in the cast for the extensive use of his Rich Rig pack as well as the inclusion of a smaller Rich-Rig orientated texture set. Playing through this pack, I noticed that the gameplay tactics in each map varied considerably, unlike the 1on1-Pack, which almost every map followed a similar gaming setting. While the play itself didn’t quite meet some of the perfectly fluid maps for the 1on1-Pack, ORM surpasses the other with superior atmospheric essence. Let’s unzip this girl’s dress and see her in all her glory, shall we?
DM-ORM-HighVoltage:
The first map in this pack is a tech-factory map, but a damn good one. At first glance, I nearly yawned when I saw the theme I was about to play in, but as I traversed the map my mood changed. High Voltage doesn’t bore you with standard tech surroundings, which pose as a facility (like maps such as DM-Turbine, most of the 1on1-Pack, DM-Hardcore for UT2K3, ect). Voltage actually tries to be an actual, active place. It employs the usual tech look fanfare, but there is enough added to make you feel like your in a real setting for once. Various sections have windows that peer into other cargo rooms and assembly lines that move machinery back and forth. Almost every section has something that looks or flows into some other area which you are denied access, setting up the feeling that there is more to this place then where you are playing. This alone gives the map a certain depth, and since the map is constructed in an above average nature as well, I felt more than pleased to play here. While I wish the lighting was a little better, it is efficient, and this place has some well used shadow effects. Gameplay was good, but I should mention that there were occasional locations where you can snag yourself. Proficient players won’t be bothered by them, as I wasn’t, but I need to mention the fact that they are there. Yes, it is playable as a 1 on 1. Yes, the flow is great and playability is a breeze, but it misses that swift kick in the nuts to be a truly memorable 1on1 map. Bottom line, it is one of the better maps in the pack and an overall above average map in general.
Awe: 2
Build: 2.5
Cast: 2
DM-ORM-JadedBeauty:
This is the first of the two Goldabar maps in this small pack. Right away I found the look of the place unique. I wouldn’t say that it “rocked my nuts kinda Unique” but it had an original look to it, this is mostly a result of the textures used. The textures consist of some Rich Rig variations and light brown-decayed brick and tile, as well as coarse dirt piles. Unlike the last map, High Voltage, Jaded Beauty doesn’t try to make the place seem like a deep location but instead goes to the traditional battle location. This didn’t bother me at all since this place looks like it’s own map instead of something I’ve seen 100 times before. It comes with plenty of casual “loose” details to go with it, and the lighting is done good enough for my tastes. It is fun to play too, and bots perform very well here. In fact, bots play better in this map than any other map in the entire pack, they move swift and seem to clear all locations rather speedily. I got ambushed quite often by a quick-witted bot 70% of the time I played. Some of the inner spawn points are placed somewhat near to each other, so right after you kill someone that player may spawn behind you or somewhere else where they can get you immediately in their sights. Overall, the map gave a nice game, though I’m still not sure how I feel about the map’s appearance. It is seems without a purpose, but the textures give it some strange sense of identity I can’t quite put my thumb on. Oh yeah, there are these two rectangular trim things, I think they are lights, but they are a purplish blue while the light around them is soft yellow-orange. I still want somebody to explain what the hell those are supposed to be:-).
Awe: 2
Build: 2
Cast: 2
DM-ORM-Jakatta:
Along comes Lord Heisher’s map, Jakatta. This is the only other tech map in this map load that makes use of the popular tech theme, and while I’m thankful for the minimal usage of tech maps in this pack, I must still admit that I continue to like the tech style of these authors. Jakatta looks like High Voltage at times, and other times it seems unique. This place doesn’t try AS hard as Voltage to present a tech map with as much activity, but for good reason. Jakatta appears to be a dead tech facility, and like most dead tech facilities, this place has a lot of collapsed walls with broken girders and tears in the sides of brick walls that lead to other rooms. The difference? In Jakatta, these tears have some bricks dug into the dirt itself and there are even pipes along the wall that are severed by the hole. Nice touches like this populate the map, like collapsed elevators that hang from bent cables, tiles that lay bent and strewn about, rock/dirt piles that have metallic fragments sticking from them, and other stuff. And gameplay, yes sir gameplay is very good in here. This map has lots of multiple routes and a frantic layout that keeps you on your toes. Power-ups reside in risky areas (or spots that will alert others to your location). Of all the maps in this pack, this one had the most contact in its gameplay. Playing this, I am reminded of the better maps in the 1on1-Pack with the crisp, in-your-face fun. This one is more fun than chocolate.
Awe: 2
Build: 2.5
Cast: 2.5
DM-ORM-Nirvana:
Here we are now, entertain us! The original to the amazing UT2K3 sequel Nirvana2, Rogelios’s Nirvana is a combination of involving atmosphere and smart gameplay. This map packs some serious mojo, the looks kick my ass. People tell me that this map suffers from room-corridor-room, and I suppose it does, but I didn’t really give a shit in this case. 90% of the time that method is repetitive, in this map it is warm and cozy and small enough not to notice. The theme, unlike its shadowy-Goth sequel, is a pleasant old style monastery of some sort that is obviously aging. This theme has been done before, but like Nirvana 2, this map does it better and with a more original approach. This place, like the other maps in the pack, seems like it’s own location. Gameplay is pretty good as well, combat is intense when it occurs and weapon locations are placed in good spots. Bots also traverse appropriately. If I have one gripe (I believe Nirvana 2 shared this dilemma) it is that key lifts move much too slow. This slows the flow in an otherwise frantic and swift paced map. 1on1 maps are about being able to move fast with as little interference as possible, and this includes lifts. The average lift in a 1on1 map (and most other map genres) should move fast and efficient, and allow lift jumping were applicable. It kills me to see this map hindered by something so trivial, but it is there and it goes along way to annoy you sometimes. Aside from this problem, the map is more fun than urinating on pro-life picketers. Unlike Nirvana 2, which has some noticeable slowdown on slower computers, this map is solid as far as playability goes.
Awe: 2.5
Build: 2.5
Cast: 2
DM-ORM-Ragnarok:
Completing the pack is the second and better Goldabar map. Ragnarok, according to the author, is set in “the bosom of an alpine mountain”. Alpine mountain? Well smack my bitch up! I like this map, despite its risky 1on1 layout. The map is an older style dam or water pump facility with twin water falls pouring into a large pool in the bottom floor of the map. Lifts from the bottom of this lower section lead up to the encompassing upper segment. This map gets a lot of projectile vomit about it’s layout, but I find it original, and it still plays good. While David M style wannabe mappers proclaim to me that a map should be smaller with many interconnecting rooms and ramps, Goldabar just stands up and says, “You know what, I don’t wanna”, and tries something a wee bit different. This is the largest 1 on 1 map in the pack, and oddly enough it is one of the more interesting played. I had more fighting in here than I was expecting, and while there is a lot of space to go through, much of the map is exposed to other sections, in heavy doses. Take for instance the shield belt location, which is placed out on a balcony like walkway, which can be seen from all around the map. There also a lot of escape routes in this map, if you are in danger of dying and some butt monkey is launching flak up your ass. For instance, Kragoth happened to catch me running for the shield belt from some window where I didn’t notice. As I took gunfire, I quick dodged to the side and landed in some moving water that lead out to a waterfall which in turn led out to the main pool of shallow water in the map’s base. Normally, a map would have you simply walk through the shallow moving water, but in this case I got dragged along by the current and spilled out into the shallow basin. The bot continued to shoot me from the window and I shot back as I ran to a side doorway which led to a lift, as Kragoth met me halfway up the lift shaft (he jumped down) I aimed up and blew his balls through the roof of his head and all over the ceiling. Priceless. Moments like these should be cherished in 1on1 gameplay, cus in 1on1 anything should be allowed to happen. This map does that very well. This map gets the Prophet’s third arm salute, though it didn’t get me as hard as some of the others in the pack.
Awe: 2.5
Build: 2
Cast: 2
The Prophet’s Verdict: The maps in this pack are well balanced, you’ll notice all the scores are in a similar range. The pack doesn’t quite have any one map that stands out like the 1on1-Pack’s Ictus map or the overall popularity of the 1on1-Pack’s mapper round-up, but this pack does rock some serious 1on1 balls. Take these 5 maps, put them in a pack with 1on1-Ictus, 1on1-DavidM1, and 1on1-Tonnberry, and you’ll have a REAL 1on1 pack.
DM-ORM-HighVoltage: 6.5
DM-ORM-JadedBeauty: 6
DM-ORM-Jakatta: 7
DM-ORM-Nirvana: 7
DM-ORM-Ragnarok: 6.5
Overall rating: 6.5
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| | | | Map Comments |
| Homeslice
04-14-2003 06:17 PM MDT | Rating: 9 | | Get this pack - it's a nice, strong pack of maps, by some great mappers. I'd say Nirvana might be my favorite, despite the lack of music on that one. But they are all very good.
| Smeerkat
04-14-2003 07:36 PM MDT | Rating: 8 | | This is a "must download" pack.
| paranoid
04-15-2003 04:06 AM MDT | Rating: 8 | | This is a great set of maps!! I've had the pack for a while now, and i have to say u rarely tire of it!! Personally Jaded Beauty and Ragnorok stand out as the best of the bunch, but the quality of each of them are so high that it doesn't even matter!
| Koveras
04-15-2003 12:23 PM MDT | Rating: 9 | | great mappack, all the maps are high quality
| deathbringer
04-16-2003 12:18 AM MDT | Rating: 7 | | This is a worthwhile map pack, but the quality for pure 1on1 play does not even approach the good 1on1 Pack and is not quite as good as teh Jewel Map Pack either. Still some good times to be had on some of these maps tho.
| Tonnberry
04-16-2003 08:03 AM MDT | Rating: 6 | | Visually a quite decent pack, but with some spots which made me say "uargh".
Gameplay is average to above average throughout the pack. Too bad this pack lacks a map with some real nice gameplay.
| Sauron
04-16-2003 12:10 PM MDT | Rating: 10 | | this is the best collection
| Hellscrag2002
04-16-2003 01:25 PM MDT | Rating: 8 | | Great themes, and decent if often unmemorable gameplay. Overall a good pack that blends the artistic with the playable.
| Mxtrmntr
04-16-2003 04:29 PM MDT | Rating: 7 | | Decent pack. All in all, the maps' gameplay is worse than in the other big 1on1-Pack, but this pack's maps have better themes. For example, I really liked the way Ragnarok looked and felt, there's something about it that makes its theme stand out from most other 1on1 maps. Still, the flow gets disturbed by stuff like the not-so-greatly placed lift in a corner close to the water on the bottom level. Anyway, nice work, all in all.
| quillion
04-17-2003 10:07 AM MDT | Rating: 6 | | great artwork on these maps, they have a lot of detail and athmo
but i'd rather have a gameplay map than a beautiful one. the lay-out for DM is below par in this pack,i felt enclosed in these, i wanted to go outside into the town:P the 6 is for the nice visuals, shame about the rhythm.
| Chrysaor
04-17-2003 04:54 PM MDT | Rating: 8 | | I thought they all ran slow.
Liked Jakatta the best.
| {DS}~UneverC
04-20-2003 04:29 AM MDT | Rating: 7 | | Map-paks can b ok(large d/l time though)but ho...
liked this pak (7)
U lot want Halo on PC? don't
I had the chance to play Halo2 beta-thing the other day......more diddee things shooting stuff etc etc etc.....nice,I say nice graphs but thats all...stick with proper games(UT/MOH-AA) It's not worth £44.99
| {DS}~2nd-B07
04-20-2003 05:52 AM MDT | Rating: 7 | | great pak guys...... ;)
Halo? U still upset?
Halo2...how u get beta? u work for Microsoft?
| Acyde
04-20-2003 06:15 PM MDT | Rating: 9 | | Great pack guys, like {DS}~2nd-B07 said = )
| Hector
05-24-2003 06:30 PM MDT | Rating: 9 | | This is pretty much as good as it gets. It's a damn nice map pack.
| Shao
05-30-2003 12:58 PM MDT | Rating: 10 | | All of this maps are fun. But why did not the author working on Unreal Module??????
| ThaKillaTwinz
07-29-2004 12:37 AM MDT | Rating: 9.5 | | Like Smeerkat said, this is a must download pack. I downloaded it right after it came out and still play Jaded Beauty, Jakatta and High Voltage, and occasionally Nirvana, and Ragnarok. My favorites are in that order. That texture pack is da bomb!! (despsnow and the tech one with the checkerboard floor)
| Manticore
07-29-2004 05:34 AM MDT | Rating: 8 | | Always was a good collection overall........
| Nahand
07-29-2004 09:08 AM MDT | Rating: 9 | | Ragnarok owns
Nirvana is ok
Jaded Beauty nice
Jakatta and the other... ok maps, but not my preference...
Too big a maps for 1on1 IMO, as other mappacks. 3to4 is great...
| nELs0n
08-27-2004 11:29 AM MDT | Rating: 8 | | woohoo!
another really cool 1on1 pack!
some might be a little too dark in some places but hey that might as well be just me...
the general layout is really really nice and the floorplans kick ass. some pretty amazing adrenaline pumping 1on1 action guaranteed! and once again a map pack mappers can learn from!
| Uncle_Bob
10-03-2004 02:46 PM MDT | Rating: 8.5 | | Wow really great mappack. All have good gameplay and architecture, but the last to maps (snowy ones) and beautiful. Much better than the 1on1 pack.
| Fordy
10-04-2004 08:12 AM MDT | Rating: 8 | | A great UT map pack & well worth anyones download time.
Ermm I do however notice a texture in there I made for the SAS mod but there's no credit in the readme, tut, tut. You know who you are buggerlugs ;)
| koeckchen
10-04-2004 10:55 AM MDT | Rating: 6.5 | | Some average maps, nothing special, but ok!
All on all, i gave it a 6.5
| EvilSwanky
10-04-2004 01:49 PM MDT | Rating: 7 | | I think those maps are fun, they quite have potential and they honestly have some kind of unique style. I don't think this is a 1on1 pack, these maps are also for about 2-4 players. Overall some solid maps.
| Sergeant Todd
10-06-2004 05:39 PM MDT | Rating: 8.5 | | Agree with Smeerkat. Very nicely done maps. Solid texturing. Congrats to Lord Heisher, Goldabar and the rest. As far as favorites, Ragnarok and Nirvana rock my world.
Now fellas, where's ORM2?, CTC2, or (yummy!)UNLD2... if I may ask? :)
Todd out
| GenMoKai
12-24-2004 04:13 AM MST | Rating: 8 | | Nice looking maps, i hope U make more of that kind :P
Good luck in the future :P
| Commander2
08-14-2005 12:05 PM MDT | Rating: 9.5 | | The only TRUE problem I had with these was the over-used checkerboard tile texture. It was way overused in these maps, but otherwise really superb.
My personal favorite being the Ragnarok. just it's realism and the fun of letting the small waterfall's force launch me across the map was awesome. The map gave me a sense of peace and an intense feeling at the same time. And the water area is perfect for an instagib arena with some friends.
These maps are great.
| IronMan
05-20-2008 11:06 PM MDT | Rating: 8 | | Solid 1on1 pack. I favored Nirvana the most.
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