Dark Legion 1
Mission Type:
Author:
Post Date:
Download:
David McHale
December 10, 1998
Level Review
Basics
Reviewer:
Overall Score:
Date Reviewed:
Antilles
71 / 100
December 15, 1998
Design:
Dynamics:
Experience:
65 / 100
70 / 100
80 / 100
First Impressions
This is the author's first level after the Yugrin series. It's an average level, but check out the review for all the details.
Review Screenshot 1
Review Screenshot 2
Design / Visuals
Level architecture in Dark Legion was well done. Outside the base was considerably better than inside, boasting pools, caves and natural looking rocky terrain. I liked how the ground wasn't flat; it had a lot of slopes, and it made everything look good. Granted, there were a few areas with flat surfaces, but the author did a great job of making things interesting. Inside the base, however, was a little boxy. More sloped surfaces and details like beams, tables and more windows would make it much better. Unfortunately, I didn't find much in the way of steps of ramps throughout the base, mostly elevators. Also, you couldn't walk up a set of steps near the end of the level, but that can be easily corrected. Texturing was also done well. There was a large variety of rock textures in the outside area, and the base had good textures. I didn't notice any places where they didn't match up, and the choices complemented each other nicely, for the most part. Some areas had some plain textures, but they weren't overwhelmingly boring. A job well done in Level Design.
Dynamics / Interactivity
Enemy placement was average. In some places, there were just too many enemies. Outside the main entrance of the base, a whole legion awaits you. Thankfully, you do have the sniper rifle, but the soldiers still wake up when you come to the ledge, and it's rather cumbersome trying to defend yourself while using the electroscope. Other than the few areas that were a little overstocked, the enemies were placed well, and the level was not too overwhelming. Item placement was good, I had enough shields, and there are more lying around. I ran a little low on ammo at the beginning, but it wasn't a huge problem. Unfortunately, COG enhancement was a disappointment to me. There were elevators, doors, slash grates, and generators, but these are all basic COGs, and more is needed.
Playing Experience / Atmosphere
The atmosphere of Dark Legion was good; I really got into it and had a lot of fun. There weren't any parts that just scream unrealistic, and it offered enough of a challenge to keep me occupied. Overall, it was a decent level. Gameplay was also good. One problem was a minor frame rate slow down, but there weren't any errors or crashes.
Review Screenshot 3
Review Screenshot 4
Final Thoughts
I thought this level was pretty good. There were just a few problems, but nothing that made the level unenjoyable. The author keeps pumping out his levels, and they are all pretty decent. A little more attention to detail and architecture wouldn't hurt, and it'll serve to make the level a lot more interesting. Download this level now!
Design:
Dynamics:
Experience:
65 / 100
70 / 100
80 / 100
Overall:
71