The Search for Jan Ors
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Level Review
Basics
Reviewer:
Overall Score:
Date Reviewed:
Matthew Pate
63 / 100
August 24, 1999
Design:
Dynamics:
Experience:
60 / 100
60 / 100
50 / 100
First Impressions
Although the other levels by this author have generally been way sub-par, this level is actually quite good. Although not as good as some of the recent levels, it's worth a shot. Firstly, I have to give credit for the new idea of having several Dark Jedi throughout the level. I know what you're thinking, another Jedi Hell. Well, no. Most of the Dark Jedi can be defeated with only a few hits, and you don't fight them all at once. The last Dark Jedi is like a normal one, however, with force powers and the like. Although you might find him a little familiar...
Design / Visuals
Architecture, while still on the whole average, had a few little touches that made it look better. Things like a sloping roof and a small alcove above really looked pretty good. There were several other little touches making it a little better than straight cubes'n'corridors. Texturing also had little variety, but was adequate for the setting, a space station. Unfortunately, there are quite a few un-stiched surfaces, decreasing from the realism a bit.
Dynamics / Interactivity
Enemy and Item placement was just about right, with the Dark Jedi appearing just as you got low on health. 'Healing' was a blessing, although it made the level easier than it should have been, as you could just sit back and heal yourself. There was a smattering of weapons, you never got too much ammo, and never too little. Enemies were generally placed around corners and in such a way that it was hard to use your arsenal of force powers (all light side powers, as well as all neutral). Each of the aforementioned Dark Jedi has a new skin, mostly multi-player skins, except for the last boss, who looks suspicously like Darth Maul with a purple saber.
Playing Experience / Atmosphere
The wasn't much variation in lighting, but there was a bit. There were a few ambient sounds as well, making the level feel a little better. There were several TIEs that upon entering a sector would head out into space, which looked pretty cool, as well as a room with a Kell Dragon in the center (in a forcefield of course). Inside the force field was a revive, and you had to do this tricky force jump in-force jump out manouever. Little bits like this help make the level a little more fun.
Final Thoughts
If you have tried another of this author's levels, and didn't like it, then I'd give this one a shot as it is light years beyond some of his others. I'd recommend this to people who'd like a bit of saber practice as well, as the 7 or so Dark Jedi offer some good fighting. Although it's not up to, say, RotE2's standard, it is a little bit of fun when you have nothing to do and half an hour or so to kill.
Design:
Dynamics:
Experience:
60 / 100
60 / 100
50 / 100
Overall:
63