In this Obj map, the Allies must storm the facility and protect their tank, while a storm rages on around them. Can the Axis weather the storm and 'Blow up to hell' the Allied tank? While we have all seen research facilities for Medal of Honor before, I don't think I have seen one this atmospheric yet...
Presentation / Technical
The texturing was on the whole well done and fitting, with some nice custom textures (lights especially) to spice up environment. Some textures were slightly repetetively used, but I think in order to keep to the theme this was inescapable. Some cool personalisation touches, (I endorse some personalisation in maps) as seen also in the other maps released by the same authors. Great use of mesh textures, although, on a side note, some arches deep in the facility looked a little lifeless with a near blank texture.
The architecture fitted very well, great details like pipes and wires thrown in at very little damage to the FPS. A well thought-out and designed layout is evident when running around the map. One slight drawback to this though, is the barrels. They are bright red, stubby, and badly textured. I had to go around blowing them all up to make the place feel better. On a positive note again, fence textures were used very well, as well as some very cool railings on the second floor overlooking the tank. Some nice varying architecture deeper in the facility, with some cool, but slightly flat textureless looking arches, and some good meshwork. I just love the detail in this map, you rarely see a plain wall anywhere.
The lighting was adequate, with some nice effects deep in the facility. A nice gloomy atmosphere on the outside, and the occasional flashing effect for lightning gave a great stormy effect. Not too bright, and not too dark, the lighting was overall well done.
The sounds put into this map were fabulous, the rain effects especially. Rain beat a different tune onto corrugate iron, machines hummed, and a toilet randomly flushed when activated. The ambientsound wasn't really needed, as the rain would cover up all the ouside sounds, though the inside was given good sounds.
As I have said, we have all seen maps like this before, so I cannot really give a massive mark for creativity. The rain was a great touch, however, so I think that shall boost the score back up. The maps theme was stuck to throughout, while still varying enough to provide interest for the players. A map well mapped, I believe.
Playability / Game Flaws
I like the fact that both the Allies and Axis have an objective, although I would have thought these objectives would have suited a wave objective style better. The routes seem well thought out, with enough to keep the play interesting, but not enough so that you never find anyone. I though the Allied spawnpoints were a little strangely spaced, with some starting quite far in the facility and quite far from the tank. But, that is only a minor detail in this well thought out map. But, nothing special in the play except the two objectives; think it would play just like an ordinary facility map.
Conclusion
It's raining, it's pouring, the Allies are storming. The rain in this map is carried off exceedingly well, and although it drops the FPS, I think it definatley helps the general ambience of the map. Although in itself this is nothing new and unseen, a facility map, the way it has been created sets it apart from the rest. Well worth a download, both to look at, and to play!
