Author
:
SirFragalot
Version
:
226-converted to 225 compatible
Release Date : 07/13/05
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Dm-HeXXed... Created by SirFragalot ... Review by Buster<KoR>
Basic Layout ... score 9.0
DmHexxed is a smaller sized "arena" styled map, with the appearance of a traditional Unreal mine storage hub. As the name suggests, DmHexxed has 6 "side areas" that surround a central "hexagon" hub. 3 of these side area (or alcoves) are curved ramps that lead to the other 3 side areas, which are raised platforms that give the map 2 tiers of action. All 6 of these alcoves connect to the central hub via slopes, that is dominated by an 8-Ball rocket launcher. The entire map is structured and textured to look like the "storage hub" of a much larger mine complex, with well placed beams and crates and trim, and it also includes a central "water pit" covered with a grate.
Geometry and Objects ... score 8.5
DmHexxed makes clever use of beams and supports and ledges, a scattering of crates and slopes. The circular raised platforms that are opened up in the middle give the map an "airy" feel, even though it is quite small and compact. Most of the beams and ledges cannot be gotten to, but they do add to the overall visual realism of the main theme. The central hub is a slightly raised grate overtop of a water pit, which adds more visual spark. Even though the ramp alcoves and platform alcoves do mirror themselves in structure (and texture usage), the clever use of crates and trim make each one seem unique - almost. The use of slopes throughout the map works OK, but they do seem to be abit too steep and high for a proper line of sight.
Textures ... score 10 !! :-)
As mentioned above, DmHexxed has the appearance of a "traditional" Unreal styled mine storage hub, which also uses only the textures that come with the game - and uses them very well. With a fantastic usage of bricks and cobblestones, rusty metal beams and trim, and wooden platforms, this map gives one the impression that this storage hub really exists somewhere. After hours of searching every nook and cranny, not a single texture was found out of place or misaligned.
Lighting Usage ... score 8.0
The lighting intensity in DmHexxed seems to be just right for the textures used - not too bright nor too dim, and there are no "lightless" spots (where the player goes all black) found anywhere in the entire map. There is, however, a slight lack of colored lighting, which could add to the overall mood of the mine storage hub theme. In short, this makes DmHexxed appear abit too "clean" looking. The light structures themselves are well made, and the coronas done quite well.
Movers ... score 10 !! :-)
There are no lifts, moving doors or grates in DmHexxed - and there is really no need for them. So this aspect of the map doesn't really come into play. Also, all of the weapons "rotate" throughout the entire map, which tends to take away from the overall realism of DmHexxed. But it must be mentioned that the 8-Ball located over the water pit grate rotates and spins on several axis, which is perfactly timed - the visual effect of this being absolutely stunning.
Ambient Sounds and Music ... score 4.0
There is no background music used in DmHexxed. But due to its smaller size and lower "player count," well chosen background music would have been quite appropriate. If not "always on" throughout gameplay, having a short frantic piece of theme music when the 8-Ball is picked up would have been a nice touch. Also, there is a lack of ambient sounds in DmHexxed, except for the overwhelming sound of trickling water heard everywhere. If other ambient sounds were used, it would have added greatly to the overall mood of the mine storage hub theme.
Weapons and Ammo ... score 8.5
The overall placement of weapons and ammo is well done, with the exception of the 8-Ball rocket cans. With 2 to 6 players (especially in a Team game) the scattering of weapons and ammo is well placed in various corners and on top of the crates, which only adds to the overall gameplay of DmHexxed. Also, the right amount and placement of weapons and ammo helps to "force" the players to use the entire area of the map. But once there is more than 6 players in the match it becomes a frantic grab for more ammo. Smaller sized maps don't really allow for counting bullets, so it is best to keep the ideal count down to a maximum of 6 players. It should also be noted that all of the 8-Ball rocket cans are located in the "central hub." This tends to be a slight advantage to those players that prefer this weapon.
Health, Belts and Armor ... 3.5
The health pickups are the worst feature of DmHexxed, and quite a disappointment. There are 10 Bandages placed along each of the 3 curved ramps and a Super Health located in midair over the open center area of each of the 3 raised platforms. This forces the players to jump off the platforms to get at them. There are no other Health, Belts nor Armor anywhere in the map, which limits the amount of protection a player can acquire. Also, having 3 Super Healths in a smaller "arena styled" map tends to allow a more experienced player to "run a pattern" and unfairly dominate the match.
Bot Pathnodes ... score 0 !! :-(
There are no pathnodes for Bots in DmHexxed. Due to the fairly well designed placement of the pickups and that there are no movers and such, only a few of them would have been needed. The only problem spots would have been the fact that generally Bots would not have readily jumped to grab the Super Healths. But this map really does shine being used for "smaller" Team matches, so this is not a big deal - the lack of pathnodes is almost secondary.
Overall Impressions ... score 8.5
DmHexxed is quite well designed and looks fantastic. I have a preference for the "arena style" map, and this one is pretty darn good. The stacks of crates in some of the alcoves are great for dodging behind, and the lack of cover in other alcoves allows for some frantic mayhem. It's a big-time shame that there are 2 too many Super Healths, a complete lack of any other kind of "protection and health" pickups, and no pathnodes for Bots (because some of us do like an old fanshioned Bot match). But if you can ignore these problems, DmHexxed is a great map - and one I would highly recommend for use on a server for Team matches, and 6 player frag fests.
Score Overview
Basic Layout ... 9.0
Geometry and Objects ... 8.5
Textures ... 10
Lighting Usage ... 8.0
Movers ... 10
Ambient Sounds and Music ... 4.0
Weapons and Ammo ... 8.5
Health, Belts and Armor ... 3.5
Bot Pathnodes ... 0
Overall Impressions ... 8.5
The TOTAL score is 70.0 % ... OR ... 7 out of 10 stars !!