CGS-Reviews-Prison

Prison

by Van Ostaeyen Patrik

(234) views since Oct 2018

Released: 1999-08-22
Mode: SP
Difficulty Settings: No
Featuring: 1.4+
Sound/music: No
New Art: No
New Cons: No
Score: 72

Review by Forge on April 18-2014

A prison styled map with an extensive underground cavern system.
The construction is pretty basic with minimal detailing and trimwork. Aesthetically the level has some good points, but quite a few aspects left unpolished. Some areas contain strong sector shading while others are either not shaded at all or are just made very dark.
It's also odd to be crawling around in dark caves and come across a full bright rock sticking out of the floor or ceiling.
There are quite a few underworked locations with things being blocky and oversized; even the elevators look like large empty rooms.
The layout is quite interesting and gives the player several directions to choose from. Unfortunately this is also problematic due to lack of proper planning. The player can choose a path, but if the proper supplies aren't acquired by collecting things like boots or scuba gear from another path then they can find themselves stuck in a rather unhospitable environment.

Game play is about finding keys, throwing switches and fighting droves of aliens.
The keys and locks are the basic affair, but the switches are confusing since absolutely no clues are given to provide any sense of direction. Expect to wander around up and down corridors and riding elevators quite a bit trying to find what unlocked. Combine this with some nasty traps while getting through this level and it can be a bit trying on one's patience. Save often.
Fighting all the aliens isn't too bad; they're pretty much face to face engagements for the most part and there's ammunition aplenty, but basically the entire middle section is nearly dry of healing items.
Lots of combat and damaging traps, falls, and caustic environments will take their toll.
The ending is also quite odd; not many players will consider jumping off a blind cliff to finish a level.

Texturing/Lighting-Shading: 6/10
Sprite Work/Detailing: 5/10
Ambiance: 6/10
Architecture: 14/20
Layout: 18/20
Gameplay/Design: 23/30
Score: 72