"My first impression of this map was that it sucked."

"I think he could have done without those little funky ass square rooms where you enter the teleporter's, but that is just my opinion."

Map Name: Homers Arena
File Name: homers6
Text File: homers6.txt
File Size: 309KB
Type: DM
Recommended Players: 4-8
Difficulty Settings: N/A
Author: Dave Waters "Homer[CK]"
Date Released: July 27, 1998

1 new DM map today called Homers Arena by Dave Waters "Homer[CK]"  This is a small arena type map with heavy emphasis on lots of fighting action. The map consists of a round circular area with two levels built entirely around the center. The textures have been replaced with all the old original Quake texture's. This is actually an improved version of the author's previous map, since he has changed a few things.  I myself haven't played the old one, or at least remember playing it, since I have played millions and millions and the author makes about a million homer maps. 

He lists a couple things he improved, or I should say changed in this map. I would only think and believe this made the map play better, and probably was a good idea to change the things he did. I am in strong favor and agree with his decision to get rid of the BFG. I'm sick of AOL lamers, jumping on server's with no skill, and camping out by the BFG. What they don't realize is, once it is in their possession, a skilled player will avoid the pretty lights and cap their ass. Not including it the BFG in the map solves that problem. :P

My first impression of this map was that it sucked. I later appreciated the simple compact design of the map and liked it. I think this was mainly due to the intense non stop action. It is all about this kind of action! The author states that a total of four to eight player's are recommended. I would agree with him there. I also think this map could be a pretty damn nifty (new word in my vocab) one on one type map, where the better skill would win. There aren't too many area's to do any major hiding, except where the teleporter's are. I think he could have done without those little funky ass square rooms where you enter the teleporter's, but that is just my opinion. It doesn't bring the map down. It gets my quality approval for downloading

- Added more map pics. (what's new)
 
 

"Your great masterpiece is another person's shit."

Map Name: On Sacred Ground
File Name: jdsacred.zip
Text File: jdsacred.txt
File Size: 2.12MB
Type: SP/DM (I prefer DM)
Difficulty Settings: Yes
Author:Jack Davis aka 13bongtokes
Date Released: June 29, 1998

I'm back a little earlier then expected with a map...

1 new excellent SP/DM map by Jack Davis aka 13bongtokes called On Sacred Ground This was one of those maps that was sitting on my Window's desktop with pictures waiting to go out for almost a week. This map was on the very top of my list to put up here and I couldn't have past this one up. It is about time a map of this caliber has arrived. I am sick and tired of all these poorly designed maps that are coming in by the truck load.  I'm tired of maps released to the public from author's who just don't have that gift to design a high quality map. If it doesn't play and look good, admit your not on The MarTim Team, and use it as an experiment and benefit off what you learned. 

Just because you spent endless nights on it and think it is some great masterpiece, don't think everybody else will. Your great masterpiece is another person's shit.  Do something else with the map.  Do something useful with it. Learn from it, and use it as a tutorial to enhance your skill. Stick to what your best at doing, and if map making isn't your thing, please don't torture me with lame shit and release it as gold to the public. It's like trying to be Magic Johnson and hosting your own late night show, when you don't have the talent.  Your ratings will only go down, people will be furious, and you will only embarrass yourself. This map is far from embarrassing in both SP and DM mode.  The maps are designed and specially suited for both style's of play. That alone is not an easy task, but done well. I think that is an extremely hard thing to do, to get it playing right. I don't recommend ever doing that, and never do in my maps. The benifit of creating a map like this is a big bonus though. Two games are always better than one. 

I particularly like the DM play much better than I did the single player mode, even though the SP mode isn't too shabby (I thought I would try that word). I played both of them and had a better overall experience in the DM mode. The second map, with the file name sacred2.bsp, was my favorite of all three. Actually, It is so good, I still play it from time to time, just for something different. I would love to try this map out with other people on a server, but had to rely on bots.  Still fun, but it is never the same. The lameness of the bots tends to show. 

The texture's used in all three maps were perfect, and everything seems lined up without flaws. I didn't find any errors and I looked pretty hard.  It has that kind of temple atmosphere feeling to it and maybe that was because it went away from the standard metal texture's seen in Quake2. I can see where the name of the map fits.  The brilliant architecture only makes the overall texture's stand out even more. There are a couple area's that really stood out among the rest and I really like in the DM play.  I once again only wish I could play this map with some real competition.  Download this map now and remember the second map because I can guarantee you that you will want to go back to it!

- Created button. I'm happy with it for now.

- Added more pics (It's a daily thing)
 
 

Map Name: Medieval
File Name: Medieval.zip
Text File: Medieval.txt
File Size: 1.36 MB
Type: DM, 2-12 recommended
Author: Mike Burbidge (g1zm0)
Date Released: June 21, 1998

Note: Early update today....A matter a fact an entire day early. I won't be around for the next 3 to 4 days, at least to update, so I thought I would give you one in advance.

1 new DM map by Mike Burbidge (g1zm0) called Medieval. First off, this map is no major leap forward in the area of architexture design, or won't win a prize for layout, but it plays pretty good with a few players. I was eagarly and impatiently awaiting any type of DM, that would at least provide me with some playing time and be fun to play. Being fun is all that matters when you are bored. This happens to be one of those maps that is fun.

The majority of textures, if not all, are all new. There is new dark wood type texture, along with huge glass, with artwork embedded on them. There is one type of green type texture, which looks like it is growing on the walls surrounding the entire premesis. The way the author has made it appear inside, looking out threw the windows, is very realistic and adds a nice touch. I found this map a little on the boring side after a while, but once again, it is still pretty fun playing with a few bots thrown into the mix. The overall layout of the map struck me as being weird, but then again, people never called me normal. 

A couple area's, including the area in the first picture, have lots of action. 12 people, as stated by the author, seems overcrowded. It's actually fun playing like that sometimes, and on this one, I did play with a total of 12.  The action was pretty intense (there is that word again) and was a lot of fun.  Once again, don't expect this map to win any major map awards, but it is not a bad idea to download it for something a little different. Note: File is in the pak format. 

- Added more pics

- Completed putting together important quote's of the day page. It's now up here  There are two reasons why I did this....Number one is because I'm not a serious person. Number two is because I like being different and haven't seen any review site to date do this. It's all about originality!!! L8er
 
 
 
 

"A matter a fact, it is so well done that that it deserves a 95, if I were to use a rating system."

Map Name: Operation Scorched Earth
File Name: sgc9.zip
Text File: sgc9.txt
File Size: 3.54 MB
Type: Single Player, 4 maps
Author: Steve Clarke (aka Notlob)
Date Released: June 21, 1998

1 new SP map called Operation Scorched Earth by Steve Clarke (aka Notlob)   This map was officially released to the public on June 21, while I was away on vacation. I'm still in the process of backtracking maps, due to the fact that I am way behind schedule, and I know I have missed a good share of quality maps that have come in. Operation Scorched Earth  ranks up there with one of the best single player maps I have played this entire year!!! That is a high praise coming from me.  A matter a fact, it is so well done that it deserves a 95 if I were to use a rating system.

All 3 maps are put together top notch, and it is actually like a mini series, leading up to the ending. I thought there was going to be a final boss, of some sort, but the 4th map is actually a dead end and ends where a supposedly other maps in the future will lead of from. The other three maps will have you playing for hours, mainly due to the fact that they are so big, and put together in a way where you can't just run threw the level. The mission is pretty basic and simple all the way to the exit.  There was a couple times where I ran into dead ends and couldn't figure what to do next, but after searching around a little, I was able to continue.

The architecture is spectacular, almost to the point of disbelief. Complex is a better word.  I remember saying to myself, "That is a good idea" more than once. You can tell the author spent a long time constructing this one. Everything about it gets high praises from me. It is definitely a map that wasn't rushed out the door until near perfection, which is evident. Download it.  You won't be disappointed. 
 

- Increased size of map pictures on every page. More map pics of every map coming soon in SP/DM page.

- Changed bottom of every single page to get links working correctly.

- Started listing map info on this page, including text file for viewing.

- Changed SP/DM Map section text smaller.

- Came to the realization that this counter sucks.

- Won $50 playing blackjack against someone. My strategy is always being the dealer. :-)
 
 
 
 
 

1 new SP map by Jussi Tuononen called Chris The Titan. There is usually a major drought on single player maps. Of late, there has been nothing but single player maps that have been pouring in and that have caught my attention. I was actually looking for a DM map to review today, but came across this one by accident. I'm glad I did and I think you will be too after playing it.

Jussi has put together a very solid single player map that plays like a Quake 2 map should play. Once again, as in so many good levels, the detail makes this map really shine.  Not just some detail, but a lot of little detail that I liked. Parts of the ground looked as if it was twisted and coming out in one area.  Walls looked broken, torn apart, with metal left lying on the floor. Huge rooms with vents all around seemed in place and fit perfectly. I especially like the huge vents he added, just before you enter the shallow water. Those are some of the biggest damn pipes I have ever seen in a map. Nice!

The selection of texture used was excellent. Once again, everything seemed to fit logically. Everything seemed in place. Nothing really stood out as being strange, no matter where I looked. The second time I played the map, I saw just how good the architecture on this map was. More then one time, I had to stop and admire it (even if that sounds cheesy as f@#$) The ammo placement seemed a little bit on the excessive side, but I was never one to complain about having too much ammo.  It is always better than not having none. I only bitch when I don't have enough and have to resort to that laser pistol, by the way, which is still better than the majority of Unreal's weapons. Download this map now and add it to your never ending Q2 map collection. d:) 
 

- Transferred more files from old location.

- Added Link on old location, linking it here.

- Added more map pictures. All map pictures in both SP and DM section will all be up soon. 

- Inserted Quake2 and Netmegs buttons.

- Started a new counter at the bottom of the page.

- Worked on fixing the archives section. Right now, it is still in the works.

- Attempted to download SiN for the 3rd time. Still, no success.

- Trying to cope with life without IMMoRtaL's Real Audio Show.
 
 
 
 
 

I'm pleased to announce that I have a new home and being hosted by Quake2 and Netmegs. This is a major step in the right direction for my reviewing site.  This will keep me motivated to maintain and improve this site to even higher standards. This is what I ultimately wanted and worked for all the way from the beginning.  It is a honor to be hosted by such a great site, a matter fact, the best of the best. :-) 

I would like to thank Nigel and Blitz for hooking me up. I appreciate everyone who has E-mailed in the past, worrying where the hell I was, wanting to see more.  I am glad I made the decision now to reopen my site, to continue doing what I like to do. The only thing that drives me to do this is people's interest. Without their input and interest in my reviews and basically the rest of my unrelated BS, I wouldn't be around.

Over the next couple of days, I'm going to be real busy moving things over here from my old Xoom location. I have a lot of unorganized map pictures, along with a lot of other things to do. I plan to have a map up here for reviewing real soon, so be patient during the transition. Thanks.
 
 
 
 
 

1 new SP map by Roger Staines called Ghost Town II.  First off, I couldn't let this map slip by me without a quick review on it. It was one of those maps I put to the side, due to the size of the file, along with my inability to have patience between my modem and ISP. Now, when you have a decent modem, an ISP who provides quality service with a decent connection, it is a breeze to download. I happen to be one of the less fortunate one's, right now, who has to suffer in pain and agony without either of the two. I feel like I am back in the AOL days, where poor service, high pings, and a shitty connection were considered the norm.

Ghost Town II has an all together different feel to it then the typical every day single player Quake 2 map. This is mainly due to the fact that the same boring ass brown metal Quake 2 textures have been mostly replaced with textures right out of an old western setting. You will find a small little ghost town, with detail, right down to a piano playing (with piano key textures) in the saloon with actual music to blend in and go with it. The amount of detail in this map that the author has included is simply amazing! The town itself looks brilliant and the architexture couldn't have been done any better. I had the feeling I was actually in an old western atmosphere, especially walking through the small town. The sound effects, included with this pak, really fits the mood perfectly. The howling in the beginning adds a nice touch and sets the tone for the map. The dark surrounding night sky 
gives it a style all its own. The water seems to fit perfect. Everything seems to fit perfect and flow, making the player believe he is back in those old western gun slinging days.

The action is pretty intense all the way to the end, even on medium skill. The weapons you pick up along the way, you need, and help immensely! There was a time I was blasting monsters with the hyperblaster.  Other times, I was unleashing a shit load of rockets, making it a lot easier to survive and accomplish the mission. It is nice for a change to use the weapons that were intended for the game, instead of solely relying on a shotgun. I had the feeling, playing this map, that I used just about all the weapons and had to change from one to the next often and frequently.

I noticed that there were tons of secrets in this map, some difficult to find, which I thought was challenging, at other times somewhat frustrating. I remember being stuck towards the beginning when I couldn't get the key that was on the other end of the wall.  After searching around, running around everywhere, things began to click and I was on my way. This is one of those maps where you just don't kill everything and run from the start to finish, instead, you enjoy what is in it and you must do a complete thorough search of the entire area before proceeding.  Download this map now!  It's a lot of fun and you will be glad you did. 
 

- Added more SP map pics.

- Added Borders.  Reason: Bored.

- Changed Date and Text bigger. Reason: Because I felt like it.

- Deleted a couple things to free up my very limited FTP space.

- Worked on my DM map called Maximum Facility. It has been long in the works (too long) and I will have a pic to display soon. This is possibly a map I will release to the public when I finally call it the end.

- Thought about what my Saturday night will include since Friday night basically sucked. You know it sucks when it is midnight and your sitting in front of a computer.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

1 SP map called Saving Private Bitterman by Michael Shand   This map was released a couple weeks ago while I was still on vacation. I promised I would backtrack a few weeks hunting and searching for the best. It has been a while since I have played a decent Single Player Map.  A matter a fact, I do not remember the last time I have reviewed one that I would even remotely consider.. The quality of maps I downloaded before my trip were below average, a waste of download time, and fucking down right embarrassing, that is until this one.

You first start off in a small cargo box trapped in a depo.  As soon as you break out of this box,  the action starts. You slowly build your arsenal up, getting weapons (very slowly) I found that a good majority of the map, I was using nothing more then a mere lousy shotgun. Not all of the weapons are lying around everywhere in the open, and some weapons are earned by killing enemies. Most all the ammo, keys, and rewards you get are from the enemies. That is how it should be. That is what is realistic. I like that!

You actually do need some skill on this level and I found it real challenging from start to finish.  The enemy placement is done exceptionally well.  I like how enemies appear and pop up as you backtrack through the level. Very realistic and it caught me by surprise!  A lot of things caught me by surprise on this map that I really wasn't expecting. A tower explodes and falls over to the side, right after the elevator ride up from the depo. The way it falls and crumbles looks awesome!  The "slicing" detail in the outer rocks appears realistic.  You can tell the author put a lot of  work in the design.

There is one thing that I didn't like and I will come right out and say this.  I would have liked to go back down the elevator, near the beginning.  I hate the fact that the elevator is stuck and locked in the halfway position. This was probably done by design, but I always hate maps where you can't go back to prior area's where you have been. That is really the only thing I can bitch about.  Everything else deserves an A. Don't let that name fool ya. Get it!
 

- Added shit

- Deleted shit

- Completed all SP archive A-E map pics

- Played around with a new logo I made (I'm no artist though and failed miserably)

- Played some Action Quake 2. If you don't have this MOD, get that too while your at it!

- Went swimming to cool off from this fu@#% heat wave that never ends.
 
 
 
 
 

1 damn good DM by John Schuch called The Grit (v2) This map consists of primarily a metal indoor theme, ledges, and an indoor water area, which leads underground. The ledges, that are all around, give it a nice appeal. I'm a huge fan of ledges in maps, and it always adds something to the DM experience. Nothing is better than fraggin' your opponent, who is down below 2 stories, with a RL or grenade launcher. I always had the feeling playing this map that there were people below, above, and surrounding me at all times, instead of the standard same in front and behind feeling too many maps have these days. 

One thing I noticed about this map was how well this map is laid out, almost to the point of perfection.  I particularly like how most of the map seems spacious and very wide open, giving it an arena type feel in some parts, but an enclosed feeling in others. The weapons are placed pretty good and spread out. The rocket launcher appears in the center of one of the pools, which makes you jump in the water to grab it. The author states that 32 people can play in this level, which is probably a little too high, considering this isn't the biggest map in the world.  I played with around 12 bots and it seemed a little overcrowded. I can imagine what 32 people running around this map would look like.

A thing that really stood out in this map was the overall effect of the lighting used.  Not just the effect, but the way the author placed the lighting around the map, making it not only look good, but seem realistic and believable. It really adds something to it. This map kicks ass and you know it is pretty damn good when I play it for almost an hour. :P Click the link, download, and check it out for yourself!

- Added 2 map pictures in maps section. One of these days they will all be there! :0

- Installed the Powerball2 MOD.