It is a great set of levels. Shotgun starting maps and trying to get a good time while aiming for 100% completion is fun. I’m in process of doing some decent runs of EoE.
Classic design of most maps are great, but Markie kinda steals the show at the end with his insane creation. There are some really cool secrets in couple of the levels, won’t spoil them, but it is worthwhile to look around a bit.
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It’s nice to see more releases appearing with their own music tracks, like Dwell1, Raven Keep, and Tears of the False God (AD1.8) released recently and also SMEJ that was released last year. The included dark ambient music tracks are a great addition to atmosphere and are quite refreshing compared to the original Quake music, though great and all, but long time ‘overplayed’.
This pack is less of an episode but more of a jam where instead of start hub the maps go in certain order, since it does lack a bit of continuity, unlike the description-referenced DOPA, which felt more cohesive.
EOE maps are all fun, some more, some less, depending on what style and visuals one might favor. They are somewhat of a mix of retro/id1 and more modern styles, though of course leaning towards the latter. It also feels they were sort of designed for a shotgun start maybe? Some of them were a bit easy, considering carryover weapons/ammo from previous levels.
The last map of course is cherry on top of already awesome pack.
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Other than “Dwell” which had been released around the same time, this one isn’t too hard. There are some enjoyable encounters involving Quads, Pentagrams and tons of enemies. If the game spams you with mobs, it stays fair at least - you just need to kill fast enough. Locations are also very interesting. One of the must-plays of 2020 for any Quaker IMHO.
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Completed the episode and… wonderful, guys!
I accept this mod as “unnoficial sixth episode” of Quake!
Gameplay and feel is UNIQUE, and that’s why.
Some maps resemble memorable vanilla Quake’s maps… situations, traps, overall feel… It does what DOPA’s final map did: brings the feeling of nostalgia, why being a thing on its own. Penultimate map especially made me recall Door to Chthon. The goal was to do it “the way Id did it”, and it’s a success.
Monsters and weapons are all vanilla, with notable - and glorious - exception of final boss, named Ythogaru. He is a reskin of Chthon, but fits well with the game and provides a good conclusion (unlike DOPA).
Despite vanilla feel, the mod incorporated modern “Quake mod features”: 1) It has tough combat with horde battles (especially on later levels) a la Tronyn’s best work. 2) It has wonderful world-building reminiscent of Arcane Dimensions/
OVERALL, a must-play. 5/5. Feels good, plays good, looks good. Along with recent Raven Keep, this is an essential 2020 Quake release.