The map has a really interesting feel to it. It doesn’t really feel like a place, but more like a set of obstacle courses; albeit very finely crafted obstacle courses for its time. The map feels brown and drab for a lot of the time, but there is some pretty intricate detailing at times and the authors play with shadows really nicely.
Gameplay is pretty good with a few pretty unique ideas thrown in the mix. There’s a little bit of backtracking every now and then, though, but not too bad.
Overall, I think I might just rate this 3,5/5, which rounds up to 4/5.
This is the first custom map, that I played as a kid, that left a lasting impression on me. I loved the theme, passing a set of separate trials in order to open the exit. The visuals were great, the length was good, there were fights, jumping, swimming and exploration.
Replaying the map, nowadays, the gameplay is still great and engaging. But one can definitely see some areas that are less detailed than it would be ideal, specifically, the later part, with the outside cabin. Some of the indoor corridors and rooms are also lacking in details, but there’s just something about the whole map that I love. Can’t quite put my finger on it. It threads the border between low detail and enough detail that just gives it a really nice vibe. I particularly enjoy the room with all the metal bars and shadows. Climbing out of the water in mission 2 is indeed an issue, due to the lower jump, but can be bypassed if you shoot a rocket against the wall.
It’s still an awesome map, in the present. Probably not an unbiased review, but going to give it a 5, with some help from nostalgia.