10/19/2015 - "The Tower of Skrakith'a part 3" by Geoff Field

[Jigoku]

Map Title: The Tower of Shrakith'a part3
Author: Geoff Field "Mad Martigan"
From: The Tower of Shrakith'a
Filename: shrak3.unr
Music Files: Guardian.umx, Newmca9.umx, wargate.umx




Video Playthrough:
https://youtu.be/oPtYhprZi1A

Synopsis: You enter the realm of the guardian...

Discuss!

[editor Dave]

This level is the weakest of the four in my opinion, because it neglects the strength of the former maps: The architecture is rather simple and become supernatural (considering the plot it does serve its purpose, but it becomes apparent anyway), it's rather linear and short. The fight against the Titans is unspectacular and can be exploited, the golden Skaarj instead are fearsome. The puzzles probably were a standout for its time, but nowadays I've seen more interesting/difficult ones. For example, in Legacy, remembering the path before actually entering the room (which is also larger and thus, has more possibilities) was a far more troublesome quest (in a positive way) than it is here. However, I like that the final fight doesn't rely on combat ability, but on agility in reaching the switches.

[Semfry]

While smaller and not playing quite as well as the first two maps this keeps the same spirit, with lots of unique scripting and moments. That claw is also one of my favourite movers. There's a bit of an overemphasis on jumping puzzles here (having to do a very similar task twice at the boss is the closest thing I think the pack has to a pacing misstep, especially as it feels like it should mirror the mind/might duality from earlier), but the other tasks are good enough, and it does a great job building up the final encounter.