Aha, this one!
I have a lot to say about this map, but will try to stick to what isn't already written here.
Much has been said already, I agree with general statements like how high
Temple of Soquatre scores in terms of conceptual grandness (you can't rate an
Unreal/
UT SP map higher in this regard, I think). The first time I played it, it took me 2h40min to beat it, and that includes the fact that I had to reload a couple of times at least (got killed at least once, also got stuck in geometry at least once!), it managed to deliver a couple of good frights, and overall given the navigation challenges, the puzzle-like progression in addition to the traps and combat, I consider the map to be frankly a hard one. Fittingly, I will say: Semfry already said it in the past, but the level is notably remarkable in how it manages to convey a certain personality to the Soquatre deity, one of malevolence that succeeds in making you feel like you are not welcome here.
Is this the most epic
Unreal temple map ever? If one follows the actual definition of epic, then probably yes, but I am still unsure about whether I would call this the
best Unreal/
UT temple map. I mean for sheer intent, it probably is, but the texturing has a few too many spots where it is really repetitive in a noobish, immersion breaking way, and yes the brush work - which by and large comes together superbly, that first screenshot in the OP definitely shows one of the most iconic scenes in the whole of
Unreal SP - occasionally displays some rather primitive, coarse methods which also don't live up to the level of suspension of disbelief the map generally lives up to. The atmosphere and sense of scale are once again the map's strongest points.
A quick comparison to other Chico temple maps is in order:
-
Temple of Soquatre: the biggest, the one with the least compromises and the least professional one with glaring flaws and huge personality
-
Temple of Eelhandra: still big, the one that strikes the balance between "leet" visuals which would belong to a more advanced engine and offering the player a long, meaty playthrough
-
The Lost Sanctuary of Kalishr'a: the most "professional" one, had to be divided into two maps because of the leet visuals, streamlined gameplay leaves little in terms of actual challenge.
What you prefer is up to your personal history with these games. I am not going to lie, my first experience was with
Temple of Eelhandra and as a result that one might be my favourite Chico temple map.
Fun fact: before any Chico map, I experienced
Temple of the Sacred by Sarevok and that is still up there with my best temple map experiences!