Review: Wolfenstein: Umbrella Beginnings - Episode 1: Discovery by JayngoWare

Details
Title: Wolfenstein: Umbrella Beginnings, Episode 1: Discovery
Creator: Jayngoware
Released: 23rd April 2009
Length: 10 Levels - Episode 1
Level Format: Episodic
New Story: Yes (3 Pages)
Graphics: Original Wolfenstein plus some modified
Sound: Original Wolfenstein plus some new
Special Features: Journal feature, Intermission Screens, modified weapons.
Dos/SDL: Dos

Initial impressions: Well developed Storyline mixing elements from Resident Evil with Wolfenstein. Standard wall set with some minor changes.

Gameplay: Some standard battles and challenges with a couple of nice ambush scenarios. Guard placement seems well balanced and better than most new modder releases.

Mapping: Some real promise is shown for what is basically a remake of the original levels. Some creative scenarios while some levels (Level 8) are just very 'same-ish'. With further development and mapping of levels Jayngo shows signs that he could turn into a very talented mapper.

Likes: Mapping is well done, storyline is well structured. The statue ghosts are a really creative and effective new feature that have been done very well. The weapon sprites look good and are a nice update to the original set.

Dislikes: Use of the (almost) original Wolf wall set doesn't match the depth of the story, especially the blue prison walls. So much effort has been pout into some elements of the mod but isn't matched in other areas. The different colored % icon in the health section drove me crazy!
Ratings
Dean's Score: 6/10
Difficulty: A few tight challenges with the mutants but nothing overly difficult throughout.
Best Level: 7
Worst Level: 8

Wrap-up: For a first mod by a new modder this is better than most that have used the (almost) original Wolf set. Some nice additions like the journals and statue ghosts which shows some creativity and ability to do some coding changes outside of the standard changes. 'WUB' should serve as a good apprenticeship for Jayngo for future mods. I hope to see further development of walls and sprites to better match the storyline in future releases.

Where Can I get it?: You can download the mod by clicking HERE or by clicking on the screenshot at the top of this post.

Disclaimer: All reviews are only my opinion when playing the mod and are not intended to discredit anyone or the hard work they have put into creating their mod.