Details
Title: DHW SoD SDL Mapset
Creator: Various
Released: 07/02/2012
Length: 21 Levels (2 secret)
Level Format: Continuous
Story: None
Graphics: Original SoD
Sound: Original SoD
Special Features: None
Dos/SDL: SDL
Initial impressions: When you have AReyeP starting off by doing the first level in a mapset you know things can't go too wrong! The first level is perfectly balanced as both an introduction to the mod which builds up nicely so that the player can accumulate weapons and ammo before getting into some tougher stuff, which accurately reflects the level of difficulty of how many of the following levels are going to be.
Being that this is just original SoD, you know exactly what you are in for in realtion to features and enemies and can get going straight from the get-go.
Gameplay: As expected for a Community mapset, the action is fast paced and constantly challenging. There is quite a diverse number of mappers that have made levels for this and this mixes things up nicely. There is ample treasure, ammo and health and plenty of secrets for the adventurous player.
With the gameplay being constantly challenging one would be strongly advised to stock up on health and ammo regularly or to constantly keep in mind where to come back to for reserves. Heading into a new level low on either health or ammo is something I can advise very strongly against doing!
Mapping: I will reviewing this section based on the 18 levels that I wasn't involved in. I was very proud of the levels I made for this set so it would only be fair to put all bias aside.
With mappers making levels for this with the ability of RonWolf, Thomas, Serpens, Megabyte (who mapped all of KFH games "Reloaded" series) and AReyeP you know you are going to get some great levels, and all deliver high quality, challenging, enjoyable levels. What's nice about this is the other mappers, Hellblazer and Ipank7000 have delivered strong, enjoyable levels as well.
There are a lot more guards used than the original SoD game as each mapper tries to make their levels challenging with well thought out scenarios and ongoing battles to survive. Likewise, there are many more secret areas, choc full of health, ammo and especially treasure. So much so that my score rolled over twice while playing through this!
What I especially liked was the mix up between large open levels and smaller more compact levels. No 2 levels look alike, or play alike, meaning you just never know what to expect as you enter into each new level.
Likes: The mixture of levels and the diversity of styles made this thoroughly enjoyable for me. I think in making this that we aren't necessarily trying to make a better mod than the original, but more trying to make an enjoyable, entertaining mod for people to play, that embodies all the and I feel that we have achieved that nicely with this set.
Ipank7000's level was really well done and great fun to play, I greatly look forward to playing more of his levels am I am always very happy to see new talented mappers emerge.
Dislikes: Sound issues. I'm not sure if it was my pc or the game files but I lost music on 2 levels, only to have it return on the following levels and also suffered multiple crashes on one level also.
Ratings
Dean's Score: 8/10
Difficulty: Slightly harder than original SoD
Best Level: 8, with a nod to 15
Worst Level: 2
Wrap-up: Being apart of this, I was quite interested to see how everyone's levels turned out and how as a mod they played together. I can pleasently saw I was very surprised by how the mixture of styles blended together and feel this will be an enjoyable set and great representation of the quality that the DHW team can produce.
With 2 installments to the DHW mapping sets now made, here's hoping that a new mapset can be started for everyone to enjoy in the future. Spear Resurrection or End of Destiny anyone? :P
Where Can I get it?: You can download the mod HERE or by clicking on the screenshot at the top of this post.
The earlier DieHard Wolfers SDL Mapset (Released 01/10) can be downloaded from HERE.
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.
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