Review: Wintersturm

Details
Title: Wintersturm
Creator: WLHack
Released: 16/05/2007
Length: 3 Levels
Level Format: Continuous
New Story: Yes
Graphics: All New
Sound: All New
Special Features: Rocket launchers, Bombs with timers, Animated sprites, directional sprites, Additional keys w/ doors, textured floors & ceilings, paralaxing skies & gun bobbing.
Dos/SDL: Dos

Initial impressions: The all new artwork has been done to an exceptional level and really helps create a new atmosphere. The ambient sounds are very fitting and the replacement weapons have been done to a very high standard. The overall thought that has gone into the layout of this mod and the way the player progresses makes this a very impressive set. There are some sound issues but this looks to be a very professionally done otherwise.

Gameplay: The gameplay has been made with a lot of thought involved with each of the 3 levels taking place in completely different environments. There are plenty of guards and lots of places to explore. The added features of a timer (Level 2) as well as stationary rocket launchers (Levels 1 & 2) add new elements to the mod. The ample use of guards keeps the player on their toes and the new features helps keep things interesting.

Mapping: The mapping is extremely well done with each level becoming a new adventure. WLHack has mapped this to match the features of his mod quite well and has done a great job in setting out environments in a challenging manner. There is a great mixture of inside and outside scenarios that even better done than in his previous mod 'The False Spear'.

Likes: The overall appearance of the mod, including the new artwork, new statusbar and challenge features like the bomb timers, make for a really challenging and entertaining game to play. The new weapons, guards, health and treasure items have been done extremely well. The sky in level 1 is one of the nicest I've ever seen used.
The gameplay is a highlight and makes the game look and play beautifully. The mapping and environments are done extremely well which makes this one of those mods where you want to search every inch of every map.

Dislikes: There are some bugs in the game. There are sound issues at times when multiple sounds are playing that mean you can't hear the guards yells of alert when they are approaching plus the secret wall and other sounds don't play sometimes. There is a bug with the ammo counts for certain weapons when the player picks up ammo that can be confusing as to how much ammo you actually have. Changing weapons and then back again usually fixes this.


Ratings
Dean's Score: 8.0/10
Difficulty: Things are made more difficult with additions like the timers & rocket launchers
Best Level: 3
Worst Level: None

Wrap-up: An outstanding effort seeing this was made in a relatively short period of time (7 days according to it's creator). This has been brilliantly done but would have served the player better by getting a full mod treatment of 20+ levels as there is just so much to enjoy. Great detail has been taken and shows what can be done to make Wolf environments rich, beautiful looking and a great challenge for the player.

Where Can I get it?: You can download the mod 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.