[DOOM II] Dark Tartarus - Map 18 : Contra - UV-Speed in
Pwad : Dark Tartarus v4
Map 18 : "Contra"
Skill : Ultra-Violence
Category : UV-Speed
Time : 01:40
NOTE : Download link : http://grandvoid.sickedwick.net/wads/...
(NEW THREAD !!! v5 (final version ?) is currently WIP and discussed here : http://zandronum.com/forum/showthread...)
Dark Tartarus is a 41-levels wad created by Pla, and designed for cooperative gameplay. Despite its 'wacky' levels (cyber-fest everywhere), it combines very cool atmosphere, hard challenging maps and stunning gameplay. That is why I can tell it's one of the best wads I ever played. Furthermore, there is so many ways to complete each level (regardless of what category you play in) that the gameplay can never be repetitive.
About the level : As the UV-Max run is not possible due to the lack of ammo (and also 8 angry cybers in top platforms), I'll only go for the UV-Speed, which is the only possible run of the three. This map is really really impressive. I would not have expected such thing in Doom before seeing it with my own eyes. Dedicated to the arcade game of the same name, it makes me feel I'm on a 2D-like level, with lots of amazing things for the gameplay. The possibility to take a completely different route, reaching high platforms is just incredible. The music is kinda nice too, so that makes this level particularly especial. The gameplay, although it is pretty short, is hard. Few traps are difficult because you can't go back for a retreat (or you go back to the start, which is annoying). The second route is much more easier, however.
About the run : Well, it was pretty easy to make such record. Once you pass the 2 capricious mancubus (sometimes they kill you instantly so it's kinda random), it's almost done. Imps are easy (just don't fall down), cybers can be dodged (even though I had to step back in the vid, eh), and finally, if the arch-vile is not too wicked, it's an outright win. The rocket-jump can be avoided, but it's much slower to kill hell knights with bfg (more risky too)... The next two vids will show one of the hardest Tartarus level, stay tuned !