UnrealSP.orgProject information
Main review
Another one of Unreal's early custom projects, Pointless by Brandon Seibel is a short (albeit admittedly fun) excursion into a modest Skaarj underground base that was given to players on June 3rd, 1998. June 3rd. Let that sink in. This is a VERY early map, released less than two weeks after Unreal itself. That is an achievement, especially that albeit simple in construction, the level does put a smile on one's face with its concept.
Having no release notes even, or nothing besides a fourth-wall-breaking translator message at the end, our purpose in the area is open to interpretation. Hi-tech texturing of the base areas combined with Shared Dig track suggests the base is built underground, a fact later confirmed by bare, bright rock tunnel being present in the latter half of the map. While everything is simple in construction, Seibel made effort for the areas to have purpose, such as a mess hall with furniture and a malfunctioning lamp, a small reactor that one has to shut down to disable a force field and a cave area, complete with a working cave-in sequence. This proves that although Seibel didn't think grand, he instead focused on attention to detail to the best of his ability.
The level's simplicity works in its favor - it's a short burst adventure through a small contingent of Brutes, Skaarj, Tentacles and Krall occupying the base and the player's only worry is to not get killed. The arsenal provided is just enough to obliterate the opposition with some ammo to spare, but not too much to make this too easy. The mentioned cave-in is a nice addition, so that even the inanimate surroundings aren't entirely safe. Again, it's a level that's less than two weeks after Unreal's release and it has a simple scripted sequence.
The ending of the level may come across as a bit abrupt. No teleporter informs you of the end, unless you're playing a version snagged from coop servers - there's just a translator message from the author. Too bad, as the level would benefit from a couple more rooms but it is what it is. There are also no technical flaws, so that's a plus too.
Summary
While devoid of a story and extremely short, Pointless is a pleasant little ride not without its merits. I recommend you to play it - you just might find it not entirely… pointless.
Download Link:
https://unrealarchive.org/unreal/maps/unknown/P/pointless_5c0183c3.html
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ArchitectureImagination, realism and detail of structures used in the design of the level.3
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TexturingUse of textures in the level. Technically speaking, alignment and scaling. Choice of textures, and quality of any custom textures used.3
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LightingLighting of the level: does it look cool? Use of light colour and other effects, and sourcing of lighting (no light out of nowhere).3
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SoundUse of ambient sounds and event sounds to give the level atmosphere, and the quality of any custom sounds. Appropriate use of music and silence to complement the atmosphere.3
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Technical ExecutionTechnical soundness of the level, i.e. no visual glitches, no random deaths or other gameplay bugs, and a good framerate.6
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Conceptual GrandnessScale, imagination, awe & originality of design and layout, physical foreshadowing of future areas.4
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Story ConstructionBacking story & progression via translator, subplots, and script of voice acting where applicable. Logical choice of opposition.0
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Story ImplementationProgression of the written story via the events of the level, and performance of voice actors where applicable.0
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Gameplay AweQuality of scripted sequences, originality and staging of combats. Maps that force the player to "learn by dying" will be penalised.4
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Gameplay BalanceBalance of weapons and items to creatures, including difficulty settings. Most importantly, fun factor.5