This is the second map of EXU2 and this is like a small introduction to what EXU2 is all about, it's like a tutorial before the game goes all out in the next level which is in my opinion the real first map of EXU2. This map is a recreation of Vortex Rikers from the original Unreal made by CliffyB, if you are familiar with the original map then this map shouldn't be a problem when it comes to figuring out what to do to complete it (I'm talking about level design
), the real challenge is surviving. That's the weird thing about EXU2, all maps are recreations of maps from Unreal, so level progression, level design and objectives are the same as the original maps, the differences are in textures, lighting, decorations and of course the gameplay, it's quite interesting that the only map that was done from scratch is the first one
. So this map introduces that idea very well.
This map may be the same level as the original Vortex Rikers but it feels completely different, the lighting, decorations and sound effects give this level a very disturbing feeling to it, almost like a portal to a hellish environment was opened and now everyone is dead except for you, I can see a lot of inspirations from games like Warhammer 40,000 or Doom. Also the message that appears at the start "LIBERATE VOS EX INFERNIS" is very similar to "Liberate tutemet ex inferis", a phrase that was used in Event Horizon, a movie that was inspired by Warhammer 40,000 . This map does a great job with the sound effects, everywhere you go you can hear the screams of the damned. Lighting is very dark (which can be a problem depending on your settings) but it's very effective to set up the hellish environment. The music is great, the track (Hydroponics) does a very good job at introducing you at the absolutely insane gameplay and atmosphere of this campaign.
Gameplay is the highlight of the map, you start with the EXU2 automag, and it's very powerful to kill any enemy in this map. However your greatest weapon are the flares, you can erase an entire room full of enemies with only one of these, however I recommend not to use them all the time since you might need them in future maps. The enemies featured here are the weakest of the campaign, however since you start with very little health, this map is still quite the challenge, especially in higher difficulties were some items are removed. This map also has hints if you are playing in lower difficulties (a little nod to the unused hint system from the original Unreal). Besides introducing the EXU2 automag and flares, this level also introduces the flare gun (very useful to throw flares very far away and activating them instantly), the UT translocator (which is very dangerous to use since the module can be easily destroyed in EXU2) and the EXU2 Impact Hammer (a weapon that's very useful to kill tough enemies at close range). I really like that the infamous unreachable area near the bridge is now a secret area that rewards clever use of the translocator, this level is full of flares, so use the translocator, there's always a flare in the ceilings
. Fun fact: there's an enemy at the very end of the map (in the area where the next map begins), you can use the translocator to get to him. Something similar happens at the very start of the next map.
This map also has a very well hidden EXU2 Bio Rifle, let's see if anyone can find it without cheating or opening the map in the editor
Issues I found:
-The mover to the execution room is Trigger Toggle, which can confuse a lot of players since the lighting doesn't let you see where the mover is, to add insult to injury in the original Vortex Rikers the mover is TriggerOpenTimed, so familiarity with the original map will trick you.
-This level and the previous map don't have the music and sound effects when you die.
-There isn't a fail safe in the next maps if you somehow missed the weapons in this map, the translocator is the one that suffers the most from this since you can easily miss this weapon if you don't pay attention at the bridge.
-This campaign really suffers from not having a flashlight, unless you count the EXU2 automag secondary fire.....
-EXU2 has a new counterpart of the creature factory, however this map uses one original creature factory for some reason.
Somewhere in Nevada...
Discovering the new EXU flare types was a revelation in itself, and the whole experience feels so much more brutal than official Unreal (and just on the Medium difficulty too). I remember getting a nasty fright from those fast-moving mini brutes suddenly charging me from around a corner (the corridor rush Semfry mentioned).
