Best Multiplayer Level 32
in 24 - 7 - YEDS
For the second straight year in a row, a 32 in
24 is crowned the best multiplayer experience. For 2008, the 32 in 24
team decided to tackle capture the flag as the method of gameplay, and, just
like last year, this project is well polished and exudes professionalism.
While it is no secret I am a fan of visually stunning wads, I think
every Doomer can agree that the 32 in 24 series is known for solid
gameplay and visual fidelity. The last few installments have seen
the project broken into two phases; the first half is 32 levels done in
24 hours. After the layouts are complete, the maps are detailed and
refined to be pleasing to the eyes. I had a chance to play a capture
the flag match in 32 in 24 and it really is a treat; the maps play really
well, particularly considering they were all made in 24 hours.
Oddly enough, there were few noteworthy multiplayer mods this
year. The only other multiplayer level in contention was 32 in 24 -
6; that should also speak to the drive of the team behind the
projects. Next year looks to, also, be very promising, with Ghouls v
Humans and UDMX on the horizon. Unfortunately, nobody will stop
playing Dwango5.
-Scuba Steve
Worst Wad
UAC Military Nightmare
- Terry
This wad is the product of a diseased brain.
The story begins a few years ago, when Terry was conceived with a weak
sperm. Emerging from his mother's womb like a wet fart, Terry immediately
set about creating what is possibly the worst wad file the world has ever
known.
The UAC Military Nightmare. Oh dear God, what went wrong?
Taking a page from Half-Life's book (and immediately wiping his ass with
it), Terry's UACMN begins with a cinematic cutscene, starring the many
severed heads of John Romero. Having grown bored of making computer games,
the Severed Heads of John Romero have instead taken up a new career in
assrape. They chase the player through 18 levels whilst firing "Rape
Rays" of rapid-fire BFG shot from their penises (which might explain why
Romero is so popular with pre-pube Romanians). At some point, Carn &
Giant Transsexual Ralphis join in the fun.
The level design is pure unadulterated tripe, the graphics are beyond
dismal, the sound effects are fucking awful, the scripting only works 50% of
the time, and when it does work, it is 100% obsessed with my ass and the act
of sticking things into my ass. This is not a lie. I doubt there is a single
piece of scripting that does not involve the author threatening to violate
my sad and saggy rectum.
Actually, fuck giving the Worst Wad Award to this anally-fixated cretin. It
will only encourage the little bastard and I'll have to go through this
whole piss-poor charade again next year.
Instead, I will dedicate this Cacoward to the object that inspired this
masterpiece of complete steaming shit.
I am giving the Worst Wad Award to My Own Asshole.
Fuck you Terry.
-Darknation
Mordeth Award - Released project with the longest
"development time"
Deus
Vult II - Huy
"Doom Marine" Pham
The Mordeth award is, generally, cut and dry; I look
when a project was started, see when it was released, and name the one that
took the longest as the winner. This year required me to refine what
"Mordeth" means as an award. Does longest development time from
start to finish count, or is there something else?
Despite the conflict of interest, I would have normally
handed Urban Brawl: Action Doom 2 the Mordeth award and written about how
long it took to create the project. Action Doom 2 took over 4 years to
make, edging out Deus Vult II for a longer development cycle... however, nobody knew
that. As far as the community was concerned, Action Doom 2 was announced and released
the same day. I believe there is something more to the Mordeth Award,
something Action Doom 2 missed.
Invariably (just ask Lüt), when you work on a project for a
long time, people will continuously ask "when will it be done"...
and I think that is the most important aspect of this award. The
author should be told, by community members, at least several times to
"Get back to work on Project X" or "Finish Project
Z". Deus Vult II took the longest amount of time to develop in
public. I am sure Huy was constantly bombarded with "Is it
done" "Finish DVII" "Get back to work"... and that,
my friends, makes a Mordeth.
Hay Mordeth, honeymoon's over, finish Mordeth Episode 2.
-Scuba Steve
Mockaward - Best comedy wad of the year
Community is Falling 3
- Samuel "Kaiser" Villarreal
Let
me start by saying, I love you Kaiser... in fact, we all love you. So
much, in fact, that we waited 3 years for your magnum opus, Community is
Falling 3, the funniest wad this year.
Obviously,
CIF3 is one of the most ambitious project ever conceived by an author.
Kaiser single handedly wrote an inventory system (before ZDoom added one),
created a new AI system for the monsters, discovered a wrapping technique
for text, and mapped and scripted dozens of new levels. Playing through
CIF3 is a real task, and some levels are absolutely daunting (I am looking
at you jetpack level)... but Kaiser still manages to do a hilarious job
poking fun at the Doom community.
Centered around the Knee Deep in ZDoom controversy that
arose over 2 years ago, you take on the role of an unnamed forum member and
master hacker who is tasked with uncovering the mysterious leak. CIF3
is packed full of community in-jokes and cute jabs at the gaming industry
(of particular humor, the Doom 3 forums of Doomworld). Community is
Falling 3 is an impressive endeavor, but it is hobbled by steep system
requirements (the inventory system can slow the game down) and incredibly
tough gameplay. If you can get past the difficulty, you will be
rewarded with a clever and humorous project. Now, go grab a frying pan
and beat some noobs.
-Scuba Steve
Mapper of the Year
Björn
"Vader" Ostmann
Last
year was a little contentious when it came to Mapper of the Year (not
really). Late during the writing, deathz0r convinced me that Eternal
was an excellent choice for best mapper... and I took his word for it.
After Eternal's numerous excellent releases this year, I think it was a good
call. Generally, I try to nominate an author who I think deserves
recognition for their work over many years, as well as their involvement
with the community. I doubt many will disagree with Vader as this
year's "Mapper of the Year".
Earlier this year, ZPack was released; a
community collection of wads for ZDoom, ZPack was a decidedly mixed
bag. Many maps were of mediocre or sub-par quality; however, everyone echoed
the same sentiment, "You MUST play it to see Vader's maps."
Bjorn managed to get an entire community to download a mediocre mapset just
to see his additions. Fortunately, Thunderpeak, and a future Blackrock
release, were released individually, but it really speaks to his
talent.
Doom has seen its share of prolific mappers, each bringing
something new to the aesthetics of new mods. I honestly believe Vader
has created a new standard that new mappers are attempting to emulate.
He made ZPack playable, salvaged numerous maps in Knee Deep in ZDoom, and set
the standard for the sequel. His maps are brilliantly detailed with
just the perfect mix of texturing, scale and architecture.
ZDoom is known for having a rather hacked portal system, yet Vader is able
to seamlessly integrate portals, slopes and scripting to build some of the
best maps in the community. Additionally, Vader is an accomplished
artist, and the new textures and monsters in his projects even humble me.
Bjorn "Vader" Ostmann is a fantastic mapper,
worthy to be the year's best. I hope he does not vanish and continues
to produce maps for Doom for years to come.
-Scuba Steve
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