Flay the Obscene

Screenshots

Flay the Obscene is Christian Hansen's 12th wad, so he's no amatuer. The wad actually consists of two levels, an introduction and then the 'hostile world' which you must teleport into in order to hold back an alien invasion.

The first level contains no weapons or enemies, you must simply work your way through the hi-tech office building to a large teleport. It's very well detailed and sets up the second level nicely.

Once you are into the second level the action finally begins. At the start a couple of imps are used to distract you from two chaingunners who might just surprise you (written in shame...). The level design and architecture is top notch. Instantly reminded me of some of Richard Wiles' wads with yellow rocks/bricks and water. Perfect texture work and lighting go further to create a 'hellish complex' theme. Not only are there nicely detailed indoor and pseudo-indoor areas, but there is also a nicely done outdoor area to dodge revenant rockets in.

The second thing you will notice (after the fact that the architecture is incredible) is that the level feels almost deserted. Where are the monsters?? Thirty-nine on Ultra Violence only. Christian explains in the text file that this was to create atmosphere. It does work in that you feel like the level wasn't simply designed to fit the monster placement, but that the level is a real place with monsters scattered throughout. But on the other hand you may come out of the level feeling a little dissapointed with the ease of it all. Why have an introduction map for a level that takes roughly five minutes?? You tell me.

The level is not a complete walk-over though. There is one area that is guaranteed to give most people a little trouble, and force the Doom Gods to open their eyes for a change :-) Just keep running though and you'll be fine - you've got the Super Shotgun after all.

The use of keys in the level is a little strange. Yes they open the key doors. But usually the key is in the path of the key door so it was almost a waste putting it in. This especially applies to the red key in level 2.

I'm still not sure as to whether I would have put in an introduction level. It may have been better if Christian had added the two into the one larger level. It still could have had no monsters so the 'build-up' effect could have remained. Then again, it does make the wad a little unique I guess. Even if you don't find this level quite action-packed enough, you will definitely be glad that you downloaded it. Don't forget that the levels start at map12...

Overall: 9/10

Reviewed by Chief