Zar

Screenshots

It is quite rare these days to see a new Doom level which doesn't require a source port of some kind, but levels such as Jeremy Statz's Zar remind us that Doom 2 was just fine before the source code was released. Zar is old school Doom editing at its best.

Soon after loading up the level you will no doubt recognise the classic Doom 2 style level design. Although, comparing Zar with the original Doom 2 levels does not quite do it justice as it's really a lot better. Almost as if all the best elements of the original Doom 2 maps were combined into the one level. You may have to jump into a pool of acid, find your way through a maze, or raise/lower platforms...

The architecture is perfectly simple - a pleasure to look at, yet nothing that would cause a visplane overflow. Texture use was above average and far from repetitive, making all areas of the level distinct yet flow well with no obvious misalignments. Lighting was in the classic single sectored fashion, but there was good use of random/blinking lights.

Monster placement was definitely well thought out. Jeremy knows what makes a fun level - lots of easier type monsters which the occasional use of a Hell Knight or Mancubis. On Ultra Violence you'll have to watch out for the occasional Pain Elemental and Baron of Hell, which have a habit of popping up just when you have no ammo left. Not all the monsters are just sitting there waiting to be killed - a lot like to teleport in or appear behind trap doors.

You should have enough weapons to finish the level. The Super Shotgun appears farely early on in the level, but if you use it too much chances are you'll run out of shells. Making the best use of the Rocket Launcher is essential if you want 100% kills on Ultra Violence. There is a generous amount of health and armour so you won't need to save too often.

Zar is an extremely fun level to play. When I saw the exit sign I was disappointed that the level was about to finish. Not to say that the level is short because it's pretty much the perfect length. Zar is the kind of level that will leave you with a warm fuzzy feeling inside, and you won't be able to play it just once.

Rating 9.5/10

Reviewed by Chief