ash to ash - virgil the doom poet

Filename: ash2ash.zip

File size: 496K

Author: Virgil the Doom Poet

Homepage: www.geocities.com/Virgil_32_0

Other work: AfterDoom, Dark Castle

One of the first impressions I got when playing Ash to Ash was that the
author spent a hell of a long time constructing the level. For it is made
with a very high standard of detail built into it. As the screenshots show,
the architecture is quite advanced by today's standards. There is a sense
of modularity built into the whole level. One of the things I liked best
about it is the inventive use of the Plutonia textures. The 3D-bridges
are fairly neat effects, I only spotted a slight HOM in the sewer area
around them. The best area I think is outside, when you get to fill
and empty numerous tanks and such. This shows the degree of inventiveness
in the author to the best extent.

I can't say that gameplay is too bad, but I must say I enjoyed it a bit
more when I didn't have any monsters in the level. The main problem I think
is that they get piled on a bit too heavily. Also, look out for
some subtle secrets.



No major bugs; a small HOM around the 3D-bridges in the sewer section was
the first I notices, and a tendency to fall through the 3D-bridge over
the water between the warehouse sections was the other.

The aesthetics in the level are pretty damn good; the textures in Doom2
and Plutonia have been used in inventive and resourceful ways. Just
about perfect, in my opinion. One of the things I liked best was the
dark 'slaughterhouse' section (after you fall through the water tank)
which, combined with the E1M5 music, is very sinister. The final
portal (the exit) is particularly effective; that superfast scrolling
combined with the darkness in the rest of the room is highly atmospheric.
Another fantastic section is the dark warehouse with the great conveyor
belt... hunt hard for that key!

The thing placement in this map is very well done. No complaints.

verdict