The best way I think to describe this level is "Hell Revealed for DooMortals" (DooMortals being a phrase I just invented--or that I think I just invented--for people who are not Adam Hegyi.) Beginners and Intermediate Doomers should be quite challenged by this one. And it's a lot of fun, too. It's packed with small to medium monsters, although I think it gives the player too much ammo and powerups. There is one Spider Mastermind to contend with, and several arch-viles, otherwise it's mostly cacos, hell knights, and sergeants hiding in tiny alcoves that ambush you just as you stop to take a breath. As a side note, I think the music really sets the mood.

Level Review for DFT

Overall: A very fun, well paced level with menacing atmosphere. The opening nod to "Hell Keep" E3M1 was executed perfectly and the lighting was top notch. 87% is my score.

Critical Errors: Found None.

Design Errors: Finding the red key switch was a bitch. I thought I found it the third time (first demo), so I shot at it; but to no avail -- maybe the SSG isn't the right gun to hit the switch due to its spread. At any rate the texture didn't signify to me that it was a switch, just a firewall. I would change this to say that eyeswitch texture.

EDIT: Okay, I figured out this switch. From the caco hall, go into the side room and hit the switch, to open up the red key shootable switch. I didn't notice this the first time through. :(

EDIT: Okay, with the light amp googles needed for the invisibility sphere, the room makes a bit more sense; but I still think the triggers need to be within the room to provide the player some danger.

Aesthetics: Beautiful and menacing atmosphere. I loved it. Lighting was perfect in the outdoor areas, and nicely done overall. Some of the sprites got in the way, even though they were walkthrough sprites. Examples of this would be the soul sphere chamber where the revenant pops up. The chunk of meat hanging from the ceiling obstructs the view of the revenant; which in my opinion is a bit more scary than the meat. The room looks good without it. Also the hanging guys up in the northwest room overlooking the courtyard, seemed a bit much in such a small room. I loved the level's start room; it perfectly captured E3M1 "Hell Keep"'s opening area. Beautifully done.

Texture Alignments: Didn't notice any but unless they stand out I don't see them. Also was too busy staying alive and trying to figure out where the red key switch was.

Ammo/Weapon Placement: No complaints, I like how you use foreshadowing with the chaingun and the rocket launcher to signify to the players the best choice in weaponry for what's behind each door. (This is something that I try to do in my maps).

Enemy Placement: I like the steady, managable pace (I was on HMP -- it could be a different story on UV). Constantly busy. I also like the arch-vile trap in the soul sphere chamber. I didn't expect that the first time; nice.

Maybe having a pain elemental instead of a caco in the lightgoggle/beserk pack room would work a little better and help eat up some of that excess shotgun ammo. Also if the baron in that room teleported out behind the player while the caco came out through the window would have been a better fight.

Health Placement: No complaints.

Bonus Items Usage: I loved the potions and helmets up on the windowsills. The Light amplification goggles seemed unnecessary; so far I haven't needed them in this level.

EDIT: I figured out why you put them in the map, to find the invisibility sphere secret -- I'm just not sure if it's needed to go up against the Spider Mastermind. You gave us the BFG and a soul sphere; that Spider Mastermind has little chance against us in the courtyard.

Misc.: It sounds like I'm knocking your level to pieces. I'm not, I enjoyed it very much; I just think certain things can be better. You have great ideas and very fun maps. Keep up the good work.

-- Joe