Renzatic on 18/4/2005 at 03:16

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Ditto. I've been able to play them all cept that.

Edit: Hmmm, wait..I missed St. Lazarius. Gonna try it out.

Ottoj55 on 18/4/2005 at 03:46

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requiem also worked for me, i can tell who was behind at least three of them right now, and i must say, if the imperium looks as good as st. lazarus, wow, what a treat that will be. but its also slightly unfair, i had to start from scratch, didn't have years worth of cool textures built up, oh well.

Aja on 18/4/2005 at 04:45

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I felt that each entry deserved praise and comments, so in return for the authors' work, I wrote a small review for each entry.


A Nice Stroll

I love the atmosphere here. I'm very partial to water and wet environments, and this entry reminded me a lot of a very deep and relaxing dream - the kind I'll have on a night when I know I can sleep for as long as want. The mysterious/minimalist nature only added to this feeling, and the sound of falling water was a great touch. I also thought the entrance was very clever; the floating door with electric light embodies the dreamy quality I was talking about... A Nice Stroll is unexpected but most welcome.


Hazelwood Cemetary

For a moment, I thought I was playing Painkiller. Gorgeous all around. The mist effect is beautiful, as are the streams of light through the trees and windows. Tombstones were a great idea, and funny too. Textures in particular are great - the marble floor, the grass and the path around the cemetary, the stone wall, it's all very beautiful. I couldn't figure out how to achieve the objective though, so I had to leave prematurely :) When all's said and done, I predict that Hazelwood Cemetary will win the contest.


Requiem for a Thief

Brilliant. Graphically it is very impressive - the dust in the air, the beautiful backdrop, the reflections of the stained glass, the new AI skins... The atmosphere (which I believe is the largest factor in this contest) perfectly conveys the serenity and peacefulness of such an occasion. This entry has an almost Easter-ish feel to it. The eulogies are given exactly as I would expect each of the factions to give them, and the voice acting is excellent as well. Overall the mission is a great idea well-executed; I'd place it as one of the top contenders.


Ride the Butterfly

Daylight missions are rare, so extra credit must be given here for creating an environment which poses some problems for an game designed with nightime in mind. Everything here is vibrant and alive - the wildlife is a great idea (though occasionally flew in strange patterns), particularily it's namesake (I did, in fact, ride one, though I was slightly injured ;) ). Graphically, the use of colour really stands out here, as does the beautiful waterfall (the little streams along the edges of the rocks are much-appreciated touches). Sound effects are used successfully to help create the atmosphere... a relaxing summer feeling, makes me wish I had a lawn chair, a Corona and a good book. :)


The Clocktower

The author claims this took four weeks. It would've taken me four years. Attention to detail is impeccable, and object use is at the peak of thief fan missions. It has an atmosphere very similar to Morrowind, except this looks better. Lighting effects and textures are excellent, and I love the gears and pendulum of the clock. The picture of the girl was jarring and out of place, but forgivable for the sense of immersion created by the rest of the level.


St Lazarius

Obviously a prelude to the Hammerite Imperium ;) and an excellent entry to the contest. Use of textures is unmatched (surprised?), and the architecture is realistic and very reminiscient of actual cathedrals. Music is also well-chosen, the choir in particular. The atmosphere is excellent, which, in my book, is what counts. I am now really looking forward to the upcoming campaign. :)


Surrounded by the Metal Age

Another instantly beautiful misson. While one of the smaller entries, it is also one of the most realistic. This is surprising considering the heavy use of stock textures - I always figured that fancy imported ones were not always necessary, and this completely proves that notion. The brickwork is wonderful, and I love the little pond and stepping stones. The smokestacks and antenna are great touches, and the localized sound effects add depth and vibrance (plus the desperate desire to know what is behind all of the doors!). The atmosphere is excellent - I do indeed feel surrounded by a city, lush and alive. The atmosphere is built further up by use of music and objects - the draped furniture in particular creates a wonderful "after the party" feeling, exactly the kind of place at exactly the right time where and when Garrett would be. I really hope to see a full FM from this - it gets my vote.

Well that's everything. Thanks to all the authors for the wonderful missions :)

Low Moral Fiber on 18/4/2005 at 05:59

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Couldn't get Requiem to work either.

Toss-up between Hazelshade Cemetary, St. Lazarius, and the The Clocktower.

Hazelshade had amazing mist and I dug the light beams.

Lazarius was gorgeous, and I dug the chanting, although the odd anime/rpg music that kicked in with the hammer room was kind of odd.

The Clocktower rocked. I had a huge sense of foreboding the whole time, like I was going to find the guy hanging from the top of the place. Great sound, agree with Aja on the picture of the girl. Windmill is coo.

Surrounded had really good sound as well, and I dug the working mechanist smokestacks.

A Nice Stroll was okay, although it didn't do that much for me. The waterfall was odd looking, especially from behind.

Aja on 18/4/2005 at 06:37

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I guess I wasn't as impressed by Clocktower as everyone else. Its main grab was just tons of objects.... maybe it was that picture, I dunno, the atmosphere wasn't there for me.