Nice to finally get to play an EDGE
level not made as a test-level by the EDGE team. There aren't many EDGE
levels available in the community, and that's a bit sad, because EDGE do
have a very strong feature. Namely the 3D floors. "SYH" actually
proves to be an OK example of how an EDGE level can be made.
First of all I think the author has
controlled the level very well. Its always a bit harder to maintain
concentration and the general view of things when you're dealing with making
3D floors in DooM. So at first the level looks quite simple in terms of
architecture. Many buildings are straightforward in design and reminds me a
lot of any first-half DooM II level, but that's also due to the texture/flat
choice. However, the bridges, computers, ceiling lamps, rooms over rooms
etc. elevates the level's aesthetics to a higher level. Although not mind-bendingly
beautiful, they hold some good gameplay, and that's what the larger half of
DooM is about.
"SYH" reminds me partly
of any of Kurt Kesler's maps. Like many of his (zDooM) wads "SYH"
follows the much used base/tech style with the obligatory computer stations,
long hallways with different kinds of lights, a few open areas and the use
of keys. All very nicely made in this level, only it doesn't differ much
from what we've seen a thousand times. "SYH" brings nothing new to
the genre, but then again, what new is there to add but textures and
sourceport features...
Gameplay wise the level again
follows the standard way of doing things. Hereby not said, it's boring, only
that the few surprises and tricks tucked into "SYH" doesn't
exactly impress. It just lifts the gameplay to average. As I mentioned above
the level is the basic search for keys kind of level. It's a bit linear in
design. Now that's not a bad thing in this level because of its size; if it
was filled with meaningless rooms and hallways the level would have exceeded
the limit of what is considered as reasonable.
I liked playing through Save Your
Hate, and I think you will too. However, don't expect this level to
fascinate you for a longer period of time. It just needs that extra
something, and it would have rocked your socks off.