Building - Dunkelschwamm

 


        Building is a short jaunt through what seems to be some sort of skyscraper filled with human grunts. It's not too difficult and will be over very fast.

SCMapDB page

Author: Jouko Lehtonen

Date of release: 2003

Maps in package: 1

Map review of Building

(originally posted on SCMapDB)

by dunkelschwamm | May 29, 2023 | 2784 characters

    Building is a straight-forward walkthrough map which pits players against HECU in an office building. It begins with players taking heavy opposition in a lobby while using only pistols, the miniguns the players pick off of the HW grunts from that battle will last them the rest of the map as they ascend to the roof. Pressing the button at the roof's door ends the map.

    Most of this map is very standard stuff: wipe out HECU which occupy office floors. They're relentless, which makes the initial battle very difficult. However, the immediate upgrade in weapons trivializes most threats from then on. The map proceeds to give a shotgun, revolver, grenades, and uzis. I didn't use any of those. As mentioned previously, those two miniguns you pick up in the initial wave can easily last the rest of the map. Therein lies a possible criticism: the initial wave is easily the hardest opposition the players face in the map, and it is when they are the least equipped. The rest of the map is definitely packed with fun combat intervals, but there's a backwards difficulty curve. Immediate crescendo at the beginning of the map, and the rest is a bit of a decrescendo. Regardless, I think the map in general

    The map itself looks fine. I rather enjoyed a giant decorative puck with the American eagle texture on it at the beginning of the map, which struck me as creative use of the assets available. As far as offices go, this isn't the standard Black Ops office, though it isn't terribly fascinating to look at. Instead, it just very competently creates a natural environment that happens to work very well for combat. Every floor has a different layout, and sometimes things are broken up with vents or an elevator shaft. It is all very decent.

    It's also terribly short, so if you're looking for a bite-sized action map this will fill that niche.

    Overall, I'd recommend Building. It's fun, even if it's a bit awkwardly paced. Good combat, simple mapping with natural arenas, and miniguns which players can easily punk rooms full of HECU with.

Pros:

  • Good arenas for HECU combat
  • Plenty of equipment and HEV
  • Map looked good, different but natural take on office complex
  • Doesn't overstay its welcome
  • A mostly fun combat experience

Cons:

  • Ending is abrupt and sudden
  • Grabbing miniguns at the beginning of the map sorta trivializes the rest of it
  • The map opens with the strongest opposition while the players have the least fun equipment for such a fight
  • Finding new weapons is pretty pointless when you already have miniguns
  • A mostly forgettable experience
Score: 6.9 / 10

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