Caget - Dunkelschwamm

 

    Caget is the prototype for another map called CAGED, which if I understand correctly was prototyped in Sven Co-op, made into a mod, and then ported back into Sven Co-op. Regardless of the journey this map has taken, CAGED is now out and is a more complete version of Caget.

SCMapDB page

Authors: Cayle George, Trempler

Date of release: 2003

Maps in package: 1

Map review of Caget

(originally posted on SCMapDB)

by dunkelschwamm | June 17, 2023 | 2425 characters

    Caget is a walkthrough map filled with platforming, scraping for weaponry, and then action. In that order.

    Begin the map in a cage, which players must cooperate to solve a puzzle to break out. From there players use a wrench and their longjump while navigating platforming. Players then spend time with low weaponry dealing with zombies, turrets, and soldiers in cramped tunnels. Finally, players take on soldiers and aliens while making use of a full standard arsenal.

    That later third I mentioned is really worthwhile, but it's too bad the first two thirds are present. The platforming and wrenching of heavy enemies was pretty miserable, especially with every death sending us back before the platforming area. This area is rough enough that I would have considered putting the map down and never coming back to it.

    And, while I'm about to lump some praise on the map for things it got right, let there be no mistake now. Spoiler: I'm not going to recommend this map. Not only are the first two thirds miserable, but we ran into a broken trigger our first time through which prevented forward progress basically RIGHT BEFORE things got good. Thankfully, my teammate tried the map again with cheats and got us back to where we were and we finished things.

    If you overlook that the map seems to be broken, there's some great bits to be gathered. The textures and architecture are a lot of fun to look at, and there's some really good attempts at fun triggers like laser doorways and keycard slots. The end battle and some funny custom-modeled vortigaunts really pulled things together for a climactic battle, too. As things open up at the end, so too does my enjoyment of it.

    Overall, Caget is basically just a worse version of CAGED. I highly recommend CAGED, but would not recommend Caget. Caget is definitely far undercooked compared to CAGED.

Pros:

  • Fun world textures and brushwork
  • Creative environment details
  • Fun gunfights in the third half
  • Good checkpoint teleporter
  • Fun final battle

Cons:

  • Annoying backtracking through annoying platforming segments
  • Combat before the full arsenal is stinky doo-doo
  • Map trigger issues stopped our initial attempt of this map
  • CAGED is much better
Score: 4.9 / 10

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