DBP20: Dungeons and Demons [rc 2]

Get your D20’s out for DBP20 y’all... congratulations and well done on a kick arse theme Vert!

Looks sick.

Full set -complevel 2 demos

Fun stuff! Warning: secret spoilers inside....

The RL secret isn't a one time thing, there is another way to get it. Examine the AV switch room >:/

re: the lowering pillars in MAP02, they're supposed to be a clue that the pillars blocking the red key are lowering too (hence the FIREBLU in the background; the pillar textures match as well). I'm not really a fan of switches that don't do anything obvious so even though it might be a bit obscure it's better than nothing. Probably.

Thanks for the demos and feedback @gaspe , particularly your demo of my map which is simply fucken amazing! How you were able to fight back from 1% health was impressive and that was such an awesome death exit  Wonderful stuff!

Tomato is a cool DM. I'd hang out with him.

"DnD" is the perfect excuse for the krew to crank out some medieval playgrounds, with some hellish gardens and steampunk anachronism screw thrown in for good measure. I didn't feel the DnD flavor too strongly in the maps themselves, though i maybe i'm just mentioning this because Big Ol' Billy's dice was hella cool.

FDAs (1-4 + dbp20cat2 uses RC1, dbp20cat2part2 and the rest uses RC2)

On to the reviews:

Crypt by WalterC
An okay map from our prolific machine. It' relatively humble and "normal" after all the collabs and gimmcks featured in the author's previous DBP offerings (which were either collabs or no health maps), with simplistic and sometimes rather bare visuals and the "kids gloves" gameplay. Not much to be excited for, but i don't mind this easy-going attitude once in a while (i still died in the demo tho hehe).

Cellar of the Stargazer by dmdr
dmdr is quickly becoming one of my favorite DBP regulars, and this map makes a strong case! A continuation of what i call "vertical movingness" from the author's DBP16 MAP03, as the map houses memorable setpieces centered around lifts and lowering floors. I think work as a fitting enviromental feature for dmdr's often manic action that stems from the typically cuthroat balance. These maps are not ones that i can deal with well, evidenced by the early death in my FDA This actually made me take a break from this map and recorded another demo later, but the later half of the map was still completely blind btw. Cool map all in all!

Rotten Initiative by Vertigo
Haven't finished Alone myself but i always thought the opening map by Vert was quite nice. Here's a more combat-oriented piece, one i would describe as "competent". A lot of memorably nasty traps, such as the archvile's fiery statement right in the opening! I feel the crude construction here didn't do the map much favors, however, even if they are far from an eyesore. Maybe i'm just still awestruck from all that moody lighting in DBP17 MAP01

With Many Ablutions by Scrangus McBrickdad
Something different from the McBrickdad. In place of the towering and spacious architecture is tight, interconnected sewerscape. Having a Scrag map set in a much more oppressive enviroment combined with more fast-paced and let's say "immediate" combat is quite refreshing! The usual beauty ain't gone either with much attention into decorating the deadly dungeon. I think the best part is that not a whole lot of traps are lethal if you are paying attention, which makes for an entertaining casual romp. My only gripe echos gaspe in that the map wasn't sent off with a proper climax. The end area really could have use more than few teleproted in mooks. An underwhelming moment for an otherwise solid outing.

Magenta Guildhall by SOSU
Yo Sauce, nice midi, but not a map I liked too much. You did a good job in creating a decently flow-y layout and keeping the action constant, but what stopped me from liking is mostly how thing placement was handled. That secret RL should have been in the main weapon progression, which would have cut of lot of time spent on grinding down hordes of decently high HP foes. Health was in a bit of a premium which also promoted slower play (and I died because of shortages at the end). The presentation could've also been less basic just with some lighting work thrown here and there, although I think it's just something that comes with time on the editor. The architecture itself is fine tho! Hopefully there will be more maps from you, because eventually there will be a map where I can't complain


Guardian of the Mystic Keys by bigolbilly
Speaking of not complaining, hope you'll take my lack of words here as a testament to your mapping skills here bill! Awesome billy take on a three- key level (with a twist!).


Thou Sucketh A Wet Nurse by Xyzzy01
I wasn't quite sure what to make of Xyzzy's strange DBP entries in the past, but this map here is something that I can say I had a positive experience with. Xyzzy's brand is neat automap shapes housing dastardly clever challenges. It's all about appreciating the individual setups here, and here it's especially bloody! Xyzzy takes the regular constriction of his maps and cranks up the bodycount. Too many standouts, from the AV/Wolf-cultlist combo to the chaotic spider arena. Delightful overall.


Electric Kingdom by glenzinho
I think you have mastered this particular style glen. The "sprawling monster massacre" genre. With enough supplies to make the player a demigod and monster clump into easy to slaughter hordes plus the bombastic visuals, it's Doom power fantasy to the max. The wicked ending is just the cherry on top.

My Favorite levels were by glen, Bill and Xyzzy. Awesome work y'all!

My favorite map here is Xyzzy's followed by Billy's regarding personal fun factor meter readings. Nice nice!

I'm trying to learn all the secrets so I can record a single-segment UV demo of the whole thing (or maybe not because of the final map), but I can't find any demos in RC2 and I can't download RC1. pls halp

TY
>final idgames release

re map02, there's a hidden switch on the platform leading to the red key (to the left of the pillars that block access). Go through the teleporter that opens up, then look to your left down the narrow corridor and shoot the switch there. Go through the tele that appears, and enjoy your BFG. Gaspe found the BFG (but not the switch to access the exit, lol) in his demo so you can watch that if my explanation is unclear (I made the map btw).