I recently had the unique chance to have a look at an alpha version of DASPRiD's upcoming map Ancient Remains. So I took the opportunity to write a short preview on the project!

You may have seen some of the rather impressive screenshots at the official forums. Well, to get to a point: This map squeezes every bit out of the dusty Quake3 engine that  seems remotely possible! It looks great so far, with a nice impact on performance as was to expect. The outdoor area is developed well with an eye on details. It is not just the visuals with grass and trees and mushrooms, there is also a soundscape that reminds me of Endor from Star Wars and gives the whole setting a believable background!


Entrance to the mushroom cave

The human base is just a simple tunnel by now but I guess that will change... these seem to become the ancient remains the map is titled with. All in all the map is rather small in its current state and not very suitable for a game with more than 8 people. My guess is that it will be made larger in the "ruins" area, maybe adding a basement to make it a bit more vertical. Apart from a few torches the indoor area is not decorated by now so there will likely be some architectural surprises in the final release of the map.


Not impressive, yet: the ruins

Well, as I am getting more and more  into guesses, finally some facts! Some screenshots of the outdoor area I described earlier:


Entrance to the ancient remains with human base


Hiding in the grass


Nice place for a holiday but mind the dretches!