This is my second and last map pack. The changelog gives a quick run-down of changes from release to release; if you care to find out why the pack and maps are named as they are, see the note. I have a few people to thank for their help. And now for the good part, the map descriptions.
Yes, last version (Underworld Infinity) was supposed to be my last release. Oops.
- Underneath the Radar
- Big Screen Satellite
- Goodbye, Mother Earth
- King of Snake
- Thing in a Book
- Born Slippy NUXX
Underneath the Radar
This map is perfect for duels. It's got an interesting assortment of weapons. It has obstacles and multiple paths. It's even got a blast shield in the middle that you can open and close for sniping or reconnaissance. You'll have to work in order to kill your opponent. Here, it's as much about wits as it is about reflexes. As much as I love this map, I can't recommend it at all for more than two players. In fact, I advise you not to play it with more than two. You can try, but it won't be the same. Other than that, when you need to duke it out with that jerk who thinks he's better, take him here and test his mettle.
Big Screen Satellite
In this, hands-down the most popular map in the pack, the theme is speed. You can teleport, take elevators, run, or even use a goo chute to get where you want to go. Gameplay here works well with two players, but testing so far has shown that even five players can have a great time here. Keep your finger on the trigger, because even if you opponents are nowhere to be seen, they'll find you quickly. It is also a KOTH map; very tricky and enjoyable. One of my favorites in the pack because of its variety, speed, and wide range of players.
Goodbye, Mother Earth
The pack's first arena, GME is all about rockets. This is a great place to practice with a few friends. As with the last map, you can get around very quickly. Just be careful; a rocket might greet you on the other side. With four or more players, you can have a blast. If you're not comfortable with looking up and down, turning, and using the SPNKR, then hang in there. If you don't like the SPNKR, I hope you enjoy shotguns.
King of Snake
When the map previously in this slot, "Mmm, Skyscraper," showed its awkward flow and gameplay, I realized that I needed to replace it. But with what? One morning, I finally found the form of the new map. It turned out to be one of the best maps in the pack, with both expansive outdoor areas, enclosed rooms, a two-story building, and a small river flowing through the middle. It draws some inspiration from Wolfy's Incontinental Divide. There are only three weapons here: the MA-75B, the WSTE-M, and the SPNKR. Three to five players can have a comfortable game here.
Thing in a Book
There is much to say about this map. The central room is an original design, but the basement and the highest area are both inspired by Ryoko's map, Morrolan's Castle. As it turns out, the architecture of the map is conducive to gameplay very similar to that of one of my favorite older maps (by me), Melt. For those of you not familiar with Melt, imagine a game where enemies are at one place on the map, but a sceond later, you find them shooting point-blank. It may sound frustrating, and indeed, this map and Melt take time to master, but once you understand the paths you can take, you will see that gameplay in here is about as freeform as possible. While, like Melt, Thing in a Book contains the Assault Rifle and the Shotgun, it has replaced the SMG with the Alien Gun and a single TOZT. Think of it as UR designed for more players. The KOTH game type is available here.
Born Slippy NUXX
A surprisingly fun map. It's tight, with fast action, and two distinct map regions, separated by a neat bridge. It strikes an interesting balance with weapons: there is one SPNKR location on the map, and no SPNKR ammo. Use this weapon wisely, because you won't be able to use it again until after you die. The map works with two players, although it's not designed for such low numbers. It is great with four or more players; in a way, it's a larger Big Screen Satellite.
I hope you enjoy this pack. If you have questions or comments, you can probably find me (jon_irons or just irons) on the #alephone IRC channel on irc.freenode.net. I'm also a member of the Pfhorums (www.pfhorums.com).