Urban Terror Review: Revolution by WetWired

Revolution by Brent “WetWired” Waller
| Brent ‘WetWired” Waller | Score: 4.9 | By Oswald |

Communist revolutionaries are trying to start a war with India. With their recent demonstrations of nuclear capabilities, the revolutionaries believe that if they can launch the warhead at India, the ensuing war would weaken the Russian Government’s capabilities to resist an internal revolt. The United States’ Central Intelligence Agency’s spies have informed the military of the situation. Because of the threat of the detonation of the nuclear warhead, an air strike is not possible. The only alternative is to send in the elite group of military operatives, which you proudly call yourself a part of, the Army Rangers. Can your team stop the enemy before they launch the missile? Can you prevent the start of a nuclear war?

Texturing [5.0]
Well chosen textures and usage really show off the exquisite detail, which is brought out in Revolution. WetWired combines a wide variety of textures, that achieve a desired ambience and effect in both the rail yard and the inner confines of the mountain fortress. The level of detail is something to check out. For example, the boxcars were created from authentic digital camera shots, the same can be said for some of the featured items in the control center, such as the computers. These “minor details” combined with quality architecture and texturing provide for incredible scenery. Check out the high quality trees, which dot the mountain side. Nothing like it! The only textures I was not happy with, were the metal containers, which have been a trademark of Urban Terror since Beta 1. Some new container textures would have gone a long way in creating a more diverse environment.

Ambiance: [5.5]
Revolution will engage all your senses! From the ambient sounds, to the high tech lighting, WetWired has paid attention to the details, which helps to enhance the overall quality of Revolution. The outdoor areas come alive, as the lights shine brightly in the night time sky. A blue hue seems to cascade the outdoor areas, which helps to accentuate the lighting. When moving indoors, each area seems to make use of unique light characteristics. The metal hallways are lined with brightly glowing, florescent lights. The main control room, is filled with a warm and welcoming white light. There really is a full spectrum of lighting effects used through the entire level. Revolution also takes advantage of many high quality sounds, which will tease your auditory senses. WetWired has taken the time to set different surface sounds depending on what sort of surface you are walking on. For example, you can hear different sounds from the gravel of the railroad tracks, to the cold concrete. Many of the doors and the elevator also include continuous sounds, which work when pressing a button. Top notch job to WetWired when it comes to increasing the ambience through the use of sounds and lighting.

Creative Spark: [5.0]
Considering the history and background this level has, it is just great to run though this level and check out the attention to detail in Revolution. Originally, this level was going to be converted from Trainyard by WetWired, NRGizeR and Tub, all of whom would lend their talents to create a specific portion of Revolution. Looks like WetWired got a bit attached to his conversion, which was then scraped and created from scratch. There is nothing left from the original Trainyard, just the idea that this level idea began from Trainyard. Overall, Revolution packs a true reality punch that has been defined by the effort and dedication WetWired put into this level.

Construction: [5.0]
Revolution is well constructed on a solid mapping foundation, which helps to build a very intricate and complex level, yet paying attention to the basics in order to achieve the desired effect. The level centers around the large missile silo with adjacent firing control center, and a well laid out rail yard, with numerous structures, boxcars and routes to create a well thought out flow pattern. Choke points, are present, as the sliding doors provide a combination of frustration and complexity, gamers must learn to take advantage of. Another area of contention centers around the large elevator that connects the lower storage area with the surface of the rail yard. Be very weary in and around this area, as that elevator could be your one way ticket to die. The addition of an optional protected route to the surface could have further increased the game play and flow in Revolution.

Playability: [4.0]
Based on the games I have played, Revolution has some good tactical characteristics when it comes to Urban Terror levels. The only drawback I have seen, is the level does get quite large when the round is down to 1-v-1. Overall the spawn points are quite well placed and game play ends up having the two teams fighting for dominance in and around the missile silo and the control center. Many attempt to force entry by using the two points that have sliding, bulletproof doors leading into the control center. Any sort of formulated attack that is spawned from the lower level will put the attacking team at a serious disadvantage. Attempting to storm and take control of the silo and control center is a true test of teamwork. This can cause some issues in Revolution, as it really becomes a challenge to make it to the surface. The rail yard is very spacious, with large metal boxcars scattered on the different tracks, a multi-level setting that suites many gamers. A large covered warehouse, divides the two outer sections of Revolution. Gunfire is often sporadic through out this portion of the level, as it is used more for transition and control of the level.

6th Sense: [5.0]
This level has huge potential and upside, especially since gamers can focus on a central object, that being the nuclear missile staged in the silo, ready for launch. This single object alone sets the tone for the entire level. Now, if we could get missions introduced to take advantage of this primary target. WetWired has created a wonderful combination of different characteristics when it comes to the overall makeup of Revolution. The rail yard, is fairly dark, wide open area, that fends favorably to sniping. In contrast, the steel corridors, narrow walkways, and control center are all closed quarters, which is bound to increase the action factor.

Final Score: [4.9]
[Oswald] From the early screen shots to the final product, Revolution caught and held my full attention. WetWired has exceeded all expectations and outdone himself with his amazing work and dedication to create one of the best levels I have ever seen in ANY mod! He has been able to combine all the pertinent factors into a single map and excel in creating a very unique gaming environment. The level is definitely the “flagship” level for Urban Terror Beta 2. Just when you think, his levels cannot get better, WetWired goes and out does himself.