Expendable Youth by Mickey J. Download

Usually map makers take a couple of attempts to establish themselves as competent at what they do. Not here, this is this particular mapper's first level. Strictly speaking it has had it's item placement tweaked and re-released, but we won't let that detract from the credit will we?! Mickey J, perhaps best known for his programming of Tex-Mex, a rockin' texture utility Quake, QuakeII, Half-life and SIN amongst others has produced a very solid map here.

The first thing that may strike you as you enter it's gorgeous structure is just that - how great it looks. Expendable Youth features a never-before-seen texture combination and some of the nicest lighting yet in a Quake level. Impressively, rays of sunlight burst through the ancient-looking arched openings in the ceilings and flickering candles light the remainder, all looking true to the map's overall theme. The texturing is very nicely done with the majority of the walls being done in white brick and the floors covered in red-brown mouldy green tiles at the very bottom. Small textural details such as ancient banners and crests, and grime beginning to creep up the walls on the bottom layer of the level add detail. Overall it looks like an absolute knock-out!

The texture set in this level is unique and everything works really well together. The white backdrop makes the Quake guy very visible (unless dressed in white!) Small details and dramatic lighting also add to the levels appearance without bumping up the render speeds too far.

Not only does it look good, but the layout is very spacious and well-planned letting both newbies and experienced Quakers play a good game. The level is divided into three main areas, all lined up. An intricate series of tunnels and stairways link them together. There are various jumps you can make to get about too. These let you move more quickly but also reveal your position quite clearly to an opponent. Although as is usually the case, it's possible to use these jumps (and the sounds they make) in such a way as to fool someone into thinking you're somewhere you're not. Two teleporters also make an appearance, throwing you between the two end atriums in an instant. Use them with care however since they're both near the bottom of their respective areas and you'll be prone to a slapping if your opponent anticipates your movement.

The gameplay varies quite considerably although a vertical theme tends to run throughout. There is a large floor space overlooked by the red armour where you can smack each other about in a cut-the-crap-and-shoot-style rocket fight! Usually there are opportunities to rocket-jump up to a higher area so you can fire down upon your opponent. Beware of doing this against the experienced shafter though, as the white-background allows a player with good aim to see you clearly and shoot you out the air.

This screenshot shows the levels very vertical structure. Obvioulsy a lot of death-from-above attacking will be normal but what is surprising is that the battling that takes place is very varied. Tactically the level is quite easy to get to grips with, but your opponent will probably find that too!

Item placement is very solid in this revised version (the original being very ownable). The red armour is placed in a position which can be attacked from many angles, with there being four routes into that area. Both rocket launchers and the yellow armour are placed in lower areas of the map. It is possible however to make constructive use of the teleporters to get at the two heavier jackets though as long as you're careful. One thing's for sure, controlling this map indefinitely is a very tricky affair and next to impossible against an experienced opponent.

Final Verdict.
All in all this map is of excellent quality. Low r_speeds throughout let those without top of the range games machines play with a good framerate. The map also looks amazing to boot. Whether you're an experienced player looking for a new arena or a relatively new player looking for a place to practise your skills, you really can't go wrong with this map. The variation in gameplay is great, even though it's layout has a very vertical bias. Because of all this, Expendable Youth gets the rating: "Gameplay nuttier than a circus elephant's diet!"

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