ABCDM (edit)
IMPORTANT NOTE
This wad was made by the ABC Clan, this version (v4) has a more balanced railgun, and a few linedefs fixes. Of course, all with permission by one of the authors. Other than that, is just like the original wad (v3).
A very good wad with 30 deathmatch maps... but don't take my word for it. Here's a review made in Skulltag Reviews.
-o-
Expecting a compilation of mediocrity, I found a map pack that's a kick in the mouth for thinking so.
ABCDM is a 30 Map deathmatch pack created by (Presumably) by clan ABC. After reading the rerelease topic, I had very low expectations. I apologize to the authors for doing so; as this is a classic Deathmatch gem!
First, let me get the few minor issues with this wad out of the way. For starters, the obituaries are in Spanish. Broken, too. With %s's all over the place. I don't really mind too much, but someone out there (and you know there is) is going to beat someone to death over this 'abomination'.
Then there is the shotgun replacement. A railgun of sorts that still makes the same sound as the shotgun firing. Again, I don't mind that so much. But the fact that it's a wee bit under-power does bother me a bit, especially when it's normally the only weapon I can get my hands on right after I respawn.
With all that aside. MAP FLOW MAP FLOW MAP FLOW! Oh dear my lord oh Jesus, Joseph and Mary! I haven't played maps that flowed this well since... well... A very long time. I didn't bump in to architecture ONCE in my playthrough with six other bots inside each of the 30 maps. I couldn't help but think of Wartoncove's analogy a few months back.
On the subject of architecture, It's very vanilla doomish, but still utilizes Zdoom features. Overall, the theme works wonderfully and only the most anal will scrutinize the lack of 'modern' detail.
Item placement is a little to be longed for. It's not bad, per-say. But the Plasma Rifle and BFG (If present) are a little easy to grab from their holding areas, As it the rocket-launcher.
I miss my medi-packs.
As with every map pack, there are some that aren't nearly as fun to play. Namely the oddly tiny Map02, and some other map whose name eludes me at this moment that has a bunch of jump pads with Invulnerability spheres that you CAN NOT GRAB FROM THE TOP. (Bridge objects bar that path.)
Regardless, all the maps have the classic feel that all the classhit maps did, but without the suck. Pick it up, host a server, play until dawn.
Scores:
How it Looks: 8/10
A 'new' classic feel that is very pleasing to the eye. Given you like old-school.
How it Plays: 8.5/10
Very satisfying. Stop reading this review and play it now. Screw Dwango and Greenwar.
Overall: 8/10
-o-
Links
Main Files
(Files also available via GetWad. You just need to join a ABCDMv4 server to get them)
ABCDMv4.zip (1.9 MiB)
http://sites.google.com/site/shinobicl/ABCDMv4.zip
md5: 1af54a7b3a0ec876c4228030ca95e06c
The maps