Once Upon A Time Thomas Creutzenberg Doom 3 mod:

This large map consists of almost everything you would expect from a Doom 3 level. Extremely detailed architecture, spooky atmospheric effects, monsters appearing from unexpected spaces, suspense, surprise attacks, twisting cooridors, traps, and animated machinery environments. I allready had some expectations from this mod because I've seen what other modders could do with the doom 3 engine. All expectations fulfilled.

I'm mostly going to boast about the amazing architecture because it is the most prominent feature of this mod. As you look through the pictures you can the the special touch of detail for every nook and cranny. The environments first of all make sense. At least in a futuristic world. Not every pipe and piece of moving machinery has seem like it is doing something realistic but instead feel like it is adding to the space-like atmophere where we really don't understand what is going on. But even the garage has items like you would see in a garage. Even weapons, armor, and health were placed in realistic areas instead of just being thrown on the floor. This map also seem non-linear because you will re-visit different parts of the same areas. Like you will see a walkway above and later you will end up there thinking "I remember this area". Thomas was very clever in keeping the architecture fresh and interesting. Some doors will open partly due to a mechanical failure and you can see another room on the other side. This gives an appearance that this station is very large and unending even though you won't go to that area. Its much more creative than just having plain closed doors. I really admire the tedious placement of all the piping and gagetry. Each area is covered with metal protrusion, letters, displays, machinery, signs, and boxes/debris. All of this enhances the realism of this place and also gives cover from incoming fire.

On top of all of that, the lighting, smoke and steam add extra tension to the environment. The lights are strategiclly placed so shadows are cast across surfaces and feint glows of color. Many times you will have to walk through a wall of steam not knowing what is lurking on the other side. Also you will find small lights in the distance showing off the details behind areas that otherwise would never be noticed. After being emmersed by the visuals, the sounds of this map make it come alive. Clever new automated voices tell you of mechanical errors, or initiating some kind of computer sequence. For example: you will find a button that opens up a panel and pushes an explosive barrel out. These can be used to your advantage to kill enemies as they move closer. I specially love the new elevator where the walking grate becomes the door.

I know I have put the environments on the spotlight, but what is a level without enemies? Fear not, this large map winding cooridors is loaded with monster and soldiers. From the beginning when our jeep breaks down, it tells us that "they" know we are here. So expect action from the beginning. The story is brief, but you still have to find your way through many small hallways, and many large areas before you progress. Soldiers will shoot you from high stairways and imps will drop from the ceiling. You have to overcome several Skelletons and whatever that large imp is called. There are times where you think that you won't have enough ammo to kill them all... I specially love the trap area where you are in a small room with those explosive barrels and the lights go out. Then a large window opens and imps start throwing fireballs at you. You'll have to kill them without shooting those barrells, otherwise either of them will kill you.

In conclusion, more mods like this and I'll have another full expansion pack for Doom 3. If Thomas could make a whole series of maps like this with a strong story, I'm sure people would buy it as an expansion pack. This map is totally worth the download and it will bring some new excitement to Doom 3 if you've played it 5 times allready.

Thanks Thomas Creutzenberg