I will warn you right away that I beta-tested this level and one or two of my suggestions were actually deemed worthy to be used in it. So there may be a bit of bias in my review. I'll try to stay legitimate however.

I don't think that many will be able to argue when I say that this is one of the better levels to be built for Dark Forces. An eveloping plot pulls you in right from the start, and the level takes over from there. I can't tell too much without giving a lot away, but here are a few points you'll enjoy.

First, the new WAXes for the cloaked troopers look great. Very nicely done and the way they work with the logic makes them top-notch. If you thought stormtroopers were a pain before, now they're twice as tough. And that isn't the only thing that's new: several new VUEs are in here that look absolutely incredible. Dare I say better than those put out by LucasArts? In the case of the first Crow flight, very much so. Smooth and realistic looking, they really add to the place.

Lots of new textures, designs and ideas abound in this level, some of which are best left for you to discover. They look great and really I wish more authors would put in the time to do these kind of things. The architecture is also very nice, combining lots of new stuff with bits and pieces from the original Dark Trooper construction facility on the Arc Hammer to ensure a sense of deja vu but without making it feel too stale.

Parts of the level do feel recycled though. You'll know what I mean when you get there. A few new additions make it exciting enough that you really won't mind, but I wish that there could have been more to make the place original.

The climax of the level is totally original though, absolutely staggering in its effect and it really looks, sounds, feels, moves great. But I got the feeling that it was also done mostly for show. I would have preferred an option, a choose your own adventure style where the player can take either way out. I still would have chosen the dramatic one, but the option would make a lot of difference.

Overall

Option or not, and regardless of my testing, this level is still one of the best. A challenge to play, a treat to look at and experience, I can guarantee that you'll enjoy this one. Download immediately.