Unbiased Point of View:
Introduction to PayPack:
This level pack includes five battle levels and a readme file. The two different levels (Jungle All the Way and Payback time) also include night levels. Operation K.I.L.L. is the final result of the major design changes Payback made to Payback Time. Jungle All the Way uses the Jungle tileset, while Payback Time and Operation K.I.L.L. use the Castle tileset.
Design/Content: 2.3/2.5
The levels were all linear, but looped, anyway. You can get around the levels easily, and there were enough obstacles in your way to possibly slow you down. You’d also find that there are secret routes that can lead you across obstacles, allowing for more strategies. Another thing I liked about these levels was the fact that different weapons were spread throughout the levels, so you’d have to go across the level to get to the weapon you want.
Tile/event use: 2.0/2.5
Destructable scenery was used, but not in a very good way. Destructable scenery works best when obstructing paths and strategies for climbing higher, and tougher scenery to reach a weapon or powerup. The levels also lacked life – The animals’ eyes in the jungle level did help to bring this up, though. The pack does include night levels, so the effort to make a good transition also brings the rating up a bit.
Tile/Tile compatibility: 1.8/2.0
I can’t say that the tiles didn’t fit well together. In some places, you could see overuse of the same tiles, making walls look very strange, but most of it is fine.
Event/Event Compatibility: 0.9/1.0
The events are well-placed, and there isn’t really any need for adjustments. Still, in some places, there’s an overplacement of the weapons.
Layer use: 1.0/1.0
Payback did a commendable layer job in all of his levels. The eyecandy is without a doubt, a high factor of this pack. He at least used the most useful layers well.
Game compatibility: 1.0/1.0
The level pack plays without any problems. I don’t take any points off if you make anything using TSF – though it would be nice if you made 1.23 compatible levels in 1.23’s Jazz Creation Station.
Overall rating: 9.0/10.0
The levels were almost as good as the official levels, but had a few flaws that kept it back. The levels never did have a real "center" to them. The level is still just as fun as a level without one.
How could this level have been improved?
The official tilesets have life in them – Make use of the possible animating tiles. A level that doesn’t have life makes fun nosedive into boredom. Make more things to shoot at, since the player doesn’t encounter another player all the time.
Biased Point of View:
Replayability: 4.0/5.0
The levels are great – You’ll do more shooting than exploring, which is a good thing when it comes to battle levels. The pack should last an average of three hours, depending on how many people you play against, and how bored you are.
My opinion on this level: 4.5/5.0
These levels, in my opinion, are very good. I enjoy playing this level, but I also look forward to something new, when I do play it. I also like the music that was used for Jungle all the Way. I hope to see this pack being served.
My overall rating: 9.5/10.0*
I liked this level pack, almost as much as I like cheese.
True rating: 9.25/10.0*
Though this level could be considered "very good," I’d say its "great."
Summary:
Download this level pack, if you’d like to have some fun (First, make sure you have 1.24.) This might also be a good example of a good level. Good job, PayBack!
- Only the unbiased rating is used for the review’s rating system.
~ Derby