Alright, back to the Anniversary Contest missions now - and if anyone is still fighting against using the TTLG Forums Dark Theme you really shouldn't if you enjoy looking at screenshots - it makes a huge difference, believe it or not.
Falling Down By TF
Released: 2008
What is the story?: There isn't much of one here - You are in a strange place and need to find your way back to town by making your way through the caverns.
How does it play?: For adventure mission fans you also enjoy a bit of puzzle thrown in, this one will be a real treat. There are some impressive effects on display here - something work really well (such as the exploding shrooms) and some that really work well at first but become bothersome the longer you play. (the excellent shaking effect of the small quakes)
Exploration is key in this mission - and you'll be doing plenty of it despite the relatively small space allowed for the contest. You'll find swimming sections, a bit of puzzle work, some craymen sneakery (or combat if that is your flavor) and you'll even find yourself inside some rather surprising locations.
The puzzles on display here were rather odd - and without looking up the help thread on this forum I would have never guessed to do what needed to be done to succeed.. I'm not really a big fan of puzzle objectives that are that random. I'm sure that brain teasers may be the cup-o-tea of many other folks though. I would have also liked a little more story thrown in with the rest of the mission and a little more purpose (you feel sort of empty after the very anticlimactic ending of the mission) to make the mission feel a little more worth my while playing - but for the small development time allowed and the type of mission it is - I'd say its a solid adventure mission indeed.
How does it look?: The typical cavern look is on display here, though some interesting architecture with the rubble and cavern walls gives things a bit of a visual kick, its all pretty standard fare. When you do get into areas that are non-cavern areas they are very plain and undecorated - this again could have to do with the short time frame of the contest. Overall the mission looked good.
How does it sound?: From the crackling sound of Craymen to the splash of the water in the caverns, everything sounded just fine. Bonus points for the rather funny drunken guard that tosses his bottles into the cavern.
So what is the verdict?: If you are a fan of adventure style cavern missions this is the mission for you. If you are more of a Mansion/Bank/Castle style player I'd still give it a spin with an open mind, but it might not be your kind of mission.
Check this one out if you enjoy: Non human enemies, cave missions, puzzles, adventure missions.
Screens:
The opening scene was a fun way to introduce the mission.
Gotta love these guys.
Until they get way too close..
This fella has seen better days.
I tried to get this guy to drown himself but it was not meant to be.
Signs of human civilization!
Well this is certainly different.