Warning: This map uses the maximum number of polygons allowed. Further, they are mainly concentrated in 3 rooms. So if your frame rate in Marathon™ slows substantially - get a faster computer.
Villa Banzai is a large, dark, early Italian Baroque villa located in Ohio. It's warmed by several lava pools, has a wine cellar, an arsenal, cantina, a few secrets, and it's green.
The organization is essentially 3 major rooms: The Arsenal which contains lots of ammo, weapons and specials, the Cantina which contains a 2x recharger, and the Circus which joins the other two rooms. Note that this is not a simple arena. You'll need a lot of strategy and a considerable amount of luck to defeat your opponents.
This was my second network level map (see Yoyodyne) and it was created with PfhortePPC 1.0d12 . Pfhorte is becoming a wonderful editor to work with and my congratulations to the author!
I tried hard to make this not only a fun level to play, but also an interesting place to visit. I spent a lot of time working on its organization, and especially on the details such as light and shadows. I originally planned to expand the west side of the villa, but when I ran out of polygons I figured it was probably too much anyway.
Strategy (my top ten list):
1. This is a hard level! In a 2 person game it's difficult to topple your opponent if they are well armed and have full shields. So decide what you want first (guns or shields) and try to obtain the other quickly. If you find you're getting pounded, use the darkness to your advantage. There may be little honor in hiding and waiting, but if you win the fight - at least you're not an honorable dead person.
2. If you just died in a big fire-fight, quickly check the recharger when you're "re-born". Chances are your opponent is there and you can usually scare them away with a simple magnum shot.
3. Ration your ammo (don’t shoot all the aliens - avoid them). The arsenal may be a long trek from your current position.
4. There are many large columns and niches that tend to make navigation difficult, so be careful shooting around corners and running backwards. Also, the lava is very hot - keep clear of it if your shields are low.
5. Plan your escape routes in advance and learn where the secret doors and teleporters are located (and where they send you). It's hard to chase someone in the villa and the teleporters may save your life!
6. Forget the flame thrower. If your opponents have rocket launchers it's almost pointless to use it.
7. Don't rely heavily on your motion detector. The rooms are large and you'll probably see your enemy before they register on the detector (although it is dark).
8. My all time favorite trick: if you see your oponent trying to get the invulnerability - wait in the darkness and steal it from them at the last moment (trust me - it's great!).
9. Don't get caught in the east access tunnel. You can't outrun a rocket - I've tried.
10. Finally, don't spend too much time viewing the scenery. There are some picturesque views in the villa, but keep an eye on your enemies - they'll be shooting at you.
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My special thanks to Andrei Herasimchuk: each time he'd stomp me 20-6, I'd keep changing the map until I could win too.
