Files for Darrell Olson

Lysander XB71

Darrell Olson — Jan 19, 1997

A brilliant solo effort!!!! I have played this one all day trying to get to the end of it. I am just about there but I decided to stop and get it posted for everyone else. A two level, (well the first one is informational) solo map with some very creative and very good artwork. I really don't care if it is just a symbol, it is very refreshing to see something in a terminal other than the Bungie picts. This map is full of unexpected surprises, built on the tradition of the M2 levels, it will take you a while before you finally figure out what is shootin' at you. EVERYTIME I thought I was finally making it through something else would show up and tozt my butt!! Some very thoughtful work went into this one and a pretty cool story line to boot. One time I thought I was just about there and then my wife ask me why I was yelling DAMN so loud at the computer screen. This was right about the time a explodabob came out of nowhere. You get the idea?? Make sure you save your game often, you'll need it. Some great visual effects and some great puzzles to figure out. At times very dark, but it can help you just as much as it can help the baddies! As you can tell, one that would make my hall of fame if I had one.

Invasion of New BOB City

Darrell Olson — Sep 24, 1996

A followup to Bob Factory, and a pretty impressive effort. This pair of levels is very, very hard, but it's worth it... I found myself having to try sections many, many times before seeing an easier way to get somewhere. Both levels allow multiple routes of access to the finish line... and some are much harder than others. And again, that M1 feeling is everywhere. As you do your best to stay alive, don't forget to notice the little things... like the lighting, and the constant explosions, and the architecture. I'd say Darrell is a mapmaker to watch...

Bob Factory 1.0.1

Darrell Olson — Aug 14, 1996

This is a really nice three-level scenario. (Well, the first and third levels are pretty short, but they're still quite good.) I was running around the last level, doing my best to stay alive long enough to get to the end, and I was trying to figure out what I liked so much about it... I decided it's monster placement. It's great! (Well, a little light at the start, but he makes up for that.) It's really tight on ammo, at least at first, so you need to plan your routes quite a bit. Brought back the best parts of M1 for me... Update removes the one annoyance, by making terms and pattern buffers look right.

Cookin' With Pfhor 1.0.1

Darrell Olson — Jun 06, 1996

Wow, I'm not really sure what to say about this one. It's WAY too hard, so much so that in order to see all of it, I cheated. Maybe it's possible to get through it without cheating, but I don't think I've got that kind of time... OTOH, it's a really nicely designed level, with lots of new things every time you go through an area. There are a few misaligned textures, but nothing to yell about, and sounds are used well. Just when you think you're stuck, you come across that overlooked switch, or that hidden uplinK chip... and another door opens. So, if the baddies were toned down a bit (or if I enjoyed their reactions at Kindergarten), this would be a great level. As it is, it's a nice showpiece... (or maybe I'm just getting old.)