Doom WADs’ Roulette (2012): Putrefier
G3: Putrefier
Main author(s): Edward Cripps (Ed)
Release date: October 25th, 2012 (database)
Version(s) played: ???
Required port compatibility: GZDoom
Levels: 1 (MAP01 replacement)
Once again, we are playing a map made by Ed Cripps. I played his previous maps AKA Sin City 1 and Valhalla, and, from what I can remember, I liked them in spite of being flawed.
While this map doesn’t have a plot, I think it takes place in the same timeline as Valhalla since there are at least two computer panels name-dropping that map.
Let’s see if it’s less polarizing than Ed’s previous maps.
Putrefier looks great. The visuals might be the best part of the map. While it mostly tends to get samey indoors, it gets jaw-dropping when you look at the buildings from windows and while outdoors.
That and also some 3D models here and there, usually involving demonic growth.
I’m not fond of the music here. It’s Zombi 2’s theme cover that, while not bad, feels overly dramatic for a Doom map. I feel like a MIDIfied ending music in Blade Runner would fit better, now that I think about it. Or maybe if the track was just MIDIfied.
The map also has new sound effects; these were fine. Some stuff typical for a (G)ZDoom WAD like from Quake 2, and some other stuff that didn’t bother me. I have nothing else to add.
Putrefier is kind of annoying to play, since you have to guess which switch does what where while also forcing you to travel from one end of an available part of the map to another. It gets repetitive and mind-numbing after a while, and the aforementioned similar locations don’t help.
The map wasn’t really that hard. I don’t remember how hard Valhalla was, but I do know that this map has more random mosh pits attacking you. At least you don’t have to wait for half a map for armor this time.
I liked the moment where a swarm of Pinkies was coming from the boss area; it was still easy, though (not that I’m complaining).
Also, there was only one stealth shitling. I thought there would be more of this crap, but thankfully, it didn’t happen (at least on HMP).
There are two new enemies. One is called Pustule, which is a red Spawn from Quake I but made out of demonic biomass and much easier; this one at least doesn’t act like a jumping jelly bean on crack.
The other one is called Valhalla (yes, the same name as the 2010 map), a corrupted power core (I guess) that shoots barrages of powerful projectiles and periodically summons more Pustules for distraction.
Also, I might add that the map slightly chokes up when loading.
I think I would put Putrefier on the same level as Valhalla, AKA good but flawed. It’s not overwhelmed with GZDoom features, it looks great, and it could’ve had better gameplay. So, yeah, you can give it a chance.
In my next review, we are going back to Doom the Way id Did with its second episode. Let’s hope it won’t replicate the flaws of the original game.