This is nothing more than a sequel to Hell Revealed, and most of the comments I made about that megawad apply to this. In general the level design is improved with the second map looking kind of nice. It's still an exercise in massed pile-ons and the architecture and level design aren't up to Alien Vendetta standards.
After wading through Hell Revealed I was not particularly in the mood for more so I left it a few months until I tried HR2 out. Like everyone in the Doom world I had played the 12-map demo (was it 12? I can't remember now) and been distraught at the difficulty. It's much, much tougher than the original Hell Revealed, yet it blends into a kind of tapestry of never-ending violence which lacks depth and sometimes innovation too.
I'd give this one a cautious recommendation if like me you're a good player but not brilliant. If you're a Doom God you quite simply need to have it. You should enjoy it a lot more than I did.
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Difficulty: Extreme (UV)
Tougher than the original in every respect, sacrificing level design for sheer bloodthirsty violence.
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Gameplay: Average
I am quite afraid to rate a popular megawad lower than average although I do know some people who would be more assertive than myself! The fact is I didn't enjoy playing Hell Revealed 2 that much. Requiem, Alien Vendetta, even HR1 were great, but HR2 is simply more of the same, and I can't get past that feeling.
Highlights: Nothing that occurs.
Lowlights: How people beat some of these maps defies explanation.
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Aesthetics: Poor
I had to go one lower than the original Hell Revealed. I remain to be convinced that any of the maps in this megawad are good-looking. I couldn't make one any better, but there are thousands to choose from. Hardly any of the levels are exciting to the eye. It's all about the gameplay.
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Overall Score: 6/10
Pros:
- Extreme challenge for gamers who feel short-changed by the original Hell Revealed.
Cons:
- Too hard for most gamers.
- Level design is generally quite poor.
Yo!
Theres some great reviews on this forum. And all the ones ive read seem perfectly fair. I think im the only one who genuinally really likes every aspect of Hell Revealed II, and i have to say its one of my favourite Megawads. More so than Alien Vendetta (which im sure a lot of people will argue with!) but hey, each to their own as they say!
I hope we'll see reviews for Scythe I & Scythe II aswell. Because quite simply IMO they are the two best megawads of all time.
Anyways, good site, i always like seeing other people opinions of these things! :D