History set aside, originality is always nice to see, and what’s more – it works in Zen. The premise is a lot more simple than the daunting size of the vl2 and the general hype around the map would suggest: two monumental towers (crafted by Akira, in addition to the other new interiors sprinkled throughout the map) planted into a terrain obviously inspired by that of Slapdash (which the original map used as its template) face each other on a fairly large map. Unusual? No. Take a closer look. In addition to the standard CTF fare, TseTse has also set up a simple teleportation grid.
Not altogether unlike DOX’s Fleet Command teleporting (which you may, or may not remember depending on how 0ld sch00l you are), TseTse’s system allows troops and would-be-cappers to quickly gate across the lengthy distance between the two bases (with a quick stop at the center base, the Okamantan [a capturable objective, by the way]). However, it’s best not to rely on this path too much – it takes more time than a capper usually has to find the teleporter room in the enemies’ base for a return trip, and scaling down the tower walls once home is a lot harder (and more dangerous) than it looks. That’s not to discourage its use, however. Heavy offense will find it quite appealing, and it’s always nice to have that extra return route available when you’re a capper. You’re best to guard your teleporter room against invaders.
Most of the action does, unsurprisingly, take place on land and in the air between the two bases. The countless hills and intricate web of roadways winding between them offer both sniping vantage points and MPB paths. Hours have obviously been spent making the terrain as ski-friendly as it can be, given the amount of pathways therein. The center of the map is where the aforementioned capturable Okamantan is located, and the vast clearing there is grade A territory to set up an MPB at. Luckily, thanks to the inclusion of a nifty little script, MPB’s can park and deploy closer to buildings than normal. The result? A great satellite defense base, if you pull it off right. Don’t worry about having to go around (or through, in the case of the teleporters) an enemy defense network here – 6 or so bridges onto the center clearing allow for a clean tank invasion. Expect a lot of fighting over this turf.
Finally, we come to the bases themselves, the handiwork of Akira. His skills are unquestionable (see Ziggurat, see Insurgence, see Hellfire, ‘nuff said), and they really shine through in Zen. TseTse obviously worked in close contact with Akira during the construction processes, as the layout and style of the main bases, bridges, Okamantan, etc., all complement and fit the theme of this map perfectly. There are numerous entrances to the base, it’s simple to navigate, and filled with tons of little secrets. Worldcraft users and normal Tribes 2 players alike will appreciate all the little details, from the fact that the grav lift is caged in until it’s too hard to jet up to, or the fact that there is quite the sneaky little entrance into the gen room under the vehicle pad. The generators themselves are easily accessible from multiple routes, and the pillars in that area allow for the slinking around of Shocklance addicts and gen campers alike. Tse remedies the problem of power-outs with conveniently located repair packs (yes, more than one!), and additional power sources on top of the tower that power a few inventory stations far above the ground.
With all this mentioned, I’m sure you can enjoy the surprisingly simple and addictive experience Zen offers, and possibly think up some unique strategies as well (trust me, there is a lot of potential here, if you look for it). However, if you’re bitter and jaded, and closed off to new things, Zen is still well worth the download. Why? Well, I haven’t really said it yet, but without a doubt, TseTse is the master of ambiance. Months of painstaking work have been invested here, to get everything from the sky (which alternates from night to day on mission load!), to mission lighting, fog, clouds, and particle effects looking just right. And his success is unprecedented. Not Maroon Bells, not even Necrobones’ Disco Inferno could topple the professionally executed atmosphere created in this map. But if beautiful and surreal visuals don’t do it for you, just open up your ears. Zen bombards you with loads of audio, all contributing to the experience, and making the map just that much more tangible. And finally, in addition to all this TseTse has thrown in a (very) cool little Easter Egg: the Zen Pack. Oh, I won’t tell you what it is, and I won’t tell you how to get it, but I can honestly stand by the position that if you see (and hear!) it, and are not impressed, you are not a human being.
That’s enough of me talking. Download this map now. Play it. Love it. Get the Zen Pack and show it off to your friends. Hats off to TseTse and Akira.