2022 A Doom Odyssey - E2M8: Escape from Babel (UVMax 7:47)
5Source Port: GzDoom
UVMax, Pistol Start, No Saves
SoundFont Combo by @GoranObal
Executable file of the SoundFont Cover:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/18OlguN5IWmHqfKeKsuNHCkYxXohZr8nS?usp=drive_link
ZDoom Hud addon: https://forum.zdoom.org/viewtopic.php?t=60356
Doom II Minor Sprite Fixing Project: https://www.doomworld.com/idgames/graphics/sprfix20
2022 A Doom Odyssey on idgames: https://www.doomworld.com/forum/topic/131349-2022ado-released-now-on-idgames/
Map Author: Paul Corfiatis @pcorf
Song Name: Battle Scarred (Paul Corfiatis)
Difficulty: 5.5
Design: 7
*Unofficial World Record*
Paul's second take on Tower of Babel is a complete turnaround from his last one. Total Disturbance was honestly pretty lame, it seems he might have felt that way too, so extra attention was put in to this one to make sure that it is impressive. This map feels gigantic, and is completely overwhelming to do blind. Basically run around the perimeter in whatever order you like to collect all the keys and weapons so you can breach the fortress and kill the big bad cyberdemon tyrant. It seems like 2 of the buildings are mirrored but they are actually different, especially with their secrets. You have defined locations you have to visit all the way around the edge, but you can't just rush them all. There are also a ton of singular rockets all over the map that you should map out in your mind because you really need as many as you can get for clean up at the end. The cells should stay reserved for the cyberdemon and emergencies only, you do not have many to waste.
Routing this was pretty difficult due to how open it is, and I suspect a lot of things could have been done in a different order and had little effect on the run. You cannot really plan everything perfectly here. It is too open and there are too many variables, so the end is always gonna come down to hunting for a few stray enemies. There is no way to keep track of all of them. The only improvement with the cleanup would probably be a more efficient method of searching the area quickly.
The biggest threat in this map is by far the lost souls. There is an unbelievable amount of lost souls roaming this map, and they will never leave you alone. They are everywhere at all times. If you stop moving for a moment, you can assume that there are at least 3 of them charging at you and they are all going to get max damage rolls. This also means you need incredible trigger discipline, especially due to the rocket launcher being your main weapon. Best advice I can give, never stop moving, have the volume way up, and focus on your spatial awareness.
The cyberdemon is a pushover besides making it annoying to get up the lift, but don't get blocked by a lost soul while circle strafing.