Review by Colin Phipps

"Beyond Death" is a single level for Doom 2 and Boom, from the expert himself Kurt Kesler. It's a base style level, cement and metal textures, but it's really got a style of its own, with the usual Kesler metal railings, but also stylish ceiling-mounted lights and the usual good attention to lighting.

The architecture is excellent, with quite a few 3d bridges, underwater areas, and details like computer panels, moving machinery, and some good outdoor areas. Some of the edge areas were a bit dull maybe, but mostly the level has that excellent Kesler feel. A couple of areas at this level are very complicated, so you'll need a fairly good machine to play it unhindered.

Of course the gameplay doesn't let the level down. In fact this level makes excellent use of Hell Knights, which I usually think of as just weak barons; instead they are used in the early part of this level to great effect, because they can be used in numbers even when the player only has a shotgun. There are some pretty tricky bits later on, revenants and chaingunners are as usual used to deadly effect. The fights are very fair though.

The level progression is very interesting too. You have to keep your eyes if you're going to complete the level, but there's no real danger of getting lost. It's quite nice to see a level which isn't afraid to put keys in difficult to reach places, but gives all the right hints.

Well, in case you were in any doubt, this is another fine level. Enjoy!