Thunderpeak

Fantastic use of dramatic sound effects, darkness, muted gray/brown scheme with a dash of electrical blue, and stony architecture to transform a utilitarian-sounding location into a site of apocalypse and potential (madness). Energy cackles through the powerplant, but it does not illuminate: derelict machines hum their luminescence, while electricity slithers through the walls or apparrates in sudden flashes. It is difficult to see where the Thunderpeak mountain, swallowed by the night, begins and ends, as concrete is molded in spectacular displays of slopes that seem organic as they are orderly. The overall effect is to render the Thunderpeak power plant a tribute to the virtue and folly of human progress. It is grand but unwieldy, impressive but maddening.

With such a superb sense of place, I wish that it was in service to something more than dreary room clearing that dominates the proceedings, only seeing a badly needed spike in intensity with the battle with the Terminator (perhaps due to his terrific sprite work and the novelty of not circle-strafing a boss. Still a fairly simple fight though). As it stands, it is not hard to see why it is considered such an iconic release, and it is still decently playable. I don’t see this release challenging my belief that Vader’s best work ever was in BTSX, however.

(I gave 3 stars but it is more like a 3.5)

those who are aware of ZPack know that the most amazing levels in the megawad come straight from Vader, which include the two maps here along with Blackrock (which sadly wasn't a standalone release). Thunderpeak nails the grim atmosphere, a derelict powerplant with demons running in the dark, and while the place seems quite complex, in reality things aren't entirely so bad. the place is designed well, there's vents to crawl through and enemies to take down in each area. progression is decent enough as well. the second level has an appropriate boss fight, but the prelude before it works alright as well. it's not actually that tough, but it's sure a memorable experience, and this being a standalone release makes it much better than just IDCLEVing to this mapslot in ZPack. not that all of ZPack sans Vader is bad though. this is just the best of the bunch.

Two very cool maps which use ZDoom features extensively, yet purposefully. The difficulty level is fairly easy, but never overly so.

In many other ZDoom mods, the advanced port features feel like a gimmick to spice up otherwise poor levels. Thunderpeak is different. Here the slopes, scripts, custom monsters and so on are used very well and enhance the overall experience. Recommended.