/vr/ - Retro Games

>On monster arenas

They're alright as occasional "spice" to add to a level. I think Doom 4's "Foundry" map which seems to be everybody's favourite found the right balance . Later levels became annoying because you want to fight monsters differently, not just in arenas exclusively. Players can tell when an area is an arena, it removes suspense when they know the main combat is only arenas because when skulking around they know there will be little or no monsters so there's less engagement.

It also gives you a chance to have larger, more open encounters. The last part of Fuel Devourer (with the scientists) was a pretty awesome monster arena and a breath of fresh air. It came at the right time when the level's pace needed a change.