This is not only great in context of Pico, but as a standalone game. If released on any console before late 1995, this would have been hit. It beats all Amiga Doom clones for example.
I feel like there are some balancing mishaps though. Shotgun is too inaccurate/underpowered, shotgunner does too little damage. Balancing those together (Shotgun kills shotgunner with one non point blank shot, shotgunner causes more damage to player if it manages to shoot) would make early levels play much faster and be more fun. Also rocket launcher is next to useless. I don't think it kills even imp with one direct hit, better just shoot it with any of automatic guns.
Level design is sometimes overtly complex, more of Wolf 3D mazes than Doom. Levels get better though when you get to hell. Never been fan of tech-bases in general.
thanks (and tbh, that game wouldn't have any hardware to run on before 1995!).
shotgun balance is a valid point - upping soldier damage may be a way to counter balance, may try things out.
ParanoidCactus and me do like when you need to think your way out, build a mental map - unlikely to change at this point :)