trle.net
Level: Lara at the Movies - Rebecca back home search
Author(s): tombrdr
total rating:9.01 Gameplay &
Puzzles		 Enemies,
Objects &
Secrets		 Atmosphere,
Sound &
Cameras		 Lighting &
Textures
Aims 9 8 9 10
AKlara 10 9 10 10
Bene 9 9 10 10
Blue43 8 8 9 9
Bogey 8 8 9 9
Brigidsgirl 10 10 10 10
CC 9 8 10 9
dantheraider 10 9 10 10
Deekman 10 10 10 10
Dimpfelmoser 7 8 9 8
Duncan 9 9 10 10
eRIC 8 9 9 10
eTux 8 9 9 9
G.Croft 9 8 9 10
Gerty 8 8 9 9
gfd 8 7 10 9
Horus 7 6 8 8
Jay 9 9 9 10
Jerrod 8 9 8 9
Jorge22 9 9 10 10
Jose 8 8 9 9
Josi 8 8 9 9
Kitkat 9 9 10 10
Kristina 9 9 9 10
Leisa 9 9 10 10
Loupar 9 8 9 9
Magnus 7 7 7 8
manarch2 10 9 9 10
Mezcal 9 9 10 10
MichaelP 8 8 9 9
Mman 9 10 10 10
Obig 9 8 10 10
Phil 8 8 9 9
QRS 10 9 10 9
Ravenwen 10 9 10 10
Ruediger 8 7 8 8
Scottie 8 9 9 8
Selene 10 10 10 10
Shandroid 9 9 10 9
Staticon 9 8 10 9
Sutekh 9 8 10 10
Torry 10 10 10 10
Treeble 8 9 9 9
Ward Dragon 7 8 10 9
Whistle 9 9 10 9
Yoav 9 8 9 10
category averages
(46 reviews)		 8.72 8.54 9.39 9.39

Reviewer's comments

"Really a good level very nice to play. Perhaps some tasks are repetitive, like moving globes or shooting breakable objects, but there are another entertaining and dangerous situations too. It's original the black and white environment like in many Hitchcock films, secrets are easy to find, correct cameras, well placed musics, and good care with the textures. Recommended." - Jose (24-Sep-2012)

"This level is based around the unique (outside of the level that follows it) gimmick of being black and white with the occasional splash of colour. It works, and gives the level a unique atmosphere, and the horror feeling is pulled off well. There are a lot of objects I don't think I've seen anywhere else, and that also helps make the level feel different to anything else.
This is a big spike in difficult from Blair Witch Project, and there's a lot of traps, sneakily hidden shootables, near-invisible pushblocks (although they generally have some subtle signs of their presence here) and a boss fight too. The mansion initially appears quite normal, but as you find hidden rooms and more areas the place gradually gets more "off", which helps add to the sense of progression. The big jump in difficulty from the first level feels a little strange, but this is another successful "adaption"." - Mman (21-Jan-2012)

"I liked the staging in this level, some places have a atmosphere from the 40s, there is also the evil maid that keep a watch the back-and-forth of Lara and the encounter with Max with in his office, but this level is first and foremost a classic TR level for the gameplay. I just regret the low use of sounds (however, despite his age, Rebecca is not a silent film)." - Jerrod (27-Sep-2011)

"There are ideas who quickly fall into oblivion. And there are ideas who are not realizable, all the same what one tries. And there are ideas from which one believes as a player that they are impossible to be realise. Though I have learnt in the meantime, that is nearly for everything possible in the CL-Universe, but still today I am astonished at the fact that there is really such a project. Now it is not in such a way that LatM is absolutely unknown to me, because I have played this level package already about 5 years ago. But at that time I have played it just for the fun of it without bother myself about how much work must be behind. Now, in the meantime, I can roughly imagine, how big the amount of work must have been. This already starts with letting look the different level in such a way that they are more or less similar to the suitable movie. Above all the black-and-white-movies might have been a big challenge. And then still comes that somebody must co- ordinate the whole project. And it needs a common superstructure because to jump simply thus from movie to movie would be dull. So much to my general thoughts about this mammoth's project.
Rebecca: Rebecca is one of the movies which I have not seen till this day. However, I know that in this movie a man has killed his wife (maybe, maybe not) and his new wife wants to find out what really has happened back in the days. And I must say that it was a real pleasure to play one the rare black-and-white-level. Though a few stretched textures were to be seen and certain events had no sound, but these small mistakes could not cloud the good overall impression." - Scottie (27-Jun-2011)

"I might have seen the movie a long time ago and didn’t remember what it was exactly about, so I jumped into this level not knowing what to expect and I could tell right away that builder had captures the look and feel of a 1940’s or early 50’s movie perfectly. The game play is very much based on exploration, but there are also some nifty jumps and traps. Nothing was really hard or overly complicated. There was quite a bit of objects pushing and pulling and several light fixtures to shoot. I encountered an almost game stopping bug towards the end where a pushable globe was suddenly blocked by an invisible wall and it took many re-loads to finally get it going. The atmosphere was great with the thunderstorm outside and the black and white texturing. The housekeeper watching Lara’s moves was a nice touch. I thought the texturing and lighting looked great. It was perfect, as it really looked like one of those old BW movies, with high contrast and really white areas as they always where a bit overexposed back then. Very nice level to play and enjoyable, even if you don’t know the movie!" - Blue43 (02-Dec-2010)

"It was the first black/white level for me, and it was a special experience. Not only because of that I liked the level: There were many great tasks and puzzles to accomplish, sometimes it was very hard to figure out which things had to be shot with the revolver. Textures were a strong thing in this level: They looked very good and realistic. Unluckily the secrets were too easy to find - just in crawlspaces on your way. There were not many enemies but wolfes and a very fancy Rebecca, too, although I managed to shoot the maid's head (but she still gazed at me, however). There were many but not too challenging puzzles, I enjoyed solving them very much. Another great level that - in my opinion - should go in the Hall of Fame as well!" - manarch2 (21-Nov-2010)

"I loved this level playing in black and white was a real joy for me. I love the puzzles and the ending got my blood pumping I havent seen this movie but this level made me want to experience it." - AKlara (29-May-2010)

"I was really impressed even the second time around playing this lovely, scary, moody black and white level by Debbie Overstreet. We sadly, have not seen anything from Debbie for almost four years, so replaying this level was nostalgic. I thought ever aspect of this level was great and highly entertaining. I was sad when it was over. This level is all about the puzzles, with Lara (or Sophia) doing all of them in a dress. Great level!" - Shandroid (27-Oct-2008)

"The mansion feels very cozy and nostalgic. It was a real joy to explore. The black and white textures really add to the quaint atmosphere, along with Lara's outfit. The flares make everything look especially eerie. There isn't very much combat, which is a good thing since it allowed me to wander around without distraction. The puzzles were relatively simple, consisting of pressure plates and shooting orbs, but that is the only slight disappointment I had while playing. Other than that, this level was great. Now I have to go watch the movie it was based upon :D" - Ward Dragon (10-Apr-2008)

"Lara {and you} play as Maxim de Winter’s second wife who is trying to exorcise the ghost of his first wife Rebecca whose presence still permeates the whole house. The first thing that struck me was the black and white textures – They looked wonderful! Wow! Manderlay simply wouldn’t have been as eerie and oppressive in colour. Maxim and a suitably creepy Mrs Danvers are in attendance, and unlike in the book/film, at the end of the level we finally get to meet ‘Rebecca’ herself. The puzzles work well in the mansion surroundings, mainly pushable and shootable. And it all ends in flames, just like the original story. As I said: Wonderful." - Kitkat (27-Jul-2007)

"If you have watched Hitchcock's classic movie from which this stunning level was inspired, you will find yourself smiling many times while playing it, as it is full of references - either subtle or more evident - to the masterpiece film. We find Lara, dressed in 50ties style, in an atmospherical black and white setting which is filled with mystery and goth feel; practically in the mansion of Maxim de Winter, where there are many puzzles to solve, enemies to face, items and secrets to find. It is a very well-made level, which features some particularly challenging sequences (the whole set of traps and trials that are hidden behind the fireplace, for instance; or the shootable globes puzzle close to the end), and a pretty good boss battle for the finale. What is very interesting in this level, apart from the brilliant gameplay that it offers, is to see how familiar textures gain a totally new quality in black and white, adding up to the already existing cinematographic feeling of the whole." - Ravenwen (25-Dec-2006)

"Okay, show of hands, people – who here has watched Rebecca? I’ll be honest and tell you that I didn’t even know the film (or the novel the film is based on) existed until I played this level (it’s possible the author built this level to bring the film to people’s attention). According to the Internet Movie Database, it’s about an unnamed woman (played by Lara in this level), who marries a man called Maxim de Winter (superbly played by Jean-Yves in this level). Rebecca (unseen in the film, but played by Sophia in this level), died in a boating accident one year earlier (that’s her at the beginning!), but the new Mrs de Winter soon discovers that Rebecca still has a strange hold on everyone in the mansion. Classic Hitchcock, in other words. The eerie feeling I hear the film has is lost in this translation of it, and it instead becomes classic Tomb Raider. Not that that’s a bad thing, but just don’t expect to ‘get’ the level if you haven’t watched the film. To stay true to the film, the whole level is in black and white, which works wonderfully, and it’s surprising that no one has tried to make a black and white level before. Sadly, some things, like the flares and fires, destroy the illusion somewhat, but the overall feeling of being in a film from 1940 is still there. The gameplay is rather simple, with a lot of it revolving around searching for things to shoot, which is disappointing. There are some traps which fit rather well in the mansion, but also some frustratingly health-draining places. Enemies are few and far between, but are used effectively. The level isn’t nearly as long as the film, ending after just thirty minutes, and I was left wondering… Did Jean-Yves – sorry, Maxim – kill Rebecca or was it suicide? We may never know." - Magnus (15-Oct-2006)

"Another wonderful level. I loved it. Not too many enemies, but it is still a good level. I recommand it to anyone who wants a 20 hours and + of playing custom levels." - dantheraider (10-Sep-2005)

"This is such a wonderful level; if anyone can handle making a scary TR level it has got to be Debbie. It's a great story turned into a great level, with loads of challenges. Many of them were really hard (considering that this is the second custom level I've ever played), others mediocre, but none too easy. The atmosphere has really captured the Hitchcock spirit and the fact that it's in black/white only contributes in enhancing that old thriller feeling from the 60s and 70s. The spooky music suits the game perfectly and the enemies are like the puzzles, some really tough ones and others easier. However, it is as mentioned never too easy and the enemies belong in the level like a hand in a glove. Definitely one of the best thriller levels I’ve played so far. It's absolutely worth the while to download and enjoy. The fact that it's a part of the fabulous Lara At The Movies project only makes the best better." - Selene (01-Aug-2005)

"I am a big fan of Hitchcock movies and I really enjoyed this level. I found it very hard actually. I got stuck several times and I missed some of the switches and places at first. Some of it I blame on the level being B&W :) It did add up the feeling A LOT with the B&W though! I really loved the nice opening camera in the beginning. It starts an eerie feeling that didn't stop until I was finished! Debbie has shown me that it is possible to make a great game based on a movie..but I guess it has to be a tombraider game ;) Well done! 2005-04-29" - QRS (01-May-2005)

"Just as the movie this level is kept in grayscale - well, more or less. It takes place in a big manor where a suspiciously looking woman is watching your steps. What was actually a bit confusing for me was the fact that there were sometimes colors used in the level - like certain items were slightly colored or even greenish textures applied to certain walls. Sometimes even colored lights. Very strange. Though, it was quite entertaining and included a set of nice puzzles where a lot of pushing and pulling is needed. The puzzles items however were just the standard coastal ruins re-textured. A bit more variety would've been nice. Anyway, some of the traps had been challenging first, but then moderately easy to master. But there's still this little moment of shock when Lara's just been killed by a rolling ball or spikes or whatsoever. I personally like these little dirty tricks making the game less predictable - nicely used in this one. Sometimes, though, the level seemed a bit uninspired to me - certain tasks seem oddly familiar or have to be done a couple of times before you can continue, a bit more diversion in the gameplay would benefit the level, for sure. I have not seen the movie but from what I read in the neat little booklet the atmosphere in the level seems to match the movie. Still, despite minor flaws this level has been very well done." - Horus (16-Apr-2005)

“When I saw that Lara at the Movie included a ‘Rebecca’ level I was dubious to say the least. To me the heavily atmospheric Hitchcock's masterpiece couldn't be mixed with tomb raiding. Recreating the dark gloomy almost gothic mood was impossible. Oh boy was I wrong! I was sucked into it by the very first step Lara made in Manderley. The black and white rendering the huge hall the enigmatic figure of Mrs Danvers up to Lara's outfit - making her look like Joan Fontaine the beautiful actress who played the second Mrs de Winter... There I was not AT the movie but IN it. Very well then it was an atmospheric masterpiece but since it's about raiding what about gameplay? Fairly balanced it is. A bit challenging sometimes but never undoable. The ending is a bit tough (read: hellish) though as you must fight against Rebecca while avoiding to be set on fire. A true boss moment I will remember. Actually the whole level is a moment I will remember because it's just that: unforgettable.” – Sutekh (24-Jan-2005)

“A double feature for Lara at the movies. ‘Rebecca’ and ‘Psycho’ are both movies by Alfred Hitchcock but by no means it's like one game with the same atmosphere split in two levels. ‘Rebecca’ was the first American big budget production for the British director in 1940 whereas ‘Psycho’ 20 years later was a small budget thriller. In ‘Rebecca’ Lara begins at the Manderley Estate where she has to find gems solve puzzles and finally has a fight (separately) against two electrifying enemies that pose no big threat if you brought explosive ammo for the crossbow. A bad joke were the skeletons that appeared on the stairs. You can simply ignore them go down the stairs and they won't follow... ‘Rebecca’ was the first TR level in black and white! You can't keep that up 100 percent as the flames are yellow and the blood is red but from the textures to Lara herself dressed in a conservative outfit of the proper time period everything is in shades of grey to stay as close as possible to the movie's look. This design idea really has a good point. It may make a few things harder at the beginning like spotting switches but you get used to it after a while. Two little complaints only. First in the cellar with the wraith there was an unfortunate camera. I was pushing a globe and a camera showed me an unmoving block. Later I pushed a globe in another room and nothing happened. I bet the level builder expected me to push this globe first and then have the camera in the other room show the block going down. Well then the 2nd room shouldn't be accessible before the 1st. Second I was a little bit annoyed about the puzzle with the 8 globes. Each globe is positioned exactly next to the spot where you have to push it so you need no brains it is only repetitive work. All in all the level was fun to play first for the unique b/w looks second for the action bit: good jump sequences the globes where you never know if they are shootable or not and the good blade and boulder traps.” – Rüdiger (05-Dec-2004)

“I have to say if there were awards for the most artistic levels...this would get the TR Academy Award! The ‘color scheme’ took some time to get used to but it was absolutely perfect and all of the details (such as Lara's dress the little pistols etc) truly make this level stand out. Ms. Overstreet has vision and what a great level came from it. She really captured the feeling of suspense that Hitchcock was so famous for...I actually jumped a couple of times...stupendous level!” – Brigidsgirl (08-Nov-2004)

“Rebecca is the first actual released level that is played on Black and White - truth shall be said it's not COMPLETELY black and white but it's more than enough to create a damn fine atmosphere. The entire level takes place at De Winter's mansion and will have you running from side to side covering every area looking for puzzle pieces to get access to more rooms. Secrets were fairly on the easy side with the exception of one that was accessed via a not-properly textured climbable wall but then again if the wall was clearly climbable what would be the point of the secret? Some pushable blocks shatterable pieces (look carefully for them!) and a great final boss add up to make this one fine experience. 50 minutes 3 secrets.” – Treeble (24-Oct-2004)

“I like this level especially the efficient gameplay the good puzzles and the amazing black and white textures. We can recognize some familiar textures there is also a lot of new ones. This level is really captivating in the beginning there is everything we love in a classic Tomb raider game. I especially like the room after the smoke emitters where you have to guess where to jump. After that there is maybe too many movable blocks and shooting puzzles but the level does not become boring. The atmosphere is not that thrilling but it is a good level nevertheless.” – eRIC (18-Oct-2004)

“I had to review these two levels together as one so go ahead and place the same review with each level. Firstly I am a huge Hitchcock fan so the idea of these two levels (and knowing they were going to be in black and white) really intrigued me. I haven't seen Rebecca in a long time so I didn't really remember the story. But wandering around in this lonely old mansion was genuinely creepy. And the atmosphere spot on. I'm going to have to go watch Rebecca now. But even more fun than getting creeped out in Manderly was the experience of actually pulling into the parking lot of the Bates Motel. Pulling into that parking lot has got to be one of the all time best things I have ever done in a video game! After seeing that movie so many times nothing gave me more enjoyment than feeling like I was in it. I didn't want to have to dive in the pond. I didn't want to wander around subterranean chambers of Norman's world. I didn't want to take a shower. But man-oh-man was it ever a blast doing all those things I didn't want to do. These have got to be two of my all time favorite TR levels I have ever played. More! More! I want more stuff like this!” – Deekman (27-Sep-2004)

“I have to say again that the creator surpassed herself. Probably the level would have been nicer in colours but its atmosphere is something phenomenal like this. This is like an old black and white movie. The textures and the scenes are wonderful. Unfortunately I missed the Revolver at the beginning so I had some tough moments. I found 3 Secrets. The enemies are dogs bats skeletons and burning demons. In the end you have to fight with a woman dresses as a demigod but this is neither a difficult battle. You must take care of the moveable sphere’s colours. There are numerous spheres for shooting. This is a fantastic level don’t miss! You can find a Hungarian walkthrough (as we don’t have English version) savegames and pictures here: http://www.freeweb.hu/treditor/12/lara_at_the_movies.htm ” – Obig (12-Sep-2004)

“Black and white of course! Great atmosphere of old hostile mansion with the grumpy old maid and the ghost of Rebecca. Great puzzling and tricky gameplay.” – G.Croft (09-Sep-2004)

“The first thing that struck me about this level is it's in black and white. I have long had an idea to do a monochrome level but have now been beaten to it. I don't think I could better this though. It has been many years since I last saw Rebecca so I am unable to compare this adaptation to the original but what a fun level to play. The atmosphere tension and drama are all captured with near perfection. I even enjoyed the timed run. I can't wait to play Psycho now.” – Staticon (09-Sep-2004)

“I'm enjoying this TRGold experience. Here we have a level that matches up well with the mood of the movie it represents. As far as I know the black-and-white concept is unique in the custom level repertoire (that is until you play Psycho) and even though I'm a fan of wild and beautiful colors this is a touch that added a lot to the playing atmosphere. The gameplay itself is standard fare as these levels go but the raiding experience was challenging and very enjoyable. If there were any doubts that Debbie has joined the ranks of the top level builders doubt no more.” – Phil (14-Aug-2004)

“I know I am colour blind but what a blast from the past with this level in B&W. In this level you need to look round carefully I nearly missed several openings switches etc. Gameplay is not too difficult and flows reasonably logically through the level. In fact it contains much of the traditional aspects of Tomb Raider in its variety of puzzles. However very few enemies but you do get to shoot at other things. The graphics although B&W are stunning and the whole graphics/sound fully makes and sets the scene. One not to miss!” – Whistle (05-Aug-2004)

“Lara goes to Manderley Mansion as Joan Fontaine in the Hitchcock movie. I love that movie because it has a supernatural atmosphere and ghosts that never appear. In this case Lara fights against skeletons harpys dogs with red eyes and finally she has to defeat Rebecca. Mrs. Danvers is only a part of the scene but she's always watching Lara (I missed in the final scene a look of Mrs. Danvers burning with the house). I've enjoyed this level and I think it's a great idea to make the level in black/white. Another great level to the TRLE Gold.” – Loupar (03-Aug-2004)

“Another great level in the TRLE Gold game. And very well done too! This level is based on the novel Rebecca by Alfred Hitchcock. The story is that Rebecca was the 1st wife of Maxim de Winter was killed in a boating accident. Mrs Danvers (Rebecca's maid) is very cautious of Caroline maxim's new wife; (who Lara plays in this level) and keeps a close eye on her since she arrived at the mansion. Rebecca's presence is everywhere in the house Lara must do all she can to rid it of the evil and escape in one piece! Being made in the 1940's the level is cleverly portrayed in black and white and the objects characters (even Lara) are in 40's style. There are many traps throughout the game (anyone would think Rebecca is trying to kill Lara!) lol. Some are fairly easy to overcome none left me ripping my hair out! There are no custom tunes (or any tunes!) in the level only the background sounds of thunder. It was very convincing as a 40's style level which made it more fun to play. Not many enemies a few skeleton's dogs and of course Rebecca so it was mainly traps and puzzles that kept it interesting. It was good fun to play and I recommend it to everyone I am looking forward to Psycho!” – Aims (02-Aug-2004)

“With her offerings for the movie project Debbie hasn't spared originality for better days and offered something truly unique and original (for the TR community of course) and made a black and white double-feature. It starts with Rebecca though I must admit hearing for the first time of such movie/book (though am intrigued and would like to see/read) unlike the other black and white feature so I can't judge how well it is adapted from the movie but as a level it worked ok for me. It is mansion filled with traps hidden movable blocks shattarable decors (the latter are tough to spot due to the black n' white setting) and one really doesn't wonder why Rebecca was driven to death (was she really?) I sure wouldn't have a long and happy life living in such a house either! As a side excursion you can blow the head of the maid off if annoyed by it (or are plain sadistic lol). A great level as an addition in the horror seance of the night in the movies.” – eTux (01-Aug-2004)

“This is an awesome mansion level in black and white. The game here is switch hunting and traps and the main challenge is to find the many hidden objects to shoot and some hidden blocks to push. Enemies are scarce. A skeleton interferes with the puzzle solving in one room but otherwise the enemies are not that problematic. The atmosphere is quite good and Lara has got a smart fitting dress. Technically the challenges are mostly straightforward. Play the level for its beauty and the special feeling of the black and white textures.” – Bogey (01-Aug-2004)

“A mansion level in black and white. Not boring though it's a great level to play with nice puzzles nasty traps and Mrs Danvers eyes following you. The mansion is beautiful a pleasure to explore. If you're stuck you might want to check for pushable blocks or something to shoot works most of the time. At some point the firewraiths wouldn't leave me alone (not even in the water) but after loading a savegame they did not come back. I liked playing this and might play again sometime (other then the Blair Witch Project lol). Off to Psycho now! 02.07.04” – Josi (28-Jul-2004)

“Hitchcock's movie Rebecca is a golden oldie and is in black and white. So is this level. This adds to the creepy atmosphere. Lara finds herself in the Manderley Mansion and has to survive the fire that will burn down the place. The overall look of this level oozes the lifestyle of the '40. There is quite a lot of target practice to do and when in doubt do shoot. It is rather a short level and Lara is in search to open doors to find out what is going on in this spooky mansion. Finding keys moveable blocks and hidden levers sound easy but it had me search every nook and cranny. I had goose bumps all over. 06-07-2004” – Gerty (19-Jul-2004)

“This level certainly taught me to shoot first and ask questions later. And not necessarily what looks obvious to shoot or for that matter push or pull. I did way too much running around to find my way and I think I made it harder than it maybe should have been. I had trouble with the short timed run in the small globe puzzle room because I didn't know it was a timed run. I had to load a previous save to get Mrs. Danver's key and from then on I had little trouble figuring out what to do next. I liked the monkey swing to the fire breathing lion head...after I was able to complete that task. LOL At one point I shot Mrs. Danver's head off and then thought I shouldn't do that so I reloaded. Later when she became utterly annoying I couldn't blow her head off to save my life. She really can be a pill you know. I thoroughly enjoyed the horse statue puzzle room but became really annoyed when Max wouldn't notice me. I didn't think at first that I would like a black & white level but it worked well and the mansion was absolutely gorgeous. I love hidden passages and so wished that there was more to do when I got to Rebecca's room. It was very spooky in there but at the same time felt safe...after you killed the dog! Brilliant work!” – Leisa (18-Jul-2004)

“Hitchcock’s Rebecca is more or less a psychological drama so probably not the easiest film to adapt for TR consumption. In fact when I started this I had a nagging suspicious that Debbie chose this flick mainly as a cheap excuse to bestow us with yet another mansion level as Manderley plays such an important part in Hitchcock’s classic. Indeed the connection with the Daphne du Maurier’s story is rather loose although the initial flyby is proof that a spirited attempt was made to at least remember the poor soul that gave the book its name. But do we care? Despite myself I rather liked this. I mean it incorporates a lot of things that I'm not particularly fond of like the underwater maze (mercifully small) movable blocks that aren't textured as such a lot of globes to push. However as this is the first black and white level I've ever played it all seemed slightly different this time and I couldn't really escape the overall charm of the setting. Gameplay wise it's rather traditional raiding; i.e. running to and fro finding items pushing levers shooting things avoiding boulders that kind of stuff you know the drill. Although enemies pay only a minor part you lose quite a lot of health along the way but as you find enough medipacks you don't need to worry. The most outstanding feature in my view is the carefully reconstructed castle Manderley complete with dungeons sleeping chambers study and the great hall. There are windows everywhere that let you have a glimpse at areas long before you get there thus making it all the more real. A true gem.” – Dimpfelmoser (12-Jul-2004)

“This is a first for me: a black and white TR level! Strangely enough however there are still one or two spots of colour here and there... This really makes the whole map feel different. I must admit that I have never watched 'Rebecca' myself so I'm not sure how well the level ties in with it. What I do know is that this is an enjoyable and not too tricky adventure (I always love it when I can complete one of these things without visiting the forums). Don't forget to do what other reviewers have said and shoot or pull/push objects that you haven't come across before. I particularly liked the end sequence to this adventure but I won't spoil it by saying exactly what happens! It took me 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete and I found 2 easy secrets.” – gfd (12-Jul-2004)

“This is just the best level yet Deb. I admit to never having read this book by Daphne du Maurier although I may well now. As for the movie have never bothered with that either. However this level in its undulating shades of gray really brought home the angst that anyone would feel with that demonic matron watching your every move at the head of the stairs. The level itself is deceptive with hidden blocks and objects infuriatingly in plain sight yet unnoticeable. Objects may be moved about that generally don't move. Other objects may be shot that you generally would not shoot. Yes this is one mysterious manse. The whole level consists of one puzzling event after another and it is just this sort of level that keeps you coming back to the PC at all hours of the day and night. The short timed run was so easy and yet it took me a while to figure out it was actually THAT door that opened. There are hardly any enemies about just a few skeletons and dogs but really the house itself is adversary enough. You finally depart by placing Rebecca's memoirs on the scroll stand to open the exit but I just wished she had left us all a message on that scroll.” – Torry (11-Jul-2004)

“Well I tried to shoot Mrs Danvers because I’ve never liked her but as I long suspected she’s bullet proof. In a way it’s something of a shame to ask Debbie to build a black and white level as her use of colour is always particularly pleasing. However this is very nicely done and really does give a feel of the film whilst still of course being a damn good raid. There is a very annoying skeleton at the beginning of the level who stubbornly refused to be shot gunned over any edges so I was glad to get the revolver and laser sight and blow his irritating head off. Take that Mr Bony. You get to explore Manderlay quite thoroughly in search of Rebecca’s gem Mrs Danvers’ key Max’s money clip another Rebecca’s gem and another Max’s money clip. Honestly these rich people are so careless with their money. It’s easy to miss things - think shootable objects and moveable blocks if you get stuck. The crossbow with explosive ammo is provided in just nice time to enable you to disintegrate the next bunch of skeletons you come across. How thoughtful. The last item you require is Rebecca’s scroll and you have to fight a couple of Rebeccas before you can use it to make your escape from Manderlay. Highly enjoyable.” – Jay (09-Jul-2004)

“I have never played a TR level like this one. The author's splendid visual sense has brought a classic B&W film to life. Lara looks great and gets through all these adventures without breaking a heel! Full of visual delights and a great play. Wonderful!” – Duncan (09-Jul-2004)

“This is great raiding that absolutely reprises your trip back into the dark early morning hours watching the late late show when you first saw the original movie. The author has nailed the suspense and feel of the movie perfectly. It’s damn challenging pulling you deeper & deeper into Rebecca’s haunted twilight world. I fully expected to run into Larry Olivier (Jeez I miss him!) at any moment. Lara even looks like Joan Fontaine and how cool are those lady’s pistols! I knew I was a goner when we stumbled into the bedroom with Rebecca’s portrait and I was trying to get Lara into the sack behind the sheer curtains. You’ll have to escape Manderlay and the journey evokes the haunting madness of the original; complete with a distracted Max de Winter and absolutely goofy Mrs. Danvers. Don’t miss it!” – Mezcal (06-Jul-2004)

“This is one of the two TRLE Gold levels that are set in black and white. Superb if you ask me with a unique atmosphere. Lara in a black dress and Mrs Danvers which I preferred in the previous version when she was moving around instead of being still in the middle of the mansion that gives you chills are the two beings you will see in the entire game except from the dogs of course. Hidden passages behind walls and Jean Yves I wonder what he is doing there is what Lara will face further along in the level. Look out for the skeletons and the statues with the swords; they are pretty sharp you know. The introduction scene is amazing so is the woman with the spear you’ll face near the end. Gems pillars and a scroll will help Lara escape this haunted house. You’re still not spooked enough wait until you get to ‘Psycho’ then. It took me forty five minutes to complete it and I found three secrets. Well done Debs great job.” – Kristina (02-Jul-2004)

“Well this is classic tomb raiding in some ways but the feel is different and so is the looks of it. Rebecca in black and white - that's the way to go! Lara's looks are great too. I liked the mixing of black and white and color near the end and the way Lara's colors looked ‘old’. All that was artistic indeed. In the room with the horse statues I found things have to be done in a certain way or the puzzle wont work as it should. That was a shame. Anyway another great work in the series. My congratulations Debbie!” – Jorge22 (02-Jul-2004)

“’Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again’. So begins the famous Du Maurier book and Hitchcock's adaptation to film. Thanks to Debbie we can now feel we have visited the Manderley estate and survived the devastating fire that destroyed it. Manderley - the de Winter estate Mrs. Danvers - the housekeeper still obsessed with the now dead but ghostly first Mrs. deWinter and Lara in the role of the young second Mrs. deWinter are all beautifully rendered here in stunning black and white in honor of the early '40's film. Good puzzles (if you're stuck shoot at everything) a few skeletons 'in the closet' and the evil spirit of Rebecca with which to contend. The old fashion clothes are perfect as is the way into the rest of the house via a giant fireplace. Secrets are fun and not hard to find with the timed run an enjoyable (instead of frustrating) experience. All in all a unique atmospheric adventure that stays with you. Not to be missed. Once again thanks Deb.” – Bene (02-Jul-2004)

“An excellent level with black/white Textures - simply looks wonderful. I think it's the first time that we play this kind of level. Lara finds herself in a mansion. She needs to solve many good puzzles and finds a few objects. Well done Debbie; really cool level and Alfred Hitchcock’s level name is the right name for this level.” – Yoav (01-Jul-2004)

“Debbie has created an entirely new genre of TombRaider by building an atmospherically very dense black/white movie setting. The mansion looks amazingly real and the initial flyby greatly sets the scene for the storyline. You get to explore the mansion and have to keep your eyes open for well hidden movable blocks shootable objects and levers and jump switches. The three secrets are not too difficult to find though. Enemies are dogs and a few skeletons but they do not play a major role. Also a few traps thrown in. All in all a great hour's raid which you should not miss.” – Michael (28-Jun-2004)

“Again Debbie lets us enter the world of film noir this time ‘Rebecca’. Lara is Caroline the naive young second wife of the Max de Winter whose first wife Rebecca died in a boating accident! Rebecca is worshipped even in death by Mrs. Danvers the housekeeper a spooky woman who resents her late mistress’s things being touched by the usurper Caroline. The level is set at Manderley and Debbie has created a brilliant mansion with deviously hidden blocks to push and passages to open so Caroline can find out what’s going on ‘behind closed doors’. We get to see rooms through windows as we go along. I love Rebecca’s bedroom the room where Mr. de Winter (Jean Yves) writes at his desk the horse statue room and the underground areas and that main hall is stupendous. ‘Caroline’ looks good too. If in doubt at any time shoot things with or without a lasersight or see if you can push them. Another great imaginative level. Psycho and Rebecca are two levels I will remember for a long time to come.” – CC (28-Jun-2004)
Tag Cloud from Reviews:
back home search