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Level: Lara at the Movies - Indiana Jones - Temple of Doom back home search
Author(s): Raider X
total rating:9.17 Gameplay &
Puzzles		 Enemies,
Objects &
Secrets		 Atmosphere,
Sound &
Cameras		 Lighting &
Textures
Aims 7 8 8 9
AKlara 7 9 10 10
Bene 9 9 9 10
Blue43 8 9 10 9
Bogey 9 9 9 10
Brigidsgirl 9 9 9 9
CC 10 10 10 10
Deekman 10 10 10 10
Dimpfelmoser 10 9 9 9
Duncan 8 8 10 10
eTux 9 9 10 9
G.Croft 10 9 9 10
Gerty 9 9 9 9
gfd 8 8 8 9
Horus 10 9 8 7
Jay 10 9 9 9
Jerrod 10 10 9 9
Jorge22 9 10 10 10
Jose 6 8 8 9
Josi 9 10 10 10
Kristina 9 9 9 10
Leisa 9 10 10 10
Loupar 9 9 9 9
Magnus 9 8 9 9
manarch2 8 8 9 10
MichaelP 10 9 9 9
Mman 9 10 9 9
Moonpooka 10 10 10 10
Obig 10 9 10 10
Phil 8 10 10 10
QRS 10 9 10 9
Ravenwen 10 9 9 9
Scottie 7 8 9 9
Selene 9 9 10 10
Shandroid 9 8 9 9
Soul 10 10 10 9
Staticon 7 8 10 9
Sutekh 9 8 8 8
TombRaiderFan 10 9 10 9
Torry 9 9 10 10
Treeble 10 9 10 10
Whistle 8 9 10 10
category averages
(42 reviews)		 8.95 9.00 9.36 9.38

Reviewer's comments

"This one is the most difficult level I played from Lara at the Movies (till the moment). Sometimes there are not cameras to help you (few times), there are switches with double function you must pull several times, and the long way back to the room with water with the fire ghosts behind through the crawlspace was simply a torture, and the very hard jump from the rope to the high jumpswitch... At least Indy said to take the torch in hand along the game... On the other hand, there are some interesting puzzles and variety of tasks with breakable tiles, moveable blocks, etc. The ambience is often good with appropriate use of the lights and well textured, also there is a good use of sounds and cameras in certain rooms. Recommended but only to play following the walkthrough." - Jose (26-Sep-2012)

"Having in mind, that "Tomb Raider" and "Indiana Jones" have many things in common, Raider X had the easiest job in my opinion, as he just had to create 'another tomb' in the level editor and also didn't have to create his own textures or objects, as Core already built loads of perfectly fitting material. So, all that was left to do (don't get me wrong - it's still loads of work) was crafting a believable temple area and fill it with convincing gameplay and indeed the author did a bloody good job at it! I loved every minute of this masterpiece! While lighting was sometimes a bit flat and lacked some contrast, there was still loads of eye-candy as the overall architecture and the way all the areas were interconnected left nothing to be desired. I also don't think I ever experienced any better gameplay in the old-gen (no TREP and no TRNG!) custom levels. There are loads of nice pushable block-puzzles (that are never too long and thus don't get boring), many challenging jumping-sequences, some never-seen object-usage, a good amount of exploration and on top of all that an ingenious torch-puzzle (don't EVER lose your torch!). I'd call this custom the all-around carefree package for every experienced raider out there. Don't miss it!" - Soul (10-Apr-2012)

"While the last levels were all set in somewhat original themes, this one is a twist on a standard temple theme. It's a well realised one, with plenty of detail and interesting designs and lighting; especially in the massive room that makes up the second half. On the downside the first half is a bit cramped, and I thought it lacked a bit of a sense of place; there's a mix of Tinnos and other texture sets, but when you go outside it's an Indian theme. While the style is well executed I think the overall theme could have been slightly more cohesive.
This is a very challenging level with complex areas and difficult obstacles to traverse. There's also a lot of exploration later on. One rope jump is a bit OTT (it seems to require knowing a special rope-swing trick), and there's a few bits of heavy backtracking. The level can be worked through fine with some care, and there's some nice ideas like a dual-use turning wheel. I thought there seemed a bit of a lack of tie-ins to the movie it is a homage to; since Indiana Jones was one of the biggest inspirations for Tomb Raider making it a raid of the purest kind does make sense, but beyond the quest item and a few skeletons it doesn't feel like the movie itself is evoked much. That doesn't take away from this being an excellent (and huge) temple map though." - Mman (21-Jan-2012)

"With this movie we can expect a level 100% Tomb Raider and I must say I'm really not disappointed. What a great level !! The temple is complex, the tasks are not easy (proof of that, the poor Indy is dead), but except a switch "double-action" (a little bit too vicious), I've totally enjoyed this adventure." - 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.
Indiana Jones Temple of Doom: Indiana Jones and the Infernal Machine was one of my favorite games. Even if now several Hardcore-Raider howl with pain and throw me a volley of oaths to my head, I must say, nevertheless, that this game was nearly even better than Tomb Raider. It may well be that the developer has cribbed a little bit from Lara, but better well copied as bad invented. For example was the mine train significant better than the one in Tomb Raider. So much to this topic. After I had finished this level, I was for a while baffled and helplessl. What had this level to do with Indiana Jones? This was quite a normal level as they are built on every street corner. It would have been interesting if the game character had looked like Indiana Jones. This should not mean that the level is bad. This by no means. But it is merely quite a normal "Lara-Croft-Tomb-Raider-Level". However, the many well disguised Pushblocks have disturbed me massively. Though I had many Flares at disposal, but it's not funny if one must use constantly a Flare because one has overlooked maybe once again a Pushblock. Two of the fire minds were superfluous. Lara burnt off more than once, before she reached the saving pool. No question, the level is well built and one sees many interesting rooms, but with the theme "Lara at the Movies" had this little to do." - Scottie (27-Jun-2011)

"The first game of this levelpack I play made with only different colored original textures. And they were surely the best part of this level, as they looked very professional and real. The lava rooms looked very good. In my opinion gameplay isn't that good here, even with an innovative use of the wheelswitch and many uses of the torch, just because the big areas make the player confused and I always thought when I chose a path that I forgot all other things in the previous room. After endless searches in the first half in the level, I decided to play the second with the walkthrough close-by. However, even this one didn't help me in many things, like the strange block puzzle after the first lava room, for example. The opponents here are skeletons, wraiths and bats, all placed good, but a bit repetitive use, I think. The escape from the wraiths was a horror, as the way into the pool was way too long. Got all secrets, the locations (with one exception) are not hard to find. Camera work is also memorable, as the flybys and hints were really good and the ending cutscene was good, too. Summarizingly a more than solid level." - manarch2 (12-Jan-2011)

"This level from the movie series is a classic raid, especially being based on an Indiana Jones movie it can’t really get much more classic than that. The game play in this one is unfortunately very hard for less experienced raiders and there are certain sequences in this level that are outright frustrating and game-stopping in my opinion. A rope swing where Lara has to grab a Jump Switch for example was one of those moments where one wants to just walk away from the game and play something else. I don’t know how many times one has try this one before it works, but it seemed pure luck and less skill when I finally completed the task. Same with a sequence where two Fire Wraiths come at Lara and there is rather long distance with crawling, climbing and jumping to conquer until there is finally some water to get rid of them. The atmosphere was excellent and there was great camera work and a pleasant sound track. The enemies were mainly a few Tribesmen, a couple of nasty bats and of course the skeletons which are almost a must have in this type of level. The architecture of the rooms was flawless and complimented by a perfectly applied and well-chosen texture and color combination. The lighting was nicely done, especially in the darker areas and Lava rooms. It is definitely a top-notch level and can highly recommended for very experienced raiders, but with the overly hard game play at times, I think beginners and intermediate player could definitely get very frustrated here." - Blue43 (02-Dec-2010)

"This level caught me off guard I thought It was going to be a easier level because you start off in such a small area, boy i was wrong. the puzzles were hard for me and I took that scroll for granted i didnt think you had to take the torch EVERYWERE!I enjoyed the tile run.and the texture were very well thought of and very neat. the sounds were pretty good the first sound that came in seemed a little random to me. I liked this level i wish i would have enjoyed it more if i didn\'t under estimate it. overall great level and i wanted to see more of that jungle area" - AKlara (29-May-2010)

"I replayed this level in order to review it. I enjoyed this level the second time around just as much, even if it was really difficult. This level is all about the tough traps and puzzles. I found the level to be a fun ride, very smooth all the way through to the end. What killed Indy, will just hone Lara's skills even more!" - Shandroid (24-Oct-2008)

"Basing a Lara at the Movies level on Temple of Doom seems like a no-brainer, due to the obvious similarities between Tomb Raider and Indiana Jones. And while it would seem easier to make a level like this than a level based on Star Wars or Psycho, there’s no arguing with the fact that this is a great level. The use of the torch is excellent, and the author has obviously given a lot of thought to that aspect of the level. The gameplay is entertaining, but is somewhat spoiled by the large amount of pushable blocks that need to be found – I was stuck on more than one occasion because of them. There was also a rope swing I had problems with, but otherwise there was nothing to break the flow of the level. The level looks really good, even if it never made me think of the Indiana Jones film. I would have been disappointed if I hadn’t been having such a good time. The level lasts for fifty minutes, and it’s one of my favourites of the Lara at the Movies levels. There are some really nice gameplay ideas here, and if the author ever decides to stop working on group projects and make solo levels again, I’d definitely be there." - Magnus (15-Oct-2006)

"Well, I can say for certain that this is the hardest level at Lara At The Movies out of the four I’ve played so far. This is a top notch temple level of deluxe class, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a better TR level enfolding itself inside a temple before. It has got everything temples should have: tons of traps and puzzles, pools of molten lava, twisting and turning hallways, timed runs and other challenges and of course tough enemies lurking around every corner. The gameplay in overall is fantastic, the only thing I’ll point my finger at is that some of the challenges were painstakingly hard to get through and I had some several trouble with several parts in the level...the entire level in itself was nearly all about save-and-reload. However, the satisfaction for getting through it was worth more than the struggles it took me to get there. The skeletons especially posed as perfect opponents and the whole level was, although inside a temple, so exotic and last, but definitely not least so atmospheric. The catacomb like temple almost gave me a slight feeling of my favorite level from TR3: ‘The Lost City Of Tinnos’ and although the difficulty rate was almost too high (considering that Lara at the movies is my first ever custom level to play), the gameplay was in overall thoroughly enjoyable. Also carrying the torch around gave the whole level a great and adventurous feeling to it. You will definitely not regret downloading this level...you’ll get yourself an adventure even Indiana himself would envy you." - Selene (01-Aug-2005)

"I love the Indiana Jones movies and playing an Indy level with Lara as the hero was the best :) This level was hard though.. actually VERY hard. I like hard tombraider games but it was very irritating when you HAD to carry that torch all the time *ahhrg*.. Some very hard spots including a rope swing to a jumpswitch that took me almost 30 min to nail :( The secrets were hard to find and the atmosphere great. I can really recommend this level! Do not lose your torch...never! 2005-04-30" - QRS (01-May-2005)

"What a fabulous level! The gameplay is very well thought-out right from the beginning on. You'll be thrilled by a bunch of awesome traps and puzzles which form a very fluent and motivating gameplay. Well, except for the fact that you'll have to carry a torch through the whole level. This is usually nothing impossible to master but by the time it'll become a serious pain in the ass. Not to mention you're encountered with a dead-end in case you didn't carry it everywhere. So better keep some savegames, just to be on the safe side. Apart from this little flaw the gameplay is absolutely marvelous. There are some very nice sequences with collapsing platforms and great timed doors, wonderful fire traps and some challenging jumps. I entirely enjoyed it, as well as the enemies, very well placed, skeletons always somewhere near a pit to push them in with the shotgun and the distances between fire wraiths and water pools weren't too long so that you'll never really get frustrated by them. The music was really great, I loved the Indy-theme-thing and the mystic music at the start; it was amazingly near to the original in the movie, though it sounded like a track from TR2. However, the textures were slightly boring as the interior, where you spend most of your time, was nearly without exceptions designed with Tinnos textures and the lighting wasn't really exceptional either. Just rarely you can see some colors used, usually it's that monotonous bright brown colors. I personally would've liked to see some more colors and different textures used. But that's just my personal taste and it looks still somehow good the way it is." - Horus (16-Apr-2005)

"So old Indy has finally kicked the bucket, and no-one but Miss Croft herself decides to fulfill Pr Henry Jones Jr's last will. And this isn't easy, mind you. This is a difficult level, be it about research, enemies or traps. Lots of tricky jumps and scary parts, dangling above lava, surrounded by fire emitters while desperately clinging to that breakable tile. This level is hot. Literally and up to those affectionate fire wraiths which follow you everywhere through crawlspaces, ladders and corridors while Indy's theme plays in the background. My kingdom for a pool! But - and oddly enough - never did I feel frustrated by all those obstacles. Even when things looked a tad insane, I not only didn't feel like giving up but actually wanted more and more of it. I still have no idea why, or how the author managed to tweak the gameplay to the point of never crossing the frustration dreaded thin line, at least for my taste. What I know is I immensely enjoyed it. A great raiding moment." - Sutekh (06-Feb-2005)

“Opening sequence sets the atmosphere with sound rather like the thuggies meeting chants in the film. I found the first sections interesting but the level did tend to keep going backwards and forwards over the same ground. Then came the Large Hall area so much to climb and sort out. Lots of fire/lava pits to negotiate coupled with breaking tiles and being chased by wraiths. Much to think about to get the routes right not many enemies and apart from the pesky wraiths (which at times take some getting rid of) the bats and ‘residents’ etc cause no great obstacles. Usual blade traps from this kind of scenario to avoid. Finally find the two keys after some tricky manoeuvres with a torch and get out the exit. Now here I would have expected some kind of dash/chase to end the level but it ends rather tamely with a cut scene of a forest.” – Whistle (09-Dec-2004)

“Great level a little more ‘involved’ than I normally like to be (I just finally threw my hands up and used the walkthru for this one...which I really don't like to do...makes me feel like a total ditz and takes much of the fun out of it for me). That rope swing wasn't awful once I read the forum and got the trick which should help in any level with a rope swing since I've apparently been doing it wrong all along. The big room at the end was totally cool the cog wheel with 2 purposes was tricksy not to mention getting through that first green door (and turns out getting thru the door was a piece of cake one you found what was waiting on the other side). Cool level Raider X!” – Brigidsgirl (16-Nov-2004)

“Probably the hardest level in the entire set of the TRLE Gold '04 this level will show you what Tomb Raiding is all about. There aren't many enemies for the size of the level but there should be enough traps to keep your attention away from the baddies. In fact the level plays around several puzzles. Pushable blocks deadly rope swinging (including a tough one to reach a jump switch) a torch that may get on your nerves dangerous jumps and at least one spectacular runaway moment while listening to the theme of Indy. You also happen to meet him once in the level but he isn't really that talkative when Lara is face to face with him. Definitely worth playing but be ready for some frustration. There's quite a lot of backtracking to do here and some puzzles are really mind boggling. But as I previously stated THIS is what Tomb Raiding is about. 90 minutes 4 secrets.” – Treeble (24-Oct-2004)

“One massive rich and entertaining level that sets Lara on the path that Indiana Jones followed years ago like the title indicates. You are prepared from very early about what is going to follow when you find yourself in a room with no obvious exits and various trapped passages here and there which however are locked and you have to work out how to open them. There is a tough and brilliant block puzzle which holds the key to the exit of this room and it's in that very first area that you find a torch which you need to carry along almost for the rest of the level. Now I am not a torch fan and holding them around frustrates me but I must say I was thrilled by the way Raider X decided to involve it into gameplay without it being a burden of any kind. Instead of carrying it all the while and therefore restricting dramatically her movements Lara can simply throw it before her even at spots that don't seem convenient for such an action yet in reality they are strategically intertwined in such a way that the torch-carrying business becomes an entertaining game. When you get to the main temple area you come across a huge room with many openings and one of the most genial and challenging jumping sequences I've ever seen. There's a lava room with blocks spread here and there and four switches you have to activate yet getting to those switches is an imaginative and hair-pulling challenge since you have to take advantage of every angle and corner available around you. The textures although originally tombraiderish create a 'temple of doom' feeling which is also underlined by the use of some original Indiana Jones music pieces. An impressive work as a whole definitely a 'must play' for every serious raider.” – Ravenwen (18-Oct-2004)

“Lara has discovered some old newspaper articles talking of a remaining Shankara stone in the temple. Many archaeologists have gone looking for it and died so Lara decides to find it herself. When I found out there was a tomb raider level based on Indiana Jones I was really looking forward to it! Being a huge fan of Indiana Jones it would be exciting to play a level based on the film as no game was ever made. But I am afraid to say I was quite disappointed. I imagined it to be so much like the film making your way to the temple through the jungle seeing the famous ritual room with a lava lake below and a cog wheel level in the centre and of course the statue where the Shankara stones are placed. Then I thought you would come into the mines seeing skeletons and chains and mine carts and tracks and you would escape in a mine cart and if not that just travel along the tracks to the huge rope bridge over the crocodile lake. But none of that was in it. The level didn't feel remotely like temple of doom if it weren't for the Shankara stone and cog wheel lever I would have thought I was playing a remake of lost city of tinnos. Nothing in it was ‘temple of doom’ and I was a bit upset to see poor Indy's skeleton he is too great a character to die like that. It would have been nice to see one thing that was like the movie but just by adding a Shankara stone the tinnos level was the hit film. The level wasn't too bad not many enemies it was quite tricky with lots of breakable tiles and jumps. I enjoyed it and would recommend it but will never think of it as temple of doom just a fun tinnos level with the same name as the movie.” – Aims (15-Oct-2004)

“I am so relieved to have finished this level. It was indeed a toughie. So much so that at times I really really wanted to skip it - but doing that would mean not seeing the levels that follow - so I stuck with it. The major problem was the difficulty of a few jumps puzzles and runs especially those accursed fire wraiths. I nearly wore out my 'F6' key with all the re-loads. It is truly a shame that some of the level elements were so hard to do as the design of the rooms and the other puzzles was positively stunning in places - I even approve of a couple of the fixed camera views. The lighting was excellent and whilst the textures have been seen before they are applied well and thoughtfully. Many thanks for the walkthrough CC. Without you; I would have been stuck in this level for the rest of eternity. ;-)” – Staticon (20-Sep-2004)

“On this level you must be much more witty. Anyway this one has some TR3 Lost city of Tinnos atmosphere. Take good care of the torches because you have to walk through the whole level with holding the torch so you ought not to throw it at any places. Take care of the switches as well because you must pull several times a few of them. In the second part of the level you have to collect Shankara Stones but one of them is an amulet which does not work. Notice the moveable blocks for the getting on. Running away from the burning wraith you must return to the very beginning of the level and jump into the small pool. Besides them a couple of skeletons bats and native armed men try to lye Lara next to James Bond. :) Another great 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)

“Brilliant hard gameplay. Lara goes into this temple filled with tricks and traps following the steps of Indy. Especially the run from underground up to the pool with water followed by a fire wraith has stuck into my mind....and taking the torch everywhere and then trying to retrieve it again. Enemies are bats and skeletons which fit in perfectly into this level!” – G.Croft (09-Sep-2004)

“Another set of tens from me. It was cool following in Indy's footsteps. And knowing it. Even more so than discovering what ‘might have been’ Indy's skeleton way back in Chronicles. This was the real thing for sure. Almost too hard but I have to commend Todd Shurtz on making it not easy and finding yet more new ways to puzzle us. This is what it's all about. Escaping the fire wraiths was no walk in the park; some of those ‘Jumps That Need You To Remember What The Keyboard Keys Can Actually Do’ and the simple yet so hard to figure out cog wheel puzzle. Great atmosphere and of course great music.” – Deekman (29-Aug-2004)

“Many skilled raiders may find that excruciatingly challenging levels such as this one stir the blood and whet the appetite for more of the same. I'm not one of those. I have neither the skill nor the patience to endure the inevitable frustration caused by repeated failure to master the JediMaster-like moves encountered here so by the time I had encountered one too many of those breakaway tiles I simply enabled the flycheat and sailed (so to speak) through the remainder of the level. That being said I found the level to be visually beautiful and ingeniously put together. My enjoyment of the gaming experience was not diminished a bit because it was accomplished by nefarious means. After all a lawyer learns to take liberties with the law as a matter of course. However there's one move for which an effective cheat has not to my knowledge been devised and that's the rope swing to a jumpswitch. Several of the reviews (and the walkthrough which I found indispensable) mentioned how difficult it was here but in my dumb luck I think I stumbled across the way to do it with no problem. Wait for Lara to stop oscillating swing forward and jump off at the peak of the first swing keeping the jump key depressed and hitting the action key just as Lara reaches the jumpswitch. At least it worked for me.” – Phil (22-Aug-2004)

“Another great level in Lara at the movies. Lara in the temple of Doom searching for the Shankara stone and gems to get out. Just when she's entering she hears the terrible sounds of the sacrifice and finds a note. She must carry the torch everywhere she goes. There is a lot of fun: timed runs collapsible tiles and dangerous wraiths. Sometimes I was lost because the puzzles are not obvious (the cog that opens two different doors) but after all this is a really fun level and one step further in difficulty from the levels before.” – Loupar (17-Aug-2004)

“This was excellent what a great adventure from Todd. Arrived in a fabulous temple area then had to go in all directions collecting 3 mask thingies and a pyramid key. You’ll meet skeletons fire wraiths bats and those African dudes too and you’ll get to use the torch a lot as well. Some really tricky moments in a lava room with collapsing tiles wow I loved that bit a few more tiles later on and some really hard rope swings god damn it it took me ages to do those! I must be honest and say that without the walkthrough I would have been severely stuck in lots of places this is not a simple level by any means but you won’t get bored that’s for sure. Wonderful rooms throughout the large temple room near the end was stunning; take a good look up so you don’t miss the work there! Most memorable bit has to be the music when you escape the skelly and wraiths at the pyramid key room what a great touch. This is definitely up there with my fav levels in this game so far.” – Moonpooka (16-Aug-2004)

“Wow! What a stunning level this is! You start off by pushing pushables and being chased by flaming wraiths. It still gets better too. You reach the huge temple area where there’s a lot of running around and searching for things to be done. I loved this area it gave a really warm and temple feeling to it. I think it was the fog that gave it the really tombish atmosphere. The atmosphere itself was just breathtaking. The audio was superb! I'm sure I heard an audio file that was in the temple of doom film. Yes I'm sure. I think it was a good point that you had to carry the torch all the way through. It was something new. But what would happen if you lost the torch and you saved the game...Overall this is a must play. Definitely one of the best of the gold movie levels.” – TombRaiderFan (08-Aug-2004)

“Back to basics in the movie series. In this level the action takes place in a large temple. Many tricky manouvers are required to get past lava seas over breaking tiles and tiny rocks and other hurdles. There are numerous hidden pushable blocks to move and some knotty puzzles to solve. The level also features a fiendishly difficult ‘gauntlet run’ with chasing fire wraiths. However the hardest problem is perhaps that one cannot proceed very far in the level without realizing that the builder has pulled a foul trick on the player and the logic of the game is not what one would expect it to be. Apart from the fire wraiths enemies are not a big deal although there are some skeletons and a few other aggressors. The level doesn't have a very strong local colour but it is very well designed and achieves a good atmosphere anyway.” – Bogey (08-Aug-2004)

“What a great level. You're in a temple and have to find your way out (as always lol) but that's not so easy. You have to solve difficult puzzles do some timed runs and make jumps that are very hard to do sometimes. The firewraiths are terrible and it's very hard to get to the water in time I saved almost every step of the way. The torch you find at the start has to be taken with you until you reach the big beautiful hall with the cogwheel it seems impossible every now and then but there's always a way sometimes you have to leave it and pick it up again later. The level is pretty hard but absolutely great have fun! 10-7-2004” – Josi (28-Jul-2004)

“The fourth Lara at the Movies level and certainly the most difficult. The tough parts of this level are not necessarily a virtue and diminished my enjoyment of the piece. It is very well built and although the textures are familiar they are used with a good sense of balance and design. Some of the large rooms are quite majestic. In the gameplay there is a lot of backtracking and repetition. For example why should one have to climb that long ladder in the final room twice? Overall it is quite clever and challenging but not for casual or beginning players.” – Duncan (24-Jul-2004)

“Poor old Indy. He will never be half the raider our Lara is. His parents must have been quite active as I have come across his poor rotting bones on more than one occasion in other levels. This level is one giant puzzle. Enemies really are scarce and you will certainly need your wits about you to navigate the traps awaiting the unwary raider. There are many blocks to move and many puzzling jump sequences to best (like how the hell do I get over there?) but as I said a little thought a little planning and you will succeed. Two occurrences are worthy of note. The author uses switches in an on off sequence. Pull the switch one time and a certain thing occurs reset the switch again and another different thing occurs. As long as you are aware of this it is not a problem but you can be running around heedlessly for hours if you do not realise. One is at the beginning of the level and the other involves the large wheel you need to pull and a switch on a far wall late in the level. One other note is the use of fire wraiths and a water area quite some distance from the initial onslaught. For the life of me I do not believe Lara can manage that run whilst evading both fire wraiths. I tried it many times and was always caught at some spot or another. In the end I just kept going Lara's hair and britches aflame sucking down health packs as I went until finally the cool release of the water dispatched those bothersome and somewhat unfair wraiths. Certainly got the adrenalin pumping I must say. Other than that this is a great level so different from the author's other more disjointed offering.” – Torry (19-Jul-2004)

“Todd has a flair for making things rather difficult. He did that with his first one and he for sure did it again in this level. Don't get me wrong it is fun to do but frustration ran pretty high at certain times. Glad there were many before me who were stuck at the same places as I was that only meant having a peek at the stuck thread and I was on my way. Still it took me 3 days to complete this game. Very nice to read in the scroll the hint about the torch. There are quite some mind boggling puzzles specially the block pushing/pulling. I was so glad to get it right the first time around even if I didn't know what I was doing sheer luck I would say. The wraiths were a pain in the behind and although I made it it was very unfair and very hard (it helps shooting at them though). There are some great jumps to do and I am glad that I could save hanging from those breakable tiles or else I would still be trying to jump over that lava. I also could use some camera work as it took me a while to figure out what door opened where with that cog wheel and then to figure out how to get there before the door closes. Got my secrets count wrong as I encountered in the first level I played more chimes than I found in reality but I must have missed two in here. 03-07-2004” – Gerty (19-Jul-2004)

“It's hard to know how to rate gameplay in such a difficult level. An 8 or 10? Hence the 9 rating. Lots of thinking and outrunning fire wraiths (frustating) and a personal favorite - movable blocks. Very well constructed level with a note from Indy warning the player to not leave the torch behind. Good advice - but confusing when you can't bring it with you to the next area. Took me quite awhile to find my way back to it since a different route must be found. Also not easy to outhink this author. The use of one lever for a dual action can be a game stopper but a camera helps the player.........or rather that is its intent. There's a tricky rope jump that seems easy for some and difficult for others. A backflip and jump to an alcove over lava had me stumped. This is one level where a walkthrough may be needed for most Raiders. I didn't find many parallels to the film but that doesn't detract from the level in any way and you do find poor Indy and his useless rope. Hard to forget and not to be missed experience. Well done Todd.” – Bene (19-Jul-2004)

“This was definitely more difficult for me than the first three levels. I confess I couldn't have done it without unlimited health. The fire wraiths were killer to say the least and then all that jumping over the missing tiles was almost too much. I generally like block puzzles but had to have help from the ‘stuck thread’ to figure them out. I came close to quitting when I got to that big lava room with the breakaway tiles as I barely had time to make that first turn to jump/grab the next one. I finally managed that first jump and the rest went smooth in comparison to the first. Amazingly the rope jumps were not difficult for me at all. There was one tricky jump to an odd shaped block in the lava room off that cog wheel room that had me crazed for a while. I always seem to have trouble where no one else does. I was sorry to see that Indy didn't make it however. Although I had some difficulties this level is brilliant and the structures were beautifully done. To complete this one alive gives you a real sense of accomplishment and in the end I was sorry it was over. Great level Todd! You know how to put us raiders to the test!” – Leisa (19-Jul-2004)

”Well, now we are talking Gameplay. This is more like it. The plot is just brilliant from start to finish and actually very, very clever. I'm impressed and so should you. As we all know, Tomb Raider started out as a kind of Tribute to Spielberg's Indiana Jones, so this is a kinda Back to the Roots thing, but nothing wrong with that. As far as the setting is concerned it is utterly traditional but who is going to complain if it is done as beautifully as it is here. Not even me. And it goes so nicely with the storyline. Ok, you start out in some exotic tomb and have to raid your way out of it, collect items , push levers, battle the occasional enemy, move blocks and remember where you put down the torch. Sounds familiar?! Well it is and still, the way Todd brings this well tried and tested formula together is rather refreshing and highly original. Would you have thought that there was still a new variety of the torch puzzle? Well think again. The way the rooms interact, how the author throws in the occasional thrill so delicately, the tricky jumps, the impressive environment, the way it is linear in a slightly non-linear way. How the pace quickens at times and then gives way to leisurely exploration again. Even the long climbs make sense. It's by no means easy but should you find yourself at a dead end, it's usually a pushable block that you have overlooked. And then of course, there is the notorious rope swing. But it's rather simple, if you know how it is done (isn't it always). I highly recommend this without reservation to anyone who ever liked any of the original games. I find it kinda hard to believe that this is only the second level by this author as everything is done so professionally.” – Dimpfelmoser (13-Jul-2004)

“A step up in difficulty from the previous levels in this series (Blair Witch Rebecca Psycho). In fact it's several steps up. You really have to search the environment well especially when it comes to those cheekily hidden push/pull blocks. I feel this level may prove a bit too much for a new player and would advise them to cut their teeth on something a bit more forgiving. There's a lot of exciting action here and more than the fair share of puzzles that's for sure. I'm not too sure about the Indiana Jones tie-in though to be honest because I didn't spot too many nods to him or his adventures. This map took me 2 and a half hours of hard slogging but I was rewarded with 3 secrets. One last tip: DO NOT LEAVE TORCH BEHIND!” – gfd (13-Jul-2004)

“There’s a lot of lovely sneakiness going on here. Be warned things may have more than one function and some things I only discovered by accident like just what to set fire to with the torch. I found this quite challenging and very enjoyable although I was cursing the builder when I was trying to get away from two fire wraiths. There is also a nice block puzzle a couple of collapsing tile runs that will probably take you a go or two and some of the places you have to get to with the torch will certainly test your leaping about abilities. You need to find the Shankara stone two Shankara gems and a couple of keys along the way and there are a few enemies to deal with but this level is more about agility and puzzle solving. There is a tantalising glimpse of a jungle style outside area just before the end and I was sorry to leave such a good game. This certainly is not an easy level but it is so rewarding. For my money gameplay really doesn’t get any better than this.” – Jay (09-Jul-2004)

“This is very tough after the first three levels in the series. And the toughest of it all could be the breakable tiles some jumps (I still don't see the problem with the swinging rope since I just swung three to four times and jumped and that was that) across the lava that kind of thing. But it is not. The toughest is for example finding out how to get rid of the second couple of fire wraiths (think think!) or solving a certain important block puzzle which took me about three days to understand (simple solution though) or even understanding how the cog wheel in the near the end big room functions. I mean this wouldn't be too hard if only one knew what to do at each moment. Carrying the torch all the way with you doesn't make things simple either. The architecture is perfect and even grandiose in the big room with the statues. I admit it this game led me to some desperation in certain points and that's why I'll have to relatively downrate the gameplay (a 9 instead of a 10!). Apart from that it's all very clever original and interesting. My congratulations to the author!” – Jorge22 (06-Jul-2004)

“A quite different level from the ones I have played up until now from the TRLE Gold project but it is in no way inferior to the others. It reminds the older TR games with some retextured objects and it has tribe men and skeletons for enemies. There are a lot of moving blocks involved which isn’t my best and back tracking if you want to find all the secrets. The lava rooms the many collapsing tiles are very challenging. The player needs two keys which will open the final door that will allow you to see a great flyby with an outside area full of greenery. It’s a pity we don’t get to visit that one I‘d like to be able to explore it. I found four secrets one with help from the author. It’s a great level very enjoyable. Well done to you too.” – Kristina (02-Jul-2004)

“I actually didn't find much connection to the actual film (am not saying that there aren't any - it's just that the textures and environments seem seen before already in Lara's adventures) but that don't decrease the quality of this well crafted level one bit. Great use of traps ropes clever (not always obvious) gameplay and great cinematic sequences. Already early on Indy gives you a hint not to loose the torch or you'll meet the same fate as he did so keep that in mind to avoid unpleasant stuck situations in mid game. The movable blocks make the gameplay a bit 'slow' but they're not exaggerated so you're ok when you know what to do and the switch that shows you the cog switch eluded me at first but all you need to do is explore to find out that it actually has more use than the eye sees ;-) Already mentioned the particularly well crafted cinematic sequences and use of audio - especially the one with the music from the film and 2 wraiths chasing you is most memorable! Experts may give it a try to do this in one go without saving to enrich the gaming experience - I know it did mine :-) Overall a well crafted movie adaption and I won't even bother writing any of my usual final comments as you can guess by now that this is highly recommended!” – eTux (02-Jul-2004)

“A very very clever level design is apparent here. I found the continued use of the torch throughout brilliantly designed (never lose it until the obvious moment where you can't get it back up) the various movable blocks not only well camouflaged but also used in different than usual ways and this is combined with a great setting and some great action when fire wraiths and skeletons chase you and collapsible tile jump sequences push your adrenalin. Find and use two Shankara Gems to progress into the second half of the level where two key will then open the exit. Four secrets are there to find - not too tricky if you explore well and also backtrack at times. All in all - pure classic raiding with some rather novel gameplay ideas - not to be missed.” – Michael (28-Jun-2004)

“Very well constructed Tinnos/Catacomb style level with the usual skellies and bats. I really enjoyed the route around this level from climbing jumping block pushing rope swinging etc. And here is something I rarely saw before the use of switches twice to do separate things. For example a timed cog wheel to open one door and then it is switched to open another door. On the first run you think you've made it when you go through the door but Yikes you are immediately launched into a slide jump and run across breakable tiles trying to avoid fire emitters. I couldn't do this sliding forward through the door I did it by dropping backwards through the door and grabbing the edge then backflipping to grab the breakable tiles. The main room here is enormous with high up bridge platforms and ledges with a sort of misty vapour hanging about the middle which looks very good. There’s a lot of very clever block pushing and torch puzzles to do so you really need to bring that torch with you all through the level and an excellent little jump in a lava room from an alcove reverse roll in jump to grab a crawlspace. Actually the whole level is crammed with such excellent puzzles that it’s hard to remember all of them. The most difficult part for me was when I released two fire wraiths. The only way I could get rid of them was to go back through a crawlspace climb a ladder run and jump over a broken floor with lava below and finally into a small pool at the start of the level. It required a lot of saving and a lot of jumping about. Another tough task was a ropeswing to a high pull-down switch. It’s a precise jump as Lara is almost at the top of her swing. And then there’s the big rooms with breakable tiles over lava. These are difficult to manage and what I did was grab each tile save then pull up. I wasn’t able to do any of these sequences in one go. When we do come across ‘Indie’ he has long since disintegrated into a skeleton caught on spikes. Poor guy that’s the end of his adventures but not the end of ours. A superb level in every way.” – CC (28-Jun-2004)
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