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The Castle of the Holy Treasure by Mr XY

Bene 8 8 8 9
eTux 7 7 8 8
Gerty 7 8 8 8
HaniHeger 6 9 9 10
Jay 7 7 8 8
John 8 7 7 8
Jorge22 8 8 8 9
Jose 7 8 8 10
Kitkat 7 8 8 9
Kristina 8 9 9 9
Magnus 7 7 7 7
MichaelP 8 9 8 7
nerdfury 6 7 7 8
Phil 9 8 9 8
Ryan 8 8 8 9
Shandroid 8 8 8 8
Treeble 7 8 8 8
 
release date: 23-Jul-2006
# of downloads: 118

average rating: 7.93
review count: 17
 
review this level

file size: 26.20 MB
file type: TR4
class: Castle
 


author profile(s):
email(s):
mr_xy@live.de

Reviewer's comments
"The familiar home textures is what caught by attention when looking for another level to play but what we have here is quite an intriguing castle level, with lots of large open rooms and some pretty outside areas as well which just added even more variety to the areas you explore. The gameplay is good, there is a good deal of search and find items but we also get 3 pushable object puzzles: the first one with the raise blocks to several different levels in this grand hall being my favorite and the 3rd one with fire traps was original for me so i commend the differences between each puzzle as it certainly kept things fresh! we also have some platforming, swimming, switch puzzle, torch puzzles and some nasty fire ghosts to outrun as well as skeletons and rabid dogs to avoid so lots to do and see. i liked the textures and how they were done with some polished and see through floors as well as some beaming sunshine coming through windows was lovely. I enjoyed all the exploring around until the boss monster thing tried to kill me after id nabbed an artifact so i had to make a quick exit to the waiting jeep outside lol" - John (02-Apr-2022)
"Pretty nice location in this level. At first you'd suspect some of the Egpytian items to feel out of place, but I think that's exactly why the author also brought in some nice frescos to add that specific touch to the mix. Gameplay involves a fair share of backtracking, one room in particular I think you end up having to climb to the top about three times. The first time around included an engaging multitiered pushblock puzzle, which I thought was quite engaging, later on we get a second pushblock puzzle with coordinates which already wasn't quite as engaging, and sometime later yet another one, this time pushing through flame emitters and at this point it had become a chore. In the garden just outside the last pushblock puzzle there were a couple of untextured spots, very minor though. 50 minutes, 2 secrets. 01/22" - Treeble (06-Feb-2022)
"(6) Gameplay & Puzzles: This easy level's focus is on exploration and puzzles. Unfortunately the problem-solving here involves 3 lengthy pushables puzzles, which is too much in my opinion. 1 lengthy pushables sequence is more than enough in a single level. While the concept behind the 3 pushables puzzles were creative, execution wise they didn't work, because the player's mind solves the puzzle far before the actual pushing is completed. This resulted in a tedious experience for me. There's really not much else going in this level, aside from some easy combat, spotting jump levers high on walls, and spotting a pushblock or switch disguised by lighting. There's no traps aside from some flames near the end of the game. (7) Enemies, Objects & Secrets: Enemies are varied, although thematically it's a bit strange that gladiators and skeletons would share residence in this castle. The fire wraith near the end of the game was utilized very well, however the player can just sprint away from the final boss instead of fighting them, something I think should be prevented. Object decor generally is of a high standard, and no rooms feel devoid of decor. I do think the low-res window objects looked out of place, especially considering the sunray objects were not in proper alignment with the window. Of the 2 secrets, the one involving the torch was very clever and well done, however the other involving the vase was too straight-forward. I would have liked to have seen more traps aside from the endgame. (7) Atmosphere, Sound & Cameras: The atmosphere is great indoors, aside from some small cracks you'll see in the walls (this was especially noticeable for me in the tall library room). The brief outdoors area towards the end of the game was a bit dull architecturally; you will sometimes also spot battlements that are paper-thin, detracting from overall immersion. I would have liked to have heard more sound variety, such as music cues when something happens. Camera hints are adequate but I did not like the builder's use of fixed cameras, especially during the aquarium pushables puzzle. (8) Lighting & Textures: The builder used these effectively to create a castle interior that is pleasing to the eye. The visual highlights were of course the stunning mirrored floor, as well as the aquarium room. There are some minor issues within this category, however, such as some overly-dark shadowy blobs that don't make sense, exterior gardens that look flat, and the builder's tendency to sometimes use the same texture for the wall as well as the ceiling, which doesn't look good in my opinion. Overall, this was a very visually attractive level for a debut, but I did not enjoy the gameplay. It wasn't frustrating, but it was quite tedious and unengaging for me. The level may be worth checking out if you're a fan of the builder's later works and would like to see his game design progress over the years. 6/7/7/8." - nerdfury (07-Apr-2021)
"A long time ago I tried playing this level, in a time I didn't even know that levels had walkthrough. I entered the red door first, found the red gem, but after that I had no idea what I had to do, the blue door was locked and I didn't know how to open it, eventually I dropped the level and years later (today) I came back to try it again, only to find out that there was a hidden lever in one of the walls. Now, I don't know if I can really blame the builder for this, there is no limit for how far stupidity can go. But if something is true, is that this level, lots and lots of times like to do things that makes no sense, lots of this type of hidden high-in-the-walls-lever is encountered throughout the level, and there are lots of moments, like in the red gem part, in the floor with the skeleton where there is some invisible ladder, that again just don't follow logic or what you would expect to be the sort of mechanic to open hidden doors in an ancient castle. Out of this, the puzzles were okay, the red door puzzle was longer than the blue one and more complex, I had fun doing it nonetheless. The blue didn't had exactly any puzzle though. The mirror in the floor was very pretty, unfortunately it wasn't used in every floor with such texture, makes me wonder if it was worth putting it just in the beginning of the level. The textures were very beautiful too, the lightning was very neutral but well used." - HaniHeger (30-Jul-2020)
"This is an amazing début and clearly showcased this builder's talent for gorgeous settings and entertaining gameplay. The house which constitutes the main part of the gameplay is beautifully decorated if rather darkish, but the outside areas, with the glaring sunshine made up for that. Gameplay is puzzle-oriented, with a push/raise puzzle in a library area and a chessboard-style puzzle marked by numbers. No timed runs, so others may be slightly disappointed in that department, but I enjoyed it all the same." - Ryan (08-Apr-2017)
"This was a debut level upon its release, and it's a mighty good one. It's a modified house level, but the "house" is rather palatial, hence the title. The environs are quite stunning, but for some reason the builder chose to shroud the most visually breathtaking room - that huge room with the multiple balconies and ledges - in relative darkness. The scenery here is so gorgeous that I would have enjoyed being able to see it a little better. The pushpiece puzzle in the room over the aquarium was hindered by an annoying fixed camera angle, but alomost everything else about this 90-minute raid was a sheer delight. The builder has improved over the years, to be sure, but he sure did start off well. Recommended." - Phil (12-Apr-2012)
"My, these floors do look polished! Very nice castle/mansion settings and a trial in search of the holy treasure, which is in fact... a lizard! It feels good when you finally get your hands on it though, after going through some complicated puzzles (namely the pushables puzzle in the room with the glass floor and the second pushable puzzle where you have to get it across several fires), evading the occasional fire wraiths and the pesky skeletons and much more. This is mostly a level to make you think and quite good at that. My only major complaint is the shortage of medipacks even though you can do with just the ones you have. Found one secret rose thanks to the torch. All in all, I'm glad I found this great beginner's level after having missed it for some reason when it first came out." - Jorge22 (04-Nov-2008)
"I really liked this level a lot. I thought it was a bright and nicely designed castle level, which was a nice change over most castle levels which are usually a bit dark. The puzzles were nifty and not too tiresome or difficult. I also liked that many of the castle rooms were actually easily opened up which is rewarding in itself. I hate travelling all about to every door in a level and they all are opened elsewhere or with a key. A nice, solid debut level." - Shandroid (02-Nov-2008)
"Nicely built castle/mansion with good puzzles and if you keep your eyes open, you'll remember where the torch is needed and not just the obvious places. The floors are a thing of beauty with one showing an aquarium beneath and the gardens are lovely. There was a glitch in the first moveable globe puzzle and I had to go back to a savegame and then the shotgun ammo disappeared from inventory. I could have used more medipacks early on and I thought the wraiths were more troublesome than usual. If you go through the blue doors in the beginning and get the shotgun, it makes the other side(through the red doors) easier when you encounter a skellie on a high ledge. Very nice debut. Well done. Recommended for all." - Bene (01-Nov-2008)
"Shiny! Shiny! Shiny! It's all about those reflective floors these days. I dare not think how much the owners had to invest into polish to achieve the stunning result that's one of the main features of this castle. It also features libraries, gardens and pretty much everything you could think to find in a castle like this, and as you can imagine - that also includes a fair share in the gameplay department. It involves a variety of puzzles, including some using a torch, and a burner alley closer to the end that gave me the most trouble. If anything, the game felt a bit slow because of the amount of backtracking involved, but on the other hand - this way it's a fair game for players of any level of expertise to get involved, because finger-agility and knowledge of any of the engine's quirks is not what makes up the process of finding the solutions to the challenges the author sets for you. A very successful debut in my opinion - might not be the favourite level for those who like their levels to move on with a faster pace, but recommended, at least to give a try anyway!" - eTux (26-Jul-2007)
"In this level Lara explores one of the most beautiful castles I have ever seen. The reflecting floor is fantastic and the castle is furnished nicely. There are a few stretched textures but they don't take away from the over all appearance and impression. The gameplay is based mainly on puzzles and exploring than near impossible acrobatic feats or avoiding deadly traps at every turn. There are a few different enemies but the castle isn't over-run with them and the 'boss' is easily avoided, so you have a relatively stress free time as you exlore. I'm more than impressed with this debut." - Kitkat (03-Jul-2007)
"I think this level is as greatly textured as the Dinosaur Research Centre and of course I liked it. The castle though resembles more a mansion than a castle/fort. There are many corridors and doors to open and two puzzles with moveable pieces. The torch is also used for two purposes of which one is for a secret. Make sure you keep your eyes open for hidden jump switches since there are no binoculars, only flares. I liked the gameplay and that the builder placed the correct amount of enemies for such a level. At the end there is a boss but I kept running so should you and you won't have a problem. There is some backtracking at the end but it's no so bad so even that added to the gameplay. I think I am going to become a fan of Kevin's levels, if he keeps building like this. I found two golden roses and unfortunately it lasted only an hour and a half." - Kristina (09-Apr-2007)
"Beautiful castle, well builded and decorated I suppose with a lot of work behind. Gameplay was not very good for me 'cause there are too much switches to find and I had to return to the same places many times. You'll find few enemies and secrets are not hard to find (I only found two). The best for me was the architecture and lights-textures." - Jose (20-Sep-2006)
"Wow - what an impressive debut level. 70 minutes spent in and around a Castle in search for an artefact. There is quite a bit of ground to cover but somehow the next step always felt quite obvious, so it was rather fast paced for me. Impressive settings with the mirror floors and light through the windows and very pleasant outside areas with all the Plants. The balance of enemies is quite nice with bats, spiders, warriors, hellhounds, skellies and fire wraiths in just the right amount and timing. The extensive puhs/raise puzzle in the library is a bit tedious but still fun. The torch is almost impossible to see (needed the walkthrough for that), but the use of it is fun, for the obvious puzzle but then also for finding the secret later. More push objects later (with a map hint) and then the burner alley which was a bit too tedious with the repeated careful action to avoid the fires. A pity also that you basically simply outrun the boss enemy. But all in all a great fun adventure and a very promising debut. 2 secrets." - MichaelP (30-Aug-2006)
"This level is largely puzzle based, which I like so I enjoyed it, but if you're after agility tests you won't find much to do. There are some enemies about - gladiators, spiders, skellies, dogs and bats, but there aren't a lot of them - just enough to keep you on your guard. The puzzles are fairly easy, but nicely thought out, with enough variety to entertain. Admittedly, there is quite a lot of running around/backtracking involved, but the huge, imposing castle and lovely grounds are well worth a good viewing. This is certainly an impressive debut level that left me with a definite hope that we see more from this builder in the near future." - Jay (18-Aug-2006)
"What an adventure and although there is quite a lot of back and fro (too much for me as I got lost in a major way, so now I know my way through this castle blindfold) to get your hands on two Gems. It does look great though. A pity that there is that TR4 patch so Mac players cannot play it and what is that... NO BINOCULARS, a double tsk here. Do look everywhere for hidden levers, and hopefully do not forget what you have in your backpack as I completely forgot that I had the crowbar and could use it on a door. I liked the huge library looking room. There is a nice Torch puzzle and if you take it with you to the other side you even get another secret. There aren't many enemies, but some of them made me jump in my chair. There is some pushing to do and later even pushing through some emitters so, do save every now and then. However I saw a missing texture and some were a bit stretched and in the last room there is a flare bug. There is much potential with this builder so I hope there will a next one for us to enjoy." - Gerty (27-Jul-2006)
"For a first level, this is really good, with some impressive rooms throughout. The author has obviously worked hard at making the level look good; unfortunately, he's made a lot of beginners' mistakes, with quite a few textures being stretched, squashed or missing altogether. There are also a few wafer-thin walls, which could easily have been avoided. Lighting is also rather patchy, and I hated the way the windows looked. That said, the level looks really nice for the most part, with some neat touches, like the fish in the aquarium, the reflection in the floor, and the light from the windows. This forty-minute level is not for players who like action, as the gameplay is slow and there are no traps to speak of, nor any difficult jumps to make. Enemies are also rather scarce, but there are a few dogs, bats, gladiators and skeletons. The final enemy is easily avoided, and I wouldn't even have seen it if I hadn't turned back to see what it looked like. Rather than filling the level to the brim with action, the author has tried to make some interesting puzzles, all of which seem to revolve around pushing things or raising blocks, and sometimes both at the same time. And while most of the puzzles are kind of clever, they do tend to drag on a bit when you've figured out what to do and all that is left to do is push an object across a room. The rest of the gameplay revolves around finding hidden levers, and the only time I got stuck was when I didn't realise that there are two levers in the first room. If you just make sure to check behind ever pillar and in every corner for hidden levers, you shouldn't have any problems with this level. While I personally found it too slow, there's no denying the fact that it's a very promising debut for the author." - Magnus (24-Jul-2006)