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Level: Atlantis 1 - Edge of Atlantis back home search
Author(s): justin
total rating:7.96 Gameplay &
Puzzles		 Enemies,
Objects &
Secrets		 Atmosphere,
Sound &
Cameras		 Lighting &
Textures
Akcy 8 8 6 7
bERT 7 8 7 8
Boris 8 7 7 8
CC 7 7 7 7
Cuqui 9 9 8 8
Dimpfelmoser 8 7 8 8
dya1403 6 8 9 9
eTux 7 7 8 6
Freeman Porter 9 9 8 9
G.Croft 9 9 8 8
Gerty 7 7 8 7
gfd 7 7 7 6
Kristina 8 8 8 8
Leandro 8 8 7 7
Loupar 8 9 10 10
Magnus 8 8 8 8
MichaelP 8 9 8 7
Navi 7 7 7 6
Orbit Dream 5 6 8 8
Phil 10 9 10 10
Qwendo 9 8 8 8
RaiderGirl 9 10 9 8
Sash 9 10 9 8
TC14 8 9 10 8
Tombraidergirl 9 7 8 8
Torry 10 10 10 8
Treeble 8 9 9 8
Xxenofex 6 7 7 5
category averages
(28 reviews)		 7.93 8.11 8.11 7.71

Reviewer's comments

"Again all the Atlantis series are in one big download but I couldn’t play any further than this level and part of level 2. Although the script is altered so you can jump level from the menu, this isn’t helping much because the second level contains 3 levels on it own and in my download it would jump to the next. So I gave up. For now level 1 was fun to go through. There are some puzzles and you even drive a jeep for a short time. I didn’t like the maze part but oh well.. Now I am going to delve in my downloads on CD to try to play the originals as I would like to end it." - Gerty (23-Apr-2010)

"I suppose that this level has made head news when it was released, back in 2001. I am playing this level 5 years later and I must say it's not bad at all. The gameplay is linear and the puzzles aren't hard at all,quite simplistic(not the same thing I can say about finding the secrets), that's because it was donein the early days of the Level Editor. Nice ride with the Patrol car,wich I used also for killing the military man.The atmosphere in the maze was very dark and I used almost all my flares. The textures mixed both natural and antropic elements,as Lara works her way in a secret base. I will continue with the second level of the Atlantis series and let's see how the author progresses in his work." - dya1403 (29-Nov-2006)

"This level is one I particularly love! It introduces the Atlantis series very well, and now it's even relinked with the others in TRO-Online, which I instigated by modifying the wad and the script. Well, the atmosphere got me absolutely captured, even though it didn't use any custom audio. But only these modified ennemies, the texturing made me feel like I was really there. I really liked the gameplay too, especially the rooms with timed traps, as I'm a fan of these. So, the first level I played by Justin and the one which made me play all the others since!" - Thibault (08-Jan-2006)

"There are a lot of things on the edge in Edge of Atlantis. The jumping sequences, some of the fights, no more than just enough medpacks, and the secrets. Boy, they are hidden indeed. Last night when I played it, and my girlfriend watched, she said, since I talk about it all the time, let her try this Lara game, or whatever the name is. Well, not this level, no! Atlantis isn't for beginners. But to experienced players it's highly recommended. What I didn't like, are the holes in the sky." - Akcy (09-Jun-2005)

"This was my favorite level for quite a long time, and since I see the average rating has dipped below 8.0 it appears I need to submit a belated review. Justin's levels were instrumental in getting me hooked to the TRLE, and I'm sorry that his output has waned now that he's gone off to college. But although he hasn't been keeping his name in the public eye, his levels deserve to be remembered as top rank. Atlantis 1 has a little bit of everything, including a neat segment where you have to kill an SAS before he has a chance to electrify the floor you're standing on. There are also several secrets that are quite diabolically hidden. The atmosphere is just perfect throughout this adventure, so dust it off and play it now, or enjoy it a second time." - Phil (25-Mar-2005)

“Nothing too taxing here meant I could complete the entire level without reading the walkthrough. Quite an achievement for me. One or two moments of annoyance (unfair deathtraps for example) didn't mar the level too much. Although it must be said that the end of the world bug reared its head far too many times. A fun start to the series. It took me 1 hour but I didn't find any secrets.” – gfd (18-Jun-2004)

“A very good introduction to this series of levels. Very good traps and actions. Those ahmets with sail-fins were scary when they jumped out at you from nowhere but the monkeys totally puzzled me roaming about in the dark underground. Although it was unusual to look at I didn't like the sky starry night sitting in front of the Angkor Wat temple background especially where it was broken up into squares. The level is a lab in the jungle in areas more like underground mines. This level gets the award for impossible to find trapdoors the flares didn't even pick them up. I wouldn't have found them if it wasn't for the walkthrough and even at that I had to press action a lot on the floor. Then there are the levers that kill Lara without any sort of warning. This is not good. At the very least a yukky green colour in the room should put players on their guard. That part where Lara has to kill a guard before he sets the floor on fire was clever. The maze is for once realistically spooky and dangerous in places if you run too far. I get so tired sometimes of looking at hedge and wall mazes. I got the impression all the way through that I'd meet some sinister creature in there but it's dangerous enough as it is more enemies would only add insult to injury. Hey what am I saying there was an ahmet in there but down below a trapdoor. The overall impression for me was a level that didn't come together as a whole a bit here a bit there and Bob's your uncle. Let's hope all the elements are at least an introduction to what is to come and we may finally figure out why the level is called Atlantis.” – CC (07-Mar-2004)

“The first of the Atlantis series and it is already showing that this is the start of a great adventure. In a dark forest we find a base with SAS but also mutants and weird looking crocodiles. The atmosphere is just right spooky with danger and creatures lurking behind every door. The torch puzzle is used twice also there a few sets of keys to access the next area with Lara going deeper and deeper into the forest towards the unknown. A not very difficult maze and some swimming is involved in this quite nice level. All I have to say is play this series and be sure to do it at night to fully enjoy the atmosphere it provides.” – Kristina (27-Aug-2003)

“This was an interesting level it's quite simple and the texturing is somewhat chaotic sometimes but I really loved the use of traps and the flybys were magnificent. The 2 secrets I found were very well hidden and I'm sure there are more since there were some suspicious things I left behind. What I didn't like in general were the few points were if you missed the moment there was no way back like the rolling ball sequence and the part where the SAS guard turns on the fiery floor. Of course they're not very far from the start but still not pleasant the first time you play. Also I didn't like the part with the torch where some rooms held death for Lara but only one progression. The maze also wasn't the best part of the level but overall not a bad level to play.” – eTux (19-Jan-2003)

“Atlantis 1 is situated partly outside and partly in a base. Lara is confronted with quite a few tasks: tricky traps to master you need to be quick at times and puzzles to solve. Graphics are a bit strange in places and there was not a lot of sounds and cameras ;) Enemies were mainly SAS. At the end there is also a jeep ride. Now entering part 2 which seems to be much better crafted :)” – Navi (10-Jan-2003)

“A very good level with hard tasks. It has an original combination of the classic textures with the base/lab ones. Sometimes is difficult to figure out what to do but after all it is an entertaining level with a great sequel.” – Loupar (01-Jan-2003)

“Excellent level a little difficult. Great atmosphere and well textured. You find lots of enemies tricky jumps clever puzzles fire traps spikes and timed runs. Secrets are very well hidden. I had a lot of fun climbing diving and driving a jeep. I was stuck in the daytime at the room with heating floor where Lara must kill a SAS before he pushes a switch. I wasn't able to do this in time. A very entertaining and nice adventure to play.” – Cuqui (06-Dec-2002)

“This first chapter was quite an enjoyable with a lot variation in settings and challenges that kept you going. But there are many flaws too foremost some real gamestopping moments. How on earth would one be able to know to kill the guard in the room with the heating tiles: there's no logic to it because he does not die walking on them only poor Ms C. It's also not really good for an overall realistic gameplay to make a door open itself when you just pick up the ornate handle... And once again a level that suffers from an overuse of unnecessary darkness. As far as the secrets are concerned I have to admit that the two I found were well put though I got tipped to look for trap doors. Overall the mix of enemies animals boulder action and the use of the jeep of course kept you going and it certainly will keep me going on to the next episodes.” – bERT (05-Nov-2002)

“If I hear Atlantis I think of a sunken city. Of it not the least is to be seen at least in part 1. The level is a mixture of jungle and city. For me the correct atmosphere did not arise there sound and especially cameras were very poor. Puzzles were rather average not very difficult. I hate much shooting and here I had: SAS without end the ahmets were the smaller trouble. What I however very well liked were the outstanding jump combinations. There Justin has not spared us. This is why I found the Level completely well or just therefore.” – Xxenofex (13-Aug-2002)

“It's kind of difficult to review Atlantis 1 as single level. The series is much better than all of its components. Texturing is good. Your opponents are SAS (I have enough of them) crocodiles and ahmets that were altered a little bit. Music is nothing special but used well. Riddles are complicated and the traps are very hard. A bit of climbing a bit diving fire traps spike traps a short trip with the jeep a bit of everything. A good start for the series.” – Tombraidergirl (16-Jul-2002)

“From playing Justin’s last level ‘Ruins of Maya’ with its mostly bright atmosphere this was a bit of a shock as it is wonderfully gloomy and there is always a sense that something bad is going to happen and it usually does. Although it is set in Atlantis its setting resembles more a mix of jungle and military environments but some of the animals are definitely otherworldly like the incredible re-modeled crocs complete with large back fins and shortened snouts and the hideous Ahmets the large red creatures that burst into flames when killed. There are also humans to battle here but I was absolutely amazed to find friendly monkeys a first for these levels hidden away with the first secret but although they are friendly if you shot them they die in an unbelievably stunning way. The game play in this 80 minutes level is fantastic and diverse with some jeep driving spike and fire puzzles movable block puzzles a tricky sloping block jump puzzle and so much more that I was so disappointed when it finished but there’s always part 2. By the way there are also 4 secrets but they are so brilliantly hidden that I only found 1 and after writing Justin to find out where the rest were I will just give you a few hints use flares look down and who needs bones anyway.” – Sash (21-Jun-2002)

“Finally I set off to play my way through the Atlantis series and this one is already a great start. It has a number of pretty cool elements such as the remodeled crocodiles a collapsing bridge and the use of a guard to activate a (deadly) lever. Game progression is fast and unfortunately a little linear as you make your way from one room to the next but has its highlights in the later part of the level with a few tricky jump sequences and fire and spike gauntlets. I found the almost 20 SAS soldiers spread throughout a little much but the crocodiles bats scorpions wasps and of course ahmets are well placed. The jeep is a little wasted as you cannot do much with it and you can almost get stuck when a rolling ball blocks a door. I liked the two puzzles were you have to light torches but the moving block puzzle was a little tedious. The camera angle for the monkey swing passage is well chosen but the maze area was just that tiny bit too dark for my taste. All in all very entertaining 70 minutes of net gaming time.” – Michael (21-Jun-2002)

“This is an excellent and well thought out level. Not only has the author cleverly re-designed some of the tomb denizens that Lara habitually encounters I am sure that he pinched one or two ideas from TR 1. His use of timed runs was good and not too difficult to work out. You just had to time things right. One spot in the maze had me going for a while though and I had to use the Save Game Editor to give myself some more flares as it was too damn dark. Add in the ever-popular pushable blocks and the jeep for a bit of fun I thought this a great level. How many secrets of the 4 did I get? Zero nichts nada *mumble mumble*” – Torry (21-Jun-2002)

“It’s a nice level but without particular novelty to depart crocodiles with the fin and great bats. It is acclimatized in a forest with shed laboratories and stunts over the lava and Lara uses even a jeep to move. The difficulty is medium; the secrets are 4 and no bugs. The necessary time to end the level is about 1:15 hours.” – Boris (21-Jun-2002)

“Though I was thinking this level was a continuation to the TR1 Atlantis it isn't. It's a totally new Atlantis created by the author. The level is really cool and its map is very big: I took about 1.5 hours to finish it. The several puzzles and challenges in this level are based in running or else Lara would be forever trapped a remake of TR1 Midas' torches puzzle some water puzzles timed spikes and a maze. These are all I can remember but one thing I won't forget are those crocodiles if I still can call them like this! They're retextured giving a new air to the atmosphere. There were also two jeep sequences which were awesome! Happily there is a continuation for this level...” – Treeble (21-Jun-2002)

“With every subsequent level Justin is raising the difficulty. A well done level which also offers a lot of atmosphere. The crocs are a nice add-on but easy to get around. The exercises where you need speed and agility are maybe not for everybody’s taste but with a bit of practice it works fine. Puzzles are not too difficult but I did not find any of the four secrets. I got a little stuck where you exit the water and the ground was set on fire before by a soldier but this is also do-able. Nice one well done Justin. Playing time about 90 minutes.” – Qwendo (21-Jun-2002)

“This is a difficult level sometimes it feels like you’re in hell; with dragons lava fire and those big spikes coming out of the floor chasing you around. Well worth playing but you have to have a lot of patience and take your time to manage the timed runs.” – G.Croft (21-Jun-2002)

“Nice level very funny to play! The textures lighting and sound are really simple. But the atmosphere is good as the gameplay and puzzles. If you're waiting to see another adventure of Lara in Atlantis like TR1 you may be disappointed. The ‘new’ Atlantis from the creator is located in a jungle (?) with some differently textured crocodiles (or I have to say ‘spinosaurs’?). Don't await a classic or something just a good level.” - Leandro (21-Jun-2002)

“From the name of this level I wasn't quite sure what to expect. What I found was a nice blend of jungle city and Egyptian environments a large variety of enemies including ahmets soldiers bats and a newly retextured crocodile and a number of tricky puzzles usually involving either lava and/or spikes. I was never quite sure what would happen next in this creepy environment and constantly expected something to be sneaking up behind me. There's a nice blend of action here with a few traps thrown in but not enough to be annoying. A couple of smooth camera fly-bys introduced the upcoming area and showed off how well the textures were used to make the perfect Atlantean setting. A few harder timed puzzles found me reloading more than a few times and the level was consistently interesting and fun to play. Definitely recommended.” – RaiderGirl (21-Jun-2002)

“Fantastic atmosphere in this first level of an Atlantis level series. A lot of challenging traps and puzzles and some red monsters and soldiers in the way. The author uses some new textures so take a look at different looking trapdoor for example. I played about 1 and a half hours and found 1 secret. Go and get it.” – Freeman Porter (21-Jun-2002)

“I finally managed to download all of the Atlantis-levels and this level really makes me get high expectations of the rest in the series. The level is very atmospheric and well textured and the gameplay is very good too with some dangerous timed runs and a couple of hard jumps. The level isn’t that hard though but it takes its time to finish (I played for almost 45 minutes) and some areas are quite tricky. It’s possible to get stuck forever in some places but you can easily figure out that you have to load. The level is very dark but I guess that it wouldn’t have been as much atmospheric if it hadn’t been. There are a lot of enemies but they don’t pose too much of a threat and you get plenty of Medipacks. I only managed to find one of the secrets and judging from the other author’s reviews I guess that it’s hard to get any more. And I even did shoot the bones. (20 April 2002.)” – Magnus (21-Jun-2002)

“It's not easy being a reviewer. I have often encountered (usually about 10 minutes into a level) the feeling of 'I really don't want to be playing this one' creeping up on me. Edge of Atlantis is a case in point. I know it's pretty well made (the 'shoot the guard before he has time to activate the hot floor' puzzle was quite well thought out) but there was a charmlessness about it all that irritated me. Perhaps it was the room with the lever which activated the unexpected lethal floor spikes. It seems to me that the original TR games never stooped to such trickery. How on earth is the player supposed to know that the lever is a potential death switch? It's simple enough to re-load I know but I felt throughout the level that the creator (for all his skill) was constantly saying ‘ha ha got you!’ to the player (the hot floor is a case in point) without giving us a chance to work it out first time.” – Orbit Dream (21-Jun-2002)

“Well I would have expected more water and ancient masonry in Atlantis. Instead you get a weird mix of jungle and high tech and I'm not completely sure that it works. Speed seems to be the key here. First you have to outrun a rolling ball then you have to prevent a guard from activating those deadly tiles and after that you have to master some tricky timed jumps (the highpoint for me). There were too many enemies for my liking; they became a bit predictable (i.e. boring) after a while and I don't know how to rate the secrets. I mean I found none so am I supposed to give high marks because they were so cleverly hidden? I wish every level builder would be as considerate as Justin and place two crowbars just to make sure you have one when you need it. There is a short ride with the jeep a little maze pushable blocks some swimming monkeyswinging and the increasingly popular torch puzzle. So all in all an entertaining adventure with a good mix of tasks set in an original place. Can you ask for more?” – Dimpfelmoser (21-Jun-2002)
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