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Water Temple by Leandro Dubost

alan 5 4 6 6
bERT 5 7 7 6
Casual Raider 8 7 8 8
CC 4 1 8 8
Ceamonks890 5 5 6 6
ColeMoles 3 3 3 3
Cory 9 5 4 4
Dimpfelmoser 5 4 6 6
Ejecta 5 4 6 4
eTux 4 4 3 3
Gerty 5 5 7 8
Jay 5 4 4 5
Jbc21 8 8 10 10
Jose 5 5 7 6
Kristina 4 6 8 8
Magnus 4 4 5 4
Mehrbod 5 4 5 7
MichaelP 6 5 7 7
Mulf 4 5 5 4
Neso 3 1 8 6
Orbit Dream 3 4 6 6
RaiderGirl 6 6 7 9
Ryan 4 4 6 6
Sakusha 5 4 7 7
Sash 5 5 4 6
Scottie 4 2 6 5
snork 5 4 5 3
The Aussie Adventurer 4 4 5 6
Torry 6 6 8 9
totizedger 5 5 7 7
Treeble 6 6 7 7
Xela 4 3 6 5
Zygatus 2 2 4 4
 
release date: 26-Dec-2000
# of downloads: 69

average rating: 5.36
review count: 33
 
review this level

file size: 15.19 MB
file type: TR4
class: Young Lara
 


author profile(s):
email(s):
leandrodubost@uol.com.br

Reviewer's comments
"A nice refreshing level as this is the first TRLE level to stray away from Lara's default outfit. We are met with a young Lara in 'Brazil' (We all know its Cambodia) There are a few sets of square rooms to run through and press levers, but apart from that not much else more, can easily complete this level within 10 minutes, there's also a nasty timed run at the end, nasty because you cant re-do it if you fail. This one is probably best to skip." - ColeMoles (20-Feb-2022)
"This brief, brisk and surprisingly action-packed level features Young Lara, an unusual choice for a debut and in retrospect quite unexpected from this builder in particular, who would go on and amass a body of work that often veers heavily into shooter territory. As the level starts, the legend brazenly lies to us, claiming that it takes place in ‘Brazil, 1986’ when it’s immediately obvious that it’s in fact good old Angkor Wat; and with von Croy being absent from the game until you meet him at the very end, the level plays like an unsupervised and unauthorised detour Lara took in TR4’s tutorial level, cut from the original because it was considered too challenging for beginners.
Construction is sound if simple, and rooms are of reasonable size. There’s a fine lens flare effect early on (reminiscent of early Richard Ba), but near the end, the builder definitely overdoes it with the light statics—in part because he’s fallen under the spell of symmetry, which dominates design in other respects as well. (Unlike Dimpf, I won’t ever cease to be bothered by the sun shining from all directions at once.). Otherwise lighting is undistinguished, though. Texturing is adequate for the most part, but repetitive and fairly dull. It’s not an atmospheric level, and the flyby through the first water area failed to persuade me otherwise.
Gameplay is another matter. The builder avoids the boring bits that many debut levels suffer from—no tedious block-pushing or searching forever for that elusive crawlspace or key in this one. However, on several occasions he couldn’t resist leaving his spike tiles unmarked, presumably ‘for better effect’. Crocodile density is a bit over the top and at least on one occasion too great for the engine to handle. The level ends with a timed run that’s not indicated as such, and the lever that starts it can’t be reset because it’s placed up against a wall, which could have been easily avoided. I had been forewarned by the reviews, so it wasn’t as big a deal as it would have been had I gone into it unprepared, but for a potential gameplay killer like this I still have to deduct a point on principle." - Mulf (07-Jul-2021)
"Well, somehow an average debut within all of the elements of the game itself. You take control of young miss Croft so there are no guns to have fun with, nor puzzles to solve, nor enemies to shoot, and no baddies to kill. There were tons of crocodiles scattered everywhere by the builder, which made the game a bit frustrating at some points. During the game, you'll notice some 'Points Of No Return' where Lara gets stuck and the only way to get out was to get killed by unwelcome crocodiles; Well somehow interesting, but what if the player saves in that point... God knows he/she has to replay the game from the beginning of the adventure. The most commendable element was 'Lighting and textures', the colors were used in the exact same way as TR4 young Lara levels, which brought memories to our minds. Thank you!" - Mehrbod (24-Aug-2018)
"This short trek set in Brazil may not be memorable, but that doesn’t exactly mean that it isn’t worth playing through. Generally, the gameplay is easy and doesn’t require a lot of thinking yet still varied enough to hold one’s interest, and there are a few traps and falls to look out for. I liked the concept of the crocodile maze, which is the one section of the entire level which poses any real danger to Lara, but I wish there were more to do other than to run away and pull the switch at the end. I also would have liked to see a way to reset the level’s one timed run and to get out of the crocodile pit; it seems like an oversight of the builder that these things weren’t included. The objects in this level are sparse, with some crocodiles (the majority of which you can easily avoid if you’re careful) and a few medipacks that you’d be wise to save for the aforementioned maze. I’ve no complaints about the camera angles that were implemented quite well in my opinion; I also found that music cues were used quite effectively and appropriately. However, the textures were applied with little creativity and variance, leaving the overall atmosphere feeling rather dull and lifeless. To conclude, this is a short and simple raid, suitable for newer players and those looking for something easy to cross off the list." - Ejecta (05-Aug-2018)
"This is the first level where we can play as young Lara. She is in Brazil looking for a golden skull, but first she must make her way through spikes that pop out of the floor/ceiling, water infested by crocodiles, a dark maze with more crocs and the mummies. I didn't know the final door was timed, but luckily I could get out before it closed. I liked when Lara got out and Von Croy was waiting for her. It was nice to play this short level." - alan (29-Jun-2017)
"A short adventure, this time with Young Lara in Angkor Wat. This isn't badly made, if a little too short and straightforward and I wasn't overly fond of the maze you had to traverse (as short as it was and I thankfully found the exit in record time). It's simple in gameplay terms - some swimming, climbing, monkeyswinging, lever pulling, avoiding crocodiles and getting through a timed run. A warning to future players: don't mistakenly fall into the first crocodile pool as there is no discernible way back out, short of resorting to DOZY." - Ryan (27-Feb-2017)
"While this may be considered merely competent by today's standards(with monotonous texturing, empty environments, limited object/enemy utilization and an timerun that can't be reset if you mess up), what's present is done effectively enough to justify the ten-twelve minutes that you'll more than likely spend here(including some well-timed audio cues during certain scenarios throughout the level). So I can easily recommend this towards those who are desiring something simple and entertaining, but at the same time, not too overly taxing on the mind. Overall, not bad for a first attempt." - Ceamonks890 (22-Jun-2015)
"Even when there are not puzzles, this small level is not boring, 'cause there are dangerous situations and any surprise. Easy to play, simple architecture, the texturization is monotonous, but well applied. Good use of the cameras and lights and also the musics are well placed in correct locations. Not a good idea let young Lara trapped forever if she doesn't do the timed run in time. Short level but worth to play." - Jose (13-Apr-2015)
"It's been a long time since i played a level with young lara and this one offers about 10 minutes of varied gameplay in a linear way with a nice timed run at the end. The water areas are well made but i didn't like the crocodiles too much as there were too many especially in the dark corridors. Watch out for the timed run at the end as the lever doesn't reset. This one is something to play when you are not playing a bigger adventure and want to play as young lara." - totizedger (01-Jun-2014)
"I never thought I'd say this, but it actually made quite a nice change to play a young Lara level - it's been a long time. This is a short, quite competently made Angkor Wat level and obviously Lara has no guns so I'd advise not hanging around to play with the crocodiles. A spot of exploring, a morsel of swimming, a skull artefact to find and then reunion with Von Croy which involves a timed run. Short and actually quite sweet." - Jay (27-May-2014)
"Finally a level with young Lara! I found this level being very entertaining and fun - some unique traps and the fact I don't have any weapons to protect myself. Level textures are rather good and taken from TR4 tutorial level. Was enjoyable and rather short." - Casual Raider (17-Jul-2013)
"This level looked nice enough for being made up of only a handful of textures. Unfortunately there wasn't much to the gameplay, which clocked in at somewhere around ten minutes. It was never boring -- some of the traps were kind of interesting -- but it could have lost it's enjoyable nature if it had extended any longer. If you liked the water portion of the tutorial levels in TR4, then you might enjoy the aesthetics in this level. Just don't expect a grand adventure." - Xela (16-Jul-2013)
"Sometimes it's all too easy to underestimate an older, lower rated, level, that's of the young-Lara type none the less. Up until the final non-resettable timed lever, I thought this was charming in its own right, and quite humbling in that I never quite got what I expected, but in a good way. You notice a spike-hole ridden ground and assume that all you have to do is jump right across it - and when it turns out there are some ancient motion-sensors involved that render this plan useless, you start scratching your head and then reevaluating whether this indeed will simply be a dumb old young-Lara level or will test your wits. Later on I was lured into a false sense of security and managed to fall for the level's deceptive tactics again when the author cleverly used 2 similarly looking textures of which one was monkey-swingable and the other not, thus making poor tween Lara crocodile food. It is rather simplistic in its premise - get the task done or get spiked or eaten by crocodiles, but up until the very end it works. I could've used at least a camera hint confirming that the lever opened the door I suspected it did - but would it really have been that much more difficult to put it in a place where you could at least reset it? The level is also quite dull as far as looks go, but overall acceptably done for a first effort, though it stood out more for some of the clever gameplay moments rather than the looks. If you're wary with the lever by the mummies, this can be a fun, unspoiled experience, but if you're looking for eye-candy you should probably turn to other levels." - eTux (31-Oct-2011)
"This is a nice little level. The decorations are awe-inspiring, the lighting is very appropriate, the monkey swings and the wall cracks are subtly placed, the camera was well placed in the spike room the timed runs weren't too bad, the crocodiles threw a challenge at Lara, but by swinging through the ropes and grabbing on to the monkey swings correctly, you can avoid them at times (except in the mini-maze). Even though the level lacked objects and felt a bit empty at times, it's an impressive short level." - Sakusha (22-Nov-2009)
"In this Young Lara-Level one is on the move in a temple arrangement in Brazil. Though is that the Wad of Angkor Wat, but we act sometimes in such a way as if we did not know this. So, Lara is on the move in a temple arrangement in Brazil and looks after the Golden Scull. The level corresponds in wide parts to the original, indeed, the level builder has also inserted his own ideas. For example, Lara may investigate this temple arrangement alone, because von Croy waits outdoors for her. With about 10 minutes playing time the level is too short of course, but, at least, he is built substantially, the textures are applied cleanly and the lighting is ok. What disturbs me, however, once again massively, are the opponents. In most Young Lara-Leveln there are some opponents. If these are bats, or wild boars, or as here crocodiles. The crocodiles nibble Lara though two times something in, but so really dangerously they do not become of course. Nevertheless, it would be really nice if one could completely play without opponents, finally, Lara cannot defend herself" - Scottie (02-Jun-2009)
"I can't help but wonder what some of the ratings are motivated by, early level or not. Was there some free beer bribing involved? In particular when Leandro himself sent in some more evil or bashing reviews, it makes me wonder why so many wanted to be so nice.
The level does contain some good ideas such as the spikes in the beginning, the ropejump that when Young Lara misses she has to dodge some crocodiles to try again, the crocodile maze and the final camera, but not enough to build a level of more than maybe seven minutes; and the, errm, not so good texturing of those big square rooms kept any athmosphere from rising, thus made these ideas single moments and they never melted together to a whole game. Also, the level does contain some not that great ideas - unmarked spike tiles, a timed run without notice and the lever positioned so that you can't reset and too many simultaneously triggered enemies, the one basin holds seven of them crocs.
I do like Young Lara Levels, but this one sure is for fans only." - snork (10-Apr-2008)
"A very old level I decided to play in a moment of nostalgia. This short level, about 15-minute-long, is well textured and contains some interesting ideas, such as the little maze running far from the crocodiles. Not difficult, the gameplay is straightaway. The best point is obviously the atmosphere, which tends to an official Eidos game. Well... that was a first level, and a good one." - Neso (01-Aug-2007)
"The water temple level is not a bad start to level making. What I was most impressed with is the lighting. The lighting is basically the highlight of this level. The texturing is ok but sometimes it can get a bit ugly to look at. For the first ever young lara level, it's ok but could have been better is places. Some part of the level design are pretty good and some parts are just plain boring and uneventful. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to play the first ever young lara level. Other than that, just move to a better one. If I had to give this level a grade, I would give it a C-, a low pass mark." - The Aussie Adventurer (17-Dec-2005)
"This was a challenging little level from the start. A little too bright though. This level was all gameplay; quite difficult gameplay so I liked it but too tricky in some ways. I'm looking forward to playing more of the builder's levels." - Cory (23-Jan-2005)
"A solid start to a building career. The crocodiles failed to make an appearance for me but it's surprising how scared you can be of Lara's butts when accompanied by the appropriate musical cue. Apart from the rather over-the-top use of sunlight the only element which annoyed me was the lever for the timed door at the end; this was non-resettable and required a savegame immediately prior to activating in case of failure the first time (which quite obviously caused me to have to replay rather more of the adventure than I was intending!). A clever start all the same; as Leandro rather implies from his choice of a Young Lara with which to begin his custom level endeavours that this is the start of a continuing saga." - Orbit Dream (16-Dec-2003)
"A level with a wonderful Angkor setting and the crocodiles mummies chasing young Lara. Although the level has hardly any puzzles just levers to push it's pleasant and fun to wander around that scenery. Watch out for that timed door in the room with the mummies because it's not reset able. Past that door Von Croy waits for Lara to guide her to another adventure. It's worth taking a look at." - Kristina (05-Aug-2003)
"Getting the most out of nothing. This young author sure knows how. Brilliant idea to use the crocodiles as a certain death experience when young Lara does the rope or monkey swing wrong. Other than that a short but progressive level set in the Angkor Wat textures with some nice waterworks here and there. Overuse of the sun rays I'm afraid (Just like in the Return to Jazimiya level). Camera views are done well though. At the end the lever did not open the last door. Going back to a previous save game did the job. The end setting with the camera view from the back of Von Croy was 'cosy'." - bERT (26-May-2003)
"I couldn't play this properly because I got the butt bug and Lara was not Young Lara but grown up Lara. However I did manage to work my way through the level using floor switches monkey swinging and rope swinging doing the timed run/swim but couldn't finish because judging by the butts there was a pick up or a last thing to do! Anyway I can say that the textures and lighting were great. I know from the other reviews that there were crocodiles in the water but mine were butts so I had a relatively hassle free run through this short level." - CC (15-May-2003)
"This is both very dramatic for a ten minute level and very well done for being someone's first. You might think it will be simple because it is a young Lara level and indeed the gameplay is fairly linear and straightforward. The traps make it very tough though and I was reloading often. You'll find spike traps croc filled waters to swim in monkey swings a rope swing and even a maze where you have to constantly run from crocs - the level's quite exciting from beginning to end. Plus for a first level the lighting textures camera work and sound are very well done. It looks like Leandro read the manual and put a lot of work into this." - RaiderGirl (22-Jul-2002)
"This is one of the more fun young Lara levels. Although straightforward you come across some nice moves and you also come up against quite a few crocodiles. There is nothing that special about the look of the place though water is used nicely as well as is the use of blinding sunlight. Just watch out for a glitch right at the end of this 15 minute level involving a lever that opens the final timed door which cannot be reset if missed." - Sash (21-Jun-2002)
"A short and crisp Young Lara level with very nice texturing and lighting. The water areas are well designed and good use is made of light beams shining in through 'windows'. The story of the gameplay in this 10 minutes level however is quickly told: maneuver a few spikes monkey swing across a crocodile lake pull a lever outrun and then outswim a few crocodiles pick up the skull and open another 2 doors and a timed run to the end. " - Michael (21-Jun-2002)
"What a pleasure this simple little level was to play. I know it is only young Lara with no shooting but it was bright and colourful and simple. Sometimes that is all one needs to get away from the world for a short while. One hint. Watch the timed door at the end. You have one shot at it and if you cock it up it's back to an old savegame lol." - Torry (21-Jun-2002)
"This is the first level that Leandro created and it's very good! It's a temple set in Brazil that has little more than 20 rooms. The textures the same set of Angkor Wat were nicely applied and you won't get bored with it. The look of the level is very good by the way. I just didn't like the maze that was a bit dark and young Lara can't light on flares - but it was easily beaten. Worth a download if you like to play as young Lara. Time needed is around 10 minutes." - Treeble (21-Jun-2002)
"I remember that this level was one of the first ones to rise from the TRLE's debuts... And what a level! Although a bit short it combines almost all the requirements for an Eidos level. Gameplay lights enemies textures and puzzles... Everything is there and in spite of a rather linear way the atmosphere is so well set! The light effects (wanted or not like the blinding sun in one of the corridors) are great as well as the waterfall animations! One (small) bad remark: you have to run fast in the end if you don't want to get trapped forever in the water temple as the lever doesn't reset!" - Jbc21 (21-Jun-2002)
"Knowing it was young Lara I knew there couldn't be that much enemies as she carries no gun. Game was straight forwards and I was warned about the lever in the end. I liked the textures the water and most of all the light almost blinding me. Well worth the download." - Gerty (21-Jun-2002)
"Taking between five and ten minutes to finish this level is still quite cute. You play as young Lara and run around in the usual Angkor Wat-setting. There isn't anything really hard in this level the only thing I had any problems with was the swing with the rope over the pool that took me some tries to master. If you like young Lara you should try this level - it's one of the best of its kind (not that there are a lot of these levels but still)." - Magnus (21-Jun-2002)
"What can I say? This level was just a little climbing on the ceiling pulling two or three levers avoiding some crocodiles and harmless mummies. I expected some more of this level but there was no real challenge. Guess this was the last one of Leandro's levels I tried out. ;-)" - Zygatus (21-Jun-2002)
"It has been a while since I played a weapon free adventure but I always had a soft spot for young Lara and I find it quite fascinating how the authors manage to compensate for the lack of pick ups and battles. Though the textures are stretched in some parts the atmosphere is rather convincing and long ago I have stopped wondering how it can be that the sun shines in from four different directions. You get some monkeyswinging shimmying a ropeswing swims jumps and even a timed run at the end. Nothing too spectacular but what I really liked here was the maze where you ran among the crocodiles in ankle deep water. A pity that you hardly could get lost in it. But it was a great thrill nevertheless and that shall be reason enough for you to have a look at this." - Dimpfelmoser (21-Jun-2002)