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Forgotten Catacombs by Martin Ward

alan 6 7 8 8
Daffy 8 7 8 9
Dimpfelmoser 7 7 9 8
Gerty 8 7 8 8
Gonxii 8 7 8 7
Jay 7 7 8 8
Jbc21 8 9 9 8
Jerry 7 8 8 8
Jose 6 7 7 8
Kristina 8 8 8 8
Loren 8 8 9 7
MichaelP 6 7 7 9
Orbit Dream 7 5 8 9
Phil 8 8 8 7
RaiderGirl 7 8 8 8
Ryan 7 8 8 7
Sash 8 8 8 8
Sutekh 6 7 8 7
Tombaholic 7 7 8 8
Torry 7 7 7 6
Treeble 8 7 8 8
 
release date: 19-Mar-2001
# of downloads: 69

average rating: 7.60
review count: 21
 
review this level

file size: 18.85 MB
file type: TR4
class: Egypt
 


author profile(s):
email(s):
marlin@ntlworld.com

Reviewer's comments
"This catacombs level isn't that linear but you won't get stuck because the tasks are simple. The place looks good with the well applied textures. You'll have to use the shotgun against the first skeletons but later you will find the crossbow and explosive ammo. The flare bug appeared but they were few the dark areas so it wasn't a great problem. All in all it's a pleasant level that lasted 35 minutes." - alan (01-Feb-2018)
"If you've felt that the majority of 2001 levels have been rather underwhelming or nothing more than average, then this Catacomb level will likely restore your faith. The gameplay is straightforward but it managed to entertain me throughout the duration with a few rope swings jump exercises, and some wraith chases that didn't prove too annoying for me. I found the skeletons to be actually quite well placed and explosive ammo provided fairly to dispose of them. I wasn't fond of the flare bug that cropped up early on, nor the fact that there were many dark corners and I wasn't able to search them out sufficiently. Nonetheless, this would be a good introduction for beginning raiders, and a moderately entertaining jaunt for experienced raiders." - Ryan (02-Sep-2017)
"A very nice and long level with some traps to avoid here and there. Gameplay was straightforward but enjoyable. Enemies were skeletons and mummies that are easy taken care of because of the plenty ammo the author gives us. Atmosphere and textures were good used. All in all this is a very good catacomb level to enjoy and play. Finished it in an hour." - Gonxii (17-Nov-2015)
"Quite a solid catacomb level in all respects - competently built and fast paced, linear, fairly diverse gameplay. There are quite a few skeletons hovering around, but there's a lavish supply of pickups along the way. There's nothing particularly cerebral going on, but there's enough agility tests/traps etc., to entertain well enough for any fans of the traditional catacomb environment." - Jay (05-Oct-2015)
"No puzzles in this catacomb level, but entertaining anyway 'cause there are variety of tasks, shortcuts to the main areas to return with the items you've got and the gameplay is not bad with no backtracking, some traps here and there and well balanced enemies. There are too many pickups I never used, and I missed a gun with explosive ammo to deal with the skeletons. Good architecture, nice tecturization, It was a pain the early flare bug and also not provided more flares to explore dark corners. Sometimes there are cameras to show what the levers are doing (unnecessary 'cause the doors are very near) and another times, when you really need the camera it doesn't appear. There are not properly covers to the square buttons, and there's a wrong animation for them, but the level is well playable and I can recommend it." - Jose (03-Jun-2015)
"Here is a level of catacomb entertaining enough to play, the decor is classical and gives us of nice room well disposed, quite a lot of research its essentials to arrive at the end but nothing very malicious, game takes place without major, fair worries some passages ask for a little of address. It is a good level and a quality job makes by the author." - Daffy (24-Jul-2009)
"In my view oldie but goldie would be a proper term for this level. To be precise: After playing all those new levels with new objects, new Lara outfits and all that new stuff it was a real pleasure to accompany Lara through the well known settings of this catacomb level in its old style look. Indeed I never got bored. Gameplay is admittedly nothing outstanding, but varying and entertaining. Defeating skeletons and mummies, getting rid of ghosts, climbing, jumping, collecting puzzle items and performing all those tasks that make a good TR level, it's all in here, while everything is very fair, no mean traps or undoable jumps or runs. And as the builder states in the readme it's all quite straightforward, it's true, I needed the walkthrough only once. After those many years this level is still recommendable, especially for all those players who want to experience a little feeling of nostalgia." - Jerry (23-Jul-2009)
"This nice little level would have been a worthy entry in the 2004 Back to Basics competition, and I suspect it would have received about the same ratings as it did when it was released nearly five years ago. While quite linear, it's not quite as easy as some of the reviews would lead you to believe. It took me quite a while, for example, to find the crawl space leading to the Ornate Handle. Enemies are few and far between until near the end, when a number of skeletons are released. However, you have plenty of firepower provided via the three accessible secrets, plus tons of ammo. My main objection is that the level is unreasonably dark in too many areas, but the parts that are well lit are quite pleasing to the eye. No tricky jumps or mind-bending puzzles, but a pleasant 45 minutes or so of raiding fun while you're marking time between the major releases. Recommended." - Phil (31-Dec-2005)
Well... It was fun while it lasted. The author has stated in the readme that he didn't want the players to be stuck and in that regard, it's a total success. Maybe one of the easiest level I ever played. This easiness makes it a bit boring, unfortunately, despite the well-done atmosphere and the nice settings. Research is pretty straightforward too and even the secrets are quite obvious. But, and for those very reasons, this is one I'd highly recommend to beginners: it remains a good level, considering, and levels that are both good and easy aren't that common. - Sutekh (09-Jul-2005)
"When I was reading the readme file I was thinking it would be just more of the same because the author said it could look amateurish to other's eyes but when I started playing the thing itself I was shocked! This level has a brilliant architecture the textures were applied nicely making the environment great. There were a few sneaky hidden places (such as the crawlspace in the huge area a lever just behind the corner and a crawlspace in the dark near the end) and unfortunately in one of these the flare bug did affect. I ran blindly past it twice then I tried crouching by that dark wall and surprise - Lara crawled through. Pickups aren't really many but if you go to secret areas you'll think the author has overused them. If you like Catacomb-wad levels this one is for you. 40 minutes 2 secrets. 11/04" - Treeble (13-Nov-2004)
"I think this level is one of those gems that are out there but being a classic catacombs level doesn't have the place it deserves. It's true it doesn't have anything original but it's fun to play it and everything is well placed. The skeletons beetles mummies are blocking either an entrance or will make it more difficult to get an item you need. A portal guardian and two knots are the necessary items to finally reach the gem. You can accomplish that by passing spike traps spike balls and fire. Also swim down a hole and watch out for crawlspaces hidden in the dark. That reminds that the flare bug occurred but luckily it was only at the end. It's a nice twenty five minutes level; actually I played it for the second time so it might take longer for you and found three secrets." - Kristina (05-Aug-2003)
"Forgotten Catacombs is a level built using the Catacomb wad and texture file. The gameplay is mostly linear with a couple of places where events can be in slightly different order. There are a couple of places where teeth spikes emerge without warning. Enemies are straightforward and placed fairly well. I found three Secrets none of which was difficult to find or reach. The atmosphere was standard Catacomb-type and the music files used were for the most part well placed. There could have been more cameras to show doors opening and the cameras that were placed should have had timers on them. Lighting and textures were well placed except that the flare bug popped in early on adding frustration since there are some pitch-black areas in this level." - Loren (27-Jun-2003)
"Here's another level to be filed under the category 'You don't need to use lots of fancy textures and complex programs in order to make a good Custom Level'. A very well crafted beautifully lit and textured Catacomb environment (familiar granted; but enjoyable nonetheless) with mostly smooth flowing gameplay; there were only a couple of places where I went astray and that was because I wasn't using my eyes properly. Only the flare bug prevented this from being completely enjoyable particularly as one vital crawlspace was obscured by darkness which an illuminated flare would have handily revealed. The final trap sequence could be easily avoided but all in all this was a good unpretentious quest. Give it a go." - Orbit Dream (15-May-2003)
"This is a great looking catacomb level and fun to play on a lazy Sunday afternoon - very well done too considering it's the author's first level. Just the kind of level I like when I want to relax and enjoy myself - nothing difficult and not too many enemies just exploring for the necessary objects and buttons for the most part. There are some areas that had me reloading a few times - the spike and boulder traps beetles the room you should flood before you get there but it's easy to miss the switch and the fire tiles - all things to look out for. The three secrets weren't hard to find but were nice and had their own little areas." - RaiderGirl (22-Jan-2003)
"This is one of your standard catacomb levels and I am led to believe a fairly early release. If so then at least here was one author who had secret areas where you are actually rewarded for finding them. Rather than a measly packet of shotgun shells as is the vogue. There was one jump with spikes and a fire floor that I must admit had me thinking for a while. To balance these good ideas we unfortunately come across the flare bug and if you use the binoculars instead you are greeted by your desktop. Pity as the level was indeed promising." - Torry (18-Nov-2002)
"Very good fluent going level apart from some bugs like the flarebug and getting the Ornate Handle by accident through the floor. I like to get the shotgun (even two) and the crossbow so you can choose what to do with the skeletons. Very user friendly as you even get two crowbars and the buttons to push are mostly right beside the door. Save the author to make a fly-by LOL. There were some nasty jumps but I love those and the level is nice lit so no need of flares but the binocular use will sent you back to your desktop. Enemies wraiths but the crosses are not far away skeletons mummies and at one point even beetles. Found 2 secrets so Martin where is the next? 21-09-2002" - Gerty (23-Sep-2002)
"This was a beautiful looking and feeling level and had great atmosphere the look changed frequently from room to room and there was one particularly hard jump over spikes and fire that led to a fun rope jump when you think the level may be coming to an end it just keeps going and it also had well hidden secret areas which to me only makes a level that much better." - Sash (21-Jun-2002)
"Well standard Catacombs environment but really perfectly and flawlessly done. Good go at the changed object colours and the gameplay flows really nicely for the about 40 minutes it lasts. You deal with a few skeletons beetles wraiths and mummies along the way but nothing overly challenging there. Solid camera work although one flyby could use a little fine-tuning. I found one secret only and still wonder what those two crowbars were for but maybe they would have helped me to get another secret? " - Michael (21-Jun-2002)
"I remember playing this level over a year ago and I have to say it's one of those early levels that is still a treat to play even if it seems a bit dated by current standards. It's not a really long level (less than 1 hour) but it's nicely crafted with well done textures and lighting and good modeling in many areas. Catacombs is not my favorite texture set but it's used here to create a very interesting atmosphere. Gameplay is steady with a couple good traps while enemies are few and easily dealt with. Now like Michael I wonder if there was a use for those two crowbars? I found three secrets but never used a crowbar once!" - Tombaholic (21-Jun-2002)
"A very nice level inspired by the original Catacomb level. The gameplay is rather simple but never boring. Maybe it lacks a bit of action but the nice decoration is there to catch your attention. Some good effects and features such as aquarium-like textures spiked fence sliding block (that didn't look so before you jumped on it!!!). A little bug: I could grab the ornate handle without even entering the room (through the ceiling of the lower room!!!) so that I didn't trigger the skeleton that blocked the door! Unfortunately this nice walk through the Catacombs only lasted 45 minutes. Anyway the author specified in the read me text that it was a first attempt. I congratulate him for such a good start!" - Jbc21 (21-Jun-2002)
"The author informs us in the liner notes that he doesn't like to get stuck so the gameplay is kinda easygoing and there are no mean tricks. Fair enough but that is no excuse for the big buttons that more than once are right next to the door they open. After I pieced the portal guardian together and used it I had this urge to have a last glimpse at the central room I was just about to leave. The gameplay had been so fast paced that I never really got a chance to have a look around and as if I'd known it there was one button I hadn't pushed yet. No idea to what effect. But truth be told this adventure is actually highly enjoyable as the catacomb environment is so nicely laid out and textured; it seems a shame that you rush through the rooms just like that. The course although not that demanding still comes up with a few surprises and nasty traps. Shall I once again complain about the many pick ups. I don't think so. They never listen anyway and I only picked up half of the lot this time. Have a bit of trouble with my back you know. Have to go easy on the heavy ammo. Swimming helped to ease the pain though." - Dimpfelmoser (21-Jun-2002)