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Return to the Hollow Mountain by Marksdad

alan 5 5 4 5
bERT 4 4 4 4
Cory 5 5 5 5
Cuqui 7 7 7 7
Daffy 7 7 6 7
Dimpfelmoser 5 6 6 6
Doug E 3 3 3 3
eRIC 7 8 8 7
Fairy Godfather 7 7 7 7
G.Croft 6 5 6 5
Gerty 7 7 7 8
Jay 6 6 7 7
John 7 8 9 9
Jose 5 5 5 6
Kristina 5 5 6 6
MichaelP 5 7 5 6
Momster 7 8 7 7
Mulf 6 6 6 4
Nomad 5 6 7 7
Phil 6 7 7 7
RaiderGirl 7 8 7 8
Ryan 6 6 6 6
Sash 4 6 5 6
Scottie 6 7 6 7
Staticon 7 6 6 7
Treeble 6 7 7 7
Whistle 5 4 4 5
Xxenofex 5 4 4 4
 
release date: 23-Oct-2001
# of downloads: 52

average rating: 5.99
review count: 28
 
review this level

file size: 18.09 MB
file type: TR4
class: Coastal
 


author profile(s):
email(s):
luke989@hotmail.com

Reviewer's comments
"The beginning of this level is exactly the same as the previous one, only that this time Lara goes back the way she came in the first level, then enters a new huge area full of houses and skeletons. The tasks are the same, finding gems that open doors (camera clues would have been useful), avoiding some traps and doing some jumping. It's shorter as well. But I don't really like the unmarked ladders." - alan (06-Feb-2023)
"The master of Q ’n’ D returns with part 2 of the trilogy, and this time the emphasis is firmly on the Q, as most of the filler that bogged down the earlier release has been left on the cutting room floor in this one. The Ballad of the Sudden Boulder makes a predictable, but effective reappearance (two, actually), and it’s not even milked as much as you might have expected (or feared). Back, too, are the Skellies, now expanded from a trio to a big band; indeed, some might say, perhaps too big a band. But even though their sound can grow a bit repetitive over the (fairly short) duration of this release, they manage keep you on your toes and, not least, provide a surprise coda to Marksdad’s divisive take on Fire Walk with Me. Unusually for the genre, this release even strikes a somewhat serene note with a recurring folksy tune about a little village, which, however, many considered difficult to get into, some describing it as outright impenetrable, others as a mere ornamental flourish. On one occasion, Marksdad even threatens to go meta (There’s a Hole in My Hole), but thankfully the point isn’t hammered hole home. Experiments like these notwithstanding, this is pretty much a paragon of quick ‘n’ dirty." - Mulf (17-Oct-2019)
"You start this next part in the same position you finished the first, at the gates leading out of the Hollow Mountain. Pretty soon though, the architecture begins to look a bit different. Ian does seem to love his boulders and you get quite a lot here ready to crush an unsuspecting Lara, as well as a slightly irritating fire puzzle to obtain one of the gems. The texturing and lighting are again rather plain and unexciting and the numerous skeletons were annoying, although not too bad to dispose of, and there was a pit in the village that you could drop down but not get back up without reloading. Still, it does provide some sort of fair challenge, so give it a go if you fancy it." - Ryan (13-Dec-2018)
"Shorter, but definitely more fun than the first outing in this three part series. It looks much nicer too, with the rather attractive little village to explore. If you fail to spot the shotgun in its dark niche earlier on then the skeletons will prove to be a right pain. There's some good jumping about and a few boulder traps etc., but mainly its exploration in search of three gems. I shall be interested to see the concluding part." - Jay (12-Sep-2016)
"This level had a lot of improvement compared to the author's previous one. While it was shorter, the visuals and level design were much better. Especially the moment you emerge into the cave with the stone houses was made very well. There were some hard jumps, I struggled for a while to make the initial jump to the ramp that goes in the mountain. Enemies were skeletons which were quite an annoyance but fortunately there was a nicely hidden shotgun in the beginning. The downside was there were still unmarked ladders, although they didn't effect the gameplay it made the secret very hard to find. The object of the level seems to be the blue crystals, I had three in my inventory when I reached the exit. Play it if you are in the mood for a short level." - Nomad (11-Sep-2016)
"This completes my pig-out on Ian's early levels. It's on a par with the others I've played, nothing fancy but reasonably entertaining. This one is the shortest of them all, clocking in at just over 20 minutes. When you start your first thought is that you've already played this one, but things soon take on a new appearance. Boulders and skeletons again dominate gameplay, but this time you're provided an early shotgun to deal with the latter. I didn't bother going for the only secret, as I was already about through with the level before I thought about it. Not a bad raid, but Ian definitely showed improvement with his later productions." - Phil (09-Apr-2016)
"Not properly beta tested this level, 'cause I only need to get one of the blue gems to finish it with only 15 minutes of gameplay (it was strange for me to get to the top of a building and inside when I still didn't open the doors). Later, reading the walkthrough I saw that there were two more gems to collect so I reloaded and continued searching. The shotgun is good to get rid of the skeletons into the pits or into the river, but once you've shooted four or five, the task turns boring. Again the unmarked ladders, the ilegal slopes and another minor defects with the texturization, but even so this short level is still playable, but not very enjoyable." - Jose (22-Feb-2016)
"Strange level. Hardly one has started so properly, he also stops. Why should I collect three precious stones generally? Anyhow I have the feeling, as if I have played only half of the level. The big cave with the houses looked quite good what one cannot maintain, however, the cliff faces at the level beginning. A package of flares would have felt well, then one could have illuminated the dark places. The skeletons were no problem, because one had at disposal the shotgun. All together quite a well-arranged level for the level hunger occasionally." - Scottie (18-Feb-2010)
"This level begins as his precursor but not a very long time ago, the author draws us away towards new acrobatic prowess of jumps and of siding of rocks. The way to be followed is easy to find but less to borrow. It remains very playable nonetheless by most players. The decoration of this level is achieved enough and the author shows us that he likes originality, so much the better I too and I had a good time well there!" - Daffy (17-Aug-2009)
"I can't see the reason for lara returning to the hollow mountain as I was glad to leave but here we are again. The same old valley with no improvements or changes other than a water pool missing. Gameplay is linear and the secret is very unfairly placed. It is evident that the author seems to like annoying you with skeletons in the most annoying places. This didn't help the gameplay score. Again, another short level where the aim is to collect 4 diamonds to proceed into a house. The best thing gameplay-wise was the boulder platform jumps. Again, after 15 mins the level ends. The texturing has improved." - Cory (26-Sep-2008)
"Starting the level I thought I downloaded the wrong one because it was exactly like the 'Adventure' level. Soon I realized it just resembles and I am on the right track. Obviously Ian wanted to create a series and was just connecting levels. It has two gems to pick up the laser-sight and revolver and the shotgun to blast quite a few skeletons. It's a large area with houses and doors that open after you pick up an item. Lara jumps in a hole and while some crocodiles try to bite her the level ends. Better play all of these levels in order to have a complete picture. Fifteen minutes spent in this." - Kristina (24-Jul-2003)
"Yet another splendid little adventure from Ian. I really like these small little games. They are a most welcome break from the rigors of the larger levels yet still provide cracking good entertainment value. I had a great time blasting skeletons into pits and pools but could have used a bit more shotgun ammo. This is a must play for all us eternal beginners." - Staticon (01-Mar-2003)
"A short level again but very fun. This one takes place in a nice little town full of skeletons. You find skeletons everywhere difficulting to collect the three blue gems that Lara needs to open the doors. And there are lots of unexpected boulders too. The level ends when Lara slides down into the water where a crocodile is waiting... I'm going to see what's happening!" - Cuqui (22-Dec-2002)
"Disappointing follow up to the first Hollow Mountain. Begins immediately with an annoying jump that has to be pixel-precise. After that there's a fly-by if you're lucky. First time I crawled out the high ledge it did not trigger it. There's a pit you can't get out (not the one with the secret revolver but one at the small swimming pool with one of the blue gems; a texture missing and so on and so forth. Here and there we get to see the real Marksdad however: the camera shot from afar is here again; there's some nice but not really challenging pillar jumping and the little village idea is rather well done. Hopefully the third installment of Hollow Mountain will be back in the same league as part one." - bERT (03-Nov-2002)
"While this sequel is better than the previous level in texturization and lighting I think the level didn't improve that much. Apart from the initial rooms with the mountain and the gates everything is new turning into a small village beneath the mountain - with a lot of skeletons. Instead of finding tridents Lara had to find gems and also I quite didn't understand the end where you have to avoid two boulders then you're sucked into water to a 'trap'? I have to play the next part to discover what it was after all! It takes around 20 minutes." - Treeble (14-Oct-2002)
"That's a pretty harsh score from Doug isn't it?! I thought there was more fraternity among jury members. But probably Doug rated the level before he knew he would end up in the jury with Ian. Alright I'm not so sure myself how to evaluate this short quest. Replaying this it took me a little more than 12 minutes and that's with climbing down to get the revolver. I remember that the first time around I was mildly irritated by the gates that open mysteriously when you pick up a gem elsewhere. I mean if a gate has a lock you're bound to search for the key aren't you?! It's all a bit rough around the edges but there is one neat boulder trap the underground village is nice to look at and blasting the skeletons into the water filled trench is great fun. And you even have to do a bit of jumping so I would suggest you have a look." - Dimpfelmoser (13-Oct-2002)
"The second part of the Hollow Mountain series was worse than the first one. The single puzzle was how one can get rid of the skeletons. And these were many skeletons. After I had found at last the revolver and the lasersight I could shoot their heads off. This was most of the time which I spent in the level. Apart from that one had to collect a few blue stones and find the exit. The textures were processed again very badly also the very few chosen. Atmosphere did really not come up there were too strong differences between bright and dark places. Sound was also in short supply and certainly the camera angles complicated the level but in the final effect they made me nervous only. The single jump was difficult a little bit and this was it already." - Xxenofex (20-Aug-2002)
"In this 2nd of 3 'Hollow Mountain' levels Lara revisits Hollow Mountain only to find it unapproachable from the way she initially entered and must find another way in. Once inside there below is a very picturesque village with a skeleton pacing around right below where she needs to descend. I'm more impressed with Ian as I play his levels as he shows such potential but just hasn't 'quite' got it yet. I had a lot of fun getting the 3 gems required to escape Hollow Mountain. The boulders were ever-present to squish Lara there is an excellent pillar-jumping puzzle and a fiery floor to contend with. And always the skeletons on your heels the more you do the more skeletons you get. As in the previous adventure I'd like an opportunity to place these blue gems to continue this 30 minute adventure." - Momster (14-Jul-2002)
"This is the second of three in the Hollow Mountain series which sees Lara having to track back into the mountain via the exit from the first level and then find an underground town full of deadly skeletons. This only took me 20 minutes to play and there wasn't a whole lot to do but find 3 gems that triggered open separate sets of gates find one secret and blast nearly a dozen skeletons into pools of water. I did however like the boulder traps with a set of them taking me by complete surprise and the fire trap surrounding the second gem was well done especially when precisely and safely making my way to the gem I turned around to see a bunch of skeletons coming for me and with no time to get back safely I just had to set myself ablaze and run like the wind. As a single level this is a little unsubstantial but if played in conjunction with the first it would be well worthwhile." - Sash (21-Jun-2002)
"You soon reach a nice little coastal village within this hollow mountain in which you need to pick up three gems (one via a boulder gauntlet one via a fire gauntlet and the third after a jump sequence and some swimming) before you escape into the sequel with your acquired treasures. The skeletons which you need to take care of with your shotgun make this short 20 minutes level a bit of fun though." - Michael (21-Jun-2002)
"Inside the hollow mountain is a village full of skeletons. I'm glad that I found the secret (revolver) and the laser sight so I could blast their heads off. A few puzzles and a lot of boulders." - G.Croft (21-Jun-2002)
"Lara's Journal: Having been told that I missed three Horsemen's Gems in my first visit to the hollow mountain I decided to return and quickly retrieve them. However this turned out to be a greater challenge than I had anticipated. On my return I discovered that a cave-in had blocked the route I had taken earlier so I decided to go in through the 'exit'. In doing so I discovered a lost village that I had not seen on my first visit. Quaint looking and well guarded by some skeletons and booby-traps (usually boulders). "No worries" I thought and set out to claim my prizes. The gems were hidden in plain sight but getting to them was the problem. It took all my jumping and climbing skills to solve the three puzzles but I was up for the challenge (though I was glad to have found the revolver and laser site and that running through flames bit gets harder the older I get). Having located the exit I slid down into a water filled tunnel only to find myself surrounded by..." - RaiderGirl (21-Jun-2002)
"Ian seems to have a great love to flatten Lara as his use of boulders in his levels do take you by surprise. Although this level starts outdoors you will be traveling into a mountain and find an abandoned city there. I liked the look of that ghost town some nice little puzzles and a lot of skeletons yuck. The pillar jumping was great and the jump into the Hollow Mountain made the title complete. Finding blue gems to open doors is the main goal here. Be prepared to get crushed and chased a lot." - Gerty (21-Jun-2002)
"This is another level with no resemblance to tombraiding. Music poor no puzzles strange ending. Nothing else to say except give this a miss!" - Doug E (21-Jun-2002)
"Short level with main enemies skeletons and boulders some very unexpected. Shotgun is a necessary early find. Action is centered on and around a group of buildings. Some very precise pillar jumping needed in one section and an unusual hot floor puzzle to pick up a gem. After each find a flock of skeletons appears to impede progress." - Fairy Godfather (21-Jun-2002)
"Really a run around splatting skeletons avoiding boulders which do make you jump when first encountered. A short level with a good twist of the floor puzzle." - Whistle (21-Jun-2002)
"Very interesting and dark level. This level made me jump quite a few times with all the skeletons popping up everywhere and falling boulders again superbly structured and textured. There is this point in the level (near the beginning) where you crawl out this tunnel and you are engulfed with seeing this small village below which takes your breath away before you climb down. There are 3 gems to find in this level but they are not that easy to get. This is a quite short level but well worth the download!" - John (21-Jun-2002)
"This level was a big piece of fun for me. In a huge cavern with an abandoned village of coastal houses you must explore this area to find three gems to reach the end. It was a big piece of fun because of the boulder traps and the very good jumps and of course the enemies. The only problem of this level is that it is a bit short (30 minutes) so I spent 5 minutes more at the end to find the secret and to clean the area of ALL the skeletons with the shotgun even if it was not necessary. Really enjoyable thank you Marksdad." - eRIC (21-Jun-2002)