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Level: Astrodelica 1/2 back home search
Author(s): Richard Lawther
total rating:9.10 Gameplay &
Puzzles		 Enemies,
Objects &
Secrets		 Atmosphere,
Sound &
Cameras		 Lighting &
Textures
Aims 8 9 9 10
bERT 10 10 10 10
Bex 8 9 8 8
CC 10 10 9 9
Cuqui 10 10 10 9
Dimpfelmoser 10 10 10 9
DJ Full 9 7 8 9
Dougsan 10 9 10 9
eTux 10 10 10 10
G.Croft 8 9 8 8
gfd 8 10 9 9
Ivan 8 8 6 8
Jez 9 9 10 10
Josi 10 10 9 9
Kristina 10 10 10 10
Loupar 8 9 8 6
Mezcal 10 10 10 10
MichaelP 9 10 9 8
Miguel 9 9 9 9
Monika 10 9 9 9
Mytly 10 9 9 10
Navi 8 8 9 8
Patson 9 9 10 10
Phil 9 9 9 10
RaiderGirl 10 9 10 10
Sash 9 8 9 8
Scottie 9 8 9 9
Staticon 9 9 10 10
Torry 7 9 6 10
Tune Razor 10 9 9 9
category averages
(30 reviews)		 9.13 9.13 9.03 9.10

Reviewer's comments

"An alien ship to explore, full of black walls and semi-transparent surfaces. If You see such texturing, You know You are playing Dick's game. So it's well worth taking a look due to its uniqueness. But sometimes the level appears silent and empty. Even if the aliens have departed the ship and this overwhelming silence is how it all was supposed to sound, I can't get used to it. Those blinking control panels should have some sound. And doors opening with usual TR3 sample are not a good idea, as well as those completely muted flipmaps. No sign something is happening - no reward after we are successful. The only one is proceeding further - to another silent astrodelirium location. In the "Earth gravity training" part, one can't figure out which bars/grates are climbable, and which are not. This seriously damages the prologue gameplay. Also, even after a walkthru read, I didn't manage to find the first secret. One has to be DIRECTLY in the right spot to notice it, otherwise it is impossible and even flares nor binoculars won't help. I really think hiding pickups this way is unfair to players. Also, finding all three results in no bonus, and they are useless (just like all other pickups ingame, except the Plasma tube and some keys). Still, the game is attracting in its mysterious way. And translating Alien language gives some fun indeed. That last thing leaves one problem unsolved: if "a spider got Pavel", why doesn't Lara go to rescue him? In this part, the storyline DEMANDS such quest, and we can go nowhere except... oh, yes... proceeding further - to another silent astrodelirium location. SUMMARY: "The gods reward patience." Be aware of lots of pads while investigating the ship. Richard loves such triggers. Also, even if the game is silent most of the time, don't turn the speakers off. I once did so and got stuck. These days, playing the game for the first time, I was positively surprised. After replaying it now - I am disappointed. So, I think it's a must play - because it's a classic one - but definitely not a must replay. Fortunately, Dick has created the whole series, so after finishing this part You can directly continue with the 3rd part. And the 4th one - the most satisfying." - DJ Full (22-Feb-2011)

"Having played the entire UUB series, I thought I had already experienced Richard Lawther’s best levels, but clearly I was wrong – and very happy to be so – since Astrodelica 1/2 is utterly fantastic! The first level is filled to the brim with innovative puzzles, great platforming and Richard’s signature zaniness. Some of the puzzles are not exactly intuitive – for instance, the one with the sound clues – but even though I had to refer to the walkthrough for that one, I still admire the uniqueness of the basic idea. Climbing all over the weird alien structures, especially the ‘Gravity training’ area, is great fun. And just when you think that the level can’t get any better … you get the Whizz-bang, and go on the joyride of your life in the second part. The Whizz-bang can take you places that you never imagined a vehicle could reach, like driving on floating diamond-shaped structures.
The texturing is not exactly perfect, but the unique and colourful textures more than make up for any technical shortcomings. Cameras are nicely used to provide ‘translations’ of the alien signs, as well as ‘dialogue’ between Lara and her Russian friends.
A couple of minor whines: some objects blend so thoroughly into the textures that they are almost impossible to see – for example, the medipack that you have to pick up to trigger a tinman in the white room, or the Plasma Tube (shotgun) which I missed even though I walked over it. Also the end – i.e. the last trip to level 2 – feels slightly anti-climactic. I was expecting yet another interesting puzzle in the large command centre, but instead you can get the final key with pretty much no effort at all. Of course, you also get to see the aliens’ purpose in coming to Earth, which is hilarious, so maybe it’s not such an anti-climax after all.
Overall: This is perhaps the most unusual custom level out there. Don’t miss it! (P.S. Why isn’t this level in the Hall of Fame even after 8 years? Let’s hope it gets there soon.)" - Mytly (16-Sep-2010)

"A gigantic spaceship suddenly appears from the width of the universe and the politicians discuss to themselves the heads hotly what they should do now. While the spaceship pauses just in his position and the politicians of all nations cheerfully discuss, it does not stand our Lara to wait just. She infiltrates into the spaceship and goes in the first part first on the search for a vehicle, because this spaceship is not quite small.
Already here one can see, why Richard Lawther belongs to one of the greats of this guild. He does not build simply 08/15 rooms which could maybe have a resemblance to the inner life of a spaceship. No, he builds so really nicely against the line. He builds rooms with invisible walls, thus one has the feeling, this spaceship is gigantic. He works with colour riddles and sound riddles. He works with riddles with which one must apply a little logic. He works with picture riddles. This level architecture is so absolutely different than that what one ordinarily sees and so it gives more pleasure. Opponents are in the first part big beings similar to spiders, a horde of red little beetles which appear in a red spotted room and two invisible fighters. If Lara has found then the vehicle, it goes on in the second part, because there Russian cosmonauts and soldiers to which it has also lasted too long already wait for them.
Then in the second part Lara explores with her carriage the spaceship more exactly. And again one must solve many riddles. In addition she must release an unadvised scientist who helps her then also from gratitude briefly. And, finally she finds the soldiers who only stand round, however, and stare into space. At the end then she must activate a Teleporter who brings her back to the earth. This final space contains once more a strong pinch of humor.
Perhaps the inquiries with the carriage in the second level could have been a little shorter, but here otherwise one has about 2.5 hours a lot of fun." - Scottie (03-Jun-2010)

"There's nothing quite like this one, unless you want to count "CPU Crash," but I recall that as being one of my favorites back in my early raiding days. The alien setting here became rather stark at times, but at least it was colorful and brightly lit. The highlight of the shorter, second leg of this two-parter tests your driving skills on the so-called whiz-bang, a modified scooter that provides much good clean fun. In fact, the whole adventure clocked in at just under three hours, and even though enemies are few and far between (I can recall nothing other than several giant spiders) there's never a dull moment. The availability of a new walkthrough enticed me to give this series another try, as I'd bogged down rather early the first time I attempted it. This time there was no problem knowing where I had to go and what I had to do, but proper execution proved to be the bigger challenge as new vistas continued to open up during gameplay. There are dizzying heights to conquer (as in "CPU Crash"), the whiz-bang sequences are a pure delight, and I'm looking forward to seeing what the rest of this series has to offer. Highly recommended for a refreshing change of pace." - Phil (07-Oct-2006)

“What a clever and fun set of levels! These are the 1st part of the Astrodelica series. The story goes that an alien airship has entered the earth's orbit making many people on earth worry about what to do when it arrives. Lara hearing of this and able to decipher the markings on the ship asked for a team of Russians to take her to the ship so she can explore it. The ship is somewhat empty and the aliens may have already departed but there will be plenty of drones to keep an eye on you. I really enjoyed these levels they were very original and very alien. There are plenty of clever puzzles to keep you occupied with multicoloured pads to step on which change things around you. The walkways are cool too floating white and see through and glass type floors with colourful markings on. You spend most of the second half of level one and level two on your ‘whizz bang’ a floating pink quadbike with no wheels which makes a funny sound! There isn't really any custom tunes just new sound effects for everything. The only enemies were re-tuxured giant scorpions which look like weird spiders and there are not many of them the game is more of a brain teaser. New items too like little alien mask keys and a shotgun. I never found the shotgun so I had plenty of ammo and no gun! The game looked great all the bright colours really is eye catching and really shows Dick's talents. The levels weren't too hard only puzzles left me miffed and confused and the whizz bang couldn't reverse so if you get stuck you are buggered! All in all a very enjoyable pair of levels highly recommended to everyone! Play them now!” – Aims (15-Oct-2004)

“The WOW factor is sky high right from the start. Speaking of sky high we are in an alien ship and Richard tells us to remember not to kill the Russians who have brought us up here. OK will do. New textures good colouring interesting architecture and Lara is wearing what I think is one of the nicest outfits I've seen her in. Apart from the fact that we must stretch ourselves a little at times with puzzles the whole experience was great fun. And the retextured objects quadbike enemies pickups and weapons were brilliant. There was only one place that really bothered me the room with Von Croy. Why am I not surprised! Anyway after hours of trying to figure out what the eejit was doing hopping on and off different blocks I eventually went back to a savegame just as I entered this room and this time I didn't shoot the spider until I released Von Croy. This time he headed straight for the door and opened it for me. Perhaps he's afraid of spiders was scared to get down on the blocks while it was alive the big scaredy cat. This is probably the most used vehicle in a custom level I've ever played the famous whiz-bang (what a great name) doing things I never thought I could do with a vehicle before like driving over diamonds in mid air. I can't understand the complaints about this vehicle it isn't the first time I've driven a quad that doesn't reverse and the best way to deal with it is to save often. There are just too many things to mention. I loved every minute of it and it's amazing when I think how old this level is. I was totally gobsmacked. Brilliant job Richard very unique and won't let you go. I have to mention that I like the realistic levels but if you’re going to go abstract or alien then it’s a good idea like here to go all the way. You can mentally adjust to the unusual and are not confused with abstract stuff sitting in the middle of a realistic environment or for that matter a natural looking environment textured and coloured abstractly which I don’t like. So Richard has scored a hit with me. This was so addictive. I’m off to get the other Astrodelica levels now. Again many thanks to Phil for helping me get this level.” – CC (25-Jul-2004)

“This extraordinary adventure is a perfect multifaceted beautiful jewel showcasing the artist’s powerful and joyous cosmology. The true Alien Mystery here is not just that they really did help their pal Dick; he’s actually looking into a mirror and the reflection has so delighted him that he is doubled over in laughter sharing a little joke with the world. It’s very rare that you will encounter such rewarding experiences in any form in this life so whatever you do stop reading these reviews and forget the walkthrough. Fire up the whiz-bang check your va va voom put your cat on shoulder and take off….” – Mezcal (05-Jun-2004)

“Astrodelica 1 (8/10/9/9) is NOT a level for beginners. It is just too abstract and weird for a new player to get his head around. But experienced players should find themselves enjoying it despite the fact that some of the puzzles are so strange that you might not even be sure where to begin. Stick with it though and Dick's unusual style will start to make sense and that's when you'll really appreciate just how different and just how good this level really is. It took me 2 hours and I found 1 secret. Astrodelica 2 (7/9/9/9) is NOT for intermediates! It is a very difficult map with brain-bending puzzles. It's still very good though. I didn't even find the dreaded ride-over-the-pyramids bit as tough as most seemed to have. The same can not be said of Von Croy though. Do not save in his area or you will mess up the game and may not even realise it. Worse still it doesn't seem as though you're supposed to have the whiz-bang at this point despite the fact you are and you will NOT realise that for quite some time. This level still has lots of good moments though and they succeed in outweighing the bad. Lots of good atmosphere and even some funny jokes. I say again though this level will eat some players alive! It took me 40 minutes to complete so the whole game took 2 hours and 40 minutes and I found 2 secrets.” – gfd (23-May-2004)

“If you played either Richard’s Inverted Dream Factory or Astrodelica 4 then you’ll know what you are getting here. The first is full of puzzles one sound based which was really original and the second is spent almost entirely on a new vehicle the Whiz Bang as you manoeuvre sometimes very trickily through tunnels and over walk ways of course like most vehicle based levels you get off now and again to complete some tasks to progress. When I first played this I was a bit overwhelmed by the very unique astral texturing in both levels and had a hard time sometimes getting around on the whiz bang so I was slightly in two minds on if I enjoyed the whole experience but replaying it for the review I had a really great time as I was fully comfortable with it. For those with a penchant for the different this is a must play and for those that don’t just get over it as this is a real experience to be had.” – Sash (24-Sep-2003)

“What can I say that has not been said already? This is a must play level. It is literally out of this world. The climbing practice room was immensely enjoyable as was the extensive 'Whiz-Bang' ride and the room where the red dots come to life and attack you. Oddly as red dots I found them amusing and not too difficult to avoid/dispose of yet when they are those pesky beetles in other TR levels they rank among my most detested enemies. :) The only part I got overly frustrated with was the part where I had to manoeuvre the whiz-bang over six connected pyramids. I spent the best part of three hours (playing for a few seconds - re-loading for thirty or more seconds) trying to get past this obstacle. Having finally beaten it I then accidentally wiped my game saves and had to start the whole level over again. ARRGGGHHHH! Having now completed the whole level I look back at a most enjoyable and breathtaking adventure. I cannot recommend it high enough. It's a fair bet that you will not see anything else quite like this. (Except perhaps one of Richards other levels?)” – Staticon (27-Aug-2003)

“I have to say that even though this level is a bit astray from the ‘normal’ TR levels found I was amazed at what this builder had done. The atmosphere was stunning! And even though the walkthrough was provided (thank you!) in the readme file I managed to complete this level and I believe level 2 was included as well without having to refer to it but twice. There are few enemies spiders mostly but some deadly traps if you are not careful on the really cool ‘ride’ Dick has provided. I love the sounds. It was a refreshing change from the usual. I didn't have too much trouble with the first diamond but the next series of diamonds I almost lost my mind on. I would get sooooo close and then ‘Boom!’ literally. The lighting was good not too many dark places but there are some places that a good pair of sunglasses wouldn't hurt having. The red dots on the blue is one such place and you have to keep a close eye on those red dots because they move. There was very smooth transitioning as Lara moved from one area of the ship (?) into the next. As far as Secrets go I only found 2 of the 3 but they aren't necessary for finishing the game. I can't wait to try the next level from Dick.” – Patson (14-Jul-2003)

“Built with effort of a Science-Fiction-Fan. The lot of Symbols Hints the Hyperbike – Jump combinations and Challenges are well placed. No much Enemies. Cameras and Sound ok. Sometimes I missed hints but the builder gave us a Walkthrough... For example - it was not so clear that the first Lever made water clean...Dead-Ends I found 2 - once with a Raisingblock you could climb up and down at the other side and then get the Irish-Dance. Second using the Bike upstairs I found an invisible room (one square) and couldn’t come out again. But all in all a good Level with many ideas.” – Miguel (07-Jul-2003)

“Lara roams around at an alien place and needs to find the way back to Earth. Puzzles can be solved quite easily. Lara needs to find five Alien masks and VonCroy makes a short appearance in order to open a door for Lara. Enemies were spiders and two invisible ones. There also people who Lara needs to ‘talk to’ in order to progress so Lara was not the only human around. ;) The architecture is built with much care although I did not like the intense lighting in some of the rooms. Lara also drives a lot with a vehicle. I found two secrets. All in all a good level but I liked part 4 the most. Definitely one to play if you like alien levels.” – Navi (26-Apr-2003)

“Lara gets lost in space and falls in love with many of the different ways of accomplishing that which was so easy to her on Earth. Crossing a triangle is the root of many nightmares even when accomplished in as beautiful a vehicle as the ‘whiz bang’. Exiting a level only to enter it higher up had a strange mental impact. The use of black as an object and as nothing was also mind bending. Very twisty this level. It deserves more points than are allowed in many respects. It is not to be missed though you have to play it with an open mind. Lara isn’t in Egypt Toto. But she has more puzzles to challenge her than she could hope for and they are challenging! A very big WELL DONE.” – Dougsan (05-Mar-2003)

“I have just finished playing Astrodelica 1 and 2 and I am extremely impressed. I thought that Dick's previous levels were innovative but Astrodelica is something else. The thought that has gone into the gameplay and the inventiveness that has created some of the equipment used by Lara the textures and the puzzles is staggering. The gameplay has that balance of being not too difficult and not too easy and has a good 'story'. As is typical of Dick's levels there are not too many enemies. Also I didn't find any secrets but didn't look too hard although I did see one but couldn't reach it. I had read reviews when I first started to play Astrodelica and I skeptically thought 'oh yeah what's all this then?' because it is so distinctively different but as I progressed the attention to detail became obvious from the plasma tube to the spiders and the awesome whiz-bang. It impresses all the way to the end. If you have played Astrodelica then you know what I mean. If you haven't then you have missed out on a different and challenging Tomb Raiding experience. Get going now.” - Jez (12-Feb-2003)

“Wow this level is incredible. Amazing excellent and top original. It's the most funny level I ever played. I couldn't stop playing. It's an exciting adventure with new textures new weapons new objects new enemies (red dots coming alive... great!) new outfit - very cool indeed nice colours clever puzzles and an ‘alien gizmo’ to ride... not easy. The mission of the aliens is to die laughing how funny! Make the most of it. It's a new experience.” – Cuqui (23-Jan-2003)

“At first I thought what a ‘different’ level and this is true all the way till the end. After I got used to it being different I really liked it. Especially Lara’s yellow socks and the pink whiz-bang bring some colour to the story. Without the walkthrough from the author I would never have made it. Some parts were rather difficult. Riding the whiz-bang was a challenge and fun. I don’t know how often Lara went down when trying to drive over the 4 pads on a structure. There are spiders and red dots to cope with. Von Croy has a short but important part in the level. I have never seen such friendly helpful soldiers before in a level. I got stuck near the end because I left the whiz-bang to soon. Well with the help from the Forum I got Lara on her way again towards Scarborough ;-). I found 2 secrets 04.12.2002” – Monika (04-Dec-2002)

“This is a very difficult level for me to rate as it is one of those love/hate things. There are aspects of this level I loved yet others I hated and again it is a pretty difficult level especially the second half with the uncontrollable ‘Whizz Bang’. Now I KNOW that this was due to the editor and the author states that the gameplay had been sufficiently altered to allow for the vehicle's shortcomings but I'm sorry it still didn't work as it should. The player will get stuck far too often on this gizmo and yet has no alternative but to use it. I also thought that the overuse of black textures was disconcerting and did not allow for spatial reference so that a player could easily become ‘lost’ in this make believe world. On a brighter note the author used the limitations of the editor to good advantage by disguising the geometry of the layouts with colours and patterns and once accustomed to this one could identify ‘paths’ in the melee of designs and colours. The assumption that one was on an alien ship did not make all that much sense until after the first three sections but then things tended to fall into place and the game started to become interesting and indeed a challenge. The use of sounds for a puzzle was novel and the spiders I thought were extremely well executed. Talking of puzzles they are pretty clever and I admit to having to resort to the walkthrough to figure out what was going on on a couple of occasions and I HATE that but realistically you WILL NOT get through this without that walkthrough even if you only need to refer to it once or twice. The whole clue system is rather vaporous giving you a hint of what to do but leaving nothing tangible to form an opinion on. Finally the reason the aliens came to Earth had me laughing. You reckon that's right Dick? Sheesh they were probably looking for Elvis!! Nice closing sequence of the moon and finally Earth. Sorry but I think CPU Crash is far superior.” – Torry (09-Nov-2002)

“Since English is not my language I have some problems to explain the unexplainable. All in this level is strange (but not in the sense of being oniric). The location is unknown indeed out of earth but for me was out of all: another dimension. Textures and sound are to give exclusively fun and/or hints to make the next puzzle but not to make ambiance. In this sense all is plain and not beautiful. The gameplay has some parts very difficult for me i.e.: the ride with the whiz-bang over the pyramid; but there are some others with a great sense of humour and very logical. I only found one secret and never found the plasma shotgun; I did it all only with pistols. I suffered too the beetles/dots that followed Lara over the big part of the level. Is a level that's worth playing.” – Loupar (07-Nov-2002)

“It's hard to describe just how amazing this level looks with its large brightly lit rooms that are full of new textures new enemies and great puzzles that make playing it so much fun. I can tell you about the new outfit and health packs the translator stations the red dotted room with the surprise the new bike talking to the men and the funny messages at the end the new vehicle the giant spiders the great names for each area and the floating pyramids but in the end you just have to see them for yourself to really appreciate how great they are. Though the puzzles are clever thankfully they aren't too difficult and the author usually puts clues very near by so it's only a matter of looking around for a bit to get through them. There were a few difficult moments in the second half when I was using the bike in a way that didn't even seem possible but I kept trying and finally made it but be prepared to crash and burn a time or two because you just have to see the cool 'Command Centre' at the end.” – RaiderGirl (27-Oct-2002)

“My jaws hurt from laughing this is the most funniest game I have ever played and probably the most original to. It's hard to say something about it it's so different from what we are used to but I'll try. It's colourful and..... (I'm still laughing) well it's just great. I even enjoyed riding the vehicle although I'm not a fan of vehicles. 'Talking' to some guards was very nice too. I was also pleased not to have to kill living things. Well I think you have to play this but I do realise there will be people who will not like it at all. But in my opinion this is one of the best! (and I'm still laughing).” – Josi (16-Oct-2002)

“Richard Lawther’s quirky style of level design isn’t to everyone’s taste though certainly to mine. In choosing unusual environments for his levels in this case the interior of an alien spaceship he is able to use a certain textural minimalism to great effect creating interesting and engaging environments for Lara to explore. Gameplay is fairly standard fare; uncommonly well designed puzzles moderately challenging jumps some collapsible tile runs but it’s all put together with such wit that playing is great fun. Thankfully we’re spared any mazes or impossible timed runs and lighting levels are good throughout so no having to play in the dark to stand a chance of finding your way! Later on Lara gains a vehicle which is challenge enough to maneuver as required. I made it through all five TR games and several custom levels before I discovered ‘reverse’ and now in a level where you could really do with it reverse doesn’t work! Still this is one minor flaw in a for me otherwise faultless level. Enemies take the form of some hilariously jibbering (but lethal) aliens some truly terrifying giant spiders (well they made me jump anyway!) and some imaginative vehicle repair ‘bugs’ but are relatively few and far between. There are several re-textured objects and enemies in this level but the otherwise stark visuals belie a level that is put together with such imagination that it really is a joy to play. Arguably the lighting and textures don’t deserve the high marks I’ve given them but the overall effect of the design is so engrossing and so convincing it would be unjust to mark these aspects down whatever their technical merits may be. I started out by warning that this level won’t be to everyone’s taste but Richard Lawther is one of the most original and innovative level designers around and if you haven’t already played one of his levels this really is a must-play.” – Tune Razor (08-Oct-2002)

“Something new in Tomb Raider and goes so far from same. Nice like an experiment but not really sorry for my taste.” – Ivan (02-Oct-2002)

“It’s really hard for me to review this level. It has a lot of new puzzles and is well designed. I like the way you return to the same room but in higher and higher levels I don’t like all the blackness around (is it a wall or is it nothiiiiing?!) And I didn’t find it all THAT fun. I’m not sure what it was but I found it a bit slow - sure a lot of good puzzling but not much action. The red dots coming alive the pink bike (with its sounds) the ‘talking’ to other people and the final message adds a humorous touch to the level. You should try this level - either you like it or you don’t but you will get something different!” – G.Croft (01-Oct-2002)

“I'll start first with that I think not everyone will like this level because it's different from what you've ever played before. But I had no other option than to give this double level a perfect score because it's so unique only another level by this author could be 'more unique' and that really must tell you something. What I liked the best were the many new creative things the author has made like the red dotted room where red-dot beetles suddenly appeared that was really awesome! Also the flying bike ride was very good and that's what I call a good use of a vehicle! I also liked that this all was not so serious and the author put in some jokes in the level like the name of the large medipack was hilarious and I was laughing out loud when I found out what the mission of the aliens was. One of the unique things that really must be specific for this level was the translator which translated the alien texts. It's very well worth to play this level cause it has that special something that'll keep you playing till you finish it and can make level builders like myself jealous thinking ‘Why didn't I think of that!’ A level you shouldn't miss!” – eTux (01-Oct-2002)

“If you ever get bored of always meeting up with the same kind of stuff in TR Custom levels then here’s another cure for you. This almost two hour adventure is full of so many brilliant and funny ideas that it was a joy to play for that alone. Astrodelica 1 (9/9/8/8 1:15 hours): Space adventures are becoming very common these days and this is another one but it still has the by now famous style of texturing and architecture that defines a level by Richard. Many many small touches you will notice and have a smile about. The ‘gravity training’ was my favourite part and I thought the sound puzzle tile puzzles and planet puzzles were simple but very cleverly designed. Loved the idea of translating the signs on the walls to kind of carry the story along. Few but cool enemies too (spiders invisible tinmen and best of all the ‘beetles’). Three Captain’s Head Keys to find for progression and then you reach your vehicle which has to be seen to be believed and make your way into the next part. Astrodelica 2 (8/10/9/8 0:40 hours): Well the net gaming time here is a bit of a joke. Most of this level you spend moving along on the ‘whiz bang’ and there are quite a few rather tricky passages and the lots and lots of deaths I encountered did in fact not only increase the total play time but also spoilt the overall fun a bit for me (well just a little at least). And if you are not good with vehicles this can be an utterly frustrating level for you. Besides that you get to meet the ever helpful Von Croy (let him do his job – don’t shoot him and don’t save half way through!) battle a few more spiders enjoy a zipline ride meet a few Russian friends to talk to (very funny) and after a little detour through level one get to the impressive Command Centre to find out why you were here in the first place before you transport yourself back home. I have to say I loved the many very creative ideas here and the ‘whiz bang’ is a treat but I guess the Inverted Dream Factory remains my favourite Richard Lawther level for now.” – Michael (27-Sep-2002)

“Speechless. Yes I am. I don't know where to begin. From the textures objects the plasma tube the ‘whiz-bang’ that is a pink bike the sounds. I am really lost here everything was excellent awesome even though I didn't like a previous level from this author I have to admit that this is just brilliant. The hints for the puzzles are so cleverly given to the player you can't really get stuck in it but a walkthrough is given with the download. There was a room with many climbable surfaces that the player has to reach four symbols and lower the blocks to progress. There is some back and forth from one level to another but not annoying at all usually I find that a pain but as I mentioned above this level is unique and a different style is revealed here. The bike though doesn't have reverse but that is stated in the author's notes nevertheless it was enjoyable not very difficult to maneuver it just some caution is required. Some of the puzzle items are head keys also planets to move to the right position spiders to kill in hydroponics. An environment with plants another room with little red dots on the floor moving and biting Lara. The puzzle with the music and tiles was something else the cats on the walls give you a hint brilliant. I would like to score this with twenty in all categories or even higher if it was possible. It's a level you would never want to miss it just became my favourite.” – Kristina (26-Sep-2002)

“I do like Richard's minimalist and abstract style. This is a fun level in the truest sense of the world. Riding the float mobile is a gas (complete with the appropriate sound) there are many little jokes placed throughout this two-hour space-capade and when the retextured (or rather non-textured) tin men attacked I was laughing so hard I completely lost control of the situation. But despite the never-ending merriment the atmosphere is very gripping and the gameplay features many clever puzzles tricky jumps and thrills aplenty. My only complaint here is that Richard slightly overdid it with the gaps (i.e. the non textured surface). Most of the time it makes perfect sense and supports the out-of-this-world experience nicely but on three occasions I found the omnipresent blackness a bit of a drawback. As with the author's other levels enemies don't play a major part and here they are used mainly for visual effect and not to present any serious threat. When the modified beetles close in on Lara in the orange room it is such a stunning moment; I reloaded it three times cause it looked so good. I've never seen such impressive monotextured rooms and in almost every area there is such an awesome combination of colours and graphical elements which really proves that Richard has a hand for creating those unreal places on the other side of the final frontier. Also this is one of the very few games where I realised how important the sound samples can be and to what excellent effect they can be used. There are so many weird and quirky details here like the splatter plasma and the psychedelic fountains that you never know what surprise awaits you around the next corner thus making this level an utter delight from start to finish. Along with TWH 08/09 and the South America Adventures this is my favourite level of the month. All the more since is nothing like the former two. In fact it's like nothing else except maybe Richard's last levels. If you enjoyed them you're gonna love this.” – Dimpfelmoser (25-Sep-2002)

“Where oh where can I start with this one? Unusually for me I am going to start with what I consider 'bad points' although they're not really bad points at all; rather they're reflections of my own personal taste. I want to make that clear from the start. And if I am being honest there's only one 'bad point' anyway and that's the surreal atmosphere. If you have played any of this author's previous work then you know what you're in for. I know that there are a great many people who really like this kind of thing and if that applies to you then hit that download link right now; however it's really not my cup of tea. Reality (if there can ever be such a thing in a TR game or indeed any game) is warped and twisted beyond belief. In this case the surrealism extends to a space/alien environment which I personally found a little too strange. Nevertheless I can't mark this level down for that because a) it would be unfair to the author to let my own personal preferences get in the way of an unbiased critique and more importantly b) there's no denying that this unique level is extremely well constructed. Not since Psiko's levels (which also were not my cup of tea) have I seen such original concepts pulled off with such confidence and that's commendable in itself. Gameplay enemies and secrets etc are all fine and fit well with the level. I liked the renaming of the medipacks (that gave me a laugh) the puzzles are very clever for the most part I enjoyed walking through the alien's face near the beginning followed by the 'Earth Gravity' training I thought the little camera scenes which told you where you were when standing on certain pads was a great idea... there are many little things here that when combined create a very impressive whole. If I was to pay this level the ultimate compliment it would be this: Even though I really disliked the look and feel of it I found it absolutely compulsive to play. I can't tell you why that was the case it just was. In short: If you liked Richard's previous work and enjoy exploring the abstract (and it has to be said technically brilliant) worlds he creates then you will wet yourself over this one as it's by far his best to date. And if you didn't like Richard's previous work you should still download it because you'll be hard pushed to find anything as individual as this anywhere else. And Richard if you're reading this: For what it's worth never change your style. It may not be to my taste but it's sure as hell original and that is highly refreshing. :)” – Bex (24-Sep-2002)

“These are indeed delicatessen of astronomical taste! There's only one thing I did not do during this game and that is cry but I could have from pure enjoyment. See the first part as a logical marine drill that puts all your senses at work (ok except for smelling): you have to see well listen well (yes!). Once you're promoted you'll get a...to ride (no just play the game and you'll see: I'm too old to enjoy a Disney ride but this ‘vehicle’ is too good to be true and what a simple but nevertheless brilliant idea! Furthermore there's the humour throughout (Va-va-boom the red dotted room which looks like an instant nightmare for drunken people the messages in the final control room ...) the magnificent puzzles in the first part the sounds (again in the red dotted room the heavy motorsound at the big doors in the second part the music when you reach the albeit ‘pass-through’ God statue the new tic-tic sound from dropping bullets ...). Whatever you do: do not read the walkthrough (DO IT YOURSELF) oh yeah and don't shoot Von Croy (call it a bug it isn't really for there's no reason why to shoot him). PLAY THIS GAME NOW!” – bERT (24-Sep-2002)
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