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Level: The Flying Temple back home search
Author(s): Codo
total rating:9.38 Gameplay &
Puzzles		 Enemies,
Objects &
Secrets		 Atmosphere,
Sound &
Cameras		 Lighting &
Textures
Andi Croft 10 10 10 10
bERT 9 10 10 10
Bex 9 10 9 9
CC 9 10 10 9
Celli 8 9 10 9
Dimpfelmoser 9 10 10 10
Doug E 8 9 8 9
Duncan 10 10 10 10
dya1403 8 8 10 10
eRIC 9 10 10 10
eTux 8 9 9 8
G.Croft 9 10 10 10
Gerty 8 10 10 10
gfd 9 9 10 10
Ivan 9 8 10 10
Jon Black 10 9 9 10
Jorge22 8 9 9 9
Jose 8 9 9 9
Josi 10 10 10 10
Kristina 10 10 10 10
Litepulsar 10 10 10 10
Loupar 10 10 10 10
Magnus 8 8 8 8
MichaelP 8 10 10 10
misho98 8 9 10 9
Mman 9 10 10 10
Momster 9 10 10 9
Phil 9 9 10 9
QRS 10 10 10 10
RaiderGirl 9 9 10 10
Ruediger 10 10 10 9
Sash 7 10 9 9
Torry 7 9 8 9
Tortoise3 9 10 10 10
category averages
(34 reviews)		 8.85 9.50 9.65 9.53

Reviewer's comments

"Very interesting and entertaining level. It's a mix between floathing islands, temple and base theme. The puzzles were easy but fun. The golden birds were annoying at some spots. The locusts kept reapearring and were quite frustrating. Jumping around the floathing platforms was fun. The atmosphere was great, there were always cameras showing you what happened after pulling the switch. Lighting and textures were great. There are lots of keys to find and ninjas to fight. It took me one hour to complete the whole adventure and I have found 5 secrets out of 6. Recommended!" - misho98 (07-Jul-2012)

"After a short Floating Islands section most of this level actually takes place inside. The Temple itself has a very unique theme, with interesting object usages like wind-farms and a very original texture scheme, with a mix of ancient looking rooms and high-technology that's obviously keeping the Temple afloat. The lighting and overall detail also holds up very well considering how old this pack is. A garden area in the first level is especially beautiful. There's also a subtle change to Lara's model in between levels that fits the events that happen.
Gameplay is mostly quite smooth, the first level is more exploration-based with some large areas that have multiple things to do. The second is quite action-based with a lot more combat (including a Dragon boss) and traps. Both work well, although one shootable puzzle is very difficult to work out due to the shootables not responding to shots unless you walk-right up to them. There's a bit of forced damage at the start of the second level, but it fits the events (and costume tweak), so it gets away with it. There's a story nicely hinted at with cutscenes too, although the ending felt a bit anti-climatic. It's still a great pack with a theme that hasn't really been executed the same way since." - Mman (06-Apr-2011)

"Strange that I like the first levels of this good builder more than the last ones. The first level is nice to play, with a lot of new and colourful textures and classic tasks with no much backtracking; really a good environment to explore with nice rooms, beautiful gardens and well ornated places. Second level was not so good, with the dragon releasing all those small blue stars pesting you a very long part of the level, and the high darkness in many areas near the end. I liked the women-ninjas and the guide, but not enough flares and ammo; at least I could use the grenade gun near the end. Recommended, but not so easy to play." - Jose (15-Oct-2010)

"This is a very enjoyable level with good old fashioned raiding fun, but with a sophisticated style. Attention to detail right from the start. Almost perfect texturing, lighting and design. It seems so simplistic in it's design and looks that the player might think this is going to be an almost ho-hum floating islands level with the odd flying thing to shoot from a distance. What this place is, or how Lara was able to land that helicopter here, is anyone's guess. There is certainly a strong sense of the Orient, i.e. all things red, gold, and dragons, beautiful gardens, lovely golden light. A Shangrila in the sky perhaps! There are two levels here and Lara has a nasty fall into the second, leaving her scratched and bruised. An excellent realistic touch to an otherwise mystical experience. There's an unusual pyramid key receptacle, transparent blocks to jump to, meeting a dragon that spews blue stars, a pretty violent way of dealing with flowers, and activating a transporter. If we search we will find a nice photo of the author. The difference between fantasy and reality shows itself throughout when we come across computers, steaming pipes and propellors in a factory type setup, a shark in an aquarium, beautiful gardens inhabited by white tigers, using a waterskin to dowse flames, and unusually beautiful roof area with wind turbines. The highlights for me were the guardians and keepers of keys, the gorgeous floating islands, and the lovely guide who shows us the way into a long-dead dragon's den, and also guides us to a more powerful means of getting home. Leaving the impression that this may be a fantastic dream of Lara's. Either way, it's a most memorable and highly recommended level." - CC (12-Nov-2007)

"The alien theme is not amongst my favorite, but I decided to give this level a chance and I didn't regreted it.The level has 2 parts, but I liked best the first one because of the spectaculat landscapes it offered. In space you will have to face the usual demigog,golden birds, Tinnos wasps, but also some female ninjas who will make your live hard.The puzzles aren't of high dificulty and objects really inspire space.A sudden friend helps you at the end to complete your mission wich ends realativelly fast." - dya1403 (14-Jan-2007)

"This is two of the best levels I have ever played. The sound is cool (some new sounds added for Lara I think). The graphics are wonderful and the environment so beautiful! I like the combination with ordinary tomb raiding and alien stuff. Some bruises has been added to Lara on the second level too ;) I found all secrets (6) and they were quite well hidden. Two hours of great gameplay! It was kind of easy until the second stage and the dragon. I can really recommend this. It gets full tens from me. Thanks for making such great levels. 2005-04-07" - QRS (07-Apr-2005)

“This is one game I couldn't finish - because as I saw later in the walkthrough one of the female ninjas should have dropped a key but there is no such key in my game. Am I absolutely certain? Yes I am I fought the three female ninjas and the demigod at least ten times always in the hope that there would eventually be a key but no there was none. So here's a serious bug. Fortunately that's two steps from the end so I guess I can say I played the entire game. Now allow me to correct something else in the walkthrough if I may: at the beginning of part 2 when Lara slides and falls it is impossible to make it if one does it the way the walkthrough says (that is jumping turning and grabbing) Lara will never make it to the secret nearby and will most certainly fall to her death just try it. The only possible way as I saw it was to do the following: let Lara slide and fall to the next ramp while pressing control in order for Lara to land on the right side. Then jump to the right when the moment arrives and you will land near the secret. From then on it's easy. I can't tell you exactly when the right moment arrives though you'll just have to give it a few tries and usually Lara will bump against the wall - but there's a moment a spot and that's the only way I could do it. Apart from all that this is a very nice and solid game in two parts. I can't really say which I liked the most because they're different in a subtle manner maybe the second but for no special reason apart from taste. The enemies are golden birds giant mosquitoes female ninjas and a demigod. As one can tell from the title the settings are in temples located high above the clouds. The puzzles are quite logical and interesting and there's only one easy timed run to a trapdoor. The sceneries are colorful and beautiful. The gameplay is fluent and I suppose this game may be played even by somewhat unexperienced raiders. Still I'm giving the game an eight under gameplay & puzzles because of the final key bug. (December 27 2004)” – Jorge22 (28-Dec-2004)

“A wondrous piece of work. It's all been said by now but I will add this: An absolute must play that should not be missed by any TR fan.” – Duncan (06-Dec-2004)

“Fantastic graphics to these maps and an excellent feel to them as well. In fact this duo of maps look and feel on par with just about anything else (witness the giant fish tank the skeletal dragon and the retexured ninjas and hornets). Obviously the work of a 'professional amateur'! It must be said though that I personally encountered a bug with the flower puzzle whereby I couldn't destroy them no matter what I tried (and who on earth is going to think of doing that in the first place?) so save before you attempt it. Apart from that one hiccup I found this to be an adventure that was loads of fun to play and very easy on the eye. I completed these in 1 hour and 45 minutes. I also managed to grab no less than 5 secrets along the way.” – gfd (22-Aug-2004)

“Where to start! An amazing level! The puzzles weren't too difficult overall but there were only a few that you had to think about for a minute or two. The ending battle with the different ‘warrior alien women’ (not sure what else to call them!) and the demigod a little hectic and overwhelming at first but it's a fitting end for the level. (I have to add the sound the warriors made when they died had me laughing every time!) The various temple areas throughout the level are beautifully designed although some could have had a little more added to them to make it more exciting and challenging. Some areas tended to be either too bright or too dark. Overall it's a great level however I was expecting there to be more at the end.” – Celli (23-Mar-2004)

“Well this is a girl’s level ;-). Stars flowers and other ornaments on the walls glowing red yellow and blue till the world starts spinning around you. Almost psychedelic. The textures are so bright and detailed that my computer slowed down a bit once during a flyby! The visual style especially of part 1 wasn’t really my cup of tea then in part 2 it got darker so the lights came to better effect and everything looked a bit more real. But I enjoyed the gameplay itself very much. It always left something to think about appealed to your imagination and despite the size of the thing didn’t contain useless long distance running. For example when you run up the stairs of the temple – the main gate remains shut. Oops. And then you realize you have to climb up somewhere outside and shoot a window. Never too obvious. Very nice ideas for the objects for example when I saw the star on the wall I was looking for a crowbar until I noticed it was a button to press! In the 2nd level it’s really hard to come past the dragon and the annoying fireflies following Lara even under water. Lost most of my medipacks though I must say the gameplay has a few big challenges but is never demanding the impossible from me especially in the timed runs which aren’t so generously timed that I could make it on the first try but 4 or 5 are fine with me. The alien ninjas are terrific! And it was a very nice touch how Lara got help from the friendly alien just when I wondered how to carry on. One little mistake in the 1st level: in the last room if Lara jumps down behind the dragon head there is no way back to the exit so she is stuck. Probably due to the size of the object she is running against an invisible obstacle. That’s the only thing I noticed in total 1:45 hours gameplay which tells you how close to perfection ‘The Flying Temple’ is! Great fun! Play it or you’ll regret it!” - Rüdiger (02-Mar-2004)

“Is it possible to write a review about these two levels without mentioning Tomb Raider 2? No. These levels borrow textures and ideas from that game and even Lara’s voice is the same. Is that a bad thing? No. I couldn’t help but remember the good old days when I played these levels while still finding new things that made me keep playing. The texturing is good the gameplay is interesting and the lighting is (although a little dark in some places) okay. The levels aren’t free from bugs but really who cares? In the end these are two good levels that last for almost an hour and really shouldn’t be missed.” – Magnus (29-Jan-2004)

“This is the first custom level I played and it is very enjoyable. It has a TR 2 flavor to be sure. Very good puzzles with those annoying hornets horning in on you at just the wrong time. A few very difficult and technically demanding feats Lara must perform. Hours and hours of very good gameplay.” – Jon Black (05-Oct-2003)

“This one was just fun to play. It had some colorful picturesque surroundings which is always a plus when playing these levels. There were some refreshing changes of pace as well such as female ninjas that died with a shrill scream when you blew them away. (Unchivalrous to be sure but necessary in order to get various keys so one might progress.) There was even a female helper near the end to light torches and guide Lara to the exit portal. One nostalgic touch was that pulsating jelly we first saw in TRI. All in all a highly entertaining pairing of levels. More from this level builder please.” – Phil (15-Mar-2003)

“What an absolutely delightful level and how I enjoyed playing it. After what I found to be a bit of a tricky start I seemed to fly along. Loved the fish in the water areas and the sharks tank was incredible. Spent a while just enjoying myself in there. Loved the flower bud puzzle that was original and the settings and textures were a marvel. There is an invisible bridge blue sparkly locusts and a wondrous dragon. The female Ninjas were brilliant and I loved the way they screamed when shot. Oh and I must mention the female helper towards the end a really nice touch there. Only one complaint I could have gone on a lot longer with a level of this quality and was disappointed to come to the end. As you can see this one really did it for me. Don’t suppose there will be a follow on will there?” – Tortoise3 (15-Mar-2003)

“Not easy to describe this double level. Let's say that it is very beautiful really interesting and quite original with many custom textures retextured enemies and good ideas all along the exploration. Some puzzles are not obvious but nothing unfair. Worthy to be in the top10 in my opinion. Found 5 secrets and played a couple of hours.” – eRIC (06-Mar-2003)

“Interesting level with very good details and graphics. I first time saw Tomb Raider in very colorful and ‘fired’ full coloristic real. Nice to jump over ‘islands’ and go in area and continue there solved puzzles and reach other level. I did not find all secrets. This will be mystery for me and next time when I try to play again. What I did not like was the big ‘dragon’ with fire and looking for exit there. And when I reached end was happy like kid:))” – Ivan (26-Feb-2003)

“A perfect and original game. It has one of the best atmospheres I've seen in a custom level. It is fantastic and like a fairy tale. The gameplay is varied and the puzzles not too much difficult. The enemies are among the best and totally custom made. The objects and secrets (I got 5) very well placed and some of them very original. The lighting and textures perfect: there are dark places without being annoying and the textures are perfectly worked. Is one of the most beautiful levels I've played. It's a classic one.” – Loupar (07-Feb-2003)

“What a beautiful and amazing level this is. The star buttons the mosquitoes the elflike ninjas they're looking great and the torch lady is absolutely beautiful. The big flowers you had to shoot were gorgeous. I've never seen anything like that before. It was a treat to go swim in the big aquarium (killed the shark first). The dragonflies were dragon stars beautiful but still lethal. The level is not too hard to do one timed trapdoor (not frustrating) buttons to push and keys to find so please play it and see for yourself.” – Josi (26-Jan-2003)

“The general concept of this level was not too bad but the similarity to Tomb Raider 2's Floating Islands ceased soon after the start as we entered a whole new conceptualisation of Lara and her world. I thought the gameplay was rather simplistic within the first area which necessitated much doubling back after essential items were collected. The shark aquarium was nicely done but the reason for its existence was too simple. Shooting the flowers was ridiculous although as I hate the things anyway I did it out of sheer spite and surprise surprise the door opened. I thought the shemale ninja was cute although I have no idea where they kept their keys as they had little on. When I first saw them I expected a difficult adversary but alas it was just the same old ninja with a sex change. The bloody mozzies were annoying and the most difficult part is the area with the fire breathing locust spitting dragon that also had two of those golden birds trying to poke Lara in every orifice. Yes ladies and gents there was a decided masochistic feel to the level and whilst I am not against that if that was the author's intention then at least she could have delivered.” – Torry (22-Jan-2003)

“There are definitely some brilliant things here that most everyone has spoken about the new sinewy female warriors the helpful female torch wielder the budded plant shooting effect and the fantastic space docked shuttle right at the end but though there are all these things there is also a fairly run of the mill game to go along with them. I also felt as though I left the first of the two levels unfinished as I couldn’t pass the currents in the water or open the set of doors on the dry land above that water. Maybe these aren’t areas you are supposed to go as I finished and found all 4 secrets but they sure seemed like places you should be visiting. All up this took me 75 minutes to play and although I loved so much about this level not much of it was for the actual gaming element so if you want to be thrilled by the visual then for sure play this now but expect nothing out of the ordinary otherwise.” – Sash (15-Jan-2003)

“This is a high quality level. Really good-looking surroundings and a lot of atmosphere. New enemies and a new friend.....You come to this Flying temple in a helicopter start to explore this ancient looking dragon temple but behind the walls are high technology to maintain it all. The mission is to help the high priestess rescue her out of her prison and kill her enemies. (I wonder if it was her on the well hidden picture or the author herself?!)” – G.Croft (15-Jan-2003)

“I am speechless. Awesome perfect excellent and whatever similar words you can think of they all describe this level. Where do I start from the puzzles and the flow or from the retextured enemies that looked like elves to me by the way and the woman guide that helps you with the torch near the end. Guardian keys keys to open locks shooting eggs shooting blossoms and revealing red roses that was a part that left me with my mouth open. If I could give a hundred for each category I would. The lighting although we have a dark level and I could use some more flares is very good the textures interesting and it's what the title says a flying temple. You start by performing a few jumps on rocks and turn off a fire by pressing a button that is a star that made me like this level from the start and the whole scenery makes you think that this is different from what we are used to. There is a dragon in it and the locusts are small blue stars of course when you suddenly die from them you realise that those beautiful stars bite. A timed trapdoor gave me some trouble but nothing too hard watch out for enemies that drop keys and for those flying insects that come suddenly upon you and push you down from a flying block or platform. The shotgun came a little late in the game unless I missed a secret that had a gun so did the grenade gun it came at the end of the level. I had a laugh when I opened a door and a woman with high heels came out holding a torch the guide mentioned above. Also in one area looking with the binoculars I spotted a woman's picture I guess that is the author of the level. I can only say that you HAVE to play this level or you will be missing a fantastic adventure.” – Kristina (10-Jan-2003)

“Though these 2 levels are simply fantastic I admit I am a bit disappointed in them after reading the glowing reviews the reviewers before me presented. This hour long adventure is full of highlights like the wonderful areas you explore that lead from floating rocky areas even to base like ones and strangely they don't seem out of place at all! I also liked the ‘dramatic’ cut scenes where the elf lady at first explodes Lara's helicopter and then unlocks the way to the second level truly great! There is also a nice puzzle where you have to shoot flowers so they would bloom. The start of level 2 was extremely hard and just when I wanted to give up Lara finally fell correctly on the slope (so it would be possible to get down in the caves... alive). I loved the elf lady ninjas and they gave an interesting scream when they died also it was a nice surprise to meet the female guide that leads you through the rest of the adventure to the end where you walk to the airship that has arrived to get you. So you might ask what was wrong with the level if it was so good? I downrated the gameplay because of 2 parts that maybe were frustrating only for me but they were - the 2 points were the already mentioned start of level 2 and the section where you have to complete tasks while the dragon is haunting you with it's fireballs and the blue lights. And of course another point was taken away from the perfect score because my expectations were not fulfilled. About the textures - yes they're all nice and I liked some of the modified ones but the mix was not so successful in my opinion and I don't think the library textures mixed with the rest so well either. Good levels nonetheless you wont regret the download of these!” – eTux (03-Jan-2003)

“Part 1: I was extremely impressed with the design of the Flying Temple though you might think it will be similar to the Floating Islands level in TR2 you'll find that this is very different. For a start there's a mix of new and old textures placed in such a way that the old ones are hardly recognizable the colours and design in this level is really original from the pale blue transparent platforms the star-shaped switches and beautiful waterfall garden you will be in awe of this designer's style and creativity. The huge aquarium was wonderful complete with hammerhead shark and colourful fish (the little fish won't harm you but the shark will!) There are adequate pick-ups of ammo and health if you do a little bit of extra exploring. Lara's blue and yellow outfit was lovely and I liked the use of custom sounds for the level sometimes something different can really add to the atmosphere. Secrets are not too hard to find that could have been made a bit more challenging. Some of the enemies you will encounter are the golden harpies brilliantly retextured wasps from the City Of Tinnos and beautiful white tigers (I wish I didn't have to kill them). After making your way into the temple from the aerial islands you have to pull a succession of switches in the temple area two guardian keys being your initial quest items. I was trying to fight the current at one point in the central pool but realised that wasn't the way to go....until I discovered one switch underwater and a jump switch on the wall. I was also impressed with the more hi-tech elements further inside the temple especially the wind turbines on the rooftop and the way tricky jumps had to be completed to progress this might be a bit linear but you really don't get the sensation of that it's neither confusing. The timed trapdoor wasn't overly frustrating (I usually hate those timed door thingy's but this one was ok). Part 2: Yet again we have more of the same unusual textures this level takes place at night and has a more oriental feel to it. Lara's wearing the same outfit again but this time with a bit more wear and tear which added a touch of realism methinks. The atmosphere is a bit spookier as well the Amazons who even had feminine sounds were very well done as was the sparkly blue stuff that ate at you (as opposed to the locusts). I really enjoyed the transparent platforms over the lava having to find and push more switches to get a Dragon Key (or whatever it's called). You have to find several more keys throughout the level as well as two more guardian keys which are both in the possession of the Amazons. When you use them you get on the transporter and away you go.... I thought that was awesome! I was also really impressed with Lara's guide who opened a few doors for her along the way as well as the decomposed dragon surrounded by shootable eggs (thanks to Bex for that tip!). The author really does have a flair for creating levels that you really do enjoy just walking around looking at everything let alone tomb raiding. Besides the Amazon ladies attacking you you once again have to avoid harpies the bees some scorpions and even the dragon...great fun having to avoid that jumping over lava pools to safety! Also I felt this level had very much a fantasy element to it which I absolutely loved this is why I have to dish out top marks again because I enjoyed playing this so much. I would really love to play a series by this author!” – Litepulsar (02-Jan-2003)

“This is a very nice fantasy level. The whole thing is suspended in space and you have to do some tricky jumping to get to the main action area. There are a few unusual features in this and I liked the dragon that was all intent on burning poor Lara's bottom when she was busy. I was impressed at the end when the guide with a lamp helped you on your way. Very cool! Great level to play.” – Doug E (01-Jan-2003)

“Starting with a 'floating islands' look at the beginning complete with a floating lake there are many looks throughout this two level series and each one is a lot of fun to look at with their unique architecture and bright textures. Highlights for me were definitely the shark aquarium and the room with the white tigers shooting the flowers the new female ninja that cries like screams when she dies the windmills the beautiful rooms the giant dragon skeleton the guide that opens the doors for Lara the new locusts the eggs the helicopter the transporters the cuts and scratches Lara gets while sliding into the second level and Lara's cool new outfit. It's hard to describe what the levels are really like but they are a lot of fun to play and should not be missed. Hopefully Kerstin will make a sequel to this one.” – RaiderGirl (21-Dec-2002)

“Wow what a great level. It is fantastic. There are some landscapes of the future or from extra-terrestrial landscape. There are some wind turbines and a lot of new enemies. The ninjas are alien-women with swords and the woman at the end of the level is the ‘new’ man with the flare from TR-4. The beginning of the first level is the best graphical section I have ever seen. Lara is walking through dark caves or future sections. There is a mystic music and a lot of new lever or switches. In level 2 there is a place with a dragon. This is too hard. One dragon and two demon birds and a lot of alien-locusts. The locusts are following Lara in all the next rooms. This is costing a lot of energy. But I have found enough medipacks. In this brilliant level I found 2 secrets and I was playing 2:37 minutes to finished it in front of a ‘train’. The train I think is driving to nowhere. Great.” – Andi Croft (15-Dec-2002)

“This is probably the most beautiful level I've ever played. I mean Jon and Rene's level are beautiful but this here is beautiful in a kitschy way and despite myself I loved it from start to finish. The strange thing is that you would expect a computer terminal to look out of place in a Flying Temple but it doesn't. Not at all. This in my view is the great achievement here. I wonder what this implies. Is this a dream and since computers are part of our everyday life we incorporate them in our dreams or is the entire thing a holographic simulation and the computers you see are the machines that keep the whole illusion running? Over two hours of entertaining and smooth gameplay with heaps of jumping some puzzles never seen anywhere else and there is even a bit of fighting at the end. The tasks are all very exciting in their own right but what makes this level so special are the nice little details that lurk everywhere. Like Lara's scratches after she bumped down into the second part the brilliant insect warriors the exotic shark tank the Japanese garden the wind wheels in front of the sunset the blue sparkling that seems so much healthier than the locusts the guide that opens the doors. I could go on forever; you simply have to go there and take a look around. I each room you have things to marvel at and although there are quite a lot of different styles it all makes sense and creates a totally enchanting atmosphere. I would like to give this a perfect score but I fear I have overdone it in recent month. But still this is an absolute must and if you play only twenty custom levels in you life make sure that this is among them.” – Dimpfelmoser (08-Dec-2002)

“What an innovative level! From being stranded on an island in the sky to the final door this level held my interest for the whole 2 + hours I was in it. The only disappointment for me in this level was the end as it seemed a bit anticlimactic after the wondrous adventure Lara had just experienced. Those that have reviewed before me have said it all---drama beauty the restructuring of some old enemies and the addition of a new friend whom Lara rescued from a locked room. You’ve got to see this one to believe it – fantastic!” – Momster (08-Dec-2002)

“The start of this level gave me a fright as they reminded me of the Floating Islands and I happen to have a tremendous fear of heights. Here I was with my heart in my throat sweaty hands and lining Lara up for a jump and closing my eyes while she jumped. I either heard a scream or not and then I had to hit F6 or she made it. The small pool was such a delight seeing the small fishes swimming in there (I had 3). Then up to the next island. Even coming to the big stairs was not the end yet as I still had to cross that black abyss. Once inside the building I felt more at ease. A strange mishmash of textures but they just fitted in the whole story. All kinds of puzzles to find the next item to proceed as draining a pool and proceeding through this building thinking every time what to do next. That ninja was great to see what a girl and swimming with the shark had me reloaded quite a few times before I found the necessary item. Thanks for that hint Michael. Nice touch was also the flowers. Disappearing into a hole brings you to the next level. Do be careful with your health as you will encounter the dragon and the ‘locusts’ and they are persistent. Need some good jumping there though and later some swimming as well. As for the ‘locusts’ you just have to see that. Needing a couple of keys and some of the ninjas have them on their body so pay attention where they die. There are some tasks to do and then you’ll meet the ‘cat lady’. Do shoot the eggs or you’ll never find the last key and then it was over too soon for me though. In this level you really should have a good look at Lara as this is the first time ever I see her bruised also the ninjas are so well done and also the cry they give while dying. Little details as the small fishes swimming in the ponds the locusts the bones of that dragon the eggs I love that. 07-12-2002” – Gerty (07-Dec-2002)

“These two levels are so difficult to describe! Starting off in an area which reminded me of TR2's 'Floating Islands you progress through oriental-style rooms hi-tech rooms transporters gardens caves and even an aquarium. This might sound like a rather strange mix and it is but it works brilliantly for the most part - I wasn't too sure about the hi-tech areas at first appearing as they do in the middle of an oriental temple but they did grown on me as time went on. Gameplay is generally very fluent there's always something to do. There are some clever puzzles here Michael has already mentioned the flowers and let me tell you that these had me stumped for ages. Given that you pick up a waterskin shortly before entering this area I thought that the logical thing to do would be to pour water on them to make them bloom. The solution is more simplistic than that though which was kind of a shame really - maybe it's just me but I just think that would have made a bit more sense. Anyway enemies are beautifully placed and we even have a new kind of Ninja that looks superb! One thing that really stands out is Codo's meticulous attention to detail - little things like cuts and scratches appearing on Lara as you progress through the adventure add a touch of realism to the whole thing. By far the highlight for me though was Lara's new friend I really wasn't expecting that. Not counting the shamefully long time I was stuck in the first part (thanks for the help Michael!) I finished in just over 2 hours with 3 secrets. I am absolutely dying to see what Codo will follow 'The Flying Temple' up with - if it is half as good as these two levels then she is onto a sure-fire winner. Excellent the most fun I've had for ages. Codo has just gained herself a new fan. Off to play some of her previous levels now! :-)” – Bex (01-Dec-2002)

“This level sucks...you in gradually. At the start you may think it's gonna be just your regular floating island spin off but it isn't. The first part is your standard run-of-the-mill tomb raiding searching the right way to jump from island to island finding levers facing bees and such but everything is so well restructured very beautifully retextured (even the bees look like they're restyled by some top French fashion artist) that you don't mind doing what we've already done 1000 times before. There was one funny moment: the first pool contains just one fish and it does not move: I know it sounds stupid but it was fun to swim around that little fishy (I do have a life however lol). There's one thing about part one I haven't figured out completely and that's the one with the three flowers: I shot them so that the green leaves disappeared and something like a red rose seemed to blossom but it seems like they have to be shot in a certain order because if not only two roses appear. After several tries three roses appeared and the grated door opened: was it intended like this? Part two well what can I say: maybe the most beautiful level I've seen so far: dark red the whole way through and again an author (like piega) who knows how to make dark areas not annoying. Don't rush through this part: take your time to use the binoculars to study the extremely well done restyled ninja's magnificent. The little sounds they make when they die completely fit the way they look. The settings (the space with the blue-star spitting dragon the room with the red and blue see-through tiles) are maybe not rooms you want to live in but they are tops as far as tomb raiding goes. But then you still have to experience what I believe is the ultimate technical achievement of this author and that is the implementation of the guard that lights the path for you. Maybe it is just a copy of the Last revelation walk-with-Lara (I think it is not) but the personal touch it is given is superb (lighting the decaying T-Rex' bones for instance). Found two secrets in each part of which one in the second part can be classified as a 'piega' (= my personal referal to a 'classic'). Only disappointment was the end sequence: you follow the guide to a not so appealing outside setting and...the load-screen loads...Conclusion remains: this thing of beauty is a joy for...as long as you want it to be.” – bERT (01-Dec-2002)

“Part 1 (8/9/9/10 70 min. 2 secrets): Reminiscent of the Floating Islands but with a more rocky feel to it you are introduced to this adventure with a short flyby. Lara wears a nice outfit (the top almost looks like body-painting J). Progression is really smooth and actually quite linear finding buttons and levers avoiding a few burners and obviously with dark oblivion below you at times you better watch your step. Interestingly the atmosphere changes into a more technical power plant style after placing two guardian keys. But it works real well (liked the ‘windmills’). Enemies are few and mainly mosquitoes and a few harpies but the amazone ninja is great. The timed trap door can easily be done on the second attempt and then the setting changes yet again as white tigers roam a really beautiful and cosy area. The shark aquarium looks great and the very subtle hint as to where to find the crucial item is well done (look out for those bubbles). Putting out the fire was rather obvious – not so the ‘make flowers blossom’ part which had me think what to do for a while. A nice touch is Kerstin’s picture which can be seen up a dark slope with the binoculars. After an explosion you drop into the hole and awake in Part 2. Part 2 (8/10/10/10 50 min. 1 secret): Catch your fall quickly to get the secret and then end up in a beautiful and huge cave area. Part 2 is also rather linear but the darker and spookier atmosphere is really gripping as you proceed to find a couple of keys a token and two guardian keys again. Enemies are the already known mosquitoes harpies scorpions and more amazone ninjas (they die with such a graceful cry). And of course the dragon – providing for the usual thrill as you try to avoid his fireballs and/or the locusts (well not really locusts here – more a wintery note well done – LOL). Actually in Part 2 you will notice how much Lara has already suffered through this adventure (bruises and bloodstains – I almost felt sorry for her). Towards the grande finale of the level there are really a few very very neat surprises awaiting. The ‘transporter room’ is great you will meet a new helpful partner for your quest opening doors for you (extremely well done) the dead dragon looked so real it was amazing. And I made sure I did destroy all the ‘eggs’ lying around to avoid future offspring. Finally you reach your space shuttle to make your way back home – mission accomplished and what great entertainment it was. Thanks Codo – you have come a long way from your first effort – now please build a next one for your fans.” – Michael (28-Nov-2002)
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