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Level:	Secret Underwater Base
Author(s):	Tomo

total rating:	9.00	Gameplay & Puzzles		Enemies, Objects & Secrets		Atmosphere, Sound & Cameras		Lighting & Textures
	Andi Croft	9		8		9		10
	Anurag	8		7		9		8
	bERT	9		8		9		9
	Bex	8		10		10		10
	CC	8		9		10		10
	dantheraider	10		8		10		9
	Dimpfelmoser	9		9		10		9
	eTux	7		9		10		8
	G.Croft	8		8		9		10
	Gerty	8		9		10		8
	Glow	9		8		8		10
	illyaine	10		9		10		9
	Jose	8		9		8		10
	Kristina	9		10		10		10
	Loupar	8		10		9		9
	Magnus	6		8		6		7
	MichaelP	7		9		10		10
	Momster	9		9		10		10
	Obig	9		9		10		9
	Orbit Dream	9		10		10		10
	Phil	10		9		10		9
	RaiderGirl	9		9		10		10
	Sash	9		8		10		8
	Scottie	7		9		8		10
	SilentViper	10		10		10		9
	Torry	10		8		9		9
	Treeble	8		10		9		9
	Whistle	9		9		9		9
	category averages (28 reviews)	8.57		8.86		9.36		9.21

Reviewer's comments

"In my somewhat loose 'mopping up' of early levels which had previously slipped under my personal radar,I have encountered the occasional modest success interspersed with many sub-standard efforts,but this is without a doubt the first absolute undoubted masterpiece;and how it took me ten years to discover,I really don't know.Even in this present level-building era of hi-res textures and such,this adventure stands up extraordinarily well and looks as fresh and quirky as the day it was first released. Gameplay is fast-moving,always interesting and never too hard;while being laced with idiosyncratic humour.The texturing and lighting is impossible to improve upon,while the level is filled with amusing objects and entertaining enemy placement. Added to this some entertaining cut-scenes and enjoyable story progression,and you have an hour of honest- to-goodness fun.The only element lacking was a proper Finale,as the Finish Trigger cut in at an awkwardly arbitrary moment(hence the point deducted for gameplay). Those who haven't yet played this must make it a priority.Those that have,really ought to re-visit it;and admire the fact that the intervening decade has harmed this level not a jot." - Orbit Dream (01-May-2013)

"This is a level very advanced for the time it was released (2002), with a lot of new features, modern objects, clever puzzles and interesting tasks. When you see the first introducting animation you can expect this can be a good level. From the other side I missed some cameras 'cause there are some doors which open only when you pick up something and you can get easily disoriented in that cases. Few enemies but many traps and dangerous places. Horizontal poles were tedious 'cause Lara advanced very slowly, walking only 2 or 3 steps each time. The sound of the alarm and the rumbles in many places were annoying too. The level is very well textured and lights are excelent with some special effects in several rooms. Ambience is very good too and you'll be really immersed in a real base environment. This is one of the levels which doesn't lose interest with the passing of time. Recommended." - Jose (15-Oct-2010)

"Well I must say I was quite impressed with the initial animated cutscene where Lara enters the base killing off some goons, it would have been even better if more sounds were added to it. Gameplay is moderate not too difficult it just keeps you going. What I personally liked was the manner in which the author has setup an elevator, it is basically a room with two doors and a keypad which alternatively opens the other door when Lara approaches it. What to look out for: Invisible lasers, new animations, TRC tightrope and parallel bars, Chloroform move from TRC, snoozing guards, TRC guards, TRC style cupboard search and much more; I must say I am amazed with the author's capabilities, there was not a single dull moment in the game. The CD pieces were too small and almost invisible to naked eye and so difficult to spot specially the 2nd piece, As for the secrets they were relatively easy to find. There were a few glitches too, in the room with the CD and two guards, the guards were passing through the computers and even trying to get up in the crawlspace where the sentry gun was setup, necessary Grey Boxes were missing in places. Also the cutscene which shows the water coming out from the dragon heads should have been triggered after shooting the pipe (on Shatter event)but it gets triggered only when Lara walks up to the area where the pipe was shattered. I would recommend others to download and give this one a try as for myself I am off to play the whole Last Saga 4." - Anurag (09-Nov-2009)

"Though this base was rather over water, but we do not want to be petty. Lara is because of an artefact on a research base in the Caribbean sea. Though she was not invited, but this has never disturbed Lara. And of course her opponents are there already. This time it is Sophia with her henchmen. And they provide for the fact which becomes the exploration of this base no walk in the park. There is here something what gives so properly pleasure. For example, one must daze a guard with chloroform. Or which one can jump off from a pipe on which Lara balances. However, there are also a few things which can rob of the last nerves. This constant alarm noise was so irritating which I had played partly almost without sound. And this constant screen shaking was also really irritating. And, nevertheless, thus the play fun sank noticeably. This is a pity, because this level was actually really good, even if the end came suddenly." - Scottie (04-Jul-2009)

"Even though this is the first level of Last Saga 4, which I'm now playing, it was also released as a stand-alone level and I therefore feel justified in reviewing it separately. It certainly is chock full of wonderful features, including revamped sentry guns that you can blow up without having to look for that elusive cylinder. Obig's walkthrough is so short that I was expecting a rather brief raid. However, it took me more than an hour to get all the way through, and I'm looking forward to experiencing the rest of the saga. Highly recommended." - Phil (16-Mar-2007)

"A great VCI-level, the only thing that kept on annoying me was the rummbling. I hated it. There could have been more soilders, and I love the cut scene, is that a custom one? Very advanced. Good job." - dantheraider (25-Aug-2005)

�What can I say? I�m just not as impressed by this level as everyone else seems to be. If you take away the new animations and cut scenes all you have left is a moderately good base level and personally I don�t think that this is one of the best. The level starts (as so many others have already mentioned) with a cut scene. That�s good right? Well although it�s certainly a breakthrough the cut scene itself is laughable. The animations just aren�t as smooth as you would expect. When Lara started running I couldn�t help but laughing. Okay I do understand that this has been really hard for the author to accomplish and I would probably not be able to make a cut scene like this myself but that�s no excuse for the quite low quality. Well after the cut scene the level starts. Lara�s mission is obviously to catch/kill Sophia and to do that she has to open many doors kill enemies and find keycards. At one point Lara almost caught Sophia. She got away but was kind enough to write a note for Lara. Now this was one of the most hilarious moments I�ve ever had when playing a custom level. Sophia basically leads Lara by the hand and tells her to get a coin use it to buy a soda and maybe she would be able to find a way to open the washing machine. Why Lara would want to open the washing machine she didn�t write and neither how Lara would figure it out by drinking a soda. I�m sorry if I�m a little harsh but it truly was hilarious. Another moment I found really funny was when I had managed to acquire chloroform and cloth and used them at an enemy standing with his back turned against me. To my big surprise Lara snapped the poor man�s neck. The three secrets were very obvious and only one was even remotely hidden. Well after all these negative things I guess I should write something positive too. Let�s see� The level is okay. If you take away the new animations and cut scenes you still get a level that will keep you quite entertained for 35 minutes. The texturing is also okay. Nothing special � it�s just what you would expect from a base level. I�m probably over-critical but all these new things just don�t impress me. All in all an okay level that I can�t recommend for much else than the new animations and cut scenes.� � Magnus (29-Jan-2004)

�How did he do that a cut scene of the helicopter approaching and hovering over an oilrig Lara shoots a beefy worker as she slides down the rope she looks around the crates another worker sneaks up behind her and gets kicked where it hurts most. That job finished Lara looks around and enters the oilrig. WOW. This however is just an appetiser for the feast of elements that are in this game. They are so much part of the level that you have to sit back and think hey! I've never seen that in a level before. I love Lara's hair and shades. After rummaging in a storeroom at the start a screen shake starts and this is very annoying just like the alarm towards the end. She finds a corridor and through glass sees Sophia at a shooting gallery practising. Next doors are toilets a groovy washing machine which turns out to be very useful! (cut scene) and if you don't pick that revolver up the next door won't open. Sophia taunts Lara by leaving a message in lipstick on the mirror and a letter. You find a coin and get a drink from a Cola machine in the shooting gallery. That is an essential drink! and I thought it hilarious that Sophia left behind two bottles of wine and two glasses one still full a little rendezvous eh! In quick succession moving lasers ala Chronicles chloroforming a guy from behind (cut scene) bar swinging tightrope walking kicking out a wall moving crate puzzle shooting wheels off pipes turning wheels on submarine type doors. A break in Sammy's Bar and a room with unusual toxic soup containing red beetles this looked great. She goes further down and comes to a room with a gigantic dragon headed structure more wheel shooting here. A brief period outside to get another golden rose and back to use that last disc. This was an abrupt end and looks like possibly this is where the next level will start. I hope so. Gameplay is easy but I must allow for all these new objects animations and movements. Brilliant.� � CC (08-Aug-2003)

�Having tried this level when it came out I was hopelessly stuck. But this time around it seemed much easier. And I am glad I did as Tomo figured out how to use the moves Lara used in TRC and then some. Beginning with that cut scene and later the drinking of that Cola was great to watch. The pole swinging I had to reload a few times as that was stunning. As for gameplay that was rather neat as well. Only negative thing to say was that rumbling was rather annoying as was that sound of the alarm. But apart from that this is a great level to play and it took me quite a few reloads to master those TRC moves specially that tight rope walk. For sure a level one should play. Found 3 secrets. 06-07-2003� � Gerty (10-Jul-2003)

�This is a witty level the author used interesting solutions. It has an atmosphere like the Skyscrapers in TR5. Lara�s moves from TR5 were also involved in the level: walking and rolling on the pole. The solution of the Coke-machine is as interesting as the chloroform-cloth taking out of the washing machine. The use of the chloroform is also involved. There are 3 secret Golden Roses: one under a box one behind the door following the scarabs and the last one next to the fence in the end of the level. The added sounds are good they fit well to the level. There are only a few enemies: some soldiers and Sophia Lee emerges again but Lara doesn�t have to fight with her this time.� � Obig (11-Jun-2003)

�Watch the opening scenes as Lara lands on the oil rig then find the first of the computer keys and the rest of the goodies and off you go. Gameplay is greatly enhanced with a number of unusual moves (read Tomo's explanation or don't if you want to be surprised). Meet SAS guys laser traps sentry guns and some very hungry evil beetles. Be very economical with you health. Some good puzzles and look carefully around some of the items are not obvious and openings concealed. Graphics are good and along with sound really sets the mood. The level suddenly and disappointingly ended leaving us waiting for the next section. Definitely one to play.� � Whistle (20-Feb-2003)

�Secret Underwater Base is like playing TR5: there are Lara's movements we've only seen in TR5 and even some of them are new. The author has made a great work in the cut scene and the objects of the level but in terms of gameplay it does give nothing new. I found only two of the three golden roses and really have enjoyed this level: it's worth playing. ;)� � Loupar (14-Feb-2003)

�I really enjoyed this level: it was just difficult enough not to be boring it kept me busy for some days! Enemies are not too dangerous but puzzles are great I had to ask some help in a few places I got stuck! Textures are very well done music is nice I didn't notice any bug and Lara moves smoothly and nicely...� � Glow (04-Feb-2003)

�This would be the most advanced level I have seen to date. Not only are there new moves and animations taken directly from Tomb Raider Chronicles there are also moves never before seen and simply for this the author deserves praise. However it does not stop there. The gameplay is truly vexing with the unique option of giving the player choices in how to arrive at certain ends. Do something one way and you will receive the desired result however you can do the same thing another way and become hopelessly mired down as the play grinds to a halt. In one way this is unique in another perplexing but as in life the choice is yours and the end result something you must live with. I am of two minds if I liked it or not but nevertheless it to me brought a touch of realism to the level to such an extent that I can only admire the author's ingenuity and courage. Now I won't go into detail on each new animation and move it has been all said before but I wish to say that with levels like this emerging from the editing people out there you may expect to see Lara around for some time to come.� � Torry (22-Jan-2003)

�I�m not going to repeat what others have already said about all the new moves and actions other than to congratulate Tomo for implementing them however he did it oh yeah and the fact that watching Lara spin around the horizontal bars at warp speed was just priceless. Take away these moves and you�ll see that this is a fairly normal lab/military installation level but as you can�t take them out this amps up the thrillability of this 55 minute level no end. As everyone else I only found 2 of the 3 secrets one just ridiculously easy to find and ended this very impressed at how the Editor in the hands of those who know can be manipulated from what started out as a basic tool into something that pushes the limits of what we could have ever expected.� � Sash (15-Jan-2003)

�This is a really cool level with a lot of new things (at least for the level editor). Cut scenes tightrope walking kicking and drinking! It reminds a lot of the VCI level from TR 5. You run around everywhere from offices to armory to Sammy�s bar to machine rooms. Enemies are mostly guards but in one room you encounter a LOT of red beetles - HELP! One thing I found annoying was that there was a constant trembling going on - it gives me a headache...... Otherwise a must play level for all its special effects!� � G.Croft (08-Jan-2003)

�I have one word for this level as a whole IMPRESSIVE. We finally see things that have previously only been seen in Core�s adventures. We see a small movie with Lara being dropped from a helicopter I know I know it�s been said before. But I am so very impressed with Tomo�s accomplishments that I�m going to repeat what the others have said before me. We have Lara swinging from bars walking the tightrope and even some new moves. I was so astonished when I pressed the control key and she kicked out that low grate I just shook my head in disbelief. Gameplay per se is rather ordinary with Lara moving around opening doors picking up I.D. cards discs etc. But it�s the extras that made me give it a 9 in the gameplay department. The swinging tightrope walking she has a refreshing drink just unbelievable. Enemies were actually rather easily disposed of except for the bugs that was a harrowing experience. Well done to Tomo and I look for more breakthroughs in the custom levels arena.� � Momster (07-Jan-2003)

�I liked the level it has so many things other levels don't have it has a real cut sequence and there a many new enemies it also features a laser like in TRC-VCI but what I didn't like was the metal-texture but that level is still great with its new animations like the animation were Lara opens the washing machine which was really logical I think because if it would open without a key every subworker could steal clothes I also liked the cola-machine but really great was the Sophia and those pipes on which you could walk and swing I hope I will see the rest of the saga shortly in my opinion that�s the best level ever up to this moment.� � SilentViper (06-Jan-2003)

�Amazing excellent I am impressed. I just loved it what can I say I got a bit sad when it ended after fifty minutes and with two out of three roses in my inventory. I believe it has almost all the animations from TRC and there is a cut scene as it starts that reminded me of the one from TRC when Lara jumps onto the submarine I could swear it's the same. The player has to collect discs push buttons avoid lasers shoot valves get a Euro without waking the guard it's just very good. You can also see Sophia at one part and you won't believe this Lara actually uses the euro to drink a coke I found that coke rather expensive but who cares. The enemies though aren't many but the ones you will be facing guards and sentry guns will take much of your health. I've already revealed too much just play the level I am sure you will enjoy it as much as I did.� � Kristina (06-Jan-2003)

�Tomo yet again shows us his talent. There are plenty of new things to marvel at. Chloroform usage tightrope walking �never seen before in a custom level � ingenious. Textures were also well selected and fit well into the level. Very cleanly lit as well. There were not many enemies all very manageable. Puzzle could be solved without much trouble as well. There is even a small intro in cut scene style showing how Lara got to the Sub Base in the first place. Fantastically done! This level is the best I have played yet. Looking forward to The Last Saga 4.� � Christoph (06-Jan-2003)

�What a shame we had to wait more than one month to get our hands on this piece it's so good I can say the waiting was well rewarded. Yet another time the past haunts Lara and this time Sophia is faster than Lara. Both are after the Spear Of Destiny which is under control of this base and you even get to see Sophia running around. The level starts with a cut scene ok the characters' moves are quite mechanical but hey the first step on to the unknown was taken! Later you get to see the Chronicles bars and tight-ropes. Well I actually thought I was playing a TR5 level because it features about everything from that game! But no there was room enough for Tomo to add his own stuff such as the wash machine and the coke animations! I was just disappointed with the end that appeared quite sudden however I am looking for the rest of the Last Saga 4! :)� � Treeble (06-Jan-2003)

�As said by the other reviewers this is breakthrough level because of its cut scenes new moves & animations. The enemies are great too but we know that Tomo already did that before so the first mentioned were something more to awe about. There were some things I found strange since Lara didn't drink from a can but from her flare in my case but that as well could've been a bug caused by me also I think in some places the TR5 objects (the ones where the scientist suits were hidden in the original game) were placed badly and you could see some untextured surfaces because of that. The 2 secrets I found were rather obvious I think but the 3rd one which I didn't find must've been hidden quite well. The cut scenes were not very smooth and so were not most of the animations but I think it's forgivable since we haven't seen anything familiar before (the cut scene in COTW would be something to compare but it's still not the same as real cut scenes in these levels) and maybe it doesn't work that well for the first time. I also think it was strange that the cola machine disappeared into the ground once you used your euro in it and that you had to unlock the washing machine with a key but I think it was very logical that you found the piece of cloth in it. I also liked the nice touch where Sophia�s message was written on the mirror with lipstick (I presume) in the ladies room but I could hardly read what the message was I just hope nothing important. Despite the fabulous new things the gameplay is standard with puzzle items and buttons to push the usual in base like levels. I also found the part with the many beetles very unfair and I had to use 3 or 4 medipacks to escape safely. The cameras in the room with the 3 steel dragons were nice and I enjoyed this puzzle a lot. Even if this level didn't blow me away like the others it is well worth a play for the many many new things.� � eTux (05-Jan-2003)

�This may very well be one of the levels that changes the future of all user created levels. With all the new added objects effects and animations it played very much like one of the original VCI levels from Chronicles. The opening cut scene has Lara arriving at the underwater base via helicopter and her only objective is to get the disk needed to open the door to the top-secret laboratory inside. There are a number of other disks and cards to collect along the way some lasers to deactivate or crawl under some ropes to swing on or walk across and an elevator that is needed a few times. The highlights for me were the sleeping guards to sneak by the chloroform used on one guard the cola machine you can actually put a coin in to get a drink the washing machine you get something out of seeing Sophia at target practice and the message she left in the bathroom and the note she left the cut scenes the bar and offices that were well decorated the giant dogs? heads with huge fangs all the new animations with Lara kicking in a wall and the doors to the armoury opening - I could go on but lets just say that the level is exciting without ever being difficult. Great outfit for Lara and I found two secrets along the way.� � RaiderGirl (19-Dec-2002)

�This is a great VCI-Level. Only some soldiers not hundred. You must seek a lot of pieces and you must look around well all the time to find them. This level has a great graphics. The puzzles are not so hard but you must look in all corners. You must find the telescopic-sight and shoot on some objects. There is one place I needed 2 big health-packs. There were coming a lot of beetles in the water. I played 1:04 hours and I found 2 secrets. I had a lot of fun to play this adventure.� � Andi Croft (18-Dec-2002)

�Titlewise this stays with the spirit of Mysterious Alien Caves cause you don't get an ordinary public Underwater Base no no this is one of those top secret ones. I found the gameplay most exciting as there are so many new things you never know what will happen next and what you are supposed to do so this was really like playing a new game in the original series. The moment of bliss when kicking in the wall works when you manage to use the tightrope to get to the other side (it looks most hilarious when Lara loses her balance; was it like that in the original series?) or when you use the chloroform. The rumbling washing machine is excellent as is the drinking cola animation. But it isn't merely a showcase to present all the new elements; instead you get a proper storyline that works a charm with the very professional setting. I didn't mind that I had to push the elevator button twice (I generally do likewise in real life you know?!) and the alarm sound was easily turned down. Those little details didn't interfere with the smooth gameplay and there were so many nice little touches to make up for it (like a great outfit). Still the most important aspect of this adventure might be to demonstrate that the level editor keeps evolving and I can't wait for the next levels with acrobatic pole somersaults to arrive. A small step for Lara but a big leap for the Level Editor community.� � Dimpfelmoser (08-Dec-2002)

�This hi-tech style level is a complete breakthrough in TR custom levels as far as I'm concerned. Here we see pretty much all of Lara's animations including tightrope-walking swinging acrobatically over poles searching cupboards and shelves combining chloroform with a cloth to render people unconscious and lots more. Lara even has a few BRAND NEW animations too for example she can kick out certain low grates and at one point she can even have a short rest from all of this adventuring and drink a cola. (Well done Tomo it's about time someone gave the poor girl a break). Also awe-inspiring is the fact that Tomo has somehow managed to include real cut-scenes I had to keep reloading because I just couldn't believe what I was seeing. All very very impressive. But how does it play? Well on the whole it plays brilliantly. Lara wearing a nice outfit and sporting a couple of tattoos makes her way through the level avoiding SAS guards a couple of sentry guns and some rather deadly laser-beams. It's quite a fast-paced adventure and although the path you'll take is fairly linear it's never boring there's lots to do. Great stuff. There are some minor flaws however. For example you can get sandwiched between some moveable blocks sometimes you have to push the buttons for the lift/elevator twice the constant (small) earthquake and the alarm really got on my nerves after a while and the animation for searching the shelves still needs perfecting (you still have to take a step backwards before trying to search). But these are minor quibbles. I feel mean taking off a couple of points for gameplay because of this but I'll say now that if I could possibly give 11 out of 10 in the other categories I would do. I am fervently hoping that Tomo will share his knowledge with the rest of the level-building community because future levels could be magnificent. Download this level now and see what I mean.� � Bex (01-Dec-2002)

�Starts off with a �movie� of Lara being dropped by a helicopter after which we see what clearly is a cut-scene with Lara taking out an enemy? Now either that was an existing cut-scene (but I do not remember this one from an official Tomb Raider game) or it was custom-made: either way it's quite an accomplishment that the author was able to implement it. What follows is an enjoyable Lab-level with nice touches like the introduction of the Euro a very realistic toilet-with-mirror room a colourful Sammy's Bar. Only the big room (near the end of the game) looked a bit off compared to the rest because of the dragonheads but that one has some good camera angles thrown in once you reach the surrounding second floor (or fist floor if you're European wink). Gameplay wise you get everything you want: two stealth routines (one approaching a device controlling man another where you have to take out a functioning machine gun); crawling under laserbeams; searching cd's in boxes or cabinets; opening/searching for crawling spaces; also two good nerve wrecking balance exercises and gymnastic jump routines. Never ridiculously difficult and the diversity makes you WANT to progress. Found two secret roses of which one (near the end) was clearly in view. Though I played all official/original TR's I do not remember Lara seeing drinking a can of coke which is what I exactly saw her do here...Was the author capable of altering a Lara-animation or did the animation exist already within the editor? Anyway: this is a Tomb Raider level with a professional look and the Croft woman in my computer seems to have enjoyed it.� � bERT (01-Dec-2002)

�Brave New World! Tomo has just reached �personal TR hero� stage for me with his latest offering. There are so many never before seen elements here it is absolutely stunning. You get cut scenes (yes real ones!) TR5 animations like the return of the chloroform the tightrope walking and the pole swinging some new animations great light effects etc etc. Prepare for the unexpected in this one. There are a few particular things I really liked a lot in this base adventure: the note that explains you what to do next and then drinking that cola (LOL!) and the washing machine afterwards is really well done. Getting a glimpse of Sophia at the shooting gallery. Those armory doors opening � great effect. The music from the movie �Blade� when those ceiling guns open fire and many more great moments. But � despite all this novelty there is a level to play and the gameplay mainly builds on all those new possibilities but other than that is a rather linear 1:15 hours ramp through the environment collecting a few discs and ID cards battling rather few guards and shooting a few valves. I found two Golden Rose secrets along the way which were rather obvious � not sure if I missed a few more. Like Bex I thought the constant rumbling was realistic but rather annoying over time as was the repetitive alarm sound. The beetles room was rather unfair but gulping a few medipacks worked ok. All in all a MUST see level as it gives you a glimpse of what is yet to come in the TRLE world � magnificent.� � Michael (01-Dec-2002)

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