| Reviewer's comments |
"Lara is on her way to find the legendary sword Excalibur, and a little dagger. This expedition lasted about 1.5h for me.
The long passages and the number of items Lara will have to collect don't do the gameplay much favour because of a feeling of repetetiveness, but the gameplay is actually well done in terms of riddles.
I almost missed the obvious hiding spot of the sword in the lake because the path out is already open, so Lara had to fight a final battle against the undead before actually grabbing the sword. There are also spirits haunting the castle, which in turn makes it an ideal habitat for bats. The knights sometimes come along on horses, which is a nice touch! Some secrets can be found here and there (golden roses). There is little to none decoration in terms of objects, which could really have made a difference. The sword Lara is after, however, is a pretty little customised object!
Due to the lack of decorative objects, the atmosphere seems a bit bare at times, especially so because the room architecture seems a bit basic at times. There are some well-known TR classics used here in terms of music. A bit of bagpipe music would have added a bit more unique atmosphere to the level.
Courts bathed in warm sunlight and caves in cold blue dominate this game. StormChaser has used the Scotland texture set for this castle. Oh, how I have always liked those! Sprinkled in is a small array of original textures from TR1, which blend in with the Scotland theme surprisingly well!" - Sponge (27-Dec-2023) |
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| "Another castle level from Peter, and I was
quite surprised by how spread out the map
was, considering that his levels tend to
be of a fairly compact size. Providing
that you have a good head for exploration
and can inspect your surroundings
carefully, this should be no problem for
you, as the gameplay tasks aren't too
challenging, although still entertaining.
I did find the final battle against four
or five horsemen somewhat tedious, though
and it seemed possible to reach the final
area only to realise you needed the
Excalibur sword and then have to
backtrack, which could be quite annoying
so watch out there. The castle textures
are used very well, and the yellowish
sunset lighting was a nice touch. Quite a
long single level (around 70 minutes for
me) but an enjoyable one nonetheless." - Ryan (26-Aug-2018) |
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| "Another Tedstone Castle,but this one (although a generally linear place)is rather more sprawling than the others.It's also somewhat irritating,as you can perform many tasks in an order unenvisaged by the author and consequently arrive at an impasse without always knowing why.None of the challenges on offer will particularly stretch you,although I found them generally fun and rarely frustrating;while enemies are entertaining (the big horseman battle was a suitable Finale,and fitted the scenario rather well).Textures were decently placed,although not without their faults;while lighting was fine and colourful,if occasionally over-reliant on unrealistic lens flare.Essentially,the adventure is all about proceeding from one large area to the next,while collecting the requisite amount of keys to enable you to do this;and those who enjoy this sort of progression will undoubtedly be kept absorbed - although they may wonder why so many rooms and corridors are noticeably underused. 100 minutes of playing time make this one of the longer single-level adventures;but a worthy one nonetheless." - Orbit Dream (28-Aug-2013) |
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| "This is the kind of level I really like, lots of things to do without being unduly convoluted and complicated, and plenty of light so that I could see what I was doing. On top of that, you get nearly two hours of net gaming time here, so if you enjoy castle levels and haven't played this one before, wait no longer. Obig's outlines usually point the player in the right direction but leave enough unsaid so that you have to do some looking around on your own, and such is the case here. Just a good old-fashioned raid, and would that there were more of them to play. High recommendations." - Phil (06-Oct-2011) |
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| "Nice to play this castle level with a TR3 gold touch. Easy tasks, secrets not difficult to find and few enemies. Some boulder traps, a couple of timed runs and dangerous situations with big rotating blades, but not hard. I've found only the shotgun as extra weapon, but not very useful with the kind of enemies I found. I've found some errors in the design like the mounted horsemans near the end who can climb up the stairs with their horses and get half-stucked in the narrow entrance corridor where it's very difficult to shoot them (even so I could do it). The worst for me was that the author doesn't let you finish the level without the king Arthur's sword (it's good to do it so, 'cause it's what you were looking for); but in my game, after killing all the enemies and get the last horseman's gem, I found a closed door, and I was forced to go back a very long way to the lake where the sword was, and again another very long way repeating the same tasks to return to the exit door, this time already opening. Even so it's a good level worth to play." - Jose (07-Mar-2011) |
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| "It's been a while since I've played one of Stormchaser's renowned castle levels, so it was quite a refreshing experience to plunge into one of the variations I had not seen yet. And despite a number of annoyances it's a relatively decent raid on par with the author's other efforts I've had the pleasure to play. Especially the timed runs and trap sequences are really enjoyable - and I thought the use of rotating blades in a crawlspace was one of the most creative applications I had seen for them yet. The scenery is decent overall, if a bit patchy, and nothing mind-blowing, but keeps your interest throughout the whole game. As for the not so well thought out parts - I found that there's a fair share of unnecessary non-linearity involved, that enables you to miss crucial items along the way. I guess it's just a matter of your observance or not even that, but simply on the choices you make as you move along the given path, but they still somewhat spoil the overall experience. There's the shotgun which I never found and still have no clue where to look for despite having collected a fair amount of ammunition throughout the hour I spent here (but I guess you could write this down on my lack of observance), there's a sequence of events throughout which you are required to collect 3 guardian keys, but in theory you could just as easily complete all the tasks without collecting any of them when you're done (I missed only 1 on my raid, though) and I thought the author could've easily made some fool proof mechanisms to make sure the player can't leave without picking up the essential items (though to be fair to the author - you can re-do the whole sequence again if you happen to have missed any or all of the crucial little key objects) and thematically worst of all you can pretty much complete the level without finding the Excalibur, which is the point of your entire presence here. I said complete and not finish because a door prevents you from hitting the finish trigger unless you have picked up the sword, and while fortunately you still can backtrack through the whole level to get it, it's kind of anticlimactic to do so after you've fought all the battles and feel ready for the level to be over with - kind of like realizing you still have to write an assignment after a well spent day when you're preparing to go to sleep. And while all this hardly ruins the level entirely, and I'd still recommend this to you for an excellent little castle level - I dare say with some beta-testing all of these problems could've been avoided. Found all 5 secrets." - eTux (07-May-2008) |
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| "King Arthur's Castle is a fun romp through naturally enough - an interesting castle environment. It's very much a traditional style raid, and I found it quite fast-paced. It's quite long with around 75-90 minutes net playing time as you search for the sword Excalibur. Gameplay wise I never felt like I was pushed out of my comfort zone, and there are a couple of well-constructed trap
involving big blades. The level was well lit throughout without being spectacular, but was enjoyable as I rarely needed to use a flare. The level felt quite linear to me, yet there are a few ways in which you can do things, although I'm not sure that was always the author's intention. Whilst I was lucky enough to perform most tasks in what appeared to be the intended order (a rare event for me), fellow players in the raiding party this level was host to, experienced some piftalls which will no doubt be outlined in other reviews here. From my own perspective, the one thing that eluded me was a shotgun pickup, which meant that you collected heaps of ammo throughout the level - only to be virtually unable to use them when they are most needed in the final battle. Having said this, the level can still be completed without heavy firepower. It's just a bit pointless to set the player up with all the provided ammo, and then not ensure that they get the weapon needed to use it. I managed to find 3 of the 5 secret. The room geoemtry is fairly well designed. Texturing is reasonably well done and there is continuity throughout the level. Camera clues were useful and mostly standard audio is used. Overall I rather enjoyed my time in King Arthur's Castle, without necessarily being blown away by it." - EssGee (03-May-2008) |
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| "This is a rather deceiving level. For the most of it, you're under the impression it's pretty linear, until you notice something is missing and have to backtrack for it. Rooms always have more than one path to go to and even though some lead to dead ends, you might find yourself revisiting them sooner or later looking for the next piece to proceed. I don't particularly remember any levers, but the amount of key/puzzle pickups you get more than make up for them! I thought that maybe the TR1 textures weren't the best fit for this level as they look bad when mixed up with different texture sets like done here, but generally it works to create an ancient environment. Oh and there are some rotating blade traps used in a way I hadn't seen before, but you can crawl through that spot without a single scratch. 75 minutes, 4 secrets. 05/08 LHRP" - Treeble (02-May-2008) |
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| "Cool level nice textures excellent puzzles and timed runs. The crusaders were a bit boring those guys just annoy me...there is very little strategy involved in taking them out just shoot for the chest when it's showing until he goes down. The cameras were great I like the zoom out in different parts and the hint there toward the end that helps to find that last gate key. Found all secrets enjoyed playing." - Brigidsgirl (23-May-2004) |
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| "Well this level certainly deserves to be played - no doubt about that. I thought it was a bit too long though. After finding Excalibur (which I did w/o even knowing it was there - YaY!) I wanted to get out - I felt that looming sense of accomplishment. And then... that final timed door. I hated that final timed door. I dozy'd through that final timed door. And then those knights - the horsemen kept getting stuck in the hallway so I kept having to restart. Finally I just stayed clear of the hallway. I found 2 or 3 secrets (roses - my game didn't keep count of them) a dagger Excalibur (very cool) and many many keys (4 guardian 2 fancy keys and about 5 sets of regular gate keys). Oh yes and 4 or 5 gems. I liked the boulder traps and the blade traps and fire traps but not the timed doors. The texturing was well done but a bit too monotonous for me (I don't really like those Lost Artifact Ireland (?) textures). Also used TR1 rock textures if I am not mistaken. So play this for certain. It starts of easy but ramps up near the end (OK timed doors are the only difficult thing but I hate them.)." - Lady Lara (23-Dec-2003) |
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| "I felt this was a very well planned & thought out level which was very nice to play. Maybe slightly easy in parts though finding items such as keys took a lot of hunting down. This level seemed very professionally done. I look forward to playing other levels by the same author. Well done" - CN (18-Sep-2003) |
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| "'King Arthur's Castle is additional proof if any where needed that designers keep getting better and better. How many castles have been visited by Lara over the years? Before playing 'King Arthur's Castle' I might have said snidely 'Too many' and I would have been very wrong. This is a very good level with some good puzzles a great looking castle and a fun couple of hours finding the sword of swords. There are two good timed runs a mediocre block puzzle (I like block puzzles) and a maze. No enemies of any consequence. Crusader ghosts (I'm told you can kill them - interesting I just ignored them) ghosts (also to be ignored) and foot soldiers and horsemen which must be killed. Pistols are more than enough. The castle is VERY well rendered. Each room and each area look very authentic. The chapel reminds me of one where a nephew was married outside Lockerbie. The designer has built rooms that serve no purpose. I like that. Wander in look around get in trouble if you don't mind your business and wander out. Well done Peter Tedstone. I enjoyed your offering very much and hope many many Raiders play 'King Arthur's Castle'." - Dougsan (11-Jun-2003) |
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| "We all know the myth of Excalibur well in this level we find out that the myth is in fact truth. On the way to finding the sword Lara once again tramps through one of the largest castles she has so far come across as well as one of the unhealthiest I mean you have to see to believe the murderous rotating blade room that you must crawl through with finger poised over the large medipack button or the final large knight fight with some on and some off horses. I did really like this level but after finding all 5 secret roses and having played for almost 90 minutes it was just a little too long and I was looking forward to getting to the end just make sure you actually find the sword or the end gate won't open." - Sash (18-May-2003) |
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| "Good gameplay without to many enemies - mainly knights on foot until near the end then it is a little over done with 3 plus two on horse. Just takes an age to splat them either from a ledge or the water. The level starts in a stream ignore it it is a dead end find the dagger and crowbar and off you go. The castle atmosphere is good (although Tintagel has nothing on this) with the lighting and textures making the mood. 5 secrets found (think that may be the lot but not sure) and plenty to do with timed jumps and movable blocks to discover. Good length level well worth playing." - Whistle (02-Apr-2003) |
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| "Peter's latest has you exploring King Arthur's wonderfully built castle for not just one but two swords! The castle is huge and often can be confusing with the many hallways and rooms. I'm glad I don't have to live there - I'd get lost and starve to death just trying to find the kitchen. There are a number of gems to search for as well as many keys and four Guardians keys before you get both swords and it's necessary to pick up both swords as this opens other doors further on. Most of the hour long level is spent exploring for passages and objects but there are some exciting and tough challenges along the way. One room with a guardian key has many flame emitters to get by as you climb up toward the ceiling there are some tough rooms with the huge circulating rotating blades and quite a battle towards the end with two horsemen and three tin men all at the same time. This level was a lot of fun and I ended it with five golden rose secrets." - RaiderGirl (31-Mar-2003) |
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| "I don't normally go for the these 'castle levels' as I find them too dark and gloomy but that is certainly not the case with this one. There was a nice balance of outdoor areas as well as plenty to do inside the castle which I found to be light and colourful. I particularly liked the room with the rotating blades which I found did not do as much harm to Lara as I expected them to. I had problems with the Tinmen/Knights until I realised they did not like the uzis. Also I spent a lot of time looking for a stone cross to get rid of the wraiths before trying the waterhole. Got my wraiths mixed up here I'm afraid. As there were no particularly difficult jumps or timed runs here it is ideal for the people such as myself who are perhaps not so good at these things. My only criticism is that I had a certain deja-vu with the 2 timed runs as they were so similar. But all told it was certainly a different level from the 'norm' and I really enjoyed playing it. Well done Peter and am looking forward to the next." - Tortoise3 (23-Mar-2003) |
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| "A medieval castle where Lara is raiding to find Excalibur Arthur's legendary sword. I like the nice atmosphere of this castle better than the atmosphere of some dark gothic castle levels and there are some good and innovative ideas here and there the horsemen retextured in crusaders or the rotating blades in crawlspaces. But useless exploration can be sometimes a bit tiresome: it does not add anything to the gameplay except more net gaming time. And the big final battle is too much like the one in Snowbound. A good level nevertheless." - eRIC (22-Mar-2003) |
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| "Ah yes! I can smell the heather and hear the bagpipes. A great highland castle adventure. Very well laid out with a few hair-raising areas - the rooms with rotating blades comes to mind. Dead knights that can be killed! (hmmn eh not even going to analyse that) skeletons bats and two wraiths in a tunnel apparently put there just for fun apart from the wraith at the beginning when you pick up the dagger. And the grand finale with horses and knights to keep you busy for a while. I wasn't the only one who got to the end to find the last door closed and had to go back to the moat area to get the sword Excalibur. The way was always there but easily missed. And once I had figured out that walls and 'crates' could be moved I was away. Similar to Snowbound and yet different so you don't say 'here we go again'. Well done Stormchaser a great level." - CC (16-Mar-2003) |
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| "'Mr Castle' hits again. Peter offers us yet another pleasant raid through a Castle environment. Lara in a new Litepulsar outfit finds a dagger early in the 1:20 hours quest and Excalibur later as her big prize. Enemies fit in really well: some bats wraiths skeletons and a dozen or so knights (reworked tinmen) and some of them on horses. Objects and sounds enhance the overall atmosphere and there are many gems guardian keys and gate keys to pick up and use. Some boulders rotating blades movable blocks and two not so hard timed runs spice up the overall surprisingly linear gameplay a little and there are also five roses to find as secrets. Good fun and not too hard - definitely worth a play." - Michael (14-Mar-2003) |
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| "This was a cool level kind of reminded me of Nethermore Castle only during the day and those knight templars (hey since when do they JOG) :) great floor plan and gameplay... good work." - Kurt (14-Mar-2003) |
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| "Peter really can build good looking levels and the gameplay is improving with every new one! The thing here is to find you way through how to get everywhere find the necessary keys the 5 secret roses and of course 'the artifact' - Excalibur. There aren't too many enemies but it is not needed either. I had a good laugh when I came down to the skeletons and the way you could get rid of those! :-) There are also bats and undead (shootable) knights what other enemies could there be in King Arthur's castle! Lara is wearing a pretty princess-raider-like outfit also very suitable. Play this level and have 2 hours of fun!" - G.Croft (11-Mar-2003) |
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| "Another great level by Peter. There are some funny part in it as in the in beginning I ended up twice with that poor man that obvious fell for the same trap Lara did only now these days we have a reload key. Finding blue gems and keys and 4 guardian keys and most important King Arthur's famous sword Excalibur is a must. Don't rush through the level as I did after a certain point that is why I missed that sword. Not many enemies some bats pesky creatures re-textured horsemen and skeletons. Meeting those I had a jolly time as the one after the other jumped into a pit. That saved me from going after them. There are some timed doors but luckily not so hard that I would like to strangle the author. Nice hidden blocks and some wraiths are thrown in to make life a bit more difficult. Some shimmying climbing jumping from block to block and even a bit of swimming and don't forget to get the crowbar almost at the beginning. Found 4 secrets. 07-03-2003" - Gerty (09-Mar-2003) |
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| "This is set in a large damp castle as the title suggests. Not too many enemies to fight with here just a few nasty horsemen out for the day. You need to collect some gemstones and guardian keys on the journey through the building. The textures and lighting are just right. There are a few booby traps along the way and several areas where there is nothing to do in them. There are 2 rooms with rather good rotating blade floors and walls. These were very well done and I rated this game up with the best of them." - Doug E (09-Mar-2003) |
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| "This is an excellent level Peter just keeps getting better and better. The atmosphere is great lighting and textures too. I must say I thought the timed runs were a bit much. How about a break for us digit challenged players. I liked the knights and was glad to be able to get rid of them instead of those sword dragging ones. I made the same mistake as Bert by getting to the end but the gate was closed so some backtracking was necessary. Do not finish the game without Excalibur as that seems to be the trigger to open this last gate. A very excellent level and highly recommended." - Sherry (09-Mar-2003) |
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| "Yet another castle level by the author but beautifully built as usual. Lara with another new light coloured outfit searches for guardian keys gems and the Excalibur. She has to explore inside and outside areas with a few enemies skeletons and a lot of bats Peter's favourite. Placing the items and using your trusting crowbar you have access to various areas with moving blocks climbable surfaces and some jumps. I only found three of Arthur's roses out of five. Avoiding boulders disturbing the dead therefore skeletons are after you the game continues deeper into the castle. Most of the level is nicely dressed with music something that's missing from custom levels for quite some time now builders don't take the time I guess to insert the sounds for danger footsteps etc. The last task is acquiring the Excalibur it's your ticket out of the castle although I wouldn't mind spending more time in it. Be sure to play this level as well as the previous ones they are all worth it." - Kristina (07-Mar-2003) |
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| "Right at the start you can get the dagger of Xian if you look carefully and do not jump into the water right away. The biggest treasure is however the sword Excalibur which Lara has to find here. And it is not an easy task because Lara needs to collect plenty of artifacts first. Puzzles are well thought out - Lara needs to overcome traps avoid rolling boulders climb shimmy jump - everything. There are also 5 secrets to find. The atmosphere is absolutely ingenious and the whole architecture is remarkable. Textures harmonized well - I am really fascinated by this level but of course tastes may be different. Enemies were mainly knights but I thought they were well placed as Lara can get rid of them from certain places. Sound was also nicely added. I can only recommend to play this level :-)" - Engelchen Lara (07-Mar-2003) |
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| "Enjoyable level in the same league as this author's Snowbound. Nice colourful and original settings (attic section big fireplace with a sort of damp retracting void above church area and the area below it). Gameplay wise there's timed grated door runs that are NOT ridiculous the sneaky hidden moveable block bit from Snowbound is back again and other than that just your regular carefully-looking-around business to get those necessary guardian keys gems and such. On the downside the rather tiresome 'many knights' bit is back with this time a sequence where you get four of them on your back (two on foot two on horses). The end got me puzzled and frustrated for a bit (closed black grated door leading you to the end) but it may have been my mistake to rush through this level and missing a path leading to the Excalibur sword. Found three roses but since this is not a huge level the other two must be well hidden because I turned nearly every block around to see if anything was hidden." - bERT (07-Mar-2003) |
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