| Reviewer's comments |
"Damn, I remembered this level being much shorter. Replaying it again, it took me about
half an hour. The gameplay is highly reduced to exploring and puzzling, the amount of
enemies was very low and I think there were only skeletons. Therefore the only weapons
you find, are those you can use to get rid of those bone freaks. And by "exploring" I
rather mean "climbing and jumping", because the environment is also reduced into little
islands, just like the floating islands-level from TR2. Actually this custom level was
nothing outstanding to me except for the looks of the environment of course, which was
really good for the release date I believe (Some Underworld Unfinished Business 4 vibes
there). And right now I wonder, where exactly in the "search for the mystic Stones"
adventure this level would've taken part. It would've been an even more solid adventure,
if this level was included. Anyway, still a nice level experience on it's own." - Nuri (25-Dec-2020) |
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| "With a rather unique twist on the Floating Islands concept, this was a pretty engaging raid which kept me glued to screen from beginning to end. I love all the tweaks done to textures, despite its age it still holds up pretty well and feels "fresh" with its combination of the void and teal hues. Gameplay was surprisingly linear, even when you think you're backtracking you're actually making progress to new areas, and that's a definite bonus as not once it felt like there was padding. Definitely worth checking out (but you knew that already). 30 minutes, 1 secret. 09/20" - Treeble (06-Sep-2020) |
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| "Although this is an earlier effort, this
is definitely another accomplished effort
from this builder. Although the gameplay
is easy and the duration unfortunately
rather short (34 minutes), it nonetheless
managed to keep me sufficiently
entertained, thanks to the enjoyable
platforming sequences and the convincing
surreal ambience of the Floating Islands
setting. Although the setting is rather
minimalistic, the texturing and lighting
is wonderful (as you'd expect from this
builder). Worth a go if you're a fan of
this genre, although I'm not sure how I
ended up with over 200 secrets!" - Ryan (05-Oct-2017) |
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| "This level has a Floating Islands feel (Like in Xian
levels) yet it looks different, Titak did a good job
putting a new twist and Floating Levels.
This level Takes about 30 Minutes to complete" - JoeTheCrazyGamer (29-Aug-2015) |
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| "I really love Fantasy levels a lot and this one is pretty good. This level is very good considering it's age and the concept is good. The whole place is very nicely done with the floating islands and the bulding structure. It could have been a bit longer as it ended a little abruptly. I consider this a must play anyway for it's awesome setting." - totizedger (16-Sep-2014) |
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| "It was Titia's birthday so I decided to play something of her origins. As I expected, the game immersed me instantly with mild lighting, surreal geometry and elegant texturing - it's nice to confirm these games had their grip from the very early years of development - however the initial gameplay is a total fail in terms of unintended shortcuts removal. Those apparently were the days when the author didn't yet know what Lara's physical skills can do, so I have illegally reached two secrets and finished the game within 10 minutes in stats before I finally found out what I wasreally supposed to do. Then I restarted from the beginning and, from that point, I enjoyed every single second, though I had to reload from some more survivable drops where, instead of a secret, getting permanently stuck awaited. I had only one yawn moment at the quite long compass puzzle, when I was really tempted to take a break and return the next morning, and I bet if this game was released nowadays, the author herself would locate one or two of those stones instantly on their destinations, 1) to give an additional hint, 2) to save players' time, because it's never good if a pushable takes up 1/6 of the whole level duration. But as I said, I enjoyed the game despite the pulldowns mentioned, especially the proper soundtrack and nice cameras keeping me in this state throughout the game - and it's always funny to see archetypical undead creatures become helpless victims of Lara's crossbow (I almost have a pity for them). Though I missed some stronger enemies near the end, I highlight those skellies I encountered were all well placed and accompanied with proper camera/sound set. SUMMARY: The last 80% of gameplay makes up for the very confusing intro, and in the end I left this game relaxed. It's supposed to be of a series, so I think I'll also have to play "Search for the Mystic Stones" soon - but I'm already looking forward to it. Recommended." - DJ Full (15-Sep-2014) |
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| "I decided to play the builder's Search for Mystic Stones but since I read that Realm of the Damned is actually the first level of the game, it was opportune to play this before. And what a level this is - the atmosphere in this level is fantastic with a great floating islands scenario. The Tinnos textures merged extremely well into the setting and are excellently placed. The lighting especially outside is very realistic too; I found two missing textures though but you might not even notice them. The gameplay is not quite as good as the visuals, I think the platforming aspect of the given setting came a bit short, but most of the time you'll explore the various temples. The tasks in here are straightforward and mostly enjoyable (the boulder traps and the globe puzzle coming into my mind directly), though I think much more could have been done here and some parts felt a little dull. Skeletons and locusts were the only enemies you have to avoid or, in case of the first, shoot in nearby gaps; the object design was good with a few animations and custom objects and the secrets (especially the one on the roof) were well hidden. The main gripe in this level though was that it is way too short and it ended when I just thought a few more jumps across the islands are required, but then it was all over after just about 20 minutes. Overall a very attractive game, with great atmosphere, nicely flowing but not always as inspired gameplay - nonetheless recommended without reservations." - manarch2 (15-Aug-2013) |
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| "This was my first floathing islands level I've played (except the one in TR2) and I loved it. Not very long, but entertaining enough. Most of the game is platforming (I love it) and one pushblock puzzle. The enemies are skeletons, they aren't a problem because Titak has givven us a shotgun + crossbow. The textures could've been better roated at some spots, but it was 2003 so I won't downrate it much. The atmosphere is amazing. It took me about 30 minutes to hit the finish trigger. Recommended!" - misho98 (29-Jun-2012) |
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| "Another very good level from this author. A floating islands type where you'll find a lot of skeletons, lava rooms, and another dangers. Not difficult to play, gameplay is fluid, and there's not much backtracking. I liked the architecture and the design, with areas well textured and a great ambience. Puzzles are easy to solve and tasks are not difficult. Not a jewel of the custom levels but as usual in this author, recommended." - Jose (11-Apr-2011) |
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| "I had "Himalayan Mysteries" in mind when downloading this
early level from Titak. From the first moment of playing this
unfortunately rather short level the talent of this
outstanding builder can be seen. Two tricky sequences make
gameplay quite interesting: A short challenge with a rolling
ball and a tricky jump over a very short timed fire emitter.
Enemies are skeletons. I didn't find a shotgun so I had to run
them out.
On the base of the "floating-islands-theme" Titak created a
strange, but great atmosphere. Lightning is well elaborate.
This could have been the start to a great adventure, but this
level unfortunately ends quite abruptly. Highly recommended." - Christian (09-Aug-2010) |
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| "I was attracted to this level by Sammi's recent review, and I'm amazed that it escaped my attention for so long. It's a humdinger of a level that starts off in a floating islands-type setting, moves indoors for a series of tasks - some underwater - and finally comes back outdoors for a concluding battle with some skeletons. The overall ambience is quite surreal, particularly for a level that was released so long ago. I found only one secret, in the area with the boulder trap that took me a while to conquer. Along the way I discovered that as long as you stay in front of the boulder and don't allow it to run you down, you can have it touch you while it's moving with no ill effects. That's contrary to my prior experience - you touch a moving boulder and you're dead meat. The level is fairly short, a little over a half hour in duration, but it's well worth it. Play it if you haven't already done so." - Phil (06-Aug-2010) |
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| "I'd like to take the time to give the wondrous Titak my very first review here, and it will not be one of poor merit! Realm of the Damned is a brilliant level, but a short one. Understandably so if you skim the readme, but it really left me staring at my screen thinking, "Great! Where's the next part? Oh...there isn't a next part? Too bad." The textures and atmosphere were inspired and spooky- looking up for the first time into that red sky? It's the perfect touch. The motifs and themes used throughout in the texturing are well thought out, and the lighting is almost too starkly conspicuous- almost. The playable cutscene in the first few minutes where we are on the bridge with the skeleton "troops," I'll call them, was groovy: a nice touch! I have no idea about the secrets- honestly, I found none of them. I'm going to run through the level again and see what I find the next time around.
All in all, Realm of the Damned has spunk, merit, and is the perfect level for your 30 minute coffee break!" - Sammi (05-Aug-2010) |
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"This is a short but very enjoyable little floating-islands style level. At only a little more than half an hour, it really left me wanting more. The gameplay flows smoothly throughout. There is a bit of backtracking at times, but nothing tedious. The only problem with the gameplay is that everything is a little too easy. I found one secret, but I have no idea how many I missed, as the neither the readme nor the walkthrough mentions the total number of secrets.
The bright green and orange colour scheme - which would look hideous in any other type of level - looks great in this surreal setting, and adds to the otherworldly feeling. The slightly spooky atmosphere is excellent, and the skeleton motif (in terms of textures and decorative 'statues' as well as enemies), the green pulsating textures and the electric effects add a lot to it. The flybys are great, especially the last one, in which the skeletons spin up into the ceiling - a unique touch.
Overall: A must-play if you are a fan of floating-islands type levels, or if you're just in the mood for something different." - Mytly (09-Jun-2010) |
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| "This level reminds to the floating islands from TR2, but it is much more beautiful and more atmospheric, a real eye candy. It's just great standing up there viewing those islands floating in the middle of nowhere beneath a sinister red sky. Gameplay is straight forward and very fair, even not so experienced players can make those few fire and boulder tasks, and thanks to shotgun and crossbow skeletons aren't hard to deal with either. I would have scored the gameplay and puzzle category higher if there had been some more tasks besides collecting a few items. But no matter there is not so very much to do it is still a very good level." - Jerry (07-Jun-2009) |
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| "Another enjoyable level that Titak has created, and to think something like this before all the other dark demonic levels we have out there with floating islands in an Underworld scenario. The only major problem I had with Realm of the Damned is that it is over just as one is being sucked into it more and more... which I guess is a good thing. I am also not the biggest fan of levels that are only jumping around... it is fun yes, and the jumps were certainly easy in this game, however at times I felt there could have been a little bit more to it. My least favourite part was probably the Cardinal-Directions-Pushable-Puzzle... simply because it was one of those pushie-puzzles that seemed to go on forever. Enemies are placed very well I thought - I had fun shooting the skeletons from the islands, and blowing them up later. Often times I'd see a skeleton falling of a cliff by itself or running amok in the darkness beneath me which was quit hilarious. Objects are placed and selected beautifully... I love all the skeleton bones lying around. The magic electricity effect is also a nice thing to see. I only found one secret sadly, and the walkthrough doesn't give any hints as to finding others, so my hat is off to Titak for hiding them so well. The atmosphere is perfect of course - one truly feels lost, damned and hopeless in this level, but only in the good way. Sound is great too; audio tracks are kept at a minimum and not overused. Cameras are also used nicely to create tension and story... my favourite was the flyby towards the end showing the skeletons spiralling upwards. Texturing is beautiful... the custom and modified textures help a lot. The Pyramid building looked amazing. The skeleton textures added to the whole skeleton theme going on in this level. Lighting could have been a tiny bit more atmospheric I felt in some parts, but otherwise everything still looked beautiful. As I said, I would have loved for there to be so much more to play :)" - Sethian (28-Dec-2007) |
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| "After yesterday playing titak's wonderful first level, i come today to this short but fun and exciting level, Set in Floating island style, this level is absolutly beautiful and it would be a shame for any player to miss it, beautiful atmosphere, and A really fun boulder trap, nicely set enemys, and beautiful architecture, this game will keep you tranced for all of the 30 minutes of gameplay. Well done titia!" - ColeMoles (24-Dec-2007) |
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| "After reading some reviews about this being a floating islands adventure, I was a bit sceptical about downloading this one, as I'm not normally too keen on these types of adventures. But nether-the-less, I downloaded it, booted it up and within five minutes I was totally enthralled and intrigued by all the layouts and atmosphere of all those floating islands which could be seen, when entering this level and could lead you off into all different directions for you to wonder around and start exploring. Your main tasks here, is to locate two key stones and the Stone of Destiny, which are guarded by skeletons and many traps and to overcome and complete a few puzzles. The puzzles were not too difficult to complete though, which included pushing and placing some globes onto their correct squares to gain access and opening up some doors in helping you to proceed further along in your quest, timing your jumps to avoid some fire blowers beneath some hanging trap door ledges, overcoming and dealing with that dreaded rolling ball sequence, which I nearly gave up on, as I thought, this is just not possible to get back via that way, but with patience and perseverance and after many tries I achieved it and in turn was rewarded with the set prize. In general, I just couldn't leave this adventure alone until I had finally finished all my tasks and collected all my goodies to complete this wonderful adventure. The layouts, atmosphere and game-play of this mission was just amazing and I thoroughly enjoyed myself completing all the tasks which were put ahead of me. The colours, texturing and lighting was superbly done and very well chosen by the author, which gave you an excellent feel for this type of environment in this adventure. I enjoyed it very much, so thanks Titak for another great adventure." - Gill (03-Jun-2006) |
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| "The second level from Titak is just as good as the first. In a different way though. When I played this level I just waited for the eerie sound from the floating enemies in tr2 :) Amazing atmosphere and textures! Not many types of enemies (just skeletons) or secrets (could not find any) though. The only downside was that the level was too short. 36 min for me. I enjoyed every minute of it though. Amazing work Titak! 2005-05-28" - QRS (31-May-2005) |
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| "A superbly realized floating world that has its share of challenges and difficult moments. An excellent example of what can be done with the software and some imagination. Surely a must play for anybody who loves this game." - Duncan (24-May-2004) |
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| "A great level in Floating Island style with only skeletons as enemies and enough ammo to get rid of them just the way I like it. Nice jumping to do and a nasty boulder trap plenty of fire and a great mirror-room. It took about 45 min. to complete. According to statistics I found 23 secrets but I don't think that can be right. But it's definitely a good level so play it!" - Josi (13-Jan-2004) |
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| "The game play was sound but not overly taxing with few enemies to overcome ( those locusts you have to put up with) and secrets/pickups not to difficult. The puzzles involved tended to be work out how to get somewhere/something rather than a separate entity. The things which made the level enjoyable were the 'floating islands and the good graphics and lighting which thoroughly set a good mood. Definitely a level worth a play." - Whistle (28-Nov-2003) |
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| "Just describing this as 'another floating islands' level gives you an idea of what it's like but doesn't tell you how great it looks or how well it's built - you should really download it and see it for yourself. It was thrilling to play with the skeletons after Lara the lava filled cave the mirror room the great boulder traps and the wonderful atmosphere - my only complaint is that is was too short considering how much I was enjoying it. Secrets are apparently very well hidden I only found one even though I looked really hard. Having played all of Titak's levels I'm now a great fan of this author." - RaiderGirl (15-Sep-2003) |
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| "You don't want to miss this level. It's beautiful with floating islands and the rocks around imagine playing something like that. All the areas are beautiful and although a short level you will be challenged to pass the rolling balls to solve a compass like puzzle and avoid fires and lava. Some of the items you need are guardian keys a gem and you collect two Stones which are Rathemore's Hands. The enemies are annoying skeletons and at some point I got five together so naturally I run out of ammo for the shotgun and the crossbow I found nearby had no explosive arrows. This is a wonderful adventure and in the end it will have you wishing for more." - Kristina (12-Sep-2003) |
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| "This level is a unique entertainment. It has a Floating Islands-atmosphere. Although it is a bit short but probably will be continued. It was great to see these floating islands. The enemies consist of some skeletons and locusts. The puzzles are not difficult although the planet-pushing was a bit annoying. There are no added sounds but the textures are great. I found 3 secrets. You have to find 2 Key Stones and collect the Stone of Destiny which you will use for opening the final door. This level seems to be a bit unfinished. I recommend it to everybody." - Obig (22-Jun-2003) |
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| "Another variation of the Floating islands. And we can suppose that such a level is not easy to build. Even if less ambitious than its predecessors Obsidian heights or Flying Temples this one is very well crafted I am impressed by the quality of the author's work. The texturing is really beautiful and the gameplay is very fluent maybe too easy for the hardcore players. Wait a minute there is a deadly boulder trap (very original never seen a boulder trap like this before) skeletons put to good use fire burners and of course good jumps to perform. The level is always entertaining and is even too short (45 minutes of net gaming time without rushing). On the different islands and temples Lara has found two Rathmore's glove artefacts renamed Stones of Eternity (one should be enough :) ) and too rather well hidden secrets." - eRIC (09-Jun-2003) |
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| "This is a great level to play and also to watch if ya no what I mean! The scenery of this level is spectacular! It definitely reminds me of floating islands from Tomb Raider 2 because the scenery and the atmosphere is superb! The gameplay was quite linear but very entertaining! It lasted just under 45 minutes but I believe it could have lasted longer. Good level! Worth the download!" - TombRaiderFan (09-Jun-2003) |
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| "To be honest I almost threw this one in the bin the minute I saw that this was a 'Floating Island' level. Although I sat in the first part with sweaty palms I was glad I persevered as this was a rather nice level to play. The atmosphere in my eyes was real good and I loved the way it looked. Puzzles wise not hard at all. Getting two Key Stones (Guardian keys) and the Stones of Destiny is the main goal here. I was glad to get the shotgun as those skeletons were a pest and I had a real good time to blow them into oblivion. Found 2 secrets in this one. 27-05-2003" - Gerty (08-Jun-2003) |
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| "This level has taken its inspiration from the floating islands level in TR2. The lighting is brilliant; the texturing is good but a little wallpapery. But you won't really notice that because the gameplay is great. Challenging but not frustrating. There's nothing here an experienced player will have trouble with but that doesn't mean it's not fun. That eternally rolling ball is exciting to get pass when going back. So get that shoty and crossbow and start blowing those skeletons away." - LePerk (07-Jun-2003) |
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| "Did somebody say this level was too short? And isn't that right on? Yes it is - I really wanted to continue raiding in this floating island style environment as it is brilliantly set in scene. Also a nice custom outfit and a few custom objects added. Good start in terms of gameplay as well with burners to avoid guardian keys to find skeletons to shoot (find the secret explosives to make your life easier) a push/pull puzzle and an interesting boulder trap. Sadly it seems that the author got a little bored with this particular effort as it then drives towards a quick ending after 35 minutes and really loses steam. Find the two Stones (blue hands) and enjoy a nice short flyby and you are pretty much done. But you should definitely go and visit this place - real eye candy." - Michael (01-Jun-2003) |
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| "A level full of invention this one. I'd have given higher marks for gameplay but I have this aversion to push/pull Object Puzzles (I'm seeing someone about it as soon as I get a few days off work) and there's one in the middle of this fast-moving adventure which just brings the whole thing to a halt. I know it offers some much-needed variety to all the physical challenges at hand (and the four-points-of-the-Compass concept is a good one indeed) but it's just so damned tedious! Anyway the rest of this adventure is great fun. It's a sort of homage to Floating Islands really; but it moves off in a direction of its own about a third of the way through and the style of gameplay keeps you on your toes throughout. Excellent texturisation and lighting and inventive construction (although there are some misleading bugs in the central lava cave chamber) lead to a highly enjoyable game which (depending on the speed with which you haul the four compass Globes around) lasts anything from 35 minutes to an hour. Highly recommended!" - Orbit Dream (01-Jun-2003) |
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| "This level reminded me somewhat of one of the 'Rescue' levels. What a great design! This is not a linear level but is easy to navigate and never too dark. Lara has to find her way through many traps and tricky timed jumps where one mistake could send her screaming into nothingness or burning to a crisp. You must locate and place two keys while killing/avoiding bloodthirsty skeletons that are ready to hack Lara into little pieces. The goal is to collect two stone hands and return to an area that looks like the lead in for the next level (I hope). Constant action describes this level. GO get it! Total play time ~45 minutes" - Wendee (27-May-2003) |
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| "I had played his first work but Titak shows here that he is capabale of much more :-). This is a level as I would imagine it a little masterpiece fabulous architecture ingenious atmosphere. Puzzles are well thought out. Lara has to master many traps especially rolling balls and you better be quick. Lara can use her compass here...so watch out. Enemies were skeletons well placed and find the shotgun right away and if you look around well enough you will find enough ammo and also the crossbow and explosives. There were a few locust swarms too which you could avoid without much loss of energy. Textures are well selected and other than in many other custom levels they were nicely placed and harmonized well ;-). Sound was suitably added cameras as well though few of them but my Lara knew where to proceed. Lara finds two mystic artifacts. Too bad the level is so short - could have played on for a while but hats off to Titak. Please continue building and I am looking forward to your next." - Engelchen Lara (27-May-2003) |
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| "Not one for those who suffer from vertigo at least not initially. This is a 'Floating Islands' level and rather beautifully rendered. Not a lot of builders make this type of level which immediately gives it the benefit of novelty value. In fact it is enjoyable more for its atmosphere than its actual gameplay as there is nothing particuarly challenging in it but it is such a fabulous setting that frankly I didn't care. I really wish it had been a longer level I was enjoying myself so much. In fact I just had to run around after I'd finished solely to admire the scenery (oh yes alright and blow up a few skeletons). I only found two secrets and have no idea how many I missed! If you fancy a nice change and have a good head for heights don't miss this one. 27.05.2003" - Jay (27-May-2003) |
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| "Oh no how could this be over so soon! Alright we've seen this environment before in such levels as 'Obsidian Heights' and 'The Flying Temple' but the floating chunks of rock and temple islands are such fun places to play that I could play them all day long. The game though apart from a movable compass puzzle an easy mirror room and a couple of nice traps was just not enough to earn it a better score which I am so disappointed about as it has such a great feel and the look is done wonderfully. I really did like this level all around but as it only played 35 minutes it was too brief an experience although a really enjoyable one. I found 2 secrets and an unintended route to the roof of the main temple where you will be able to reach the end about 20 minutes early circumventing the puzzles and traps I mentioned above." - Sash (26-May-2003) |
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| "A short but a rather promising effort. The level lasts for about 30 minutes and even though has some great parts like the bouncing boulder and the mirror part it mostly bases on buttons and things we have seen before (the movable table puzzle). At one point you could easily avoid a rolling ball by jumping over a square - I think it was before the 2nd guardian key. But then again I can't blame the fantastic architecture the atmosphere or the texturing through the level especially cause it is made alike the 'Floating Islands' which definitely is not an easy theme to make so congratulations to the author for making it so good as it is! If you loved 'Obsidian Heights' and 'Flying Temple' you'll love this shorter version of them too." - eTux (26-May-2003) |
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