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Arctic Hole 1 by Agnes

Akcy 5 6 7 6
bERT 7 7 8 8
Dougsan 8 8 8 8
Duncan 6 8 7 8
Engelchen Lara 8 8 9 8
eRIC 6 7 7 6
eTux 6 7 7 6
Gerty 6 8 7 7
Jay 7 7 8 8
Jorge22 7 6 8 8
Jose 7 7 8 8
Kristina 6 8 8 8
Lorax 7 7 8 8
Magnus 5 4 5 4
MichaelP 6 8 7 8
Necro 8 7 8 8
Orbit Dream 6 7 9 9
Phil 8 8 8 8
RaiderGirl 7 8 8 8
Ryan 7 7 8 8
Sash 6 7 7 7
Scottie 10 9 10 9
Sherry 7 7 7 6
The Aussie Adventurer 6 6 6 6
Treeble 6 7 7 7
 
release date: 23-Jul-2003
# of downloads: 78

average rating: 7.22
review count: 25
 
review this level

file size: 23.50 MB
file type: TR4
class: Cold/Snowy
 


author profile(s):
email(s):
naeckli@dplanet.ch

Reviewer's comments
"A good yet simple start to what would go on to be a pretty great series imo. The biggest accomplishment in the first part is the setting which Agnes says in interview she was inspired to make because half-life is/was her favorite game. The puzzles/gameplay aren't as good as the sequels, but they're not bad either, Agnes in her interview admitted that puzzles weren't her strong suit. I do think Arctic hole 2 and especially 3 are big improvements over this so if anyone's turned off by this first part I'd still recommend those, but I thought this was a good first entry and a big step up from her previous level Khal." - Lorax (09-Mar-2023)
"Fir her first Arctic hole trilogy, Agnes had made a good first work with personnal ideas , some different textures , and an ending that called out for a sequel. The gameplay is quite entertaining and user-friendly. Good texturing in general , lighting is worked on too. Different enemies some fitting others not really but it does not matter much. There is some stunts to perform to get some goodies and the use of the snowbike in the last section. Not a very long level , can be done in 30 minutes with the 3 secrets. Enjoyable." - eRIC (23-Oct-2019)
"Now, this is much better than Agnes' debut level. The textures and lighting are much cleaner and smoother and the gameplay has more of a flow to it and a higher level of enjoyment. This is quite brief and the rooms are relatively small, but they are pleasing to look at, and I thought the use of music was well done. Progression is quite simple and linear, but there is the addition of a few thugs and a snowmobile ride to add to the excitement. A very pleasant to play." - Ryan (09-Jul-2018)
"In this level you can notice some (better) changes in the style from this builder. More work with the architecture and texturization, well balanced enemies and items to pick up, good use of the cameras and musics... Only a "but": the unmarked climbable wall in the dark pit before the base area, but even when the level is half-lineal, you'll never waste much time re-exploring areas if you miss something, 'cause the rooms are not very big and you can't avance long distances if you've not completed the main tasks. Not a level for the Hall of Fame, but very enjoyable and nice to play. Recommended." - Jose (27-Sep-2016)
"Lara is on the move in the Arctic and falls in a glacier column. Promptly she lands in a new adventure. These rooms were built quite obviously not too long ago by human hand. Now Lara must find first a way outward. In addition she must explore the areas and lift a raisingblock. Opponents are here crocodiles. If the exit is open then, Lara drives with her snow-mobile a small distance through a canyon. Two ice monsters have of course no chance against the snow-mobile. Other opponents are rowdies and mercenaries. Like everything of Agnes, this level is also wonderful and absolutely recommendable." - Scottie (20-Apr-2009)
"A short and easy level, it's a warmup for a series. The enemies are very well placed, that made the fights more challenging. Gameplay is solely searching for switches, and two diamonds, there are no real puzzles, and no decorating objects either. A short ride with the snowmobile, some swimming, that's it. But don't worry, the sequel is much better." - Akcy (12-Jan-2007)
"A nice level remeniscent of TR2, especially with the snowmobile sequences. I also loved the hard to find levers (not too difficult to find so it doesn't lower the gameplay score). I cant believe I spent ages trying to figure out how to raise the two-platform block. I was playing this level on a laptop and the volume wasn't to max so when I ran over the trigger, I couldn't hear the door opening. I figured that the pushable object opened one door and so I was thinking that you had to put it over the other trigger texture in the corner (obviously the platform was raised a little so I couldn't get there). How dumb of me to play it again with headphones on and hear a door open when I just stepped over it! Some of the secrets were fun to get as they were strategically placed. Very enjoyable indeed. I'm off to play Arctic Hole 2!" - Necro (04-May-2006)
"I was surprised by the brevity of this level, given its fairly hefty download size. However, the visual amenities more than made up for the premature finish, and I especially enjoyed the unique ice demons fixed up from ahmets. You get to spend a little time with the snowmobile near the end, which is always a fun experience. I'll now move on to the other levels in this series, but I can't help but wonder if all three would have met with more success had they been bundled into a single release. Anyway, those who like Arctic levels will be very impressed with this little gem. Play it, you'll like it." - Phil (16-Aug-2005)
"Hello again this is the first Arctic level that I have reviewed. I will start off by saying that this map was an above average one. The theme was consistent throughout the map. The textures were well used and fitting for the level. My only gripe was about the building at the end which look rushed and was badly done. Switch placement could have been better and could have fitted in a bit more throughout the level. The sound on this map was quite good secrets were ok as was the design and layout. Not a bad artic map but has its flaws which make it only an ok map to play. If I had to give this a grade I would give it a C+ an above pass mark." - The Aussie Adventurer (25-Oct-2004)
"A fun and rather short level with some well-placed baddies and tricky-to-spot switches. The setting is not that cohesive with Lara's costume and some ancient-looking parts that don't fit with the idea of a modern arctic base. But it's a good play and well worth a go." - Duncan (28-Jun-2004)
"This was a nice well-sized level. Some objects seemed out of place here like the crocodiles and the Egyptian underwater doors but other than that I think the overall environment was nicely set using the TR2 baseball bat baddies (never saw these in a level before) and also retextured ahmets to an glacier look. There was also a short ride with the snowmobile here and that pit in the end was very nasty. It was pretty easy to jump over it with the snowmobile. Since I couldn't find a way to open up those doors to the base I went back to the area I had ran past with the snowmobile and I ended up finding another secret but there was no way to get back to the base. I then checked the walkthrough: the walls of the pit were climbable - but not textured accordingly - and in the bottom you'd find that damned lever. Then you enter the base and the level ends as you get to the hangar. All in all a nice 30 minutes level." - Treeble (23-May-2004)
"A little better than the author's first level but there are still a lot of things to improve. The gameplay mainly revolves around finding levers which too often are hidden in darkness. Just as in the previous level. The texturing is okay but don't expect anything overly impressive. Still there are a few fun things to do and if you don't mind spending thirteen minutes on a level like this you might want to give it a go." - Magnus (29-Jan-2004)
"Being Agnes' first work it came out very well. Puzzles are not all that difficult but well thought out and some traps give you a bad surprise if you are too hasty. Lara needs to find two blue gems here to reach her goal and flip a few hidden switches. Enemies are well placed among them crocodiles bats baddies and ahmets. Textures and sounds are well added and create a nice atmosphere. We had fun and it is suitable for every player :)" - Engelchen Lara (07-Nov-2003)
"Wearing a new fun outfit Lara makes her way through this arctic base to a well guarded plane killing a few more goons along the way. There's lots of exciting things to do besides finding the plane - boulder traps timed doors long underwater swims finding a gem deadly floor tiles etc and this turned out to be a fun half hour adventure. Don't forget to search for three secrets along the way." - RaiderGirl (11-Oct-2003)
"For a modest-sized level this really is rather good. The arctic cave atmosphere has been quite convincingly brought to life and the choice of enemies(some very well placed for maximum fright potential)and music from TR1 all contribute to a thoroughly enjoyable adventure. Only the 'object pushing' room disappointed." - Orbit Dream (06-Oct-2003)
"This is one very nice short level perhaps one of the shortest 'serious' levels I've played to date. The action is very straightforward not too much to think about great for a small rest after some other complicated level. The enemies are scarce some crocs some bats and some guys with bats (I think plus some crawling monsters and most of the time you just have to follow the route. You get to drive the snowmobile which is only important for a certain ramp and then after you've found the three secrets (the first two pretty easy and the third one just slightly more complicated) just fight two baddies (with bats pull a lever go the other way approach a plane and that's it. Is this the end you'll ask yourself. Yes indeed it is. Fortunately enough there's a continuation which I've already started playing and it seems more interesting in many aspects. So do play this as some form of tomb raider relaxation and also as a preparation for the next levels. It's fun so it's no waste of time..." - Jorge22 (06-Oct-2003)
"This is a fun active game that I recommend without reservation to players regardless of skill level. The enemies are plentiful and the weapons are limited (pistols and shotgun) making some confrontations a bit challenging. The game is comprised of puzzle after puzzle; none very challenging but all enjoyable. I very much liked the Urn puzzle because it had me stumped for 15 minutes! I leave it for you to figure out. I also liked the underwater maze with the secret small medipack crocs etc. A lot of fun and a lot of 'What the hell have I done now' thoughts. The areas are imaginatively done original and quite attractive. There could have been more done with the camera but what was done gave me a few very different views which I liked a lot. Well done Agnes I am looking forward to a sequel." - Dougsan (11-Aug-2003)
"I'm a sucker for Arctic adventures so looked forward to the play. Two little annoying things: crocodiles - and her skimpy top. Fetching but not Arctic wear. The gameplay is pretty straight forward with a couple of interesting ice monsters and some baseball bat wielding baddies. Enjoyed riding the snowmobile again and loved her water tunnels - gasp gasp. All in all a quick play but enjoyable." - Sherry (09-Aug-2003)
"Getting two blue gems is your goal here and they are nicely hidden. There is a nasty underwater maze and although Agnes provides breathing holes Lara died a couple of times as of course (like always) I got lost in that maze. Then there is that tight timed door and I was thrilled to bits to make it only to find out it was a trap LOL. The second boulder had me going for a while as you need to figure out where the trigger is. Sneaky is the sound that you KNOW something is afoot but that you have to find out yourself. The first creature I just outran as I didn't know one could shoot it and I just jumped in my chair first time around anyway. The third secret was nice as one had to do some task to get it (teach you not to drive that bike like a mad person through the cave). The last lever had me going for a while as that was very well hidden. Finding that stealth plane is the end of the level. 24-07-2003" - Gerty (05-Aug-2003)
"An improvement from Agnes' 1st level in a way and even if it is a small 30 minute level which is very enjoyable - I still have some gripes. But lets start with the good stuff first - the whole level flows pretty well though usually uses just switches and the like - that doesn't mean there are no places to get stuck (usually climbable walls - but I have to say that the one near the end in the gap was rather unfair as it didn't look like one at all) but the progression is fast and you have fun when playing it. The new enemies like the ice monster and the TR2 thugs deserve sentence too as you don't see them that often in custom levels - nice additions to the level! Cameras are usually placed where needed and the atmosphere is great thorough the level and even if the environments could've been less 'blocky' the textures applied more accurately and more care could've been taken with the lighting - this is a good level in the looks too. Give it a try if you have the time for it it is worth it." - eTux (05-Aug-2003)
"The second from this author and although another short one like her first this one about 30 minutes I really loved the icy blue setting you are placed into. I'm not totally sure but some of the textures used here don't look familiar but if they aren't new they still gave a freshness to this arctic level that some don't have. Added to this some great blue spike backed monsters the first you meet in a very inopportune place crocs and a handful of very unattractive bat wielding thugs and you have an all round nice atmosphere to the whole thing. The gameplay again like Agnes' first isn't anything complex with probably the hardest thing being to spot one certain lever a hint to its whereabouts is in the title think hole there is also a movable vase to place onto a certain tile but this only leads to a timed gate that brings certain and sudden death so maybe Agnes is a bit of a sadist! I would love to see her implement some of these timed moves into the actual gameplay in her next level keep hiding buttons and levers in inconspicuous ways and give us more secrets in the vain of the third one in this level. I look forward to Arctic Hole 2 although I'm sure Miss Croft may not so I say to her if you don't want an arctic hole - wear thermal underwear oooer!" - Sash (26-Jul-2003)
"Positively charming adventure because of a fairly decent atmosphere good music and good textures. The overall architecture is a bit 'blocky' and initially I got rather lost in the underwater tunnels but it is really not all that complicated. Two very easy and one more interesting secret to be found in this 40 minutes raid along with three gems needed for progression. I thought the timed trap was not funny at all the snowmobile could have been used more than it was and the sneaky lever in the pit was a little unfair but I liked the way you often could get a glimpse of things that you then had to acquire via a different path. Enemies are crocodiles bats various bad guys and nicely re-worked ahmets. Definitely better than Agnes' first level so looking forward to the next one." - Michael (26-Jul-2003)
"Starting the level I was looking for the ice but it was nowhere to be found. It just starts slowly and the first thing to do is explore underwater avoiding the crocodiles gather some secrets and move an object or two to proceed. Two gems are needed to reach the icy areas and find one last secret and the snowmobile for a jump. The blue creatures were funny and those guys with bats as well. The level is nice but short and with not much to do I enjoyed the music though. Thirty minutes in an icy setting which I like and three secrets found." - Kristina (25-Jul-2003)
"Nice little level set in ice caves where Lara has to find her way to the stealth plane to get her out: so there's your little story. To get there she faces nasty four-legged semi-prehistoric creepy animals (think they're the same as in Mirai's second part of his Tokyo level but with other colours) crocodiles (maybe a tiny bit out of place in the arctic setting...) some human enemies and a few traps here and there. Gameplay consists mostly of finding easy to medium hard hidden levers. The third secret is a 'prolonged' one so different tasks to complete. Fly-by's where well done considering they're whizzing through corridors which usually ends in camera's going through walls with some other authors but not here: so thumbs up for that. Easy does it when handling the snowscooter or you may get stuck but that's mostly due to the rather bad job Core did with that vehicle. For the short level this one is (but more to come so it seems - being numbered 1) I had a fun stroll through it." - bERT (25-Jul-2003)
"Agnes has learned a trick or two since Khal and the gameplay in this arctic level is more sophisticated although still not difficult. There is a nice sneaky little red herring that only leads to a spike pit and you get to do some swimming boulder dodging and snowmobile riding. Enemies are crocodiles thugs and such beautifully re-textured ahmets that I almost felt sorry when I ran over them on the snowmobile (almost but not quite heh heh). Not a long level but most acceptable raiding in quite an atmospheric setting. I missed one of the three secrets somewhere along the line but that's practically a tradition for me. 25.07.2003" - Jay (25-Jul-2003)