Level reviews

"First of all, I've never seen the movie The Ring, so I have no prior knowledge of the actual storyline or the puzzles based on it. Fortunately, this isn't a problem at all, as you don't need to know it to solve all the puzzles. This level proves that memorable and immersive levels could be created even before the NG Engine, provided the builder had the necessary skills, which she does. You're immersed in a dark atmosphere with a bleak landscape and dilapidated buildings with catacombs. These catacombs are home to creepy things, and you'll find the items you need to progress. Once you have them all, the loading screen gives a clear hint as to where to use them, which is a tactful way of communicating this to the player. The puzzles aren't too difficult if you pay attention to your surroundings. Fortunately, the builder has included a warning that a bug, and therefore a soft lock, can occur after pressing a switch. But I'd like to remind you again: definitely create multiple save files so you have a backup. There's one puzzle I didn't quite figure out, and where I felt like I was in a softlock: the room where the gate opens and closes unexpectedly, and which is only accessible by using the secret passage. Nevertheless, the satisfaction is immense when you finally manage to solve it. The textures are sometimes a bit squashed, and there are a few cracks. A few sounds are missing, and a couple are a little out of place. But none of that breaks the immersion of the level. If you have a taste for horror, I recommend this small but well-made game. I had a lot of fun." - Astraf

"A very solid and a classic level of the horror genre. I haven't watched the movie so I don't really know the backstory of this level but in general I liked it. Gameplaywise it's simple - no puzzles, mostly it's exploration. Visuals are decent. The atmosphere does a good job and it is scary and creepy. The music especially contributes to the atmosphere which makes you feel uncanny. It's a perfect level for a Halloween evening and I recommend it for such :)" - BlackWolfTR

"This game was pretty straight forward, with no super difficult challenges. There were only a few odd jumps to make and that was it. But it did feature TR style gore and things of that nature. 7/10" - g12STL

"Immersive with many creative movie references but also missing many spook pportunities including the climax moment which can be skipped by accident. It's a waste if played alone so I did it on twitch so the group scare kicked in, like in a group of dumb teens in a campus slasher movie. I guess it applies to any horror map, making it 10x better. Recomm... kshkhsHhsHSHhshhh--^_---^_--- __________" - DJ Full

"At the risk of repeating myself, I'm not much of a movie buff, so don't be surprised when I say I never watched The Ring. I know it on a superficial basis, so while it wasn't enough to fully grasp every nod, I still enjoyed some of them (such as the girl herself or the broken TVs, but that probably only tells you how basic I am). Anyway, as for the level itself, it's rather on the dark side but there are more than enough flares to go around. One crawlspace hidden in a walkthrough wall had me going for a while, but other than that it was pretty simple, some of the jumpswitches were hard to spot mostly because of the darkness coupled with dark textures. This one sells itself by the atmosphere alone, which is indeed very dense and eerie. 30 minutes, 1 secret. 03/21" - Treeble

"Guaranteed to send shivers up your spine - the chilling atmosphere conveyed here is so palpable and suspenseful that it has to be heard to be believed. I admit I haven't seen the movie this is based on (not really a horror fan but that's purely subjective), but it didn't impact the experience too much. The general construction is also well done, and texturing and lighting are worked out very well (darkness is a little overwhelming at first, but I found it fitting in these circumstances). Gameplay admittedly doesn't offer anything substantial (just a couple of items to use, a tiny bit of exploration, swimming and switch hunting) and there were no enemies that I encountered. A few supernatural enemies might have been a good idea, and there was only one secret which was actually needed to progress. So yes, probably not one for those looking for something more involving in the puzzle department, but the atmosphere here is a definite winner." - Ryan

"The atmosphere of this game was wonderful. It really was spooky. The gameplay was good with the hidden walls and traps, but it could have been more complex. I don't remember there being many enemies or secrets, but that is the least important category to me. Overall, it was a great game." - jtrim

"It is a great pleasure to play this level. Some textures stretched and a rather dark atmosphere overall tarnish this level a little. Also we can reach the end of the world in some places. Some audios ice blood lol. Excellent." - Drakan

"The ring by Bibi Phoque is a spooky and thrilling level which can easily hunt your dreams. The overall texturing and lightning was pretty good and the outside of the mansion was really interesting to explore. Some rooms were pretty scary such as the dark room with the one chair that finally lead to the "i hate you" message and the room before finding the second part of the shovel. What I really liked is that this game really caught the atmosphere of a horror film/movie. You start by searching the non-scary and peaceful area outside the mansion, then you are lead to a place where all the scary things happen (dark lights, screams, ghost traps) and then you reach the quiet areas again which give you some calm to prepare you for the next spooky things. The only disappointing thought is the lack of enemies which would really spice up the whole setting. Conclusion: If you want to play a small level full of spooky surprises, then you should definitely try this one. It really succeeds in delivering an atmosphere full of horror related stuff to scare you and even make you jump off your seat. If only there were some enemies to make it more intriguing, this level would be a masterpiece." - TRTheoP

"This game had a lot of fun! Extremely scary atmosphere, and very well constructed horror elements. Congratulations to the creator!" - Dark Sheep

"This one is fully of spooky atmosphere and delivers well in those regard - just see it for yourself if you dare. Sounds, cameras are perfectly used (maybe an even more creepy background audio outside could've added some more to the game) and there are a lot of scenes you have to see to believe (won't spoil them here), good use of custom objects here. The textures are well used but could need a little more care, the lighting is aptly grey but rather flat and lacking contrast. The only thing that doesn't work well is gameplay that even does not fill the 15 minutes this game lasts. Some objects to find, a few very obscure tasks including fake walls and a lot of running and climbing, so overall not really much fun, but this level is about the horror scenes anyway and works very fine at that. The one secret I found was nice but without finding it a large part of the already short game would have been cut off. Recommended." - manarch2

"A very recommended scary creepy spooky everything level with tons of shivering moments. We have to dig a grave, Lara sees a man who watched the tape and died. Lara herself saw the tape and will die after 7 days. (maybe. She's Lara Croft after all.) Very recommended." - Athukraz

"I never thought I would say this, but this level was actually scary. The atmosphere, sound, and cameras really added the creepiness to the level. The backround music really gave me the chills. The level was dark, but it was appropriate since this is a horror level. The textures were creative. The objects in this level worked well, as some of them made me shiver. There were a couple of jumpscares that made me scream. The strongest part is the gameplay. I kept playing this with no breaks until the end of the level. Overall, a very great horror level, and this is highly recommended. :)" - MegaGamer

"It seems that this level was not properly beta tested, 'cause players can reach the end of the world and there are many stretched textures. Gameplay is confused, with phantom walls and often you can reach dead ends or explore not necessary places to finish the level. Atmosphere is quite good, there's a lot of flipped rooms and the ambience is according with the history, very dark in many places but you'll find a lot of flares. I missed camera hints to know where to go or what to do, but finally, exploring and exploring you'll find a way to place the doll and finish the level." - Jose

"This is a textbook example of style over substance.The atmosphere (especially the audio) has been perfectly captured and is guaranteed to provide you with thoroughly creepy experience throughout the 45 minutes that the game lasts.Textures and lighting are also superbly rendered,although there is perhaps too much darkness in places.If you find the secret,you'll actually experience a large bulk of the gameplay that the level has to offer;and that is the problem - look beyond the atmosphere and you'll realise that almost nothing whatsoever happens.There isn't one single enemy attack (which the level was surely crying out for);nor one single trap (spiked or otherwise);and almost nothing in the way of puzzling.In short,very little harm can befall you;and the cause/effect scenarios of the actions which take place are sometimes a little vague.It's a superb visual achievement - but I can't help feeling that something more could have been done in order to provide the player with a truly terrifying gameplay experience." - Orbit Dream

"Very entertaining level with stunning architecture. The ganeplay had a few scary moments, it was fun to explore the old house on a hill. Most of the objects were new as the ghost, the lady from the movie near the old key, the dead bodies etc. No enemies, one secret. The atmosphere was amazing, very scary. I think that the soundtrack could've been scarier though. The level reminded me of the TRC Black Isle level. Textures are okay, lighting was too dark at moments. I understand that the author wanted scary rooms, but the darkness is too much. At least there are lots of flares. Recommended if you like scary levels." - misho98

"Playing this game it didn't remind me actually much at the same called movie ˝the ring˝, besides a few parts, but it didn't matter to me. The game is brilliant in its own creepy way. The gameplay is not easy and I needed much help from the video walkthrough to get past some hard parts. The great thing about this game is that there are no enemies ! Not a single one ! That facts shows that that the game is made only to scare people, and yes it did ! The whole atmosphere was just great. Texturing and lighting were great, especially the objects use. There were also some scary textures containing characters from the movie. There were so many scary parts in this game that it takes real courage to finish it without s***** the pants :) To bad that 8 years passed and there are still no new levels from this author." - Alantos

"An exellent little horror level with a very scary atmoshpere. Perfect lighting and textures. The level is not really hard and so, playable for the beginners. Maybe not recommended for childrens. Great job. Very recommended." - BigFoot

"REALLY SCARY!!! This level made me **** myself! Even though it was a fun adventure. The texturing was good, the objects were placed flawlessly and the auther made it really scary like the movie. I hate everything scary but after seeing all the good reviews I had to play it. I did make slow progress though because I was so scared that I had to call by brothers to be with me. Very fun recommended." - afzalmiah

"This is a unique level with a really spooky atmosphere which is what makes it so great. The game play is fairly easy as there are no complicated tasks, difficult jumps, hard puzzles or timed runs. It's all about exploration and atmosphere. I think it's all about the sounds in this level and how the builder used them. Without the sounds this would be only half as good. Exploring this one has you on the edge of the seat as you will expect something to happen around every single corner. Use lots of flares and don't play it late at night if you have weak nerves! Great level - highly recommended." - Blue43

"No need to present this well known level in details. Suffice to say that the spooky story has been well rendered by the author. The progression is not complicated and quite fluent , many flipmaps have been used and the objects fit well with the story. The texturing could have been cared of more [ 38 minutes ]" - eRIC

"This level is very spooky! The ambients, the lighting, the objects...scary. It perfectly gives back the atmosphere of the movie. Bad thing that the level is so short. But it's a very good horror level. 9.5/10" - rtrger

"Those who can play through the entire level without getting spooked once must either be on sedatives or have nerves of steel. What could possibly set you in a better mood for Halloween than playing this late at night with the sound cranked up and the lights turned off? I saw the American version of The Ring when it was released years ago and it made quite an impression on me. I'm not even ashamed to admit that I slept with the lights on that same night. Because of this I was familiar with the basic idea, but even so: the way Bibi has managed to incorporate the key elements from the movie into a fully playable level never ceased to amaze me. The atmosphere is impeccable and so present at every moment that you can literally feel it on your body. I would still say that the absolutely best part was the soundtrack. It was so intense and spooky that I many a time caught myself holding my breath in excitement and literally jumping in my seat. I haven't been on the edge of my seat like this since Debbie Overstreet's Psycho(from Lara at the Movies). Gameplaywise I felt that it was a bit on the short side and everything was quite straight-forward. Some more challenges could have given it a bit more edge, but all in all there's very little to criticize it for. This is a deliciously spook-tastic treat that no one, especially not fans of the horror and mystery genres, should miss. Heck, or even fans of Tomb Raider for that matter. Go on, play it....if you dare." - Selene

"Here's another highly-rated level that managed to escape my attention for a number of years. I'm not familiar with the piece from which its name is derived, but no matter. Although there's not a single enemy to jump from around a corner at you, you'll find your fingers gripping the keyboard for most of this half-hour adventure as you navigate the spooky rooms and corridors amidst some hair-raising sound effects. Anurag has provided a very readable walkthrough that covers all the bases, and even though the level is dark and requires gamma assistance (at least on my home monitor), it's part of the effective ambiance and I didn't begrudge it all all. Recommended for a gut-tightening change of pace." - Phil

"I never thought I'd actually be cared playing a TR level. the most scariest thing was the music. It was placed at just the right times, and because the area was dark and the environment was spooky, this added to the whole nightmarish experience. You didnt know what was about to happen and I was too busy anticipating the worse, expecting something to happen making you jump. There were a few moments, like the spikes appearing (which looked hauntingly like a screaming girl). A lot of effort went into the production of this levels and as previous players have pointed out, a higher score is definialy included here just for the scare factor. The builder gets their desired result from players. This is definately recommended if your into horror and it kept true with the "Ring" theme. I loved the upside-down spinning chair." - Necro

"Full score for the atmosphere. Creepy sounds, dark areas, haunted mansion... we clearly feel the Ring remake it is. However, as Kristina said, I guess someone who hasn't seen the movie cannot totally appreciate the author's work. 30 minutes, 1 secret. A bit short since I spent about 5-7 minutes exploring the whole area at the beginning." - Neso

"Having watched the movie, (although, sadly not the Japanese version) I already had a vague idea of what would be in this level. Thankfully, the author delivered just what I was wanting. The atmosphere was perfect, and the tension-raising background audio, coupled with the dark and gloomy surroundings actually made me a bit scared at times (especially in the cellar). Unexpected things happen, chairs spin, people disappear, paintings change, and a particularly scary 'jump out of your seat' moment if you do something wrong near the end of the level. The texturing and spooky lighting compliments this amazing atmosphere well, and makes it even more visually pleasing (or should that be terrifying? :P). Sadly, the gameply mostly consists of ferrying key items back and forth, although the inclusion of a very interesting secret area remedied that to some degree. This was a brilliantly haunting level that should be played by anyone, provided you feel ready for the shocks." - Spike

"I watched this movie late one night alone in a hotel room and it really gave me the shivers. There are some clever similarities in this level. After enjoying the nice outdoor setting and house areas, we get down to the serious business of exploration. As you make your way through the underground areas, things get rather spooky and disturbing and there is a 'haunting' atmosphere about these levels - literally. Gameplay has a good flow to it. Although there are some particurlarly dark areas it somehow works in this level and adds to the suspense. You'll really feel like there is something/someone messing with you in this outing. You'll be doing a bit of jumping in this level but it won't be from pressing the old 'Alt' button - more likely jumping out of your skin. I would classify this as a thriller level. Don't play this home alone late at night." - EssGee

"This level has it's roots in the movie The Ring. I saw this movie long a time before I played this custom level and when I played it I can say that it reminded me perfectly the spooky fellings I had when I watched the film.It has some clues telling the same story as the film: the dool, the dead girl's body, the fountain and especially the scene of watching a certain tape with doomes you to death if you watch it. The most terrifing scene is the one in wich you turn on the TV in the secret space. There aren,t any enemies in this level wich raises the tension and the feelingthat you don,t know what's happening behind you. The puzzles aren.t too hard to solve and the level ends pretty fast. You will take full use of the flares as you have to move mainly in the dark. A big plus for the sound that surroundes you and the scary pictures thet pop in your way and the screams. :)" - dya1403

"This level was inspired by the horror movie 'The Ring' that is roughly about a horror movie and the case that whoever watches this movie that will die within a few days. The movie didn't impress me much, but this small level did. It has a fantastic feeling; the gloomy locations and the very fitting sounds give a creepy experience. There are no enemies, but they are not even needed, so the player has its full attention on waiting for some bogies jumping to their neck at the next corner. There is only one secret on the level that has a separate route, and in the meantime we have to take a look at the movie; hopefully without any consequences. :) We don't need weapons or medipacks (we don't even get them), but we get many flairs that we need the most, because some places are really dark - so as a horror movie requires it. The level is quite short, but it is a real speciality, it definitely worth a play. You can find a Hungarian walkthrough (as we don't have English version), savegames and pictures here: http://treditor.hu/16/the_ring.htm" - Obig

"Yeh, i liked this level. I havn't seen the film but i might well do now! The overall atmosphere and feeling of the level was awesome. It is really scary lol. The audio is great and the unique things the author has tried out has been well delivered. The animations were good, the custom objects were good too. The only thing that i didn't like was the lighting and textures, which is why i gave a 5 :o I spotted far too many squashed textures, and the lighting could have been a bit better too. Other than that... great, something new! Chris." - TombRaiderFan

"This level is very different to what we're used to. It has no enemies as such, but that's as it should be because they're very definitely not needed and would probably ruin the level. What it has in abundance is an extremely eerie atmosphere, with some elements taken from the Chronicles Haunted Isle adventure but used far more effectively. There are wonderful ramshackle buildings, abandoned child's toys, a grave, some of the most disturbing rooms in any TR game, and some of the most awesome flipmaps I've ever seen. It oozes malevolence from every pore! The author has included some audio excerpts from the movie, and these, along with the custom textures and low lighting, create a mood that will make you look around every corner before proceeding! That is if you're not too busy looking behind yourself every second step... The level starts with Lara standing near the edge of a wonderful cliff at night with a lonely figure in the distance, and the eye candy continues unabated throughout the whole level. The aim is to free the spirit of a young girl who was pushed down a well and left to die, and you need to find such items as a shovel and a rag doll to achieve this. The cellar, despite having no enemies, is about as scary as it gets and the pictures on the wall are very disturbing. It's not a long level if you just play it straight through, but there is so much to look at that unless you lose your nerve you're sure to spend a lot more time here than is absolutely necessary. It is definitely very dark, but that is an essential part of the game and ample flares are provided - they give you just enough light to see around you, but not enough to dispel the gloom, so using them won't make the place any less frightening! Take note though that there is a savegame bug that can trap you so be sure not to save in the TV room deep underground! Save in different slots through the rest of the level in case you need to backtrack, and save directly before placing the rag doll as placing it in the wrong place will trap you in the level. But despite the bug this level is one of the most competently built I've seen, and proves conclusively that atmosphere is the single most important, and possibly the most elusive, element that sets an outstanding level apart from the rest! Full marks from me! Watch the movie before playing for the best experience (preferably the original from what I've heard, but the remake is pretty good), but even if you don't you'd still better be prepared for a scare. To be played in a dark room at night, preferably a stormy night, with no distractions. If you dare!" - MacRaider

"A great spooky level, without any enemies and a mysterious environment. The disappearing of a corpse makes a chill run down your spine adding to it are the sound effects. The level is a little dark and plenty of flares are supplied with it. But you can't do much if you haven't seen the movie." - Anurag

"Oh man... and I thought that 'Rebecca', 'Psycho' and 'Blair witch' were scary levels.This one was so creepy it comes near the class of an ordinary 'Silent hill' or 'Resident evil' game! I love the movie 'The Ring' and this level really makes you feel that you have entered into the script of it :) The only downside are a few bugs (the secret room and the pedestal rooms near the end) that forced me to replay the level. It is very short and easy though so I enjoyed most of it. The Puzzles are a tad too easy and that's why it gets an 8 on Gameplay and puzzles a. The rest are tens and they are well deserved! 2005-05-12" - QRS

"If you're looking for spookiness and a truly scary atmosphere, this one's for you. True to the featured movie (Ringu) down to the very last threatening shadow. Maybe the one and only TR level so far that has indeed succeeded in scaring me, which isn't an easy task, mind you. With no enemies and nothing specially challenging in the agility department, it's more an adventure game than a raiding one, but it doesn't really matter. The atmosphere is so tense here that you don't need foes or traps to get that impression that Lara's life is very much threatened. It's like catching a glimpse of 'something' from the corner of one's eye and knowing that evil things are hiding in each and every pool of shadow, even though you can't see them. The very essence of fear. To be played alone and in the dark." - Sutekh

"The scariest TRLE level I have yet played. Bags of atmosphere and more than a few frights (it will help even more if you have ever watched the film of the same name, especially the Japanese version). Nice use of custom objects and very good sound make this a level to remember, and one to jangle your nerves as well. Moreover, I loved the fact that I didn't have to use the walkthrough once! It only took me about 30 minutes, but I couldn't find any secrets." - gfd

"First of all- this level gets MAJOR credit for scaring me. I love being scared. The movie this was based on is one of my favorite movies and this level did a great representation of it. Lara is in an eerie place quite reminiscent to the Black Isle levels of TRC she must explore a house a barn and various other areas to reach her goal. There are various elements taken from The Ring itself sound clips and images this is very well done. I also liked the original textures and most of all the new objects these were nice and some of them made me jump. Various flipmaps were pretty scary too. I won't say much though- you'll see it yourself. It was very very dark. Which is fitting and it's okay because there were plenty of flares. Some things I didn't like- the background audio required the original TRLE files and I don't use them I have long since replaced them with files for my own projects. While I was playing I started going down a deep cavernous area and a jazzy tune from a cafe level I once made started playing which was totally out of place...LOL! I only took off one point for that though. Gameplay and puzzles...the level was fairly linear you went from one place to the next. There were some timed doors and some walk-through walls but gameplay gets most of its points for scare value. I was scared stiff at some points. The flares helped in the darker areas and also lit up walk-through walls which I otherwise wouldn't have found. No enemies to speak of. I found one secret. Sound was good Objects Atmosphere Cameras Lighting all good. This one is worth a play ESPECIALLY if you have seen the movie or if you like to be scared." - nite_traveler

"Wow! I actually had my mouth hanging open in awe during this level - what an accomplishment Bibi! If you've seen the movie first this game is even better. It captures so much of the movie's mood perfectly but it is even scarier and creepier than the movie. Textures and objects and lighting were perfectly suited to the level. Play it right now!" - Lady Lara

"OMG! This has to be the creepiest level I ever played and I don't advice playing in the dark if you're of a nervous disposition. Based on the film (which I hope has been seen first or you won't have an inkling of what's going on) you're in for some spooky rooms and haunting atmospheres all bundled together with the audio background to make this an experience never to be forgotten. There's one secret comb to find and here you might encounter a bug if you save in this area so be warned as I had to go back on a much earlier save and play all the creepy bits again. Lara has to find the dolls head and then place it to end the level she'll need the shovel of course to dig up the grave *freakout* I wonder why there was a guard shooting at me in the basement? I never got to where he was in the room above but doesn't look like I missed anything this was also the only enemy I encountered although the dead bodies are enough to turn you over anyway. Ah well I can't fault this level one bit except for the bug it was brilliant and I hope to see more levels like this." - Moonpooka

"Had it been a little longer (ok I never entered the secret area somewhere in the level even though I had a key almost right from the start) this level could perfectly well have been among those that made it to the Gold Levels. You see it had a fantastic director and it's a masterpiece of atmosphere in the genre 'horror Tomb Raider'. This game is so dark it's pitch black at times and I still can't complain about that - all this darkness fits the game like a glove. It's also dark in ambiance. The music and the sounds are perfect. A figure that guards a key in the mountains near a tomb (is it Ozzy osbourne?) a mansion where horrible things have obviously taken place blood all over enigmatic characters that disappear a ragged old doll a shovel all very decadent... There aren't any traps except for the ghost-like blades (are they blades?) that suddenly come out of the floor no need to shoot at baddies or objects it's all about searching and discovering and it leads me to think the author loves adventure games. Well this is a good adventure game as good as it can get with the Tomb Raider level editor. I'm only sorry I never watched the movie even though everybody told me it was awesome. I think I'll watch it now on DVD when I get the chance. And since I think I congratulated everyone in my Gold Levels reviews I believe I must say it once again: congratulations on a job very well done! (August 11 2004)" - Jorge22

"Wow - 12 out of 10 for atmosphere and spookiness. If you play this in the dark at night better have some strong nerves to manage it. It is actually quite short at about 45 minutes and essentially there is little to do (find and use a key a shovel and a doll) but the sense of being there will make up for the fact that there are no enemies (other than those your mind will make up for you) and the brilliant audio and nice custom objects enhance the experience even further. I thought the 'spike ghosts' were a cool idea but I am not sure I like running around with a flare all the time so much and why was the secret a secret when you needed to pick it up to progress? Also walkthrough walls and fall-through floors are one of my pet hates. But it all kind of works in this adventure so try it if you dare and now I guess I better go see that movie as I haven't seen it yet." - Michael

"What a fabulous setting. I know the author recommended seeing the film first which I confess I haven't but I must say this level is just dripping with atmosphere. In fact it's probably the spookiest level I've ever played (the audio files are particularly unsettling) and when I returned to the TV room to find the chap in the chair had disappeared I felt a cold chill go down my spine. It's a bit of a unique experience this one you really shouldn't miss it. I only wish it had gone on for longer and of course now I can't wait to see the film." - Jay

"The Ring original a Japanese movie was a great success all over the world after they made the remake. As in quite a few horror movies the story behind it is a sad one. This however isn't a remake but a game and I found the atmosphere very well done. Creepy very creepy the sounds that are added will give you the chills. There are no enemies but I didn't miss them at all. I kept looking over my shoulders expecting the worse and I think that was the meaning of this level. It is dark very dark at places and luckily there are enough flares to get you through the level. As already said do not save in the room with the button you have to push (where the TV and the window is) as you'll be stuck forever. I am still wondering at one door in that same TV and glass room as that never opened. And do save at different places as you can place the doll twice on a pedestal and they are the wrong ones so Lara will burn. Third time lucky one could say LOL. 21-07-2004" - Gerty

"Okay it's been building up in me since I first played The Quest of the Lost Diamond and I can't contain it any longer. Bibi marry me! Alright so there's that damn same sex thing to work out but you have thrilled me more than I can explain with your levels and after having just finished your spectacular The Ring I am all aquiver. For everyone else out there who hasn't yet played this level based superbly on the movie what are you waiting for? If you want spine tingling thrills a sense of overwhelming dread some eerily outstanding effects one secret area that puts most other secrets in other levels to shame and the chance to actually feel like you have been transported into one of the better horror films ever made then stop dawdling and download this level now. I would go into more detail as to what you will find here but I don't want to spoil the fun of finding these things out for yourself I will say however that there are no enemies here and found this out before I started by reading other reviews but this knowledge still did not stop me from having my guns unholstered for most of the game as the ominous tension the level exudes is palpable." - Sash

"A strange and riveting level that reeks with implied violence yet Lara does not need to draw her guns once. This level succeeds by atmosphere and timing and some very well realized audio bits. I don't know the film at all but this piece succeeds very well on its own and it ends well. Highly recommended." - Duncan

"This level is scary and good. The atmosphere and sounds are both top good. Gameplay and puzzles are little worse than other things but they are also good. I will really recommend this level to everybody." - Samu

"Well what can I say? What a great little level! So fun so scary I am not an easy person to scare but my heart was thudding in my chest throughout the whole level and the only other game that has done that to me is Silent Hill. The game is of course based on the movie 'The Ring' but if you are unfamiliar with the story I will give you a brief description. The story goes that there is a videotape a deadly one recorded by a young girl that anyone who watches it will die at the exact time they watched it in 7 days time. You get a phone call straight after watching it and just before you die. The young girl had strange powers and was quite evil. Doctors tried to help her and find out what was wrong with her but to no avail. All she really wanted was her mother's love. One day she was murdered pushed down a well and left to die in revenge she made the video. A young journalist discovers the tape and the story behind it after hearing about the many strange deaths linked to it. She watches it and it is very odd weird pictures in it different things linked with the young girls life. Soon after she realises she will die she teams up with her ex-husband to try and save herself from death and sort this evil out once and for all but only has 7 days to do so. Finding as much info as possible and re-watching the tape to spot interesting things that may help her. She is even more keen to cure the evil when her son watches it too but what is more odd is the fact that he knows so much about the little girl. But things aren't what they seem... The level is quite short but great fun. It starts off kind of plain just around the farm quite dark but not so bad it's not until you get into the house that your heart starts to leap out of your chest! Sound effects from the movie really add to the atmosphere without them it wouldn't be as creepy. The level is extremely dark but with nearly 100 flares no problem! Lots of strange things about weird paintings red scribbles on the wall blood dead bodies very spooky. I got stuck a few times but thanks to the forums was able to succeed. The aim is to reach the young girl in the well and set her free. So items such as an old doll and spade are needed to succeed. There are no enemies in the game it's more of a puzzle type level and there is one secret which shouldn't be missed as it is very interesting to reach it. A TV screen with the girl on chairs a floating upside down chair and a picture of the mum with the red words 'I hate you' below. Lots of pictures and mirrors with the girl on. A very entertaining level highly recommended except for the fainthearted!" - Aims

"If this would've been released a month or 2 later I would've thought that the Gold project had some influence on other builders as well. Though not connected to the Gold project in any way I would know about this is based on the horror movie - 'The Ring'. I haven't seen the film only know a bit of the storyline and some fragments but as far as I'm concerned this adaptation of the movie is extremely well done - the atmosphere was just like... wow! The audio tracks really helped to enhance the atmosphere big time and the well crafted bodies items of the girl (comb and doll) with the blood stains all over the floor and walls helped too. If you find a key you can access 1 secret in the level (that's all I found too not sure if there're more secrets) with a particularly well made scene of an interrogation/observation cell. Though well made do not save reload here as the flipmap bug strikes and you're trapped for good if you don't find the secret opening... due to this I had to replay some parts of the level and in total this took me 20 minutes to get through. Though that might be a bit short and the level doesn't offer too much gameplaywise it's well worth a play for the brilliant scary atmosphere it offers. Don't miss this one!" - eTux

"My nerves aren't the better of this yet. I wasn't bothered by gameplay at the starting area because I was in awe of the surroundings. Lara is standing on the edge of a cliff there's a kind of old mine shaft entrance over there. Looking up is a blasted tree on the topmost cliff and someone is watching us have a look through the binoculars. What is this place is it from a film? I don't know. Just for now it seems we're dealing with witches and wizards or some evil doings. A little further in we discover a large shack of a storage shed and I just love that little rocking horse. Here we find a shovel handle. This is getting very creepy. Then we have to get the key off our watcher and go into that mine shaft. Prepare to have the living daylights scared out of you. I jumped a few times. An idea of what's here is the chair spinning upside down you disappear through floors in the house the guy sitting on the chair with blood pouring out around him and later on he has disappeared into the fireplace only to end up dead underground after you've dug a grave. There are amazing flipmap effects and a very clever route to a gate that will slam down on you if you go the wrong way. To add to the effect but I don't know if it has anything to do with the theme of the level are the paintings of 'The Scream' and such horrors. It seems you're ultimate goal is to get the rag dog and place it. There are no enemies as such and I'm glad Bibi didn't feel the urge to put them in because the level doesn't need them. It's not a very long level but it's packed with atmosphere and the scare factor for me was skyhigh." - CC

"There are some levels that in the first moment they start you have the feeling that it is going to be a promising level indeed. It starts on mountains; there is a house and granary and it looks peaceful and quiet but in the house strange and scary things are happening. The sound was great with wonderful atmosphere a little dark in the basement but lots of flares to pick up. No enemies at all. Shovel old key old doll and comb to find; gloomy shady scary but cool. Best play with high volume - don't miss it." - Yoav

"This is a very weird and spooky level. I guess if you haven't watched the movie you can't understand what's going on and the way this is built isn't very successful in making the player understand the story. The atmosphere is nice very dark in many places though something that is never a plus in my book but the flares are enough to go through the entire level. There is a bug at the area with the first button that leads to the secret area. If you save in the room with the first button or after pushing it and reload the glass isn't shattered anymore and the screen is turned off. There is also a nasty trap room in this level that will prevent you from completing the game. It is possible to survive from the fire after placing the doll at the wrong pedestal and when you access the right area for the doll you have no item to place anymore. That means that you're trapped for good since the door you entered this place is shut. There was a secret area with a comb which I believe is the only secret in the level. I liked it and found interesting to see a house that is being haunted by a girl from what I understood got freed when Lara placed her doll on the pedestal. There was her corps in that area which disappeared after that. It's worth giving this a try." - Kristina