Level reviews

"The debut level from an author who'd go the lenghts to become one of the most prolific builders in the community. It's quite simplistic in design and approach gameplay wise, but the areas are properly shaped and thought-out and neatly textured. It's more cleopal than tut1, so you also get the fetch quest for the black and mechanical beetles in a few side challenge rooms, none of which is particularly difficult, ultimately making this a good way to decompress. 20 minutes, 1 secret. 02/26" - Treeble

"This level has a special meaning to me for multiple reasons. Other than being my first level reviewed, it is the first custom level I have ever played and also the game I played during my first Twitch stream. Keeping all of this aside, let's start with the actual review. Opaque79's debut level is pretty simple: it uses the textures and objects provided with the editor, and this underlines the fact this was his first work with the editor. Despite this, he managed to make a level that actually works and keeps you interested through the whole adventure. Enemies, objects and secrets are well placed, puzzles are not bad at all. The texturing and geometry of the room, combined with some work of lighting, makes the rooms pleasant to look at, even though it feels a bit flat in some areas. The only problem of the level(even though minor) is the fact that the level ends abruptly. Overall it is a very solid level that can provide a good amount of entertainment. Recommended? Yes Difficulty? Easy Duration? Approx. 25-30 minutes" - TombExplorer

"The debut of Opaque79 opens into an Egyptian type of level, filled with tasks and traps - otherwise why would it be called Temple of Danger? Eh? [Embarrassed coughs] -. I gotta say the truth I DO NOT like Egyptian levels, but I can say this was a rather enjoyable level. The gameplay is mostly: walk around, search for an object, complete the task etc.; not anything too complicated though. This level indeed misses some enigma-based gameplay ... I know! This was Opaque79 debut! He was still a beginner here! I particularly want to talk about the atmosphere of the level, some rooms are quite pale looking, to be honest, but some others, like the watery cave, were especially good atmospherically talking! The lighting and the texturing were OK enough, the lighting was still a little too pale in certain rooms, but in other, like - I mention it again - the watery cave, it was pretty good! In conclusion a debut that isn't very great compared to his successive levels, but still it is quite enjoyable to play for Egyptian-like-level fanatics! Wolfy Regards." - Wolf7

"Level quite short and easy, nice use of the pyramid and textures egypt. Very linear this level is nice. for its beginning, the author has made a very correct level. Recommended.." - Drakan

"A builder who has very obviously done his homework and read the manual. A clean tutorial effort, using the 4 beetle pyramid and the torch a few times with nicely spread and introduced enemies and a series of basic tasks to get to the end in just over 30 mins at a leisurely pace. Found 1 secret and not a whole lot of danger actually." - MichaelP

"Not a bad debut level and I noticed that there aren't that many beginner's mistakes. I liked this little romp. Enemies were placed pretty good and apart from maybe blasting the two mummies with an explosive arrow (you can out run them though) pistols is all you need. There are enough pickups to get you through, so no worries there. Only complain I would have that Lara can get into the bottom of that cave before it is flooded but then is stuck for life. I missed that lever at first LOL" - Gerty

"The room variety is decent, the monotony doesn't kick in, and in the end something I presumed to be a small temple gives a bit more than expected. I was grateful for special setups of always fair combat, I can't remember when I saw the baddy side ambush for the last time before, and the flyby on the dog waiting to attack provided enough time to prepare, as well as a proper warning before the demigod - all small details plus varied interaction is enough to enjoy. If only the ending was better and the ceiling not neglected..." - DJ Full

"An Egyptian level that, while being fairly simple in gameplay terms, still manages to be sufficiently entertaining for its 22 minute duration. For a debut effort, everything is accomplished to a good standard, with solid environments, pleasant texturing and lighting and gameplay that doesn't present anything unfair, frustrating or torturous. A couple of timed runs, torch work, mild fire trap sequences make it fun to go through and I had a good time with this. A very pleasant experience." - Ryan

"A very solid debut level, this 45 minute adventure sees Lara explore an Egyptian temple. She must find 4 scarab beetles, which ultimately gives her access to the Ankh. But I make it sound simple! For each beetle there's a challenge to complete, timed flames, underwater maze, fighting Horus, and escaping wraiths, then when you're done with that, there's 2 darker cavernous areas with invisible blocks and more water. Ninjas and dogs get in your way, so you know what to do... The looks of the game are excellent and the game has been well tested. There are more objects in this level than their second level hence why this rated higher in that element. Nice work." - sonnyd83

"A very nice debut for this builder, using the classic stuff that Core released with the editor in 2000. The gameplay it's similar to some of Tomb Raider 4 levels, so nothing too exciting, but at least that's not boring, but fun. The secret is very easy and the enemies are often used, but put in the right amount, I really liked the recall of TR1 Palace Midas room and the TR3 invisible ledges. The atmosphere is good, the lighting is put very well and I didn't see any texture error! Looking foward to play the next levels from this new builder, that showed his commitment to this small level!" - LoreRaider

"This is classic, basic, old school Egyptian raiding, and I wish we had more levels like this one. It's easy enough for a beginner but it has a few challenging moments to make some of the more experienced raiders to scratch their brows. I was writing a walkthrough while playing, and it took me about 30 minutes to get through, but it all looks good and it's fun to play. A solid debut effort, perhaps influencing my relatively generous scores." - Phil

"A fair and simple level. It's nice to see that an author actually took the time to read the manual and properly prepare himself before releasing a level. An above average debut level. The room design was often very basic with not much time spent in making the environment look complex. Gameplay was also mostly very straightforward and easy to get through. The level had more light effects than some TR2/TR3 style levels with the rating above 8.50. Maybe making a level in TR2/3 style with his current skills could get him a rating far above 8.00. The texturing was actually very good. Besides some squeezed or wrong rotated textures, I haven't found any rough errors. I miss some more flybys, cameras or triggered events. The atmosphere was very classic. I had the feeling of playing the original tutorial level. Maybe mixing the classic with something more new or innovative would be better. Overall, a good job by Opaque. The author has done it right in terms of releasing a debut level. There is some huge potential and I'm sure the author will not quit making levels and surprise us with his next project. Just some more time in creating a good environment and gameplay is necessary to step away from this beginerish vibe. Recommended for nostalgic players." - Gorty

"This is a solid debut level with key items to find (like the Pharos Knot and the four beetles), doors to open, and obtaining the Amulet of Horus. The gameplay stood out a little bit with the torch lighting puzzles (even the floor tiles needed to be lit in this case), and instances where multiple enemies jumped at Lara simultaneously. Otherwise, the textures are very plain, and the lighting is monotonous for the most part (except for the dark room with rocky edges near a pit that becomes a pool). This is good for a short decent level between larger level series." - Sakusha

"Simple level that takes us back in time, to the glorious epoch of Tomb Raider 4. After so many ambitious next gen levels, it is always a pleasure to see simple levels and suitable for all players. I perhaps love the simple things and I appreciate much more levels inspired by the atmosphere of the old episodes rather than levels where I have to always ask for help. I found it difficult to recover the mechanical beetle, but it was my carelessness. A good debut, recommended for those looking for a pleasant level to spend half an hour in the company of Lara :D" - Talos

"This probably serves as a tutorial level for the builder , who did a good job creating a solid level for his first in all categories. There is not much to fault technically wise in the 20 minutes spent here , i just noticed an audio file triggered in the wrong room (the one before the timed run on fire pillars, this sounds out of place when the door is still closed) , and Lara does not necessarily dies if she goes down in the cave when it is not flooded (and can't climb back up). For info, i did not downrate any point for these minor flaws. What the player needs to perform is not very complicated , the torch needs to be used several times. There is little we haven't seen many times before , yet the fire wraith that appears in the scarab hole once the arteafact is taken with the crowbar seems to be a fresh idea , the diversity of enemies is welcome , and the timed run is still a fun thing to do. I think the room with the invisible ledges would have been better if something would have changed on the way back , and too many times we may have to go through the hub corridor with the scissors trap. Globally, not too much entertaining level , but still a very decent first one." - eRIC

"I liked this level. It is well textured. It is mysterious. For a first level, it is well played. Recommended." - Amethyste

"A promising debut. A level with a solid design, variety of tasks and good lighting and texturization. The secret I found was not well hidden, but the enemies are well balanced and there is enough ammo for the shotgun. I missed some more musics (why don't add a music to the flyby in the lake?), and the tasks or puzzles are the same old ones from the classic levels: the timed run in the pool with fires on pillars, the transparent ledges in the pit, the monkeyswing with intermittent fires... No innovative or fresh ideas in that sense. I think if this author try to create new and original puzzles, traps or situations, sure that we could enjoy more entertaining levels in the future." - Jose

"After the rather gruelling level I played last, this short debut level came as a nice touch of light relief. It's a traditional Egypt style level, solidly built and containing quite a roundelay of enemies - ninjas, demigods, scorpions, wraiths, crocodiles etc. I'm making it sound like a shooter, but it really isn't. The gameplay is brisk but gentle, with a very generously timed fire run, a few basic traps to negotiate and four beetles to find. This would be an excellent choice for a less experienced player and really is a most promising debut level. Let's hope to see more from this builder in future." - Jay

"The builder managed to get a lot of things being "correct" in this 15 minute long debut level; there's nothing which I would classify "wrong" as such. There's a variety of tasks in this level, from a classic timed pillar run over invisible platforms, none is actually very inventive as such but it's decently flowing and not way too easy to pass through this level at least. Enemies are decently placed as well, the single secret is a bit too hard - to miss; at least the secret counter is properly set up here. While most areas are quite basicly designed with a lot of boxy rooms, there are slight variations like the cave area and multiple room connections. Texturing is quite clean and there are solid attempts to create realistic lighting as well. As said, it's all not of a very high standard, but it's visible that the builder has cared of what he did and it's not a rushed effort. Now off to some more elaborate levels, maybe?" - manarch2

"Every so often,I find it therapeutic to play a level such as this.It pushes no boundaries in any particular regard;it contains no especial surprises;and displays comparatively little architectural ambition - yet what it does,it undeniably does well.The textures are decently placed;lighting is sufficiently evocative;enemy attacks are bracing (two of the wraiths even graciously destroyed themselves,without Lara having to do anything!) Gameplay progression is fluent and enjoyable,with just enough challenge to keep the player occupied.In fact,it was refreshing to find a new level which didn't attempt to torture the player with murderously hard gameplay. Instead,you have timed sequences;platform jumping;a pleasing variety of flame puzzles;and plenty of straightforward but satisfying exploring.Only the blatant positioning of the secret let things down a little;but this is just the level for those who want 30 minutes or so of old-school entertainment." - Orbit Dream

"A fairly standard classic-styled Egyptian level, which lasted around 26 minutes. But what this debut release does, it handles it all very well(even if the gameplay difficulty itself is considerably easy throughout and the sole secret of the level isn't too hard to spot, even for someone like me who usually can't find most of 'em without a handy walkthrough on hand in other levels). Gameplay tasks are enjoyable to traverse through, enemies & objects fit about as well as expected and ambiance cues, lighting & texturing combine to create an effective atmosphere that successfully manages to draw one in. Overall, a very solid debut by Opaque79. And I look forward to seeing what he can come up with next. Recommended for those who are looking for something more simple and laid-back to play." - Ceamonks890

"A solid debut level with decent looks and no big flaws. It's completely linear, although the rooms are well connected into each other. They are mostly squarish, with well-applied, although sometimes repetitive textures. Also, I missed some more decorative objects throughout the level. Tasks are mostly simple. There is one timed run which is clearly inspired by the torch room of Palace Midas, some interesting and very original usage of the crossbow, one water-manipulating short area and a few short quests for beetle items. There are a few enemies and some very pointless wraiths. The ending is anti-climatic, but at least you get an appropriate item and audio tune. Overall, the level reminds me of "The Times Expedition" bonus level for TR4, with it's engine, simplicity and smoothness. The builder has mastered the basics of the editor and the individual setups for some specific objects, so now it's time to go for a more elaborate gameplay and some more atmospheric effects, so I hope for some longer projects in the future. A promising start and well spent 25 minutes." - Tolle87