Level reviews

"This is an open map which looks quite large, but actual gameplay is concentrated in only a handful of areas. The initial non-linear exploration is a fun, nonsensical shoot-'em-up, but eventually you cannot proceed any further without tackling an underwater maze mostly made up of narrow, irregularly-shaped tunnels which are often difficult to navigate. In the end it turns out that the only thing you actually need is the Gate Key, and if you know where it is and where it goes, finishing the level takes only a couple of minutes (as José found out to his dismay).
The humongous bridge of the title dominates the scenery, but it serves precisely one purpose, and that is getting you up on the roof of an adjacent building. It resembles the real thing after which it was modeled only vaguely, namely in that it is a bridge and that it consists of two arches. Otherwise, it is far too large (I'd say about three times as large as it needed to be), far too massive, and the textures (Coastal) don't do a lot to enhance the similarity either. The continually disappearing horizon is distracting, and - textures were applied with reasonable care' (Orbit Dream) only if you compare the texturing to this level's predecessor's, the builder's disreputable debut (Kamifukuoka Lab). It's a step or two up from there, but the stairway is long, and this builder never made much headway up to the spot where, say, Titak is standing. Orbit Dream is indisputably right, however, when he says that despite its ostensibly Japanese location, the level takes place nowhere in particular. None other than 3ki3ro himself made a much more successful attempt at creating a recognisably Japanese setting with nothing but unmodified TR resources in his highest-rated level, Armor of Hideyoshi." - Mulf

"As far as my memory serves me, coastal levels have always been the most brilliant levels ever released on TRLE.NET for this time period. I must admit the atmosphere of the game gave me the motivation to play the game to the end and not to put the controller device down! Top Recommended level. Thank you very much!" - Mehrbod

"A coastal level which title is from a real bridge. The surroundings are nice, the bridge, lakes and buildings look good. There are many crocodiles, wild pigs, skeletons and pick-ups. They are scattered everywhere. Your objective is to find several puzzle items, but it won't be easy, as they are well hidden. I took some time to find out where each one was. Textures are well applied, though sometimes repetitive and stretched. Secrets aren't registered in the statistics, but I think I found 1 or 2." - alan

"This level attempts to recreate an apparent real-life location, and for the most part, it succeeds. It is a shame that there were blatant draw-distance problems and I reached the End of the World a few times. The central bridge and pagodas were nicely made, but I'm certain that Japan wouldn't have that many skeletons and warthogs. Lara left the level with an unused Pharos Knot in her backpack, so I presume I hadn't explored everything. Not bad though." - Ryan

"Very strange the philosophy of this builder for a level you can finish in less than 5 minutes if you know where to go. In fact, after finishing the level I began a new game and I finished it in 3:33. So you can see what you can expect here. Hundreds of pickups and enemies, huge areas to explore and all with no sense, only to see bad texturing rooms and empty. You only need to find your way to get the Gate Keys and the way to the door to use them. No more. All the remaining gameplay is about to pick up guns and ammo and shoot enemies. So it's your choice if you like that." - Jose

"I actually did play this game when it was first released, but that was before I became a reviewer so here I am revisiting old haunts 14 years later. Admittedly, by modern standards it looks somewhat overly large and stretched, but within the parameters of the basic level editor of the time, it still managed to impress me. I thought then how innovative and bold an idea it was to base a level on an actual place and it still gave me a frisson of excitement in that respect. One thing I had forgotten was the sheer numbers of enemies that attack at once, but given the huge area to skip around in, it's not hard to avoid them and the lavish amount of weaponry isn't really necessary (fun though)." - Jay

"I first attempted this level some ten years ago,and gave up after twenty minutes or so due to its size and non- linearity.On trying again this evening,I realise that my feelings have not changed.The sheer expanse of the playing area is distinctly annoying;the draw-distance problems are distracting;the enemies appear (often out of thin air) in veritable swarms;there is no clear direction to the gameplay itself;at least one puzzle/receptacle sequence seemed unnecessary;and an all-important jump appeared to be impossible.The bridge architecture was lovely,while textures were applied with reasonable care.Nonetheless,the playing area (despite being located in Japan) incorporated the old Coastal textures and accompanying wad,and so ultimately ended up feeling like absolutely no-where in particular.Large,sprawling,and around 60 minutes of 'Walkthrough close at hand' gameplay." - Orbit Dream

"This is one of the older levels, but I think texturing could have been made better even in the younger days of the level editor, they are repetetive and tapestry-like, many of them are stretched and some of them don't fit and seem to be applied randomly. The bridge and the buildings around look nice, but the area that has to be explored is so huge with the end-of-the-world-effect in many places and a lot of running to do from one end to the other, and there is not even a hint where to go next and where to use the found puzzle items. Enemies are crocs, wild boards and skeletons, who are all a bit overused for my taste. But at least it's no problem to get rid of them, as you can find all weapons that come with the level editor, and more than enough ammo. I found no use for the pharos knot, so I could take it home as a souvenir." - Jerry

"The whole level is a tribute to big bridge, which looks immpressive. Alas, the author didn't put much effort to gameplay, just thrown lot of enemies and ridiculus amount of pickups all over the place. There were a few key items, but they were opened just rooms to more ammo, the only thing we need to finish the level was the Gate Key, so there was no feel of accomplishment." - Akcy

"It sounds almost like an oxymoron, but here's a Japanese level that I not only figured out all by myself, but I played it in one short sitting. I'll be writing the walkthrough for it directly, but I wanted to get this review in first. Not a whole lot to tax the brain or the reflexes here. Just a fairly straightforward raid in a confined area that takes you through three or four specific areas. You get loads of pickups strewn all over the place in plain view, and some of the heavier weapons come along a little later. There's one secret that I found, and the pickup that comes along with it is necessary to complete the level. Enemies are scads of crocodiles and wild pigs, and skeletons at the higher elevations (so try to find the grenade gun and shotgun before hopping along the roofs). A nice, short, easy level that's recommended mainly for beginners." - Phil

"The beginning looks great - impressive bridge on lake and gardens all around with many crocodiles wild boar and skeletons. Lara needs to find some objects and keys (original coastal) the textures looks fine good gameplay and puzzles. It's an old level that can still keep on high level - enjoyed to play it." - Yoav

"Never seen so many crocodiles warthogs and skeletons in a level before. Every move Lara made seemed to trigger them. But they'll all have to be triggered by getting all the pickups or your search in the water for tunnels will be very hard. The bridge itself is the star of the level then the three simple pagoda temples after that it's quite plain surroundings and in some cases thrown together any old way. The very last thing I found were the keys well hidden in a high place. Finding the gem the knot and the Hathor head and base were straight forward." - CC

"Apart from all the crocs skeletons and warthogs you need to shoot (that'll teach you not to pick up everything in sight) this was a bit puzzling. Finding a gem the Portal Guardian a token and keys and then finding the places you have to use them. Best thing was finding one underwater place where you need to use the Portal Guardian. As for all those enemies not my cup of tea. 14-02-2003" - Gerty

"Not the best level I've played but I think it's not supposed to be a real tomb-raider level just another way to show everyone else the so called Twin Arch Bridge. It's very nice but I think that was all about it for this level. There were some underwater mazes and the textures chosen are not the best you could expect. A lot of enemies around (boars crocodiles and skeletons) and a few items to open some doors. Download it if you're curious to see what is a Twin Arch Bridge." - Treeble

"This level's bridge brought memories of the level 'Devil's Bridge' by Josep Borrut. Of course Josep's bridge was fantastic a piece of work and although this one is not bad it can't compete it's just reminded me of that level. The gameplay is very good with underwater tunnels one of them took me some time to spot as it is very well hidden and a lot of puzzle items. A token a portal guardian a gem and a pair of keys is what you need to finish it. Be aware that there are many crocodiles wild boars and skeletons but with all the weapons available as you proceed you find one more that shouldn't be a problem. Make sure you kill all the crocodiles though otherwise they will give you much trouble in the underwater tunnels. It's a pity that the textures are not well placed and there are parts missing small ones but they are there. Also we have the 'end of the world' bug that takes out some of the fun. I would say do play it I enjoyed walking to the roofs and the way you access the keys. It took me an hour to complete." - Kristina

"A nice idea to rebuild a place that actually exists and the bridge was crafted really nicely but this level didn't keep my interest for a long time and I don't remember the last time I saw so many crocodiles in a custom level. I don't think I can say much about this level it's worth to have a look at that bridge but I didn't find the level as attractive as many other players therefore I can't rate it higher." - eTux

"Wow a great Coastal-level. I never found so many health-packs and ammunition. There are crocodiles there was a crocodile nest. Skeletons were coming. A lot of them. I found all weapons (but no grenade gun) I needed and too many health-packs. On some places there were coming pigs and skeletons (4+4). Lara was shooting and shooting. But it was nice. I needed 55 minutes for this fun-level. The atmosphere is great by the sea. The textures are stretched on some places but good. You can play this level. You have fun." - Andi Croft

"Beautifully set in a large open garden with an enormous arched bridge as the focal point flanked on both sides by Japanese pagodas this was a level for lovers of exploring. There are three distinct areas of exploration here underwater on land and atop the roofs of the pagodas which made for a lot of fun running around as you collect the seemingly endless pickups which more often than not trigger a barrage of enemies all at once. I found it exciting having to quickly think how to best take out the large amounts of crocodiles skeletons and warthogs before they could kill me first but if you are not into enemies then this is definitely not the right level for you. Otherwise I think this is a wonderful outdoor level that will help you waste away a lazy spare hour." - Sash

"Very nice touch to rebuild an original site and actually providing real pictures for comparison on the homepage. The lower rating on the enemies stems from the fact that there is a bombardment of crocodiles appearing for each of the many (and mostly useless) pickups around the bridge. Also a few bugs where you easily reach and hit the 'end of the world' but still there are a few nice puzzles to solve and ways to find and the atmosphere overall feels like running around in a 'real world' type of place - so good fun to play despite the mentioned downsides." - Michael

"The level was designed impressively: The bridge was realistic and neat; although the underwater places were too 'square' and unrealistic. The pagodas were eye- catching and beautifully textured while the underwater places were textured very unrealistic. And that ruined for me the whole 'feeling'. I didn't think at first I will enjoy jumping around from roofs to houses to underwater but I found it very fun! I don't know why it was exciting even though I didn't like the overuse of the crocodiles and the useless pickups. Overall a very fun level especially for those who like action levels." - Yonatan

"I enjoyed every second of this level! Nagae Takanori recreated Megane Bridge located over the Nakajima River and surrounded it with beautiful temples and a few surprises as well. There are not a lot of predators in the game but enough to keep you on your toes every second. There's a lot of pick-ups though and a few little interesting additions from 'The Last Revelation'. The level looks deceptively simple at first; then you get the temple door open and realize that was not the answer you were seeking. I usually take my time on levels and I spent almost 2 hours on this level both enjoying the beautiful environment and figuring out where and how to end the level. Not a lot of puzzles but a lot of places to explore and a few items to find. After I finished the level I realized you can actually finish the level in about 10 minutes (with no kills and no pick-ups) but you would be cheating yourself. It was worth every minute of those 2 hours. One of my favorite levels so far!" - RaiderGirl

"Play is challenging. Maybe a few too many crocodiles and boars. I wasn't sure where the game was going and in the end wasn't sure what I had accomplished but it was fun getting there. The novelty was seeing the real bridge that this level was built around; nice touch of reality." - MichaelB

"There was a moment when I thought that this level is as pointless as the forgotten chair near the bridge that you pass several times but there are some good moments nevertheless (aren't there always). The bridge that gave this quest it's title is fairly impressive and put to good use but everything else is thrown together rather half heartedly. In one room there is an awful overuse of different styles while the texturing of the underwater tunnels is so repetitive that it verges on Op Art. I never found out how those warthogs managed to get onto the roof and if the crocodile is going to be extinct in the near future I know who to blame. I used to believe that the simple lever-door-scenario was the trademark of the amateurish level but the more I play the more I think it's those huge amounts of weapons you find and never need. Mind you the grenade launcher came in handy in the next level I woke up in." - Dimpfelmoser

"This could be an excellent level. A beautiful setting dominated by the huge bridge I enjoyed the gameplay and adventurous spirit of this level. A few good puzzles and maybe a few too many crocs almost every time you made a pickup you got attacked but I didn't get eaten. Until you found the crossbow the skeletons were a problem but I was quite satisfied going back and blowing them to smithereens afterwards even though I didn't have to. A little more mood music would have improved this level enormously. But still poking around the varied areas and waterways was enjoyable watch out in those water tunnels! Pickups in out of the way places fun and about 40 minutes for me." - Momster