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Caves HD Remaster by ilariacroft

Adrian 8 8 8 8
billie2001 8 9 10 9
DJ Full 6 8 8 8
eRIC 8 8 9 9
Jay 8 8 9 9
JesseG 7 8 9 8
John 8 8 9 10
manarch2 6 8 7 8
MichaelP 7 8 9 9
Nillc 8 9 9 9
OblivionJaw 7 8 8 9
Orbit Dream 8 8 9 9
Phil 8 8 9 9
Ryan 7 8 9 9
tuxraider 7 7 8 8
 
release date: 25-Jan-2023
# of downloads: 374

average rating: 8.22
review count: 15
 
review this level

file size: 88.20 MB
file type: TR4
class: Remake
 


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email(s):
tombraiderclassici@gmail.com

Reviewer's comments
"Having not played any TR in a while,this was not only useful as a re-introduction; but as a quick lesson in what developments have been taking place over the past year or so - in particular the modifications to the monkey-swing possibilities, and the lovely graphical touch of Lara stamping her footprints into the snow textures. From a players perspective, this level provided a creative use of taking a familiar layout and filling it with unfamiliar tasks (generally more challenging than anything found in the original). We know, from memory, where to go next - but we need to figure out new ways of getting there. In this regard,some of the jumps were a little tricky; but the timed runs were all achievable without having to repeat them too many times. Lighting and textures were beautifully applied; while the old familiar enemies and improved objects were put to good use. It was only the acquisition of the first Secret which felt a little unfair to me; everything else was spot on. Recommended." - Orbit Dream (15-Feb-2024)
"Admittedly, when downloading this level, I did think: "Oh my, here we go again - another boring remake of the first TR1 level that we have all played through so many times before." But then I was very pleasantly proven wrong. This rendition is quite something, as opposed to what many others have done when copying the Caves level. It does stay true to the original in general structure, so it remains the short 15-20 minute adventure we all kind of know, but it really succeeds with the modernized looks and more importantly, it has added variety in gameplay throughout that just makes it so much more interesting to play in comparison to the original. A very commendable effort and if there is one Caves remake you want to look at then it is most definitely this one." - MichaelP (11-Feb-2024)
"It's a really cool re-doing of the first level of the tomb raider series, with everything having a top notch quality onto it. It serves as a really cool Caves level, although it is still a recreation of the titular level. It offers some new things, but doesn't do too much outside the timed runs to shrivel up the original's charm. A nice level you wouldn't regret playing for sure!" - OblivionJaw (10-Dec-2023)
"Very short remake of the first level of Tomb Raider. Visuals and gameplay have been much extended from the original level. It looks pretty decent, especially compared to the original. Gameplay is good and an improvement over the original. You don't rush through it as much. It seems better than other remakes of this level as well. (Note: I've never played the original, only other remakes.) It surprises me that this is rated as "easy". The cages that move down when Lara lands on them are rather tricky to get past. The bear pit was also relatively hard. The main problem with this level is that it's so short and a bit pointless if you don't already have an emotional connection to the original level." - tuxraider (30-Jul-2023)
"It is a remake, and I will never understand why the actually pretty good ideas in this level are not used for something entirely new. Nevertheless I enjoyed the 15 minutes in this game because of some nice takes on timed runs, most of all the ones including raising blocks. The setting is quite beautiful and textures and objects are well used, but it reminds too much on the original TR 1 level to be exceptional. The three secrets were nice to find; I hope the builder takes her ideas and talent into something entirely unique again, next time..." - manarch2 (06-Mar-2023)
"I always enjoy seeing the old, much loved original ‘haunts’ rendered in up to date, beautiful detail. Fans of the original level will find much to enjoy here, with often very recognisable areas, sometimes less so, and a delightful reimagining rather than a slavish copy. It’s well made, enjoyable, dripping with nostalgia and doesn’t overstay its welcome. What’s not to like?" - Jay (27-Feb-2023)
"Version of The Caves recommanded for the beautiful setting and atmosphere, and for the new gameplay elements, the puzzle with the cages or the various short timed doors which are creative. Well done anyway." - eRIC (19-Feb-2023)
"Like ilariacroft, I have a soft spot in my heart for Caves as it was my first encounter with Lara Croft and TR. It's the same map but it comes with HD textures, same enemies (wolves, bats, bear) but the gameplay is reworked and far better than the original, with some new puzzles and a different approach. Like the original level, it is short and it took me around 20 minutes to finish. I also liked that the secrets are in their original place but you have to work a bit more to acquire them. Good atmosphere, perfect texturing, maybe the lighting needed some touches to get some "character". A very enjoyable remaster/remake. Recommended." - billie2001 (14-Feb-2023)
"It's a great shame this raid was so short, as it was an absolute pleasure from start to finish. I'm not normally the biggest fan of remakes out there, primarily due to the feeling of "been there, done that" prominent in most of them out there, but the builder has done a great job in mixing old with new here. The textures and lighting are sumptuous, the atmosphere even more eerie than the original and the gameplay has been transformed enough while still remaining faithful to the source material (the highlights being the chain/cage puzzle, the bracing timed sequences and the neatly executed push puzzle near the end). The PLS was a much appreciated addition as well and I much prefer this over flares. Great stuff!" - Ryan (12-Feb-2023)
"This is a short level that feels almost like a demo, yet it provides a nostalgic re- imagining of the level that started it all just before the turn of the century without inflicting the clunky TR1 graphics on the player. You even get a sampling of Lara's most recent moves on the monkey bars. I like the concept of an inexhaustible PLS instead of flares, and the PLS here provides better lighting than do the standard flares. Only parts of the level (beginning, ending and the bridge room) are unabashed copies of the original, but even there you get to enjoy fresh ideas from the builder's imagination. There are a number of timed runs, but all are eminently fair to the player and are fun to tackle. A better raid than some of the longer levels we've seen lately." - Phil (11-Feb-2023)
"Neutral
  • As it says on the tin, this is a pretty short experience, but still worth a download when you want a quick, nostalgic distraction between other adventures.
Liked
  • The classic enemies are present: there are wolves, bats, and a bear to fend off as Lara enters these savage ruins.
  • Definitely a highened atmosphere over the original TR1 level, all the way down to the little details like snow dripping in through openings in the ceiling.
  • There are some new gameplay elements as well, mostly in the form of timed runs. The most interesting moment for me was when Lara makes use of crates lifted up temporarily by pulling on chains.
  • I only found one of the secrets, but I appreciate that they all seem to have a new approach needed to reach them.
Time: 23 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Rating: 8/10" - JesseG (09-Feb-2023)
"Nicely updated Caves level. Similar enough to be nostalgic, but much improved graphics, moves and to a lesser (but still very welcome) extent, gameplay. Probably the best Caves 'remake' I've played. Short and sweet." - Adrian (03-Feb-2023)
"Both a remaster and a remake actually. I would work on lighting and shading a bit more. Also, I would add a shotgun as the third secret, for more satisfying end game kills. Yes I know it's just a prologue but that's also one of reasons why I would do so - because it wouldn't damage the difficulty curve known from the original game." - DJ Full (30-Jan-2023)
"I'm sorry but must admit i really wasn't expecting a lot from a caves remake level because i find the original one a classic of course but just too short and simple for much enjoyment. Well how wrong was i with this one! I would say this level is definitely more of a re- imagining than a remake as yes there is nearly all the same rooms and areas but here both the game-play and the visuals have been completely overhauled into fresh new puzzles and tasks in both stunning and very atmospheric surroundings with great music, new areas and new secrets to find. I just loved the new platforming cage task, the push-able box puzzle, and all the new tight timed runs, red herrings, new trap scares and new platforming elements put into it and i feel the builder has done a fantastic job in terms of updating a very old level into a gorgeous, fresh, fun but also very nostalgic experience." - John (28-Jan-2023)
"This level is admittedly a tribute to the first TR, but don't expect the "usual" remake of the first level: even if the map is more or less the same as Caves, Ilariacroft has managed to give her own personal touch, introducing a bunch of new elements which offer depth to the "historical" gameplay. You will therefore find yourself facing some never seen before puzzles, while the function of some rooms has been slightly modified in order to add alternative routes and new game elements. A special mention goes to the secrets: although they are where you remembered (sort of), you will have to work quite a bit to get hold of them! Furthermore, Ilariacroft has improved (a lot) the graphics, introducing a couple of new moves and HD textures; perhaps the lighting and the general atmosphere may appear a bit flat, but then again they fully reproduce those of the original level. The level lasts about half an hour and will give you a pleasant and fun and game full with nostalgia!" - Nillc (26-Jan-2023)