| Reviewer's comments |
"Im playing full series now..this level is surely amazing, great construction, great atmosphere..enjoyed it vastly!easy and nice secrets, nice gameplay..only things that annoyed me was the moobable block(the secret here is to keep jumping inside the block without triggering the boulder) and also the 3 flames that u suppose u must put out, with many tries u can jump above them while burning." - Petaludas (07-Apr-2020) |
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| "Once again, another amazing level in the serie. Pretty
nightmarish in general, full of unpredictable traps,
sneaky monsters and of course lava and fire which are
present in literally the half of the tiles the map has,
but pretty fun. This one also contains more puzzles than
the other levels of the Hidden Garden, barring possibly
the Serpentine Gorge because I haven't played it yet. The
colored vase puzzle was challenging, even when you
realize there are colored tiles on the ground hinting the
order to shoot, three of the five colors look very
similar so the puzzle becomes harder than it should be.
The disappearing tiles room had me scratch my head for a
while until I figured it out, an excellent puzzle. The
only downside of the level (besides the difficulty if you
are not fond of it) is the boulder bug, mentioned by a
lot of reviewers. I finally made it work after my 20th
load or something and I have no idea what changed that I
could. Anyway as always recommended but beware it is
quite difficult." - Nomad (05-Mar-2020) |
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| "Contrary to other reviewers, I actually
found this to be my favourite section in
the series thus far (with two left to
play). I'm not normally the biggest fan of
gameplay that revolves mostly around trap
sequences (fire or otherwise) but the way
that the gameplay is constructed here is
so well done that I began to overlook the
trap preponderance and could do no less
than award a full ten score to the first
category. There's a little bit of
everything included here: the
aforementioned fire traps, timed runs
across pillars, a sneaky boulder/block
puzzle, a nifty vase shooting puzzle
(memorising the colours and order of the
tiles in the hallway actually did work for
me) and some exploration of a few vast
lava rooms that may seem daunting at
first, but become more manageable as you
progress. I also thought that the
atmosphere and textures were well done and
quite convincing. A bit of a gem I think
and I encountered no bugs at all." - Ryan (01-Jan-2019) |
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| "Just like the hub level this one is stressful.jumps crawls and climbs got me stressed out once again." - janachorider (21-Feb-2014) |
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| "This level was more fun in comparison to the two previous
levels of the series, just because there were more tricky
jumps to solve and a very nice and logic colour puzzle. This
level contains a main hall where you can get to the single
areas. The game had flowing gameplay and contained many fights
against ahmets and crocodiles, many pillar jumps and timed
runs. The "firy" atmosphere was very good and texturing was
fine - even if; just like in the other levels, quite basic and
not often custom made. A level not for beginners but great fun
for the more experienced players. Highly recommended!" - manarch2 (11-May-2011) |
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| "I must admit I was quite impressed by the quality of this level despite it's very old and doesn't have some features which some recent levels have. Setting looks good and is well planned, textured and lighted. Puzzles like the vase puzzle and continuously disappearing and appearing tile puzzle were also very good and I certainly enjoyed every moment of this level." - Samu (15-Jul-2008) |
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| "The most challenging level in the series so far, but given the title you would expect nothing less. You set off in search of three puzzle items to raise a couple of blocks in a lava room (you can get to this switch early by simply jumping over the flame tiles, but I never managed to work my way back that way) to only then gain access to the golden vraeus. Later on the level I also came across another situation in which one door did not open after having placed the three aforementioned puzzle items, but I was glad to know I could take an illegal shortcut by jumping off a triangular surface to the raised blocks and from then to the levers above. I also came across a few illegal slopes, even though the regular path won't take you to them you can still reach them nevertheless. Some textures are also either compressed or badly rotated when on triangular surfaces, but the overall ambience of the level is not harmed at all. 45 minutes, 1 secret. 04/08" - Treeble (01-May-2008) |
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| "Playing Inch's Hidden garden series is an inspiration. I recommend them to any builder as something to aspire to. When I wrote this review I was unaware that the levels were listed individually. I played the gaame as an entire series and my review is done on that basis, so you find an identical review for each of the levels. Architecture, texturing and lighting are stunning and provide an amazing atmosphere. Inch is the master of not having a straight surface, so you'll always be checking every little corner for something hidden, especially in the cave like areas. The Emerald Lakes level provided me with the greatest difficulty and I particularly enjoyed the Firewalk level. The atmosphere of Obsidian Heights is a must see. Enemies are never overused, but you'll be kept busy figuring out some great puzzles. And even if you get stuck with some of these puzzles you can just walk around and soak up the atmosphere of these picturesque levels. Although now an older release and lacking the bells and whistles of custom objects, you'll marvel at how well these levels
stand the test of time and match it with any of the latest releases." - EssGee (10-Mar-2007) |
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| "What a fantastic adventure this hidden garden saga is. The levels are getting better and better. Both gameplay and atmosphere is perfect and I was really in awe at some parts of this level. Starting with the first tricky secret ala tr2 to the huge water room...and of course the superb puzzle room with all the disappearing tiles. I actually constructed a similar (not this complicated) puzzle on my own a few months ago, thinking it was very original...but now I have seen how it should be done...to perfection! The secrets are very sneaky and although the objects and enemies are scarce, they fit perfect! All in all an amazing level!" - QRS (02-Aug-2006) |
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| "Another great level. The secrets are tricky and found 2 of the three on my own (i.e. without looking for hints in the forum). I don't really like fire levels in general but there was enough water in this one to balance out. The ahmets are not at all a challenge since I got the revolver I would like to have maybe seen the enemies get a little more challenging (since I save a lot I was able to just learn from my mistakes and reload to avoid the fire elementals...they really burn me up lol) There was a lot of tricky jumping in this level and of course more trial and error since falling in that lava will incinerate poor Lara every time. Got a few good hours of gameplay out of this one I'd give it an 'A'." - Brigidsgirl (06-Mar-2004) |
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| "A longer and tougher level than the previous and one that has a rather unfortunate bug (at the boulder/lever section) that resulted in me having to use tons of medipacks to heal myself. A very nice looking and feeling level though with a lot to do solve and fight. It has to be said that it can get a bit confusing as the whole area is quite large and a bit maze-like and involves a lot of backtracking. Still a very nice level. I completed it in 1 and a half hours and found 2 secrets." - gfd (03-Jan-2004) |
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| "Well usually firewalks aren't my favorite thing to do. But I did like this particular firewalk. Fact - there was water here as well... The room with the changing tiles is one of the most original ideas ever in a TR custom level so bravo for that one! It's interesting how you get a choice to move ahead to one place or another in no necessarily particular order. Then it's the usual thing: get items use items pull levers kill beasts you know... But never boring." - Jorge22 (14-Oct-2003) |
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| "The third in the series you may want to play this in your birthday suit because you are going to get very very hot. As the name indicates you come across a whole heap of fire and of course lava in this underground ruinous building thankfully there is a bit of water as well but not much. This like all in the series is wonderfully built architecturally and there are some nice puzzling elements with timed runs target shooting movable blocks and a very cool moving tile jump that needed great timing but then there were also some bugs with one in particular making a block that is supposed to stop a rolling boulder not solid so that the boulder rolled straight through it I also found a certain jumping move that made it possible to jump over some fire tiles that got me to an area earlier than I should have. This hour long level has some great atmosphere but it needs a little fine tuning by Jon to fix the bugs and make it a totally fun and playable level. I found 3 secrets as well as some hungry crocs and ahmets." - Sash (13-Sep-2003) |
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| "This one set among rooms filled with lava is more puzzle orientated than the first two levels of this mini game. Another eye candy level of Jon. He for sure knows how to build them. You have to look in every nook and cranny but you should know that by now. The trial and error shooting vases puzzle was a bit of a drag but strangely it didn't put me off one bit. Again secrets are very nicely hidden and is a treat when you find them. Nice jumping and thinking how to proceed. Best part was the tiles that appeared and disappeared in my opinion. Also let's not forget the beautiful flybys Jon makes. 02-08-2003" - Gerty (15-Aug-2003) |
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| "A great series of challenges and puzzles and it all runs smoothly from one room to another with much less backtracking. Again it's mainly finding switches. Some good old fashioned TR stuff like monkey swinging past flame emitters and timed runs across fire blocks. All areas with lava naturally radiate from a main room so it looks again that you're dealing with one building. One of these rooms has a shooting gallery effect with 5 vases the order that worked for me was 4 1 3 2 5. The puzzle with the floor squares that appear and disappear was unique. Some crashes on my mac were due I found out to lack of memory - so the solution is to give the editor more memory easy. There were too many wrong textures just too obvious to ignore that spoilt this level and not up to Inchdix' excellent standards. The lighting of all rooms was good and the thunder sound was more convincing than I've heard before. Nice room and effects when taking the vraeus. Onwards and upwards . . . off to Obsidian Heights." - CC (31-Mar-2003) |
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| "I love levels that grow and expand as you play them and THE HIDDEN GARDEN is a great example. We start in predictably enough a garden with monkeys and a cursory explore reveals some areas to get to but lots of locked doors. However further persistence starts to really open up the level and before long the place is flooded and there are entrances to four further levels available: EMERALD LAKES OBSIDIAN HEIGHTS SERPENTINE GORGE and FIRE WALK. Each of these is different and each is pretty hard to complete. Perhaps the hardest is FIRE WALK for which I needed the walkthrough and I also had to check on progress on some of the others from time to time as well. The use of graphics is brilliant and each place seems real and a lot of care and thought has gone into them. There are several things to kill - bats ahmets and clockwork men mainly with dragonflys in OBSIDIAN HEIGHTS as well oh and several crocs sharks and other assorted nasties including bugs in one area. My one complaint in the whole thing is in FIRE WALK when you have to shoot 5 vases in the correct sequence - how are you supposed to know? I thought at first that the colours of the translucent floor tiles on your way into the area was the key but this seemed not to be the case at all. I hate this kind of random-ness to a level - there should be some clue as to what is going on. Despite this I got over 10 solid hours of gameplay from this and it was great fun. Definitely one of the best level sequences I've played." - David (23-Feb-2003) |
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| "Atmosphere is the first descriptive word that comes to mind with the 3rd of the Hidden Garden series. Brilliantly done to depict the level name oh so well. There are a couple of difficult timed segments which I found enjoyable (at least after I passed them) and some excellent puzzling more so than in Emerald Lakes. Enemies are sparsely placed but you expect them at all times crocodiles ahmets and some bats. I happily acquired my 3rd vraeus and am running off for the next one" - Momster (28-Dec-2002) |
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| "Another great level. This time in lava surrounding pulling lot of switches (to open doors and raising blocks) jumping and swimming. Lava rooms aren't my favourites but this is an excellent work very fun and exciting to play with interesting puzzles wonderful textures and a chilling thunder sound in some settings. I didn't find this level too hard but there was something I hate: climb up to the higher level again after the big falling into the water with this nasty fire wraith pursuing me. I liked the way to pick up the second golden vraeus in a nice spiral. I've just began Obsidian Heights and it shows promise too!" - Cuqui (29-Nov-2002) |
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| "This is the third epidose of Jon Heywood's Hidden Garden series and it maintains the high standards set by its predecessors. The gameplay is difficult but not insurmountable and I never had the sense of unfairness that I felt at times while playing the first segment. There's one secret that's well-nigh impossible to obtain having to duck into a side tunnel while Lara is being swept through an underwater tunnel but the rest of the gameplay is challenging without being frustrating. The lighting is rather dark in many areas but I guess that's to be expected in a hellish environment fraught with lava pools and flaming pillars. Inchdix is making a legitimate claim to his place among the top handful of level builders and I'd like to see more of his efforts before burnout fever strikes. Unreservedly recommended." - Phil (28-Nov-2002) |
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| "Interesting that it is this level which takes most of a hit in terms of ratings from people. I for one enjoyed the 'hot atmosphere' in those lava caves with many fire traps around immensely and the central structure with the arched terraces above and below water was breathtaking. From a deadly slide at the start and an early secret (Uzi) you need to monkey swing past fire emitters master a few tricky jumps and battle ahmets crocodiles bats and one very annoying fire wraith (as he sends you around to do a long way once again). You get a crowbar but I think I never used it here and two hands and a gem to turn out fires in a crawlspace. There is a nice rolling ball/movable block puzzle and I especially liked the 'alternating tiles' room - very clever - and the subtle hint about the sequence in which to shoot the vases. The volcano like crater where you pick up the vraeus looks great too. 1:15 hours spent found three secrets in total and onwards to the next level." - Michael (22-Oct-2002) |
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| "Luckily most of the bugs were spared for me and the ones that did occur were not so serious and could easily be fixed by reloading. And if no bugs occur you can see what a marvelous level this is gameplaywise as the flashing block puzzle the fiery run on the blocks the clever vase puzzle are one of my favourite puzzles in this series so far! As fine as it is gameplaywise I have to say that this is my least favourite part of the series visually. Maybe it's just me cause I have never liked too much lava or an atmosphere were you can feel the heat but don't have a place to cool off and the lost library textures were never among my favorite ones. The secrets were just fine and the last area with the red sky and the Tinnos lava pit with the vraeus was really awesome! Almost everything I visually didn't like at the start made up at the marvelous ending. A nice level but not my favourite." - eTux (13-Oct-2002) |
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| "The third level of the Hidden Garden series plays in a volcano. At the beginning Lara finds a well hidden secret the Uzis. It was also again a very large level with much running around. My Lara liked it. A nice atmosphere. Textures and sound were suitable. Lara had to swim much and solve some mysteries before she finds the golden Vraeus and again returns to the first level. The opponents were crocodiles bats and ahmets. The third level pleased me somewhat better than the first. Recommendable." - Navi (28-Sep-2002) |
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| "Very good level and nice fires and water atmosphere when you are diving in deep and what a kind of happiness when I found crowbar there:)) One of the great masters of levels made this level - an excellent job!" - Ivan (01-Sep-2002) |
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| "Rating the levels of the Hidden Garden adventure as unique entities is awkward for me since they are connected and can't be played on their own but ...Of the three I've played to date (Hidden Garden Emerald Lake and Firewalk) I've enjoyed Firewalk the most EXCEPT for the bugs. I can't believe a level has been put out with this many bugs in it! If I can ignore the bugs (fat chance) the jump sequence from the climbing wall took me completely by surprise! Faked me right out. I like a puzzle that does that! The timed door up in the stratosphere with the timed jumps after the timed door was VERY challenging for me. It kept me busy for 30 full minutes. The flashing floor was a pure joy which I never figured out (thank you forum members). The enemies were easily handled using just the pistols and were predictably placed. Because I run XP I play TR with the sound off (reload time is 53 to 62 seconds with the sound on) and still I found the enemies predictable. The only object or secret I had a problem finding is the crowbar. I used no large health packs and four small health packs in the level. Atmosphere and camera placement are boss. I can't speak for the sound. On the down side which stole 5 points from Gameplay & Puzzles: the colored vases lacked any logic I could deduce and ended up being a shoot reload if dead shoot again pain in the ass. The monkey swings through the fire were so easy they were second grade and not worthy of Firewalk. The bugs I mentioned earlier -- stuck in the V of blocks crashes to the desktop etc. -- were too numerous for a 'finished' product. All in all quite good but it could have been close to a masterpiece." - Dougsan (28-Aug-2002) |
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| "Only in this level I felt stuck. I missed an important switch. But the level is amazing. Only the fire pillars puzzle (from the TR1 palace of Midas level) decreases the Gameplay & Puzzles rating." - Loupar (11-Aug-2002) |
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| "Level 3 is a mixture of very good and very mean riddles. Lara starts sliding down a slope. You have to act quickly to avoid her death. Again you will see where the title comes from. The location of the entrance as well as the exit for Firewalk in the Hidden Garden is also very well thought of. After you monkey climbed past some fire emitters you have to do some jumping to find a trigger for a couple of gates. After that you have to solve some riddles involving a movable crate appearing and disappearing platforms and some colored vases. You have to do lots of complicated jumps one of them involving a timed door. You will find one room with three fire pillars in a pool and another one with a lava pool. You should have a close look around before going back! At the end you have to collect the next Vraeus." - Tombraidergirl (11-Jul-2002) |
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| "The series runs 1. Hidden Garden - 2. Emerald Lakes - 3. Firewalk - 4. Obsidian Heights - 5. Serpentine Gorge with Hidden Garden being the central hub as you return here often to gain access to the other levels. The order in which these go and the approximate times taken are as follows. You start in Hidden Garden for 75 minutes move on to Emerald Lakes for 90 minutes back to Hidden Garden for 20 minutes then onto Firewalk for 65 minutes back to Hidden Garden again for a quick 5 minutes and onto Obsidian Gorge for 130 minutes. Then a quick backtrack to Hidden Garden for a minute or so and onto Serpentine Gorge the last level for 155 minutes with a final visit to Hidden Garden for 5 minutes to place the 4 Vraeus objects. This ended up for a total game time of 9 hours. Firewalk: This was a good puzzle level but unfortunately due to some flipmap problems the puzzles did not work in game as the author intended. Things like switches not working holes appearing where there should be no holes and fire tiles igniting before they should made this a nightmare over and above the already difficult game play with some incredible jump/twists that poor Lara must do. Ignoring the bugs this level was well thought out and it really is a shame that the level was plagued with these problems. I even downloaded the updated wad set but the problems remained (although you can get around them)." - Torry (10-Jul-2002) |
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| "Another great level from Jon not too hard but fun. This is the third level in a mini game following 'The Hidden Garden' and 'Emerald lakes'. The name says it all - this is all about fire and lava and heat (it would have been fun to see Lara sweat!). First you have to find two hands and one gem (and where to put them!) to get access to a lever which raises some blocks and you can move on into a higher level. Up there you find the second golden vraeus that you're gonna need further on in this game." - G.Croft (21-Jun-2002) |
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| "The architecture and lighting of this level is quite simple but works perfectly in the atmosphere of the level. But the better thing about this funny level are the puzzles and traps that are very smart and interesting. Worth a download because I had really fun playing Firewalk." - Leandro (21-Jun-2002) |
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| "Straight out of the Garden of Eden and into the depths of hell. Though your objective to collect the Golden Vraeus may sound simple it will not be an easy task. Every second is a true adventure as you solve each interesting puzzle fight enemies like Ahmets crocs elementals and bats and jump and climb around areas filled with lava. Jon is a master puzzle creator and each one is clever and unique. One is a room filled with tiles that disappear and reappear and you have to get to the other side of the room and turn off a flame and another involves shooting vases in a particular order as some of the vases reappear before your very eyes! In your travels you must collect two hands and a horseman's gem in order to get to a certain switch that opens the path up to collect the Golden Vraeus. The textures were so realistic they had me sweating and in this type of environment that must have taken a lot of work to accomplish. Although most areas were well-lit the dark cobweb filled passages were pretty spooky and the music only added to that effect. I expected something to jump out at me almost every second though there were really few enemies to deal with. The beautiful fly-bys only wet your appetite for the upcoming events and the great camera angles only add to the excitement. Unfortunately I only found one secret but hopefully I'll find the rest the next time through. I'm now eagerly awaiting the next level in the series." - RaiderGirl (21-Jun-2002) |
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| "Wow absolutely great atmosphere in this new part of Inchdix' 'Hidden garden' series. The title says it all: Firetraps lava a fire ghost and some timed fire tiles you will find in this level. Lara will often die by burning but Firewalk is not extremely difficult it's very well playable. You have to find two hands and a gem in different areas with different well-thought-out puzzles to turn some flames off until you get access to a lever which raises some blocks and Lara can reach the top of the level. Also impressive the underwater-section I found a crowbar there which I didn't need maybe for the next level? I have only found just one secret and that was in the beginning nice secret-room and had about 1:30 hours stunning gameplay. Absolutely recommended download and play!" - Freeman Porter (21-Jun-2002) |
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| "There are some really good flipmaps in this level and of course also a lot of fire and lava. The texturing is good and the whole level looks very good. At one point I couldn't continue and had to save quit the game and then reload before I could actually continue. This is (despite that bug) a good level which is not too hard but not too easy either." - Magnus (21-Jun-2002) |
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| "What a level. Stunning graphics and atmosphere set up the level to become very addictive. The puzzles have a novel slant and make you really think. Switches vary in position and function often multi operations needed to get the required outcome-warning keep your eyes open. The enemies are easily dealt with if you are careful. A greatly enjoyable level a must to play." - Whistle (21-Jun-2002) |
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| "Wow what an adventure. This is the third installment to the Hidden garden and it is stunning. I did find the puzzles were very inventive but not ultra hard to solve I mean yes I had to think carefully about some of them but I didn't get a headache from them. But they were very clever. Your sequence of movements is very logical with the aid of some good camerawork. There were not many baddies to fend off but they were effective. As Jon promised this level is more puzzle orientated than your usual pull a lever to open a door so if like me you prefer real puzzles then this is a must. The textures were spot on just look at those glass floor tiles; I'm sure they were real glass. Even the sounds were good especially the thunder which added to the atmosphere. It took me about 45 minutes of NET gaming to complete. This is a must for raiders who like caves. Excellent work Jon hurry up and finish your next installment. LOL" - Jason (21-Jun-2002) |
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| "It is the 3rd part of the Hidden Garden levels. As the name says you never really get cold because there is plenty of lava around although in between there is a chance of taking a swim. The play has some tricky parts like the changing tiles and a timed jump over columns. The puzzles I solved by trial and error (and some hints from the Forum). Rather annoying was the movable block that did not stop a spiky boulder and so set a square next to an important switch on fire. Okay I found a trick to do pull the switch anyway. Another annoying bug is in the second room with the 3 fire blocks. I dropped and grabbed a crevice and dropping on to the place with the small medipack it killed the game and on top of that all save games were also gone. Next time I went down through the metal square and got the grenade ammo but when I jumped over to the small medipack the same thing happened again. The enemies are ahmets crocodiles and a few bats. I collected a Hand of Orion a Hand of Sirius and a Horseman's Gem. Using them put out the fires in a passage. In the end I got a Golden Vraeus. Now I have 2. I found 2 secrets. I really enjoyed playing this level and I am looking forward to part 4." - Monika (21-Jun-2002) |
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| "An atmospheric level basically the continuation of a series. Lava is the main element that surrounds most of the areas. After the gates have been opened in the main room you will need to integrate a series of puzzles. One of those is the vases puzzle. The interesting part is the surprise that the player will have after the first couple of shootings maybe it's not at all what you thought it to be. As much as a challenge those can be one puzzle can interfere with the games course. The burning hand in the pedestal it's the first that needs your attention later it might not be possible to approach it. Later on the game is capable of dragging you deep into adventure the upper levels have a certain complexity that appears to be a valid excuse to really like this one. As anyone can guess from the title fire is going to be your friend all the way through so be prepared to burn your feet. The enemies are mostly mutants and crocodiles with the first appearing from everywhere at least at the beginning. The final quest which is getting hold of a golden vraeus is your ticket back to another level of the same author 'Hidden Garden' which is the first of the series and I would advise you to play them all. Apparently this game of the three levels are not finished but the first touch looks promising." - Kristina (21-Jun-2002) |
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| "Madness! Such jump combinations and puzzles in a single level! I am simply inspired. Inchdix has created such a great atmosphere, that it is a pleasure to look at this level. All ways were so difficult and, besides, by no means frustrated, I could hardly sleep. All elements like textures, cameras, sound and puzzle were strangely joined, this level is simply a classic." - Xxenofex (21-Jun-2002) |
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| "Again a great level from the author. Everything in it is well put together. You will have to face fire-traps of every kind and maybe you will burn alive? (As a famous reviewer would have said: « you'd better know where you put your legs »). Sometimes you will have to run fast but most of the times you should better explore and think about what is possible to do. The gameplay is exciting and there are very good puzzles (shooting non-permanent tiles and lever puzzles). The textures are wonderful the sounds are well chosen there are two terrific fly-bys. The enemies (red monsters crocs bats) are well placed and if you don't solve some puzzles in the right order you will have to deal with the ever-frightening fire-sprites. As always in Inchdix's levels the secrets are not only a pick-up in a dark corner but are really a secret room (don't miss the first one at the beginning as it is a cool secret place). Well I would have wanted this level a little bit longer because I eagerly wait for the next one now. By the way I have found the crowbar but didn't use it in this level or did I miss something?" - eRIC (21-Jun-2002) |
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| "Now for some reason I didn't enjoy this as much as the other levels by Inchdix. I don't know why really. Is it because I got stuck a couple of times or because I encountered some bugs was it the lever feast at the end ore maybe I just prefer drowning to burning. Yeah I gotta say that if you miss the jump switch near the monkeyswing (that opens the gate which in turn gives way to the upper ledge of the big lava room i.e. access to the pillars once raised) the first time around there is no way you're gonna find that later. Also the bit where you have to shoot the five vessels seemed to me a matter of trial and error which just means a lot of dying and reloading (always boring). That said it's still a great level a must play with lot's of brilliant stuff a really great course mean foes that caught me off guard a couple of times neat puzzles and some excellent timed jumps. I particularly liked the way you always ended up in the huge underwater cave and it's fairly ingenious how the rooms and areas interact. If a level is called Firewalk you shouldn't be surprised to see a lot of lava but I have to say it's not my favourite enviroment yet if you treat yourself to the occasional ice cream while playing this it becomes endurable. As I never found a use for that crowbar I guess it means I must have missed out on some secrets. Maybe next time." - Dimpfelmoser (21-Jun-2002) |
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| "Can you feel the heat? The atmosphere and ambiance in this level is great. But unfortunately it has its share of problems. Several bugs some affecting gameplay in a major way meant I had to rate that score lower. Not up to the finished quality of Hidden Garden but a diamond nonetheless." - Lyn (21-Jun-2002) |
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| "For me this third level of Jon's series is the most troublesome for two reasons: One I find it most difficult. Two it's full of flipmaps so as the author himself said it's not just a boring 'run and shoot' level. But the thing with flipmap is that it can be unpredictable. There's still a room in this level that has a flipmap bug. If not done right this segment can present difficulty. Unwittingly gamers may find themselves stuck in it thinking that it's just a wrong move when in fact you may have done things right yet can't get past it because of this bug. The way round it --- having to restart and load the last savegame from the desktop --- is quite tedious. The saving grace of this level is that indeed it's not boring. The puzzle in the vanishing floors room is interesting. The timed burning pillar runs is classic. The timed 4-column is straight from a TR1 secret jumps. And at the top where you need to collect the artifact the crater reminds you of the Atlantean civilization! Lastly the three options as to which room to take I think is a good technique at avoiding too much linear element in the gameplay." - Drew Pizza (21-Jun-2002) |
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| "Another excellent level by Jon Heywood. Caves lava fire and atmosphere. There are plenty of well-timed jumps great puzzles and realistic timers. I found some of the unexpected underwater swims a bit stressful when I lost my sense of direction! but this was great as only added to the enjoyment. A level NOT TO MISS." - Moonliteshadow (21-Jun-2002) |
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