Reviewer's comments |
"A very enjoyable double-level! Nothing special in gameplay, but the author designed pretty
good environments with the Martian concept which really ooze with atmosphere especially for
2001. How the author handled the transitions in the textures also adds to this atmosphere,
the first parts of the structure are fairly typical almost boring Egyptian stuff, and as you
progress they slowly give way to more unique textures/areas, which culminate with a
wonderful teleporter room in the final area of the first level. Then the second level takes
place in Mars, with a lovely initial flyby of its surface showing you that you have indeed
teleported there, and the inner complex feel familiar and alien at the same time thanks to
the red tinted walls, and the creepily shining eyes of the regular Egyptian statues (among
other things). Red-eyed jackals also fit nicely with this concept of the second level,
feeling like Martian beasts. Overall the adventure feels almost like Stargate, it is
impressive how the author achieved this with just a couple of new textures, and smart
architectures. I had a lot more fun with this one that the author's first two levels (which
were still okay levels) so it is great to see how he improved." - Nomad (10-Aug-2024) |
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"Reading the reviews of all previous reviewers, I wonder if we played the same game. lol.
The first part takes place in a typical Egyptian setting, the second part takes us to
Mars with a more interesting setting, that is for the time the game was released, but
not anymore. I found the gameplay boring and NOT because it is too easy. There is a big
difference between easy and boring. It is boring because all the tasks/puzzles are
overly simple and never engaging. There is an abundance of very long corridors that lead
to rooms not all that great. Texturing is good but lighting is flat almost everywhere. I
would only recommend it to absolute beginners who are looking for a very simple and easy
level to play." - billie2001 (09-Aug-2021) |
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"An adventure where it's good to read the short storyline
before starting the game. It links Dan Nuttall's 3 levels
into one storyline and sets you in the mood for this final
chapter of the adventure. Actually , the storyline can also
be read when playing. Like in some Tony_Tomb or Bigfoot and
some other builders levels, some elements (mostly textures)
here lead you to what you will expect in the end, and the
realization is well and properly done. Speaking of tetxures
the author has made a good work with those custom ones ,
also the ones with greenery are specially very well used.
The lighting is correct but often Lara and some animated
objects as well appear too dark. Gameplay remains fluent
and entertaining. Enemies are not that big , but sometimes
very well placed/used. One to relax and enjoy." - eRIC (30-Aug-2019) |
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"Another great example of a builder trying
to do something different with the old LE
tools and succeeding nicely. The author
mentioned that he prefers more flowing
gameplay and so there's nothing complex or
brain-teasing here. Well, what I
experienced here was more than
satisfactory. The neat usage of eerie
custom textures and reddish lighting is
really well done and captures the Martian
(and Egyptian) atmosphere really well,
despite not being too otherworldly. I
liked the various pictures of the solar
system dotted around too. Definitely
recommended." - Ryan (28-Nov-2018) |
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"Playing a rather nice 2001 set of levels I'd never played
before just shows how much of a gold mine trle is. In
fact, I was a bit afraid that, 16 years later, time could
have taken its toll on what may once have been astounding
and it has... but not enough to make it less enjoyable or
look more awkwardly designed. Of course, even things like
teleportation make you have to kind of guess Lara's been
teleported and we don't actually get to play on the
surface of the red planet - instead we continue our
Egyptian tour on Martian-Egyptian palaces. But there are
some neatly placed touches even in that department,
namely looking at the Martian hills through a glass
corridor or having a lovely view of our own planet up in
the starry skies. It's also good that the author, as
stated in the readme, believed in a flowing gameplay
instead of specific puzzles taking everything else
hostage. Sixteen years on, still enjoyable." - Jorge22 (25-Feb-2017) |
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"I really enjoyed this two part level and am rather surprised that I never played it before. It's fast paced and progresses from an Egyptian setting to Mars, which has some lovely views of earth. There are indeed some excellent custom textures that must have impressed at the time and still feel fresh and interesting. Enemies are well used - ninjas, bats, dogs, and there's a good mix of puzzles, traps and agility tests. Nothing is too difficult to achieve, but the entertainment value is definitely there and it should prove suitable for players of all abilities." - Jay (20-Jul-2016) |
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"What a thoroughly enjoyable two-level adventure! The
gameplay is never especially difficult nor thought-
provoking,but it flows extremely well and keeps the player
constantly entertained;while the storyline (although
somewhat left-field)is pretty well developed.The use of
custom textures is another good example of the boundaries
that were already being pushed so early on in the level
editing days,and the way in which the initial Egyptian
temple location gradually metamorphosed into something more
extraordinary and other-worldly was clever and
effective.Although never weak,more could have been done with
the lighting in order to make the visually imaginative
journey a little more evocative,as everything is either
brightly lit or pitch black;and there is little musical
accompaniment to accentuate the visuals.As if to
compensate,the enemy placement is extremely effective
(rarely have I seen such good use of the standard
ninja's);while cameras are helpful and often used to develop
the unfolding scenario. This is 1 hour and 45 minutes of
continually enjoyable adventuring,and proves yet again that
no amount of technical advances over the intervening 12
years have done anything to diminish the enjoyment factor of
these early releases." - Orbit Dream (12-May-2013) |
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"If you search an hypothetical origin of the egyptian civilisation, this level is for you.
The adventure start in Egypt in a giant tomb with a very good atmosphere.
The new textures are really great and the gameplay is very easy and linear.
My favorite aera of this level is the end with the big hall with stars and statue to push and of course the giant star corridor with the teleporter. JUST GIANT.
After, Lara arrive in a small room but something is very strange, it's not the Earth but ... Mars.
We have an amazing view of the desertic land of this red planet and the Earth far away in the sky (even if I suposse we can't see the Earth from Mars or a small point lost in the sky ^^... but the idea is exellent)
This level on Mars is amazing, we discoverd an ancien Marsian civilation with many strange technology.
I really like the many view of Mars and the beautiful solar system picture.
I also like the mystery about these Martian building, we can suppose the Martian are humans too and moved to Earth to escape a possible disaster or other things ... and built a civilization similar to theirs with the Egyptian people.
GREAT GAME. Highly recommended" - BigFoot (17-Dec-2011) |
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"This time you'll accompany Lara in a travel through the space to Mars. This planet is full of hellhounds and bats! The level is easy to play with a lot of ammo to make it more easy, long corridors, nice textured with some attractive views and simple puzzles; the author don't let you advance if you don't have the necessary items in your backpack :D. I liked cameras and sounds too. Don't try to play the second level first, you need a piece from the previous." - Jose (21-May-2008) |
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"Fun! This is a three-letter word that describes this level way too well. As the author kindly explains, he likes obvious gameplay flow, so don't expect any brain crackers here, but rather a straightforward gameplay with some logical progression (puzzles, levers, doors, etc). The author has created some fantastic new textures that match perfectly well those supplied with the TRLE and created a terrific link between the Earth and Mars with a nicely done star warp. Architecture might be simplistic on the first part, but on the second, despite still based on blocks, platforms take more unusual shapes, such as the huge Martaecian mask, which is quite a sight to behold. I think this is one of the gemstones that Michael would one too often recommend, and now finally having played it myself, I can only recommend it too! 60 minutes, 2 secrets. 08/07" - Treeble (12-Aug-2007) |
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This follows the same pattern as other Dan's levels, thus is rather fluent and shall never occupy you more than needed, and thus was exactly for my liking. It wasn't maybe all as exciting as Lost Temple of Kolobaine, but still included Dan's trademark tricks and a couple of very enjoyable puzzles. What this stands out for are the new great textures, the great storyline that kind of unites all Dan's levels in a joint timeline, and the fabulous new setting of the second level. As with Kolobaine, I think this could've been improved so much with more complex lighting and room geometry but is original and nice to look at all the same. There seemed to be an overdose of ninjas in part 1 and dogs in part 2, but since the revolver is one of the first things you pick up they shouldn't pose much of a threat. Overall, a highly memorable and original effort from the author, so also highly recommended. Pity the author seems to have lost interest in the editor and hasn't released anything since this, cause I believe we could've expected some truly great things from him! - eTux (20-Jul-2005) |
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"After playing the author's previous level this one was along the same lines. Indeed the author states this in an included readme file. The first of the two levels boasts a great feel with large well textured rooms which have a pyramid feel. The highlight for me though was the second level including the transition to get there. Walking through the galaxy to reach Mars where the player sees the Earth high in the sky. Brilliant. The levels are not too challenging although I did not find all secrets but the gameplay flows well. Well worth a download." - Jez (21-Oct-2004) |
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"Dutchy's walkthrough inspired me to play this oldie but goodie (4/04). The author posted a warning in his readme file that this two-parter wouldn't tax the brains or manual dexterity of the seasoned raider. Even though I don't consider myself seasoned by any means I found this to be a pleasant no-pressure way to spend an hour or so. The litany of tunnels and floor levers got a little tiresome near the end but I very much enjoyed playing these levels. I've played all of the author's levels and I wish he'd crank out another one soon. Recommended." - Phil (13-Apr-2004) |
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"I have to admit that I liked Dan's previous levels more than this one. I also have to say that the textures and lighting are nice here too but I wasn't satisfied by the puzzles. Mostly it's pulling levers and stepping on certain marked tiles a few times you have to shoot some vases as well to open doors. Two cartouches a guardian key which I never used as I didn't find a key hole for it and as usual the rest is climbing long ladders and shooting scorpions ninjas and face a few mummies. If nothing else though Dan's levels are straight forward and I don't think you can get stuck. The puzzles aren't hard at all and there is a hint given or even the solution like for example at the room with the spikes. I found only one secret so I might have missed many of them and I got through both levels in an hour and twenty minutes. It's worth taking a look at all of the author's levels." - Kristina (05-Aug-2003) |
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"This level set had me from the beginning. There was something about Lara's slide to begin the game that I found really neat. Sounds dumb I know. But it did grab me. This was fun for me from start to finish taking me a full four and half hours. The puzzles were easy -- scratch that. The puzzles were very easy. The enemies on Earth were lame and simple to lay a sunder. The enemies on Mars (the Red Planet) were limited to dogs (I think). Only weapons used were the pistols though other weapons were available. The settings/textures/etc. were great (exactly what I expect from Mr. Nuttall with the wonderful exception of his not resorting to very many dark areas [thank you Dan]). I strongly recommend this game to all both novice and expert alike. The novice will learn patience since the game is not linear and the expert is sure to enjoy the story as well as the beautiful designs." - Dougsan (09-Feb-2003) |
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"Lara investigates here two mysterious temple areas and her task is to find the amulet of Horus. The puzzles are well thought out not difficult actually but Lara has to go long ways climbing monkey swinging diving occasionally pulling levers. Opponents were in the first level mainly baddies in the second occurred mainly the temple dogs and bats and not too few. The textures pleased me well somewhat different in this temple and the lighting was also well done sometimes somewhat dark but there were torches/flares enough ;-) The atmosphere was very good - I can only recommend the level further." - Engelchen Lara (20-Dec-2002) |
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"There are some facts that make this level attractive: few original textures and the story; but unfortunately this is not enough to make this level a 'must play'. The gameplay is linear and the environment isn't disturbing enough as the story would suggest. The lighting is IMHO not good and Lara appears darker than the rest of the objects in the most of the rooms. Only few dark effects that doesn't makes atmosphere." - Loupar (01-Dec-2002) |
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"I happen to be a big fan of Dan's levels but found this one just a little on the boring side compared to his other two. Needless to say the setting itself was wondrous and gameplay was interesting but I got a little tired of backtracking and remembering which door went where. Consequently I spent 2 hours in this level but probably the first ½ hour was finding that first door to get you on your way. Just an awful lot of climbing and lever pulling and a few traps but nothing to really get your blood boiling. It was however entertaining enough to get me to finish and if only for the stunning visuals you should also." - Momster (19-Oct-2002) |
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"What a fantastic atmosphere especially in the second part it's a pity really that the gameplay is so straightforward and involves too many levers for my liking. However it still is great fun pretty fast paced and apart from two climb through entrances you won't have to think twice about where to go next. It starts in a distinctively tutoresque setting but gets more futuristic and weird by the minute. The climax being the absolutely stunning run through the milky way that will bring you to the red environment of Mars. The fly bys are great the cut scenes helpful and I just wanted to stay a little bit longer as the textures and lighting are truly exceptional and make this an absolute must for the TR connoisseur." - Dimpfelmoser (02-Sep-2002) |
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"It seems like we have pretty much adventured with Lara over every inch of the globe so where to next? Well this is where Mars! Yes you heard right this double leveled game first starts off in an Egyptian environment with some lovely rooms decorated with the beautiful use of sun and star textures as well as a large wall covered with a picture of our solar system then after running along a black star encased walkway that visually blew me away you are transported to the red planet where a stunning fly by shows through glass the surface of Mars with Earth hanging high in the sky. Game play was never boring but never too difficult you couldn't proceed although like Tombaholic I also couldn't find that early - well covered - opening which I'm sure he is talking about for quite a while and texturally it was great how the 2 levels had their own distinct looks especially giving the level set on Mars a red look throughout. I have to say that I thought it was brilliant how the creator used the fact that the Egyptians who worshipped the sun and stars may have actually come from another planet giving this game a great storyline." - Sash (21-Jun-2002) |
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"This fabulous adventure with a great storyline captured me for a little above 1.5 hours and it was indeed very entertaining. Smooth sometimes quite linear progression but a lot to do and a very nice environment with a few custom textures and great effects. I liked the planets picture and the starry sky and the walkway into the second level and the 'warp effect' is awesome. Cameras are used well but a little scarce maybe. Make sure you shoot all the vases as this will help find secrets (among other things). I managed to get to two secret areas in each of the two levels but I am sure there could be more. In level one you will pick up 1.5 cartouches and 2 hands and fight about 20 'white wolves' (ninjas) some scorpions and mummies and there is an occasional spikeball to dodge. After almost an hour you then leave the Egyptian environment and end up on Mars (apparently - as you can see the earth at the horizon) although the level then mostly is inside and it feels more like a 'red Egypt' scenario - but it works very well and the atmosphere is quite stunning. In Part 2 you have to find and place a guardian key another cartouche and the timeless sands fight 20+ Martaecian dogs (?) and almost as many Martaecian bats (?). Not sure if I liked the climb through wall although it was easy to spot. Make sure you stay alert when you pick up the Amulet of Hours near the end." - Michael (21-Jun-2002) |
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"Another well thought out level by Dan the Man. What starts out as your typical Egyptian level winds itself into another dimension later on and I must say is a clever mix of the conventional with the unknown. As with all of Dan's levels they are just the right difficulty without going over the top and I for one enjoy them. Do I dare say it? To go where no level designer has gone before? To seek out new textures. Design long and prosper Dan!! (Sorry couldn't help myself LOL)." - Torry (21-Jun-2002) |
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"It's a good level but not very emotional." - Boris (21-Jun-2002) |
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"This level starts out looking like just another Egyptian tomb scenario. But as you progress you begin to see hints of something else - new patterns and symbols a mural of the solar system. It culminates when you reach the second level and - we're not in Egypt any more Dorothy. I won't give away any more. Suffice it to say that unlike many levels this one really seems to tell a story if you take time to look. After the first few rooms the texturing and design really blossoms with some original textures as well as re-colored ones. The author has also included some cool 'special effects'. Visually it's a very memorable level. Gameplay unfolds smoothly for the most part - not too hard but not easy either. At one point I was stuck for a half hour until I found a very well-hidden entrance and there are a couple of pretty crafty puzzles along the way. Enemies are artfully deployed within the game but don't present much danger. Overall a real treat." - Tombaholic (21-Jun-2002) |
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"First let me say that I hope Dan continues to make many more levels because I've loved every one that he's built and these two levels are my favorite so far. In the first level I found myself in a sort of futuristic Egypt an underground tomb with high-tech doors a clear force field and even a transporter at the end that takes you to Mars and the next level. The second level is exactly what I would expect to find if I knew the Martaecians built tombs as the Egyptians did and I loved the area where you look through a clear glass window out at the Martaecian landscape and see the planet Earth off in the distance. Both levels are as beautifully textured as the rest of Dan's work and include some great new textures that carry over the theme of the levels as well as ancient Egypt's fascination with the stars. The murals of the solar system are amazing as well as the walkway into space where you're running along a futuristic clear walkway surrounded by stars. So many builders seem to want to make each level harder and harder to challenge the player and I'm so glad that Dan has not followed instead bringing us long adventures with clever puzzles that we can enjoy. Just the right level of difficulty these levels are full of places to explore hidden passages traps and boulders that will have you looking around but are not overdone enemies such as ninjas dogs bats and mummies and a lot of 'easier' puzzles that make each minute of this 1-2 hour level interesting. I found three well hidden secrets and plenty of ammo and weapon pickups near the beginning where they should be too instead of at the end when you don't need them anymore. The message at the end was nice too. This is a great set of levels that I highly recommend." - RaiderGirl (21-Jun-2002) |
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"I for one had a tremendous enjoyable time playing this level. Everything I like in a Tomb Raider level was in it. As Dan already stated in his foreword: a continuous flow of gameplay and I like that. There is some backtracking to do and I probably do more than is necessary as I do keep forgetting which door was where but I could finish this game without any help. This level is for sure on my list of a replay in the future. There were enough enemies to battle more in the first part than in the second although those dogs did gave me scare more than once as they just blended in so well with the red background that the were under my nose before I noticed them. Loved the hidden passages as you do have to look around every corner. Some backtracking to see what door opened and you are on your way again. Loved the textures in the first and in the second part. That first sight of the planet Mars with that glass wall that was so amazing. Also having to use the star road that was just beautiful. The glimpse you have at a certain point of the earth well; what can I say play this level. 16-05-2002" - Gerty (21-Jun-2002) |
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"This is a level not to be missed. An abundance of totally new (to me) textures and great colours. I especially liked the use of real to life marble textures on the floors. (It felt like they were cold!). Very very good rooms and alleyways etc. I got a little lost towards the end and I felt some more work with the camera would have left me feeling very happy. I'll surely be looking out for more of his work." - Doug E (21-Jun-2002) |
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"Fluent gameplay sometimes too easy but nice too play. In the second level there are only dogs as enemies and it's all textured in red like you are on Mars good idea. I've played 2 hours and never got stuck it's typical Tomb Raider gameplay. Well done worth to download." - Freeman Porter (21-Jun-2002) |
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"The game has some beautiful parts especially in the second part new textures and new colors in old textures that give a charming atmosphere. I only say that it needs more lights and cameras. The gameplay was good but in general very easy. The second part is so much better than first part. I recommend to play the level it is entertaining." - Juan Carlos (21-Jun-2002) |
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"If you like to suffer this level is not for you. It is a level without difficulties but it is not a bad level. Game starts in second part first part goes very fast and doesn't have surprises. But second part is rich in ideas and makes the level enjoyable. The author changes common objects and textures into a Martaecian environment. I loved the Egyptian sculptures with alien's eyes. Level needs more cameras. Lava needs motion. I enjoyed the packs of dogs. It is a very good game but if the level were a little bit harder it would be an excellent level. Congratulations Dan!" - Lorena (21-Jun-2002) |
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