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Mysterious Alien Cave by Hokolo

Andi Croft 10 10 10 10
bERT 8 8 9 10
Bex 9 10 10 10
Bigfoot 10 10 10 10
Brat352 10 10 10 10
Coral 9 9 9 9
Cuqui 10 9 10 10
Dimpfelmoser 8 8 10 10
DJ Full 9 9 9 8
Doug E 10 8 10 10
Dougsan 9 9 10 10
eRIC 10 10 10 10
eTux 9 8 9 9
G.Croft 9 9 10 10
Gerty 8 9 9 10
Ivan 10 8 10 10
Jorge22 10 9 10 10
Jose 7 8 8 8
Kristina 8 8 9 9
Litepulsar 10 9 10 10
Loupar 9 9 10 10
manarch2 8 8 9 9
MichaelP 10 9 10 10
Mman 8 8 10 9
Momster 9 9 10 10
Moonpooka 9 9 10 9
Navi 8 9 9 9
Phil 10 10 10 10
RaiderGirl 9 9 10 10
Ruediger 9 8 8 9
Ryan 10 8 10 10
Sash 9 7 9 10
Scottie 10 9 10 9
Sherry 9 9 10 10
Torry 9 6 9 10
Treeble 8 8 10 9
 
release date: 22-Nov-2002
# of downloads: 129

average rating: 9.25
review count: 36
 
review this level

file size: 22.70 MB
file type: TR4
class: Alien/Space
 


author profile(s):
email(s):
Hokolo@aol.com

Reviewer's comments
"Another one of the "Impressive Despite Of" saga... seriously, what was that end? Who thought it was a good idea to shimmy while being shot by a demigod? Out of entire anthology though, I think the Cave of Pandora is the most playable and replayable, so I would probably swap some scores around. But the main things don't change, and after playing absolutely everything by this builder, a long ride with a lot of "wow" and "what the heck" moments, I see there are things in his levels which are known from the later builders, so I really wish Hokolo was recognized a bit more. I also wish he didn't quit that early, because if he didn't, he would be up there with Titak today." - DJ Full (23-May-2021)
"A series of massive underground caves which start with a familiar TR1 Peru setting but quickly turn into something otherworldly entirely. Thanks to Moonpooka's detailed walkthrough I was able to reach the finish trigger within one single session, but still I caught myself in awe with the sheer size of the caves, especially considering how early in the TRLE life this was built. I can only imagine the scale Hokolo would be building up to these days. There's quite a fair share of exploration to be done in search for a number of key pieces to proceed and a few trap and enemy encounters to keep you on your toes. The true highlight here is definitely the atmosphere and unique environments, although perhaps it might not be as impressive in comparison to what we've seen in more recent years. 90 minutes, 4 secrets. 07/20" - Treeble (03-Aug-2020)
"This was a terrific and at times spooky level. The sequel to Deep in the Jungle was much better than its predecessor. Less frustration, more fun gameplay trying to find the hidden route around various areas and the atmosphere and sounds were well done. I felt that the enemies didn't fit that well, but that's nitpicking really. Brilliant!" - Ryan (17-Apr-2016)
"While some aspects don't hold up so well this is one of my favourite levels atmospherically; it's combination of surreal textures and geometry creates a truly alien atmosphere. This is a sequel to Deep in the Jungle, and you finally find some answers for the strange structures in that set. The theme has a great sense of progression and an implied storyline, with you working your way through initial caves and ruins, before finding your way into the depths of the alien structure, and eventually finding the pilot (from the derelict ship in Alien) and some sort of way out (the ending is weird enough that, with this being the author's last level, it's hard to tell whether it was intended as a wrap-up or a sequel hook). I especially like the pipe structures that made up one of later areas. Unfortunately the object use is one area it's somewhat dated, and some of the objects and enemies don't really fit at all, even if I understand why given how comparatively limited the editor was back then. A certain laser fence object sees some good use though, especially for an "ambush" moment. Texturing is occasionally quite stretched, but outside the earlier cave areas it kind of works and the new textures are strange enough that the stretching doesn't take away from them. Lighting is great in the alien areas, although some of the caves look a little flat.
The gameplay is heavily based around exploring for quite hidden objects, however, there's usually visual clues and most areas are confined in a way that makes it clear that what you need is somewhat nearby. There's also a heavy vertical element and, while that leads to some semi-long ladders and backtracking, it's also a big part of what makes the design so impressive. This is quite a challenging level, and there's some non-typical geometry use; this also integrates with the atmosphere and is part of what makes it feel so alien. Some traps are borderline trollish in how they're layered, but it kind of works in further making the place feel hostile and oppressive. There's a constant use of spike traps and death tiles to force linearity that felt a bit artificial to me, but when you realise that every spike tile is essentially a wall (up to a certain height) it works, and it's at least consistent. There also seemed to be a couple of instances of forced damage, but I may have missed something. Despite certain aged elements, I think this is still a contender for the most alien feeling TRLE level (that isn't 100% abstract anyway), and while the gameplay is good it's the atmosphere and progression that makes it great." - Mman (14-May-2015)
"Just a word ... "WHOUAAA". Perfect level and one of my personnal favorite. Everything in this game is awsome. Like the story say, it's a sequel of "Deep in The Jungle". So Lara arrived in another caves complex with few weirds buildings, strange noises and some scary inhabitants. We are in a amasing and scary Alien cave. The level start friendly with just crocodiles in the water but very quickly we discovered the famous Alien inhabitants of this complex and I assure you there are not friendly. The level is very challenging but not impossible. We are a perfect Alien atmosphere who remember the famous movie of Ridley Scott, specially with the design and the textures (space jokey, starship textures ...). The end was certainly one of the best moment of the trle world with the magnificient galaxie view and the crash near Lara's home. Just awsome. Everything is said. Everything is prefect. So if you search a pure science fiction level with a few terrors moments and lots of action and exploration, this game is for you. Don't miss it. Absolutely recommended and thanks a lot Hokolo for this game." - BigFoot (06-May-2013)
"This sequel to the builder's "Deep in the Jungle" feels better, looks better and plays better. The cave-like setting is quite appealing and the start reminds me on the Higher and Higher level. There are virtually no puzzles to solve in this level but the different jumps and the exploration were a lot of fun even if there could be more up with this level. At one point I found it nice to provide an easier path for some more unexperienced players who don't want to try out a tricky slope jump. Four secrets to find - much better hidden than in the prequel. Most of the enemies were not really fitting to the scenery, such as the demigods and the harpies, but the transparent green skeletons were nicely designed and perfectly fitting to the setting. Else than that a little more room designing in terms of objects would have been nice, there were some custom objects like the lasers that were cool though. The texturing was quite appealing and the lighting was good too - the only complaint is the manor garden at the levelend which was poorly textured with streched and missing ones. It maybe would have been better to trigger the levelend when climbing up in the garden. The atmosphere was nice but most of the areas looked a little too sameish and the sound usage could have been more (at the end of the level the used sound was pretty nice and the "shock sound" was used effectively to warn the player in dangerous situations). I needed 70 minutes to finish this level and I must say regarding the time this level was built in it is quite professionally done." - manarch2 (25-Jan-2012)
"The beginning is ordinary and simple: A few caves, a little bit up and down as well as a few green spots of colour. That was it. And where are now the mysteries? It lasts a little bit, but the longer one plays, the more interesting it becomes. It is sometimes not so easy to find the ways. But if one keeps the eyes open and looks in every corner, one has normally no problems. The few opponents are placed, up to an exception, fairly. The Demigod in the room where Lara must shimmy on a crack was superfluous, because Lara was defenceless for several seconds. Now and again one sees a stretched texture, but because the level builder has spoilt us with many very well built places, one overlooks these textures gladly. All together this is one of the best cave levels which I have played until now." - Scottie (06-Jun-2011)
"It's a very long level with huge areas to explore. No puzzles to solve, but a lot of artifacts to find, hidden crawlspaces, some traps to avoid (rolling balls, spikes and deadly floors) and many enemies to shoot. A lot of times you'll need to reload or go back to look for the items you need. The crossbow appears too late when you've already shooted all those alien-skeletons with the shotgun during almost all the level, but there's enough ammo though. Cameras are the best of the level, and lights are very well worked too. There's a big effort in the architecture with all those big tubes to create a realistic alien environment. If you like exploration it's a good option." - Jose (03-Nov-2010)
"I'd probably have rated this level even higher if I had played it when it was new. 2005, after seeing Codo's Aliens in 'Alien Resurrection', Hokolo's retextured green (almost invisible) skeletons can't impress you so much anymore. Nevertheless, a great level for its time that evokes a memory of TR1 when you start in a cave. There are several ways to go, up or down? The solution isn't obvious, as you several times see areas through a closed window when you don't know yet how to get there. Long lasting fun to play." - Rüdiger (08-May-2005)
"For some unknown reason I've come to Hokolo's levels rather late in the day but I'm busily making up for lost time. I've racked my brain trying to justify deducting a point or so from the four major categories but I find I'm unable to do so. Perhaps the most impressive feature of this complex and extended (for a single level) adventure is the utterly believable alien spookiness that makes the gamer feel as if he has stumbled into a real ship from outer space. Val (Moonpooka) has contributed an enormously helpful walkthrough to calm the nerves of those of us who are afraid of heights (this is a BIG level) and who jump every time another critter pops out around the corner. Even though the tasks are challenging they never become overly daunting or frustrating. Hokolo is a true craftsman and the accolades his levels have received are richly deserved. This is definitely one of the best out there." - Phil (02-Dec-2003)
"This level is incredible! I think that's fantastic. The gameplay is top exciting and challenging. An original touch these green see through aliens. Textures and lighting are perfect and the atmosphere is superb. Great job and great design. Play it: it will not let you down." - Cuqui (16-Oct-2003)
"First and foremost this has very little to do with Deep in the Jungle. This is brilliant and truly solid in a way Deep in the Jungle wasn't at all. There isn't any confusion here between a faked up jungle and a weird misplaced Egypt no glitches (which I now noticed happened to call bugs in my review of that level which happened to be full of glitches) amazing textures and ambiances really mysterious so mysterious in fact I had to take quick looks at the walkthrough several times. But that's not a bad point at all. I found it interesting how Hokolo got a lot of the textures from an old Emerson Lake & Palmer album. The secrets on the other hand were very easy to find - 4 of them right? I know I found them all without effort. But the effort put into trying to find what to do next in most of this very original game (sort of an Astrodelica with Lara's feet on solid ground) was a lot more - and well worth it. I'm only sorry it's only a level instead of a set of levels. I liked the ending too with Lara finally arriving home safe and sound. There are more than enough med-packs to make it through the game. And the only thing that was a bit unfair (as someone else already put it) was being shot at by the alien/demigod at the end without a possibility of striking back at least immediately. What else can I say? Play it! You won't be sorry." - Jorge22 (12-May-2003)
"This is one of the first levels I ever played and in order to do a walkthrough on it I've just had the pleasure of playing it again. How can I start to explain the wonderments of this level? The level is set in a caved area underground it has enhancements that make it a purely wonderful alien environment alien type textures are made up by using green tiles and lighting effects green goo and crystal textured walls the whole of the levels rooms are fantastic in their entirety and added to the enemies atmosphere and music everything works wonderfully to give you that alien out of this world feeling. Although quite hard in respect of finding your keys to move along this made it an extra event because you get to explore everywhere which is most enjoyable on this particular level finding keys such as the jupiter key mercury key and pharos knot hidden ladders up in crawl spaces were very well done and having so many beautiful rooms to explore is a bonus. A sense of creepiness comes over you because it is indeed an exclusively alien cave and you certainly know it. The enemies are crocs harpies minators and of course the wonderful little aliens which I really hated killing. This level has everything and the spooky alien atmosphere really got you stuck into this level the added alien sounds were just fantastic and only added to this levels perfection. Not any puzzles to solve as such but finding ways of getting doors open and the hidden ornaments to shoot to open doors etc was brilliant. From start to finish this level has you on you hooked. With only two really hard jumps to perform it didn't leave you bored for a moment. I think this has to be one of my top ten fav's and one I'd play several time over. The alien areas with the tubed walkways was so well done and the green lighting in the caves all added up to a perfect alien environment streaming green lights from the ground were wonderful. The little aliens were reconstructed skeletons green see through meshed bodies with a little red heart you could see they were simply the best characters I've ever encountered on a TR level. Scattered around are several floating alien ship like structures just hanging there suspended in this levels awesome environment the whole setting was ingeniously well done. I found no bugs in the level or any kind of graphical errors brilliantly constructed and perfectly put together. Gameplay was continuous and interesting throughout and at an even pace some boulder runs which broke the creepy atmosphere for a while. I love this level and it has to be seen to be believed in my opinion one of the best levels ever purely a magical but eery experience and one not to be missed." - Moonpooka (06-May-2003)
"What a great level! The gameplay the atmosphere the architecture of the caves the placement of the enemies and some new textures are just fantastic. It is obvious that the author has taken care of every detail in this level he seems to have polished each tile to make the most fluent but challenging game and it was a wonder to explore more rooms and rooms in this long level. This is the best stand-alone level I've played since Techno-Egyptian portal. In the second part of Hokolo's new level there is the same quality of gameplay and outstanding mysterious architecture than in Psiko's level. In my book it's a great compliment." - eRIC (22-Mar-2003)
"Wow! I was reluctant to play Mysterious Alien Cave after Hokolo's 'jungle level' which left me wanting in a very big way. Mysterious Alien Cave is just the opposite. Once again beautiful surroundings imaginatively thought out to just about the last detail but this time gameplay and a story have been substituted for silly jumps and cute puzzles. The enemies a few lazy crocs and alien looking skeletons -- one of which I believe was programmed not to die -- were well placed to be the major pain in the axx they're suppose to be and there were more than enough dead ends to force a good gamer to think before making a decision. Well done. A few challenging meaningful puzzles and one or two well hidden secrets and this would be a perfect 10." - Dougsan (01-Feb-2003)
"This level is absolutely amazing! The gameplay is superb and very ingenious deviously clever and will have you pulling your hair out. Though there are not too many enemies to deal with the ones that are there are placed appropriately (meaning just when you don't want them there!). The atmosphere of the level is unique with totally new textures not seen before and some new sounds that had my walls thumping with the bass in them. Lighting was a great help in many places if you couldn't figure out where to go look for a different colored lighted texture and you probably need to get to that area (somehow!). This level is just awe-inspiring and my hat is off to Hokolo. I would also like to thank all of the people on this forum without whose help I would not have been able to finish this great level. To Hokolo - MAKE MORE LEVELS!" - Brat352 (29-Jan-2003)
"What a wonderful level! It's a totally disturbing experience. The magnificent rooms with the Alien textures the lighting and the very helpful cameras made this level easy to play and funny. Not difficult but with parts that require a lot of observation. Only few enemies but well placed. I loved the final scene with Lara arriving to her own house. If this is the second part of Deep in the Jungle I think that M A C is better easier and more beautiful than the first. You must play it!" - Loupar (29-Jan-2003)
"This is just an amazing level and without the help of the Forum I probably would not have reached the end. The atmosphere textures etc. were truly first rate. The story line was interesting and the gameplay hard. Bad guys were the usual but thank goodness there were not too many as just finding your way was challenge enough. I disagree with others about the Egyptian objects they were okay with me. Hokolo is a genius with the Level Editor and I am looking forward to his next level. By the way if I were Lara I would look for new real estate." - Sherry (26-Jan-2003)
"Welcome to Lt Ripley's personal hell. Here we have textures right out of the mind of H R Giger and you will even see the dead alien from the first movie of the same name in his massive chair surveying the heavens. I did not personally see the point as to why we were even in this cave and I must admit that the old Egyptian artifacts and the demigod were decidedly out of place in this environment. If they had also been refurbished to resemble alien artifacts and the demigod retextured to look like that acid dripping tooth tongued alien from the movies the whole thing would have been so much better. As it is it is still a damn fine level. It mainly involved getting out of there and the route really is quite linear but there are one or two places along the way that will give you pause to consider. If you carefully go back over the last few minutes of gameplay in your mind the answer is always there and indeed obvious. The level is long at 150 minutes but an enjoyble 150 minutes nonetheless. The only point that confused me was the ending. What the hell? You will see." - Torry (22-Jan-2003)
"This was an excellent level very playable and engaging with good visuals. Although it is a somewhat complex and difficult level you only need a few hints to get by and game play is reasonably smooth - but there's a few sudden deaths and red herrings. The only faults are that in one room (with the very bright green centre light and 4 green walkways) the vision constantly goes to black when you face the centre light (perhaps this is just my computer?) - and a couple of the hang/shimmy places don't work at first try so you run around thinking there must be some other way but you have to try a few times at these places (the author explains this in the notes). Its quite a gruelling game which seemed to increase in difficulty as it progresses but the enemies are fairly easily dispatched and weapons are well provided." - Coral (22-Jan-2003)
"Seeing that everyone else has started with the pluses to this 2 hour level I will start with the minuses. First and foremost with such an impressive setting the enemies and key pick ups were just so out of place that they really took some of the mystique out of the level secondly I felt that most of the large areas were under-utilised which was a disappointment as specifically in the room where you found the Pharos Knot it just begged to be explored more than it was thirdly the secrets were way too easy to find rendering them not too secret and lastly I really felt the ending which came right out of left field was just odd and that's being kind. Now having said that I have to tell you that this was a fantastic level because it was just plain fun. There is as I've mentioned a brilliant setting that seems to build in awesomeness the further you go although I didn't like the anticlimactic setting of the end puzzle pieces were well placed making you really go in search of them and the progression through was wonderfully designed with one of the best examples of this being in the multi-layered room filled with giant snake like tubes to climb. So if you are a little reticent about playing one of Hokolo's levels because of the difficulty of his last two then let me put your mind at ease and tell you that this one is not nearly as difficult as long as you keep your eye out for places to shimmy and things to shoot." - Sash (14-Jan-2003)
"The name of this level really describes what is it like - Huge mysterious weird alien caves that get more and more weird the deeper into them you go It's not easy finding your way through these caves I couldn't even get started without a little help from the forum. You see that's the trick here - finding out where to go next. The gameplay itself isn't that hard just look VERY carefully around where to go. Look up a lot and try to spot holes and shimmying places from below. The texture and lighting is really good I especially liked the lighting in the 'energy room' near the end. There is also a lot of atmosphere and mysterious sounds. I encountered no bugs no illegal slopes or any designing mistakes at all. Bravo! ;-)" - G.Croft (12-Jan-2003)
"Something new and very well made. Excellent job and very nice 'new' enemies. Skeletons are very well made. Nice area of Aliens world and maybe only need more enemies there. All very good atmosphere and everything." - Ivan (11-Jan-2003)
"I am not too thrilled with this level in fact I am so glad it's over. I have played alien levels before Josep's and Pascal's but this one really got me bored and frustrated. It's all about getting keys I think they are called plugs or something and shimmying a lot in very well hidden and dark places. Hidden ladders and areas you need to revisit because something is changed. The flybys were often but I think unnecessary sometimes because it was pretty obvious what a switch did or easy to figure it out but when an area changed and I had to go back I would like to have a flyby showing me where to go. The knots the portal guardian the harpies and demigods were out of place and not matching the scenery with the rocks and tubes and alien textures. The sound was nice though. The traps are spikes and fire most of the time so watch where you're going. It's a good level but not for my liking." - Kristina (10-Jan-2003)
"I liked this Hokolo's level much much better than 'Deep in the Jungle'. According to the story this level does start somewhere at the end of that one but that doesn't matter it was still very good. It starts out quite harmless in some caves familiar to the ones in the 2nd level of Deep in the Jungle and gets spookier by every next area you visit. You mainly had to find and place a lot of plugs stars and the usual Egyptian stuff. There were also some nice sequences were you had to escape from a rolling ball before it smashed poor Lara or find different ways to get to the areas you have to because if you'd thought to take a shortcut Lara would be impaled by deadly spikes (well you don't meet ones that are not 'deadly' very often in custom levels anyway ;-) ). The enemies were green semi-transparent skeletons crocs some ghosts and demigods and I was a bit disappointed because the author changed the appearance of the skeletons so well I wondered why other enemies were not made different! I found 4 secrets that were not very difficult to find but then again mostly they were not very rewarding either. The new spooky sounds helped to make the atmosphere a lot but I was not totally convinced (but this was a good start). The one category where I maybe just maybe could've given the textures even 11(!) the lighting proved to be not so excellent at all so I had to take the 2 points away. The ending was a surprise too not as memorable as the end of the Tarragona saga but still quite a surprise ;-)." - eTux (03-Jan-2003)
"This sort of level is not my preferred choice but after being persuaded to play I was not disappointed. The whole level is bristling with cruel booby traps and I was amazed at the amount of work that has gone into this mini masterpiece. Just as you think you are nearing the end there is more and more. There is a bit at the end where an enemy is allowed to shoot you whilst shimmying along an edge. This is totally unfair - lol. I only dropped a couple of points because I thought the tall Egyptian enemies were a bit out of context with this alien environment. This is a 'must play' game. Superb!" - Doug E (01-Jan-2003)
"FANTASTIC! What a great level this was and of course you can expect no less from Hokolo. This is an explorer's dream enemies are not a large factor in this one but there are just enough to keep it interesting. Very well done re-textured skeletons and I don't know about anyone else but I found in a couple of areas you couldn't knock them off a ledge. Once I obtained the revolver and laser site I satisfied my needs by picking off there heads. Kind of an 'off with their heads' Tomb Raider style lol well I AM the queen. I got myself stuck on a number of occasions but once I got the lay of the land so to speak and knew what kinds of things to look for I progressed nicely. You have to look EVERYWHERE in this level. It's very easy to miss a ladder crawl space and especially shimmy spots. You'll be looking keys hands and even the portal guardian. I do agree with Michael though that the Egyptian artifacts and some of the adversaries don't go well with the setting of the level. As soon as you can get your hands on this one play it. You're gonna love it." - Momster (01-Jan-2003)
"What an unusual level I really enjoyed this adventure and absolutely loved the textures very atmospheric and great design. Quite a tricky level if you're not sure what to do main objectives are to find several jupiter keys with Hokolo's trademark boulder traps and tricky jumps this was a lot of fun to play. Hokolo's levels are always sneaky so tread carefully what you might think is a safe area... well I was cursing him a few times thanks to some of those sneaky traps. Getting some quest items can give you a nasty surprise as well (i.e. one of the stars and one of the knots) Big thanks to bERT for his tip on shimmying (keep a sharp eye out for useful ledges to shimmy along they're used a lot in this level) as well as making use of the laser sight. Some puzzles involving shooting with the lasersight are very hard to spot so keep your eyes open. You also have to find two parts of the portal guardian. The alien styles structures were lovely especially the rib-like walls and huge metal ribbed arches. If you're into Science Fiction like myself you'll find a strong resemblance to the Alien films I was expecting to get my head bitten off by a t-rex retextured as one of those big ugly aliens (and was quite disappointed that I didn't would have made a good boss fight!). The retextured skeletons were excellent and quite creepy you also had to fight a handful of harpies as well as few demigods and crocodiles. I would have liked to have seen a few more objects but that didn't detract from the level at all as well as some very small parts being a little out of place hence the downrating. I also thought the creepy alien music was great and the lighting was absolutely superb especially the green phosphorescent effects some of which were deadly. I really do hope that there will be a sequel to this I would definitely play it and I highly recommend this one you won't be disappointed!" - Litepulsar (27-Dec-2002)
"Starting in a cave like that of Tomb Raider I this level soon expands into something straight out of the 'Alien' movies and reminds me very much of HR Giger's work. There are a number of items to search for and those items and the switches are often well hidden and tucked away into hard to see corners so it's important to look around carefully. Also watch the green alien slime as it will kill you instantly. There aren't a lot of enemies but you will find a few demigods an elemental crocs and best of all some newly retextured skeletons. I was in for quite a surprise when after a few hours of exploring these alien caves I finally escaped only to find myself in front of...well you'll see. Nothing difficult here and the main thing is exploring but this is one level you have to play just to look at all the rooms. Brilliant work!" - RaiderGirl (21-Dec-2002)
"A beautiful level which took place inside the caves. Lara's task was to find the way into the open and that was not so easy. Many mysteries were to be solved different artifacts to find thus much leg work. Also common traps were to be overcome. The layout was represented affectionately different color effects stressed the whole setting. An exciting atmosphere. The sound and the camera guidance came suitably. My Lara found 4 secrets:) What I did not like:; when Lara did something for example monkey swing a demigod shooting at her and Lara at first had no chance to resist. That happened two or three times. Otherwise an exciting level but also matter of taste." - Navi (12-Dec-2002)
"Mind boggling comes to mind after playing this level. At the start I had a flash back to TR 1 my all time favorite but very soon you'll find yourself surrounded by alien architecture. It did remind me a lot of Alien. And knowing the work of Hokolo you're in for a surprise. There is a lot of ground to cover finding keys Hands and the Portal Guardian pushing a lever here and a lever there. Look for walls to climb and always investigate everything. There is some back and forwards traveling that threw me off sometimes and I had to keep playing this level or I never would know my way around again. There are enemies re-textured skeletons beautiful done but hard to slay and later demigods and harpies and also some crocs. There are some traps you can avoid altogether but you have to find out for yourself which ones. There is some tricky jumping to do to get the items you need. The end was a nice surprise to find out where that cave was situated. 06-12-2002" - Gerty (07-Dec-2002)
"I think the title is incredibly funny. Bit of a pleonasm if you ask me. Like we've all been a thousand time to most normal common ordinary alien caves; you know alien caves where they sit around and watch football do the dishes and play Scrabble. But no this isn't an ordinary alien cave no no this is a MYSTERIOUS alien cave. Ok so you don't consider this as funny; that only goes to show that we don't have the same sense of humour. But we might like the same levels so read on. Hokolo truly managed to conjure up that organic space age feeling that is inspired by the Alien series. Especially the huge room with the gigantic tubes was most impressive. I really like how this builds up and gets more weird by the second how you get drawn deeper and deeper into the creepy and sinister atmosphere. Gameplay wise Hokolo is up to his usual tricks which means that a lot of things are rather well hidden. Well searching for things is not my favourite past time so I got a bit tired of this towards the end. My other complaint concerns the Egypt elements like the pick ups and enemies which didn't fit that well into the very special setting. But those are mere details that won't interfere with you enjoyment as you walk openmouthed through this awesome new world." - Dimpfelmoser (07-Dec-2002)
"This is one of the best levels I ever played. I like the film: Alien. The textures from this level were so similar to the original. I heard great new music in this game and the atmosphere is great. The green lighting fields were nice to see. The objects I had to look for. The enemies were alien-skeletons -wow. I have spent a lot of time in this level. I was playing 2:30 hours. What I found not so great: the shooting objects were very hard to find. But it is not too bad. This is a great adventure. All people MUST play it." - Andi Croft (06-Dec-2002)
"Did you hear a thud? If so it was probably the sound of my jaw hitting the floor. This offering from Hokolo is fantastic in every sense. At the beginning of the level I was reminded very much of 'The Caves' from TR1 and being the TR1 fan that I am this endeared me to it from the start. As you make your way through the level things get progressively stranger - and even better. Of particular note are the pickups surrounded by the green alien light the alien skeletons and the ingenious architecture of the inner chamber (I have never seen anything that looks remotely like this area in a TR level before). I was so impressed with this level that I was very tempted to give it a perfect score. However I have taken off one point for gameplay as quite often you will head to an 'obvious' area only to find out that death is inevitable there. Still this is a first-class level from Hokolo. Play it and enjoy nearly 3 hours of the most individual raiding that you will ever do!" - Bex (29-Nov-2002)
"Having played the first part of Deep in the Jungle I expected nothing but the best from Hokolo as far as textures architecture and exploring is concerned. Hokolo succeeds once again for as you progress in this alien level the textures gradually recreate little by little the mood from the Alien movies. I may be wrong but the bony-organic textures in this level are from artist HR Giger who's the imaginative designer behind the Alien creature and surroundings from the same movies. The way Hokolo uses the textures shows he at least studied HR Gigers art or is a die-hard fan of the artist. Of course the level creator was limited by the possibilities of the editor so no face-huggers or Alien Queen here: Demigods and green see-through sword-skeletons have to do the job occasionally also a crocodile or two. Gameplay wise it all comes down to look out carefully for sometimes sneaky hidden places to find that Jupiter Key you need or the head-and-stick. Thankfully they're just well hidden but not impossible to find. Just look out for those places you have to shimmy to. Here and there the author misleads you by seemingly giving you clues where to go only to find out...Lara's dead and you feel stupid but it's never overdone so it does not irritate. The end...is a bit of a surprise but I have to admit I expected something spectacular instead because of the long slide down. The three secrets I found where easier then some of the necessary items you had to find in my opinion. Nevertheless a level that is not only for Alien fans but every true raider should go through." - bERT (28-Nov-2002)
"Simply put - an awesome experience. Just when you think: 'I cannot get any better than this' - it does get better. This 2:30 hours of net gaming time will have your jaw dropping a few times along the way as you collect Jupiter keys Mercury keys three Hands two knots and a portal guardian along the way to progress deeper and deeper into the cave - only to find out at the end where this cave actually is located. I took off a point in the second category because the puzzle pieces and the enemies of the good old Egyptian nature (crocodiles harpies demigods wraiths) did not go extremely well with the oh so special setting and scenery (the alien skeletons are super cool though). Speaking of the scenery this starts out with a very much TR1 Caves feel but changes to become more and more 'alien' along the way. The huge and dome like structures make you wonder where to go next and Hokolo is truly a master of deception as he often offers an obvious path and you find out that it is the wrong one and there is yet another nicely camouflaged ladder or crawlspace to be found. Make sure you watch out for the deadly green alien algae. And if you get a glimpse of an area but cannot seem to get there - be patient you will get there eventually likely from a completely different direction. Near the end you really have to open your eyes to complete the required target shooting and the final battles with great custom sound are a nice climax. Found four secrets along the way and was sad to see it end. Another masterpiece from Hokolo!" - Michael (27-Nov-2002)