| Reviewer's comments |
"It's been over 20 years since TR4 was released and Catacombs levels still haven't grown on me. That being said, I'm not sure whether a different setting would have made this a more enjoyable experience to me. Gameplay felt a bit too obscure, and even taking hints from the walkthrough I still felt the whole thing was an oversized maze (with one actual underwater maze near the beginning) as you search high and low for a bunch of levers before prying off the two golden stars scattered throughout the level. I never found the shotgun, which made the skeleton chase near the end all the more fitting to the soundtrack. Speaking of weaponry, while shattering vases hidden in dark and narrow crevices was somewhat unique, it wasn't particularly enthralling -- and even the very first one, which requires you to drop from a monkey swing to shatter with your pistols on the way down took me a dozen or so tries (bless you, quicksave and quickload). On the plus side, I liked the custom sound effects for the weapons. 50 minutes, 3 secrets. 08/20" - Treeble (16-Aug-2020) |
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| "Nicely made and providing enjoyable (and occasionally challenging) gameplay, this is the second of, regrettably, only three levels ever made by this obviously talented builder. If you’re a fan of catacomb levels, this is definitely one to add to your list." - Jay (17-May-2020) |
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| "I really enjoyed the often quite inventive
gameplay in this otherwise classic
Catacomb level. Although the environments,
while solid, are rather bland and nothing
to write home about, I was immersed in
this from the start. The overly hidden
vase to shoot might take a few tries, but
from then on, the timed runs, fun jumping
sequences, rope swings, the whole torch
puzzle and the shooting sequences give
this level an advantage over other older
levels. I wasn't sure what the secret gems
afforded, aside from an alternative exit
(I never drove the jeep), but I did also
enjoy the cinematic flybys and thought the
views behind various windows was
ingenious." - Ryan (19-Oct-2017) |
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| "Correct level.
Some jumps are quite difficult. Eg when shoot during a backflip. Many skeletons also you must gather all the ammunition available. there is an alternative to finish if you get all the secrets." - Minox (30-Apr-2014) |
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| "To every player out there who suffer the same faith as the previous reviewer - if you missed an item in this level, you can be sure to be able to get it in not an extremely tedious backtrack! The builder has provided some useful shortcuts that give you access to previous areas so that you can get back for the crowbar even after finding the mask item. There was only possible stuck moment, that was the slope jump sequence where you had to shoot a chest in order to progress - if you missed it and managed to get to the bottom, you have to reload, but this wasn't really a major issue because it's pretty clear and quickly changed. So that said, I found this to be a very good level just to my likings - quite difficult aiming puzzles, challenging jump sequences of which many are out of the ordinary, timed runs and some really nicely thought out puzzles, especially the main one of taking the torch to the starting area. Maybe there were a few too many long ladders/crawlspaces in this game and I could imagine a bit more guidance by the builder (especially when there are several possible routes to take), but overall this level had a nice pace and never really felt dull at all. And the atmosphere is just fabulous - there's a very nicely crafted moody lighting (never too dark) and the feeling that someone is following each and every step of you is very well crafted with good usage of fixed cameras and sounds, until you finally meet the "observer" - very well done! The camera flybys and changed sounds also added a lot to the atmosphere. But the same thing cannot be quite said about the texturing - it's pretty messy throughout the level, sometimes being quite horribly streched and/or wallpapered and giving the rooms a pretty bland look, especially in the "lighter" areas. The enemy attacks are quite well crafted (even an attack of three bats is an event in this game) and the secrets are rather well hidden (even giving you access to a slighly different ending), while the object usage is rather functional and does not do much to create the scenery. Overall this was a gem from the (not quite that) early days and certainly a nicely challenging 35 minute quest I can really recommend." - manarch2 (12-Apr-2014) |
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| "Well,here's an unusual occurance for me - a review for a
level I simply couldn't be bothered to complete!After
playing for a full two hours,I reached a complete
impasse;and,on consulting the Walkthrough, discovered that I
had missed the crowbar near the very start;and,being unable
to retrace my steps,needed therefore to revert to a Save way
back near the beginning,and play those two hours all over
again.The gameplay up until that point had been reasonably
challenging and inventive,and I was prepared to praise the
level considerably - but the thought of having to spend so
much time re-negotiating the plethora of tasks was just too
much.Having had a re-read of my review of this builders
previous level,I note that he committed the very same
error;and it's an absolutely crippling one! Lighting and
textures were serviceable without being particularly
exciting;while cameras had a tendency to show glimpses of
places Lara had yet to explore (therefore were often
useless). It may be that this review will be rejected due to
the decision on my part to quit before reaching the Finish
trigger;but I hope it can be published in order to act as a
useful warning to any potential future players to attempt
this level only with strict adherence to the Walkthrough
(something which many may justifiably be reluctant to do,as
such a method can spoil a potentially pleasurable
experience).Having suffered the same fault in his first two
levels,I really don't feel the need to attempt this builders
third." - Orbit Dream (21-Mar-2013) |
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| "Here's another gem from the early years of the level editor. Obig's walkthrough (translated into English by Akci) is less than two pages long, but it covers everything and the level took me about an hour and a half to complete, so there's a generous amount of gameplay. There are lots of crawl spaces, with a lot of things hidden in those crawl spaces, so you need to have your eyes open constantly so you won't miss something important. On two occasions you'll find scorpions in the crawl spaces (to me a definite no-no), and if you're caught by surprise you'll have to reload from a previous savegame. There are three well-hidden secrets, and if you find them all you're treated to an alternate ending where Lara gets a Jeep to ride instead of being forced to walk across the hot desert sand. The tasks and puzzles are well thought-out, and the level certainly deserves its high average ratings. There aren't enough reviews, however, so you can help rectify that by going back and playing this delightful level now. Recommended." - Phil (12-Jun-2011) |
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| "The first task in this catacomb level can give you a hint about all that awaits you further: very tricky tasks. Gameplay is not good, 'cause you can advance a long way without important items you need; another times there are several ways and you arrive in previous places doing nothing (reload) and another times there are places where you can't go back (bottom of the lava room, for example). There are some defects as paper walls or ummarked ladders too. Architecture is simple, with no much variety of textures; the best I liked were the well worked cameras and lights, but I missed more flares and an explosive weapon for the skeletons. Anyway you can take a try, but it's not a level easy to play." - Jose (17-Nov-2010) |
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| "A good level to play with plenty of things to do, to interest all aspects of running, swimming, swinging, jumping and puzzles. The only downer for me was repeating the same section, although I can see what Seemeister is doing in using the initial room as a hub to the level. Although you have many switches to operate most of them are obvious asa to what they do, but getting there is another thing, with quite a few timed (and not so generous either) runs. Puzzles are of the move block type and I suppose shooting vases. The textures are well used, even if they are standard for an Egyptian/temple level, but coupled with plenty of dark and even pitch black (you do get enough flares), a good atmosphere is set." - Whistle (04-Mar-2006) |
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| "A good catacomb level with the usual suspects as enemies plus well placed harpies little scorpions and crocodiles. The gameplay is fast paced with plenty of actions to perform traps jumps shooting objects puzzles timed tasks a big fight with skeletons and well hidden objects and secret places. Fun guaranteed in a very good atmosphere with cool sounds." - eRIC (23-Nov-2003) |
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| "Glad I played this at a much later date than the release date as I for sure wouldn't have survived all those tight timed runs. Even than it took me quite some tries with a couple. Apart from that explore everything as he has hidden 3 gems and 2 stars. On the way you come across a revolver plus sight and a shotgun both you do need as apart from target shooting there are some nasty skeletons on the loose. You don't need the gems to finish this level but I though it was fun to hunt them down. There are many traps and many ladders to find so do look in every nook and cranny and save often preferably before you pull a lever as you never know it is a timed one. There is enough jumping to satisfy any raider as well. I loved that little rat scurrying away into its hole but the sound of Lara's trusted guns was a bit over the top. That underwater maze had me going for quite a while as usual I got lost in a major way. Very unfair is indeed that bloody scorpion pinning Lara to that spot in a crawlspace so I had to reload. 25-07-2003" - Gerty (05-Aug-2003) |
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| "An enjoyable and difficult level. Phew these timed runs. When I began to play TR I didn't like very much timed doors but now I love them more and more. The huge room full of skeletons is impressive and funny. Secrets are very well hidden. It was hard to find the first gem in the gap through the waterfall. Finally I placed the 3 blue gems and I found the jeep waiting in the desert. Really nice to play." - Cuqui (07-Feb-2003) |
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| "This starts out with a tough vase shooting puzzle and the excitement doesn't let up until the end. There are timed doors to master boulders spikes and fires to avoid scorpions in crawlspaces high ledges another shooting puzzle where you have to act quickly jumps over lava - all while searching for the necessary levers and objects. Your objective is to get the torch back to the very first room to light the lamps that are next to the closed door. You then can place the three gems that will lead you to a jeep so you can drive home or if you don't have all three gems you have to walk home through the desert." - RaiderGirl (18-Jan-2003) |
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| "The Golden Mask was an enjoyable level (even though the 'Golden Mask' was just the Hathor Effigy renamed). This level essentially builds on the Catacombs wad set adding scorpions harpies demigods and crocodiles to the skeletons and mummies. It's full of timed runs and nasty traps that Lara must be very very careful to avoid. The only unbelieveable section in this level was the tall room with the slides suspended in midair. There were a couple of shatterables that Lara had to shoot while falling an apparently original idea that I haven't seen in a Tomb Raider level before. As Seemeister stated there are three secrets and they are very well hidden. With each secret comes a Horseman's Gem and if Lara collects all three she is rewarded with an alternate exit from the pyramid. This however is a let-down as the only difference between it and the other exit is that this exit is slightly larger and Lara can run toward a jeep at the finish. Also to keep Lara from climbing the pyramid Seemeister has made one of the steps a death trap similar to the "killer sand" from Return to Egypt in TR I Gold. The only weapons that Seemeister placed for Lara to pick up were the Shotgun and the Revolver and only one each of these. The Shotgun in particular was difficult to find but it is almost required for Lara to get the Shotgun and it is required for her to get the Revolver before proceeding on. Other than that my only real complaints are that it was a little linear (though that didn't distract too much from the gameplay) and that the lighting was a bit dark in some places. Nevertheless The Golden Mask is a challenging and enjoyable level." - Loren (17-Jan-2003) |
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| "Smell that smoke! Yep Lara's boots are on fire it's the friction from all that running you know. And she has to be quick - a lot of the running she does in this level is timed. For me that's great - how I do love those evil timed runs! But I would imagine that I'm in the minority on that score and that some people would find the timed runs here very very tight indeed. Actually this level is well above average on the difficulty scale in many respects. Apart from the timed runs the traps come thick and fast and several key items can be missed quite easily so keep your eyes open at all times. I don't know what it is about this level that I like so much. I suppose it has that 'compulsive' factor. You know the kind of level I mean. It's the kind of level you start get frustrated with but nevertheless can't put down. There are some sneaky tricks in this level - like dropping from a monkey swing pulling out your mighty weapon (lol) and firing at a well-hidden pot in a crawlspace while you're in mid-fall. (All quite ingenious stuff; it reminded me of that bit in Pascal Ducey's 'Rescue 11' where you have to do a similar thing in mid-fall to shatter a pane of glass). I had to reload once when a scorpion in a crawlspace made it so Lara couldn't move in any direction but other than that I didn't spot any major bugs. Custom audio is generally very good and enhances the game as a whole; however I did feel that a couple of the flybys would have worked better using original TR music. Anyway highly recommended for those who like a challenge. I enjoyed this level a lot. Nice one Seemeister!" - Bex (15-Jan-2003) |
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| "Well I have found my way out with the Golden Mask. Quite an accomplishment if you ask me even if the author seems to think it 'isn't a very hard level'. It starts with a monkey swing let go draw your guns and shoot a vase in the wall. Not easy I can tell you. There's an awful underwater maze. A slide grab jump turn in the air draw guns and shoot a box manoeuvre not easy either. Eight or ten skeletons to fight of all at once boulders to avoid timed doors and some other 'nice' things to do. It's a great level to test your skills though. Make sure you have the crowbar before you use the music scroll I didn't find it and had to play all over again. The vase puzzle to open a door and lower a rope was very nice actually I liked the level very much except for the underwater maze I hated that. I found only one secret so I don't know what behind the last door but maybe I'll play again someday to find that out." - Josi (15-Jan-2003) |
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| "A very nice surprise despite being a plain old style catacomb level of a little over an hour of gameplay this is very entertaining. Yes alright the texturing is rather boring and sandy coloured and the lighting was not overly impressive some of the climbable textures are not really marked as such some of the climbs are maybe a little long I hate scorpions in crawlspaces as I find them rather unfair and there are even a few thin walls (where you target shoot the vases). But these are all minor gripes compared to a few nice timed runs spikes boulder and burner traps interesting camera angles and a nice flyby of the multi-leveled room with the mask rather cool jumps to master a scroll and two stars to find as well as three gems as secret that open another exit at the end and some thrilling encounters with skeletons scorpions crocodiles bats harpies mummies and demigods. I really liked the custom music added and thought the vase shooting idea at the start was very original as was the heavily breathing beast that seemed to be watching Lara from time to time (well done). Maybe the underwater maze was rather unnecessary but it is not that hard and the end seemed a little rushed but still this is great fun to play and you should definitely try it out." - Michael (11-Jan-2003) |
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| "Just at the beginning you get that real catacomb-feeling. And the first challenge is waiting for you - a simple vase - or isn't it? You notice that pistols have a fat sound. If you get the first door open you will take contact with the first enemies even if they are little they are enemies. A good light/shadow placing and falling light and some veil making a good ambience there. As you hear and see the water falling there comes a little rat and hides in her hole - that is a very fine joke... ;-)) Now its really getting started - rolling balls crocodiles sinks timed doors underwater labyrinth and that was where I was stuck first time..the timed door at the end of the corridor. Good flybys with a good music - you will love it. Terrible jumps and a lot of traps. The very high noon begins when the skeleton - army begins to appear - when you climb up the music gives you what you need I would say that Seemeister has learned a lot from the first level to this and we could be looking forward to what will come next." - Miguel (11-Jan-2003) |
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| "I had a perfectly horrible time with this level. I found it to be harder than the average and spent 1.5 hours to finish with not a single blue gem and glad to see the end of it. I just found absolutely no rhyme or reason to this level and it's a shame as Seemeister's first offering 'Hunt for the Blue Hope' was the very first custom level I ever played and enjoyed immensely." - Momster (11-Jan-2003) |
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| "When we think that catacomb levels are dead and buried a little gem likes this pops its head up and just blows your mind. From the start you know this is going to be a level for the more confident of players with a very cool vase-shooting dilemma and it just doesn't stop there. There are countless timed runs jumps climbs and swims some of which you'll do more than once if you miss a key pick up (like I did with the out in the open mechanical key) you'll also find target shooting that is never made easy as you either have to make some cool move at the same time as you un-holster your guns or if you miss the revolver (which I did) or scope (which I didn't) then you will have to make some deviously tricky angled shotgun blasts. I also had a great time dealing with the enemies as they are almost always placed for most deadly effect and the skeleton overload in the large tiered room was just wild as I tried to blast each one off a ledge while the rest of the pack would hack away at me. The only disappointment I had with this 75 minutes level was that after having found all 3 blue gems and placing them at the end to get an alternative route to the finish line I was only given a ladder climb and then a run to an awaiting jeep that you never ever got to this was really no different to the original ending just without the ladder or jeep but I guess finding the 3 gems was fun in itself as you needed a good eye and sometimes a flare didn't hurt either. This in the end is a ripsnorter of a level and a massive jump up from 'Hunt for the Blue Hope' and I for one really want more levels like this." - Sash (10-Jan-2003) |
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| "This is REAL tomb raiding when it is as good as it can be! Tricks and traps and mummies and skeletons in Pharao Echnaton's tomb. The task is to find the golden mask of Echnaton. In order to do so you move through surroundings with boulders and lava spikes rope swinging and timed doors among other things. All the classic ingredients in this classic fun level!" - G.Croft (10-Jan-2003) |
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| "It's a classic catacombs level but the game play requires a few tricky moves. One of them is like dropping from the ceiling and having to shoot a vase in a crawlspace while on air. I had trouble proceeding from a point after as an earthquake made available an opening but the hint wasn't enough for me so I was desperately running around. The skeletons will come near the end like five at once and make sure you have the shotgun because you will need to push a few objects but those skeletons won't leave you alone to do the job. A demigod near the end wasn't much trouble. The player needs two stars and there are also three gems I found two myself that will give you a different ending so I hear. Be prepared for some timed doors and underwater tunnels plus quite a few rolling balls and spike traps. This about describes the whole level do give it a try." - Kristina (10-Jan-2003) |
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