22-12-2002

Welkom at the final version of Catacomb Towers. This version is adjusted and will work on almost any computer now. 
In the past some people had crashing problems. Because I reduced the texture info from 359 to 280 with even graphic 
improvement no problems should occur on older 3D-cards. I deleted some very unimportent rooms and the info has returned 
when you convert the level. Some ammo, effects, enemy's, dart traps and a new camera view are added.

This is my very first level made with the level editor and was released on 06-02-2001. It took me 2 months to build. 
Although some people found the level too dark I did not change the lighting values nor the ambient settings. The level 
recieved very good ratings and reached the number 5 position in the top 10 chart at that time on the famous review site 
of Michael Prager. It has now vanished into the hall of fame on december 2002 and has become a classic title in the 
tomb raider custom levelworld. 



Installing Catacomb Towers;

Importent note before converting! Before you are going to convert the level you can install the updated Catacomb wad. 
If you dont do this Lara will bend on her knees when she uses the crowbar. Updating the wad will add the missing 
animation for Lara. However this is optional and you can finish the game without it. You can download the updated wad 
on my page. [http://home.hetnet.nl/~piega4/index.html] 

Extract the Catacomb.TOM file into the trle/graphics/wads directory. To convert the level open the level converter and 
click on "Add" underneath "Edit Script". Select the Catacombs.TOM file, click on "Build All" and the level will be 
created. You can use the original script files installed with the editor. Run tombraider and select Catacombs from the 
level list. 

Lara has to search for the clockwork beetle to enter the mysterious Black Palace. There are 5 secrets to be found. 
The playing time is about one hour. At the start look for the shotgun. I had one complaint that there were no 
explosive arrows to be found at the first secret with the crossbow. Although I found it too soon to give you some 
there I placed these somewhere else. It is not a secret but can you find it? Happy raiding! 

You can continue this adventure if Black Palace is installed. The clockwork beetle will be in your inventory when 
Black Palace will load. Want to play Black Palace without Catacomb Towers? Then use the savegame from the 
Black Palace zip file!

Bugs; All bugs reported in these reviews are fixed. There is only one static object in the wad that has no colission. 
      The big brown doors will give an earthquake when they close. This is because these doors are used with 
      animating 16 in the original Catacombs. The earthquakes has no meaning in this level.

Piega ;o)



The project;

With this final version I decided to release the project for those who want to take a look at the design. To take a 
proper look at it create a new folder in the "maps" folder called "catacomb2". Copy the tga file from the original 
catacomb folder into this map. Extract the file Towers.prj. Open the editor and everything should load fine. 



Reviewer’s Comments; 

Third time I played this level (now just to do the review) and still not bored with it. If it wasn't for this level 
1.5 years ago and Mirai's Tokyo level, I would never have restarted playing TR. This is what TR is all about: he's not 
a show off (no psycho stuff in other words - hint hint!) but shows just pure gameplay. One of my personal reasons to 
give high points for those levels that you do want to go back through completely just to find those secrets (even now 
still only found 4/5). The way he builds his rooms, the right moments he puts the dramatic music on, the fly by that's 
kept short and simple: it's perfect. And I see no reason why for what is after all a rather short level not to give 
perfect 10's. That is almost (here and there weird things happen like with the block that rises in the room with the 
moveable structures and where Lara seems to climb on an invisible ledge instead of on the block and the crawling Lara 
when she takes the stars). bERT  

An excellent level, very well done and not too difficult to play. I've absolutely enjoyed this level. Cuqui 

This is a fine level with lots to explore and do. I liked the way it really opened up as you go, and the end sequence 
in the main hall is very nicely put together. I did get a little confused at first and could not work out what to do in 
the main hall - the underwater lever did not seem to work first time, but then it worked the second ... no idea.  Also, 
the two times the room shook after pulling a lever? I don't know what that signified as I couldn't see anything different 
after this. There are not nearly enough pickups along the way. I don't know why but I like finding things, ammo etc., 
and when you enter an area in which there are none, it feels a little like being cheated. I think I found some of the 
secrets along the way, but I'm sure there were some doors, which didn't open. In particular I didn't find the Horseman's 
Gem, which opens the door on top of and behind the main entrance. The playing was good, except I would have liked 
something to kill the skeletons with (I had the shotgun, but trying to get them into position was impossible) maybe 
the grenade launcher is elsewhere in the level? However with the skeletons/zombies that are there, they are easy enough 
to avoid so it's not too much of an issue. As with pickups I enjoy killing things <grin> and like to allow Lara to blast 
away from time to time. Another great level. Not quite as good as Black Palace, but I expect the author learned and 
developed from his experiences of Catacomb Towers. David 

This is so good that I almost did not like it, because it could well have been added on to the original catacomb level 
in Revelations. Don't get me wrong though, it is one of the top levels that I have played. The reason I almost did not 
like it, is because it felt like I had already played it. It is beautifully put together though, and I am sure it will 
provide at least an hour of entertainment for anybody. Dhama 

The Last Crusade was my second Custom Level and after I finished it I was so in awe of Piega that I didn't dare to touch 
his other stuff. Unjustified as it turns out, since CT is not as intimidating as his epic masterpiece. This must be 
my 50s review and it's the first time I give full marks in all categories cause this is as perfect as it gets. I'm not 
going to lay out the details of this quest as I assume that it has been done by the other reviews. Instead, let me get 
a bit of praise off my chest. As I was playing this, I couldn't help but thinking: "This Piega fellow is a genius:" 
Sentiments I usually reserve for the likes of Tom Carlos Jobim. And then I wondered why such an imaginative guy is 
wasting his time constructing Custom Levels. Oh well, I'm glad he does and hope he continues this outstanding work for 
years to come. There are two things that I'm not completely happy about. First, the cloying use of ornaments and different 
textures, but then again, maybe this was what made me feel slightly uneasy the whole time. A feeling that served to 
emphasize the tense atmosphere of this quest. Second, I really hate it when Lara is unable to reach something  just 
because of her limited body movements. Actions that would be really easy in real life but are impossible in the TR world 
cause Lara can't - for example- get into a crawlspace at waist-high. This destroys the illusion of reality cause it 
makes you aware that this is just a Computer Game. But again in this case, with the crowbar near and yet so far away, 
it's so over the top, I found it really funny. Maybe you shouldn't play this game too early in you TR CL lifetime as most 
other levels are bound to look kinda bleak in comparison. I'm a fan. Can you tell?! Dimpfelmoser 

I enjoyed playing Catacomb Towers. And appreciated the fact that it was reasonably short, playing more like an episode 
than a game. I did not like the darkness. All darkness does for me is slow a game down while I use up flares I can't 
afford or go through the nonsense of using the binoculars. Darkness is a pain in the ass!  Developers, and I respect 
the talent all of you exhibit, if you want to use darkness PLEASE supply LOTS of flares. The puzzles in CT were not 
difficult but they did require that I pay close attention to minor changes in textures (the devil and the solution is 
almost always in the solution!). Always a challenge for me. The secrets were well hidden for me. I only found two.  
I did enjoy the game and it would have rated higher if it wasn't as dark and I had a way to eliminate the skeletons. 
Dougsan

I'm not a big fan of catacomb adventures, and the first 20 to 30 minutes felt like an ordinary catacomb adventure to 
me with the same atmosphere and familiar textures. But the rest of the time I spent here proved to me that this level 
does deserve the high scores as the look became somewhat more interesting and the lighting improved. The puzzles are 
nothing ingenious - pulling a lot of levers, some tedious block pushing, but I didn't expect much more from a catacomb 
level, and despite of that I had fun through this 1 hour adventure. Amazing how an old level could keep high places in 
the top 50 for so long, but after playing it, I see that it deserves it, and there's not much to wonder about. eTux

All I can say is that Rene could well have been part of Core Design’s official staff for the creation of The Last 
Revelation. This level is close to perfection and is highly professional in all aspects. Brilliant texturing and 
lighting, great puzzles and secret areas, and excellent atmosphere. In my opinion this is the best custom level in 
this list. Well, I did not play the sequel Black Palace yet, so this may change. Fabio

Still have to finish The Last Crusade (quit the game due to a bug in the last level, but have the revised version now) 
and I was in awe, so to play another level by René was something not to be taken lightly. Glad I did though. He has an 
eye for detail that is uncanny. Gameplay was very fluent, although very dark at some places and I found no flares. Found 
some other goodies though, like grenades, but never found the gun. Would like to as I still have no love whatsoever for 
those skeletons. Only found 1 secret so this means I have to play this one again to look for the others and some doors 
that are still closed (I think). Great work René. 04-09-2002 Gerty

The level has fascinated me, as the creator demonstrates with this beautiful piece of work, how much ambience you can 
create with the plain editor (without any additional tools to work objects and textures). What this level shows is that 
with cleverly designed lighting, you can create a breathtaking atmosphere where you feel the tension at every corner. 
Whoever thinks those Egyptian textures are boring, should take a trip into these Catacombs to marvel at the perfect play 
of colours. The five secrets were well hidden and the player has to search hard for them. Enemies (skeletons, mummies 
and wraiths) are rare, but well placed. Flyby cameras are fun and the creator has used all variations of cameras. All in 
all, a well above average debut of a professional level designer. More of that! Hendrik

Though it’s been a while since I actually played this level, this is probably the most graphically accomplished of all 
the custom levels that I have played. René's use of textures and lighting is simply superb. Most important actions 
performed are followed by a camera to let you know what’s happened. I have heard the phrase ‘as good as a real TR level’ 
used a lot, well this is one level that actually deserves that sort of comment. Though the gameplay is fairly linear, 
this serves to make everything that happens logical and actually shows that a plot is unfolding. The only downer for me 
was, though there are supposedly 5 secrets, I never managed to get 1! Though this is definite replay material. An 
excellent level. Play it now and if you have already played it, play it again! Inchdix

Very good level and atmosphere with nice lights and playing for fun. Excellent Tomb level! Ivan

Wow! Amazing level, beautifully structured and made, the puzzles were great, the texturing was superb, there is a 
lot to do in this level and it is really fun to play, it's one of the best levels I’ve played, there are no bugs, it’s 
nearly perfect. The enemies and traps made me jump and were well placed, the flybys around the towers were fantastic. 
And the atmosphere and music were good, too. You gotta download now! John

A dark level but very good. Not too many enemies, good puzzles (not very hard), and good looking surroundings, if you 
take time to use the binoculars or flares you can see beautiful rooms. A bit lighter would have been nice but I had a 
good time anyway. Worth to play, have fun. Josi

This level is a good work, but was easy to solve. The room map is a beautiful work. Secrets are easy to get. I think 
this level needs a little more cameras. Textures are worked correctly but there aren't new textures. This level has many 
lights (good for it) but there are still many areas without lights. Juan Carlos

Yes, yes, a perfect score for some of René's previous work. I don't care what some say but I find him an absolutely great 
level builder. The theme is catacombs as the title says and what made me feel great was the search for the secrets, I 
don't know how but I managed to get them all after many many walks and runs around in total desperation. It was the first 
time that I learned a trick about Tomb Raiding, it was that movable pillar high up. I did drown though down under more 
than once before I got what I wanted. The jumps were a little difficult for me near the big faces as I wasn't experienced 
at all when I played this for the first time. I really look back and remember the excitement I got while I was moving 
deeper in the level. I must say that although René is ‘threatening’ to leave level building I do not dare to think that 
he will do it, if so we must hunt him down and force him to keep showing his talent to the world. Kristina

I love this level. I can't pick out anything that is wrong with it! It's all good! It took me about 3 hours to play 
because there are so many little passages and areas. The puzzles are difficult, the atmosphere is amazing; you almost 
feel like you are there! This is my fave custom level without a doubt. :) Lara

This level has a very logic gameplay; almost without possibility of get stuck in it. Is not confusing as the beginning 
of TLC (of the same author). It hasn't bugs and it's easy to play. There are only few enemies but they are well placed. 
The 5 secrets are sometimes difficult to find but always can be seen from other places, so this makes them more 
challenging. Very good atmosphere and use of textures. The sounds and music go with the action perfectly and the fixed 
cameras always help in the play, instead of difficult it. Lighting is perfect, specially the light effects to remark some 
places. This is an enjoyable level to play it; and very well done. Loupar

A great level with great texturing, lighting and gameplay. There weren't many enemies in this level, just a few skeletons 
and mummies. The grenade gun can be found as a secret if you find the ‘horseman's gem’, and you could get to the crossbow 
from the first room. I didn't find the shotgun however... Magnus

Absolutely brilliant level with a very professional atmosphere to it, marvelous lighting and texturing and a gameplay and 
puzzles that while being in fact relatively linear keeps you exploring all the time, although the Level basically 
consists of two major areas only. A lot of thought given to the Secret areas! Michael

Catacomb Towers - has no new object, enemies or textures - but it shows how good can one work with that what we got. 
Very well placed rooms with many possibilities to reach other places, a good view, lights, shadows and ambience. Not 
so bad challenging, but a lot of fun - you see the crowbar and you really wait until you can reach it - that makes a 
good gameplay-feeling. Good cameras make sense and you feel really the old TombRaider Gaming. Well done! Miguel

I have now played this for the second time in order to review it and am as in awe of the ingeniousness that Piega 
displays as the 1st time.  This is an over 2 hour adventure through the ‘Catacomb Towers’ with everything you would 
expect from a catacomb wad and then some.  The atmosphere, textures are outstanding and though fairly linear, gameplay 
fast-paced and rewarding.  Most excellent use of camera shots, but not overdone.  A few mummies and the ever-present 
skeletons hounding you throughout.  I found 4 secrets and thoroughly enjoyed myself both times. Momster

Catacomb Towers is one of the best levels I have ever played, including The Last Revelation. The atmosphere is absolutely 
great! You'll never get stuck (just like the ‘real’ levels from Eidos) and you will find a mission to complete. Maybe 
there are no real endings at the levels made by the editor, but this one gives you the possibility to enjoy and continue 
in the sequel ‘Black palace’! I did enjoy the part when the water began to flow mostly. It's a beautiful piece composed 
by someone who is very perfectionist. You can see that at the lighting, the textures and the puzzles, but also hear it, 
when you are listening when Lara moves. Perfect. Hopefully René keeps entertaining us, I'd be a very happy 
(and TR-addicted) girl then. Nicky

There's a camera move in the first big Tower chamber that's a little ragged (an additional camera should really have 
been inserted). That's it. My one complaint! Is it worth deducting a point because of it? You must be joking! This is 
absolute Level Editing perfection, and all the more commendable because it uses only the original textures and Wad 
objects (thus putting paid to those who say you can only create great adventures using customised items). After playing 
so many 'average' levels, this really was good for my soul. I will say it one more time...perfection. (Four 10's. I never 
thought I'd succumb!) Orbit Dream

Great level in the tradition of ‘The Cistern’. Means, it's an adventure in first place, the only baddies bugging Lara are 
some skeletons here and there. Lara has to explore a limited location in search of a ‘mechanical beetle’, which she needs 
to ... well, is really anyone interested in such stories? Nope. Not as long as we get such prime puzzles and such a cool 
and well structured architecture. The puzzles are quite difficult sometimes, and I wonder what makes the author think one 
could get thru in 45 minutes. We needed more than 3 hours, with 3 secrets found (out of 5), and we are no newbies. What 
I liked most: The very authentic atmosphere, I even smelled the mould. What I didn't like: Hm ... maybe the lack of some 
highlight (such as a ‘Pierre’ or ‘Lars’). There's a follow-up ‘The Black Palace’, but we haven't played it yet. You'll 
hear from me as soon as we did. :) Thanx to René for a very fine time. Percys

Is it too late to submit a review for this wonderful level? I'm getting my first exposure to it in July of 2002, but 
I've found it so overwhelming that I just have to add my two cents' worth to what many have already said. I had to resort 
to asking for help but once, and that was because I wrongly assumed that the second Pharos device (the green-tinged one 
atop a high tower) was a window to the exit rather than a necessary step along the way. The gameplay is challenging 
without being frustratingly difficult, and the overall atmosphere is top-notch. I especially appreciated being allowed 
the opportunity to return to the first area to collect that crucial Pharos device. (The door connecting the two major 
areas didn't shut until AFTER all essential pickups were safely in inventory.) I even found at least four of the secrets. 
This is an example of those high-quality levels that make Tomb Raider such a fun game to play, and I'm pleased to note 
that we're being treated to more and more of these nearly two years after the last commercial TR release.  With all 
those enthusiastic and talented amateurs out there, who needs another Eidos extravaganza?  Now that my appetite has been 
wet, I can't wait to get at Black Palace and Last Crusade. Phil

This level is excellent. There wasn't anything I disliked about Catacomb Towers. I found the layout of the level logical, 
so I knew exactly where I needed to go. I also thought the level was quite beautiful. Nice use of light and shadow. The 
flow was good. For me this level was medium difficulty. I look forward to more levels from Rene. Qball

This level is so good, you could add it to 'The Last Revelation' and nobody would even notice it didn't belong in the 
game. Actually, I didn't enjoy the catacomb levels in the game as much as I did this level. I got stuck once and had 
to ask for help - missed an obvious opening in the water. At one area, I also forgot that I could monkey swing. But 
otherwise, this was a pretty straight forward level, with plenty of places to explore, but usually easy to find what 
to do next. There are very few enemies in the level and they were very well spread out (skeletons though - I hate those 
nasty things). The creator of this level really put a lot of time and effort into it. I can't wait to play 
‘Black Palace’. Raider Girl

This so far has been the stand out level and I can not fault the game play, the secret areas, the look of it, the 
atmosphere, just everything I look for in an entertaining level and I can only judge other levels using this as a so 
called yard stick. Sash

This is a very excellent level!  The maps, atmosphere, textures, lighting looks so professional.  And secrets are set 
well. (I've collected all.)  In particular, I like the movable pillar puzzle high-up.  This is a classical masterpiece 
of work, and worthwhile to enter the Hall of Fame. Vinci

This has been the reference for me a long, long time. I like the catacomb style levels and this has been the best so far. 
Very large rooms with an excellently built structure and a perfect texturing made me enjoying this level. Absolutely 
worth a download. WebKnight 

Curious if reviews are added or you want to review yourself? Go to Michael Prager's site! [www.mprager.de] 

The End