View Full Version : My Top 20 TR1/UB Levels!
This took me ages to make. :p If people read this and find it interesting, I'll do the same for TR2/GM and TR3/LA as well. Then I might compile them into one great big list. :D
This list was sort of inspired by Scottlee's analyses and Zero Punctuation, but this is a bit different because it's in list form and it's my opinion. :p
20. TR1 - Lara's Home
I guess it's not really worth mentioning this one, as it's not technically a level. But it's really, really short, even for TR1, and the designers could've included one or two more rooms and maybe a secret somewhere, even if they couldn't do outdoor areas. As it stands, there's no point in playing Lara's Home at all once you know how to control Lara, unless you like watching MTV's Cribz, and even then you'd be disappointed.
High Point: Looking out at "the grounds"
Low Point: Finishing. Well, there's not a lot going on. :p
19. TR1 - Colosseum
All the TR1 levels have something unique and interesting about them that set them apart from the others. Colosseum doesn't. It's a slow, boring tread through corridors and hallways, occasionally pulling a switch just so you can get to the next switch. Throw in some pushable block puzzles and you have a level.
High Point: Getting the magnums and blasting those gorillas.
Low Point: Pulling blocks.
18. TR1 - Obelisk of Khamoon
A pain in the arse. Obelisk of Khamoon is a level in which you blindly fumble around wondering what the hell you have to do. At least it's full of shortcuts so you can pick up the four Macguffins a bit quicker. And let's not mention the tedious block puzzle at the beginning...
High Point: Returning to the beginning of City of Khamoon.
Low Point: Climbing that huge room with the panthers.
17. TR1 - Cistern
The last "bad" level, the Cistern is slow, boring and tedious. Pierre really doesn't help, especially in that room where he doesn't appear until you've climbed to the top, so you have to go down, make him run away, then climb all the way back up again.
High Point: Killing those giant rats.
Low Point: Endless shimmying.
16. TR1 - Caves
The perfect starter level, this lets you loose in the game and gives you every obstacle one at a time. There are plenty of nooks and crannies to explore, and it's aged a lot better than a lot of the TR1 levels.
High Point: The third secret.
Low Point: Trying to reach the second secret.
15. TR1 - Tomb of Qualopec
Tomb of Qualopec is a cracking bit of adventuring, with a unique look and plenty of traps to catch you off-guard. It's only let down by the fact that it's rather short.
High Point: Picking up the Scion.
Low Point: The room with the two big blocks you have to move around with the switches. Dull, dull, dull.
14. TR1 - City of Vilcabamba
Vilcabamba is the perfect mix of all things Tomb Raider, and it's a great way to warm up the player. Tons of exploration, loads of secrets to find, and plenty of puzzles, traps and combat.
High Point: The pool room at the end.
Low Point: The underwater section at the beginning. Yawn.
13. TR1 - City of Khamoon
Textbook Tomb Raiding, this is a level with a perfect balance of combat, adventuring and puzzles, but a lot more challenging than Vilcabamba. This level also features bloody georgeous visuals, with bright gold colours and lovely shiny Egypt artifacts. I do find the ascension room with the water at the bottom rather dull though (and what's with that horrible sound effect when the block comes out of the wall?) Also, "Saphire Key" indeed.
High Point: Killing the mummies and watching them explode.
Low Point: More dreadful pushable block puzzles! This is probably the worst one in the game, as you have to drag that bloody block for ages.
12. TRUB - The Hive
The worst Unfinished Business level, but that certainly doesn't mean it's bad. This is home to possibly the hardest battle with the Atlanteans, some vast areas to explore and a fantastic puzzle with a ceiling covered in boulders. It's just a pity that something seems to have gone horribly horribly wrong with the final room - there are loads and loads of eggs, but nothing hatches from them. This could've been home to even more epic Atlantean brawls. And god only knows what was meant to be in that huge egg at the end...
High Point: The Atlantean battle just before the final hatchery (with the hoardes of shotgun ammo)
Low Point: The big cave full of water, with the big white thing in the middle. I can never figure out what to do.
11. TRUB - Atlantean Stronghold
Another wonderful level from Phil Campbell, this is bloody huge, especially for the TR1 engine, and it's probably the hardest level out of both TR1 and UB. Plenty of exploration and wandering about, accompanied with some epic battles with those naughty Atlanteans make this a truly memorable experience.
High Point: Returning to the beginning of the level and the huuuuuuuge fall right at the end.
Low Point: A bit of a lack of ammo, and you're in deep Angel of Darkness if you didn't find the magnums in Return to Egypt.
10. TRUB - Temple of the Cat
With multiple paths and some devilishly hard enemies and puzzles, this level is years ahead of its time. Seeing the giant cat statue for the first time is a wonderful experience, and the puzzle with the five keys is a great oppurtunity to explore.
High Point: Climbing to the top of the huge courtyard with the cat statue.
Low Point: Getting trapped in the "death" rooms.
9. TR1 - Tomb of Tihocan
It's a shame that this level is often overlooked and neglected, as I think it's got some great puzzles (although they do feel like they're just padding to make the level a bit longer), and the centaur battle was terrifying back in the day and extremely memorable. And there's those evil secrets that are impossible to find without some kind of psychic ability.
High Point: Finally killing Pierre (and stealing his goodies)!
Low Point: Pushing those damn blocks. Did I mention I'm not keen on pushable block puzzles?
8. TRUB - Return to Egypt
Return to Egypt is magnificent, and it's the first glimpse of what a genius Phil Campbell really is. This level is home to loads and loads of hidden goodies (I find a new hidden room every time I play) and some devilish traps. There's also a wonderful feeling of depth in the desert at the end, and the fact that it's meant to be outside is portrayed much better than Lost Valley, Colosseum and Sanctuary of the Scion.
High Point: Blasting those huge swarms of crocodiles with the magnums.
Low Point: Confusing dead ends and maze-like layouts (A glimpse at what's to come in TR3?)
7. TR1 - Natla's Mines
Pure awesome. Loads of puzzles that really make you have to think, and some truly epic human battles, topped off with some extremely memorable lava manouvering. Who cares if it doesn't make sense that pulling a switch makes a boat start moving? It's a great level, and it's heaps of fun to play.
High Point: Getting the pistols.
Low Point: A lot of moving back-and-forth in the first section.
6. TR1 - Sanctuary of the Scion
Fantastically epic level, with some wonderful moments. Getting the uzis, climbing the rocks surrounding the Sphinx, the final encounter with Larson and the Atlanteans at the end, and the giant underwater statues. This is classic Tomb Raiding action, and after all these years it's still a joy to play.
High Point: UZIS!!! of course.
Low Point: Getting knocked off the cliff faces by those flying Atlanteans.
5. TR1 - The Great Pyramid
A perfect ending to the perfect game. With two huge boss battles for the price of one and some absolutely diabolical traps, the first and the greatest Tomb Raider goes out with a bang.
High Point: Jumping down the gigantic shaft, of course.
Low Point: One last tedious pushable block puzzle!
4. TR1 - Palace Midas
While the puzzle rooms may pale in comparison to St. Francis' Folly's, you have to admit that the majority of this level is absolutely majestic. With its huge explorable locations, head-scratching puzzles and fierce enemy encounters, Palace Midas is a wonder to play and an absolute joy to behold. It's easily the most beautiful level of TR1.
High Point: Taking the long trail through the entire level.
Low Point: Having to backtrack for miles and miles and miles...
3. TR1 - St. Francis' Folly
What more do I need to say? It's St. Francis' Folly! It's huge, challenging and bloody genius! Who cares if they got the names of the Gods wrong, it's still amazing!
High Point: Thor.
Low Point: Pierre and his pet lions.
2. TR1 - Atlantis
A timeless gem. This level demonstrates perfectly how much TRA missed the point completely. It's long, challenging and an absolute blast to play. The look of the level is absolutely amazing, and like nothing ever seen before. And let's not forget the horrifying Bacon Lara. :D
High Point: Pretty much all the stuff left out of TRA. 80% of the level, then.
Low Point: Well, the abundance of uzi ammo makes it a bit too easy...
1. TR1 - Lost Valley
Yes, I know how cliched it is to rate Lost Valley the highest (even I was angry at myself) but at the end of the day, you just can't deny that it's amazing. The feeling of exploration when searching the huge valley is immense, and it's something that you just don't get in these games anymore. It also feels so rewarding to plug those cogs in at the end. And I haven't even mentioned the encounter with the T-Rex...
High Point: The whole level, from start to finish.
Low Point: None. It's absolutely perfect.
~
So there you have it. Please feel free to post your own list in this topic, or perhaps post your opinion if you feel a level deserves to be rated higher or lower. :)
rr_carroll
02-04-08, 13:29
My first thought was "Oh no, not another 'What's your favorite level?' thread!" But including reasons and high and low points makes it a lot more interesting. In the end, I was struck by how often my own opinions were different - each of us has our own likes and dislikes.
This is a fun list. I enjoyed reading it. Although everyone has their preferences, I can agree a lot with your high's and low's.
Please do the same for other games in the series.
I see that you don't like to move the blocks lol
I wouldn't mind, but it takes so long! :p
I love the Lost Valley too :cln:
stereopathic
02-04-08, 16:51
i enjoyed reading this, but what's fun about ranking stuff is discussing how we all would have done it a different way. so for me:
i do like lost valley a lot but it really is extremely over-rated. i understand it comes early in the game but it's SO flipping easy. it's the first of the "collection" levels where you have to gather a number of similar items to unlock a door or passage, in this case the three cogs. but they are so easy to find because they're all at a giant landmark: the waterfall, the broken bridge, and the temple. plus, pretty much everything in the level can be killed while standing on a block or ledge - including the t-rex. the second time through you can breeze through the valley in about 11-14 minutes. i personally feel like people love this level because it's memorable, not because it's well-designed.
palace midas is totally the best one. here's what i wrote about it in the epic best TR level poll a couple of years ago:
To me, Palace Midas encompasses what the first TR is all about. It’s a beautiful level, intertwining upon itself, giving the user completely different vantage points of the same area at different stages of the level. It’s genius.
Palace Midas guides the player through so many environments: rocky crevices, beautiful ancient ruins and the wonderful garden. The enemies are well placed, requiring skill on the part of the user to defeat them. There are places to climb upon to dispatch a couple but for the most part you’re left on fair ground with only strategy to protect you. Three of the enemies produce big scares such as the gorilla at the top of the spike room, the crocodile around the first corner and I felt a moment of sheer panic when trapped on a ledge (above the pool where we enter the level) staring down the throat of a lion running right for me.
The level is initially disorienting. It takes a while to decide which course of action to take first as it is the least linear of the game. It can take a long time to explore fully and at least a solid hour minimum play time can be expected for the first time around. It mixes easy with hard. Easier jump puzzles like the spike room are balanced with the massive hunt for the third lead bar which will take Lara to the top of the gorgeous aqueduct. Let’s not forget to mention the fire jump sequence which is tricky for almost all users and I’ve heard several claim it to be the hardest puzzle in the game.
The garden features one of the adventure’s cleverest secrets with a superbly hidden switch and the only double set of chomping blades you‘ll see. The entrance to the Midas room queues my favorite music of the first Tomb Raider and the Midas touch is the best death in any Croft adventure, much less the first installment. That unreachable health pack is pretty cool, too.
Simply put, a brilliant level and the best of the game.
i know that was a lot, but i had a lot to say. :)
Great post, Teeth. Extremely well written. :tmb:
laracroftworld
02-04-08, 19:31
Do these for all the games. That was an awesome list!:):):):)
stereopathic
02-04-08, 19:52
^^yeah, i agree. this was a fun read. do more.
sandra croft
03-04-08, 09:16
St. francis folly, Midas palace and sanctuary of the scion have one of the best leveldesigns in the whole series but I actually enjoyed these levels more;
1 Natlaīs mines 10- the hardest level for me and therefore the most rewarding
2 Village of Villacomba 9.5- wasnīt any of my favourites at first but after playing TRAīs short version it raised in my opion and felt really big and awesome.
3 Obelisk of Khamoon 9.5- the colours makes me really happy, despite that I enjoyed TRAīs version even more.
4 Cistern - 9.5 I think itīs cool how the level change when you raise the water
5 Lost valley - 9.5 the t-rex really scared me the first time
6 St.francis folly 9.5
7 Sanctuary of the scion 9.5
8 Midas palace 9.5
9 City of Khamoon 9.5
10 Great pyramid 8.5
11 Colosseum 8.5
12 Atlantis 8.5
13 Caves 7.5
14 Tomb of tihocan 7.5
15 Tomb of Qualopec 7
I donīt really like the short levels, they just felt short and boring and Atlantis felt like a shoot emīup level to me.
Eddie Haskell
03-04-08, 14:42
I really have a difference of opinion with your list Teeth. It looks nothing like mine, but then again it's all what you like...:)
I see a lot of people mentioning Atlantis on their top 3 and I seriously can't relate. The only part of Atlantis I really liked was the FMV with the 3 atlantean leaders.
stereopathic
03-04-08, 17:08
yeah i thought atlantis was just okay. but i loved natla's mines and i've heard a lot of people bash that level. i guess it's all just personal taste.
I really have a difference of opinion with your list Teeth. It looks nothing like mine, but then again it's all what you like...:)
I quite fancy seeing your list, considering you seem to live in the TR1 forum. :p
Eddie Haskell
03-04-08, 20:34
I quite fancy seeing your list, considering you seem to live in the TR1 forum. :p
It doesn't matter really, there are not right or wrong choices here. It's all a matter of taste. My personal choices for the top and bottom levels are not better or more important than yours. Simply mine. :)
However, here goes (without elaboration and without the UB levels since I do not remember them too well):
15) Caves
14) The City of Vilcabamba
13) The Obelisk of Khamoon
12) The Tomb of Qualepec
11) The Great Pyramid
10) City of Khamoon
9) The Lost Valley
8) Tomb of Tihocan
7) Atlantis
6) Natla's Mines
5) Palace Midas
4) St. Francis Folly
3) The Coliseum
2) The Sanctuary of the Scion
1) The Cistern
All have some merit, and the differences between the top spot and the last is not as large as the numbers indicate. Case in point: I love The Caves! :)
Here are mine:
15.Lost Valley
14.St. Francis' Folly
13.Natla's Mines
12.City of Khamoon
11.Great Pyramid
10.Obelisk of Khamoon
9.Atlantis
8.Tomb of Tihocan
7.City of vilcabamba
6.Palace midas
5.Cistern
4.Tomb of Qualopec
3.Colosseum
2.Caves
1.Sanctuary of the scion
Wow, there really is a huge difference in opinion here. Interesting. :D
My detailed list:
1) Natla's Mines. I've managed to beat it without finding fuses and pistols. And of course I didn't kill cowboy. The level design was fascinated, it was a good break after egypt and tombs. Pits, lava, boxes with tnt ... perfect level
2) The Great Pyramid and 3) Atlantis
I love Atlantis levels for their pulsing walls, timed doors, lava, cocoons, mutants, death traps, blades, Natla (damn I really love her), the final escape etc
4) City of Khamoon and 5) Obelisk of Khamoon Made atmosphere of true classic Tr. Egypt, sand, pyramids, sphynx, panthers, mummies, temples, crocodiles, artefacts etc. It was so beautiful. I like how Core made sand and water there
6) Tomb of Qualopec lol that level was great. Rolling boulder, spikes and that amazing trap with 3 wolves. I also liked that funny glitch with scion. You could pick as much scions as you want :D The funny thing I couldn't find any secret in that level
7) Cistern great level. I like that design, where you need to change water level to find the keys. Level was very realistic, green and with crocodiles :D
8) Palace Midas great design. It makes perfect atmosphere of ancient Greece and legend about king Midas and his hand
9) St. Francis' Folly very good level with legendary rooms. My fav was Thor room. And btw when Lara slides into the water and at last moment you need to jump to get into a secret room was very hard moment ....
10) Colosseum Interesting level. Animals, pit with spikes and timed door puzzle
11) Tomb of Tihocan I liked that place where you move a block on ancient scripts to open 4 doors and get the keys and goodies.
12) Lost Valley It took centuries to find that hideous cave to lost valley. That's why I don't like that place. But lost valley was beautiful and trex lol was fun. I found all secrtets there. One behind the rocks (shotgun shellls), one on the roof of the temple (magnum clips, medpacks), one on the waterfall. And I also liked other two secrets in waterfall area: one near where river starts and other in secret room where you needed to swim. And shotgun near skeleton was good :)
13) City of vilcabamba. I liked two underwater secrets in pool (one in the left part other in the right one)
14) Caves Very nice beginning :) Snow, pawprints, wolves, bear, bats.
15) Sanctuary of the scion The darkest level in Egypt :) The flying mutants were creepy
Actually I love all tr1 and all levels. This list doesn't show which levels I love least, this list shows levels that I love most. I can even honestly say that my list doesn't contain a particular order. Only I can add that Natla's Mines were best and that's all
My all time fav TR/UB level is Temple of the Cat!! It`s geniously!
sandra croft
04-04-08, 10:12
My all time fav TR/UB level is Temple of the Cat!! It`s geniously!
I never played UB. :(
I never played UB. :(
Download it! If you have TR cd you can download UB for freeeee!
sandra croft
04-04-08, 10:42
Download it! If you have TR cd you can download UB for freeeee!
I only have TR1 on PS1.
I never played UB. :(
you didn't miss anything important
you didn't miss anything important
Except moving cats images and a huge cat statue:D
you didn't miss anything important
Gasp! Blasphemy!
I never played UB. :(
Try GGCTUK's TRLE remake:
http://www.trle.net/reviewsearch/levelfeatures.php?lid=1636
Gasp! Blasphemy!
it's not
Here are my thoughts minus the UB levels because I didn't really like them.
From worst to best.
15. Tomb of Tihocan - Congratulations, ToT, you've made me hate an element in this game I normally love: changing the water level. And then you make me kill one of my favorite characters? Not cool, man.
14. Tomb of Qualopec - Boring!
13. Colosseum - This has one of the most visual stunning parts of the game, that is when you first enter the arena and the side opposite you is obscured in darkness. Then you run forward and the whole place comes into full view. Awesome. Sadly, this is not enough to make up for the suckfest of the rest of the level.
12. The Great Pyramid - Sure, it's fun defeating Natla and escaping the place; I'll give it that. But I hate killing Torso because I'm impatient, and I hated all the traps because I'm a wussy. Also, the screen wiggling nearly made me nauseous.
11. St. Francis' Folly - Those four god themed rooms were nifty at first, but around the third play through, they kind of lost their charm for me. I realized I had to mark this level down when I found myself enjoying moving up and down that giant... middle... thing... pulling levers more than anything else.
10. City of Vilcabamba - This level's okay. Nothing really stands out, nothing really cheeses me off.
9. Caves - Sure, it's a lot more uneventful than CoV, but that just meant that when something actually happened, like that first timed door, it was all the more exciting.
8. Natla's Mines - I'm one of those weirdos who's a sucker for modern environments in Tomb Raider games, so this level, being the most modern looking, really pleased me in that aspect. The level was fun as a whole, and even though I didn't have weapons for most of it, I didn't feel panicked. The only reason I'm marking it down is for that infernal block puzzle.
7. City of Khamoon - The scenery, with the gold and the colors, and stuff, is absolutely gorgeous. The level design is fun. The enemies are great. I guess if I had to choose a level that could be the demo for this game, I'd choose this one.
6. Obelisk of Khamoon - The scenery, with the gold and the colors, and stuff, is absolutely gorgeous. The level design is fun. The enemies are great. This is the only level which actually made me nervous.
5. Atlantis - I think the side of me that likes this level is the same side that likes to start up Doom, turn on god mode, and run through rooms at top speed blasting apart baddies with the rocket launcher.
4. Palace Midas - Someday, I hope somebody asks me, "What, in your opinion, is the ideal level design?" because it will be the easiest question to answer ever. I will say, "Palace Midas." I will have answered so fast the question asker wouldn't have thought up the question. Also, this level has Gold Lara, Best Death Ever.
3. The Lost Valley - These dinos are way better than the Crash Sites ones that take so long to bring down I got bored. Seriously, how do I get bored with taking down raptors? Anywho, the environment is gorgeous, all the little nooks and crannies in the valley are excellent, everything you've ever heard before.
2. The Cistern - Floating crocodiles! Yes, I know they're in other levels, but I associate them with this one. Wait, that doesn't explain why I like this one. No time! Moving on.
1. Sanctuary of the Scion - Okay, so that moment when you first see just where you are, and how big the room is, and how giant the Sphinx is? That moment is so majestic it could make a Vulcan cyborg cry. Then we get to climb all over the scenery, which always makes me happy. The bad guys were freaking awesome; plus I could predict whenever they'd come out, so that helped. Okay, now you know the moment when you fall into the lake so deep it completely submerges two statues? The moment is so awesome it makes that moments from before look pathetic. Now, as for the fight near the end between Centaur guy and his two cronies, well, that one always gives me trouble. But the level is so great that by the time I get to that part, all I can say is, "Thank you sir, may I have another?" Oh, and I don't have to kill Larson. Squee!
stereopathic
04-04-08, 16:08
zomg, that was hilarious.
Eddie Haskell
04-04-08, 16:14
Here are my thoughts minus the UB levels because I didn't really like them.
From worst to best.
15. Tomb of Tihocan - Congratulations, ToT, you've made me hate an element in this game I normally love: changing the water level. And then you make me kill one of my favorite characters? Not cool, man.
14. Tomb of Qualopec - Boring!
13. Colosseum - This has one of the most visual stunning parts of the game, that is when you first enter the arena and the side opposite you is obscured in darkness. Then you run forward and the whole place comes into full view. Awesome. Sadly, this is not enough to make up for the suckfest of the rest of the level.
12. The Great Pyramid - Sure, it's fun defeating Natla and escaping the place; I'll give it that. But I hate killing Torso because I'm impatient, and I hated all the traps because I'm a wussy. Also, the screen wiggling nearly made me nauseous.
11. St. Francis' Folly - Those four god themed rooms were nifty at first, but around the third play through, they kind of lost their charm for me. I realized I had to mark this level down when I found myself enjoying moving up and down that giant... middle... thing... pulling levels more than anything else.
10. City of Vilcabamba - This level's okay. Nothing really stands out, nothing really cheeses me off.
9. Caves - Sure, it's a lot more uneventful than CoV, but that just meant that when something actually happened, like that first timed door, it was all the more exciting.
8. Natla's Mines - I'm one of those weirdos who's a sucker for modern environments in Tomb Raider games, so this level, being the most modern looking, really pleased me in that aspect. The level was fun as a whole, and even though I didn't have weapons for most of it, I didn't feel panicked. The only reason I'm marking it down is for that infernal block puzzle.
7. City of Khamoon - The scenery, with the gold and the colors, and stuff, is absolutely gorgeous. The level design is fun. The enemies are great. I guess if I had to choose a level that could be the demo for this game, I'd choose this one.
6. Obelisk of Khamoon - The scenery, with the gold and the colors, and stuff, is absolutely gorgeous. The level design is fun. The enemies are great. this is the only level which actually made me nervous.
5. Atlantis - I think the side of me that likes this level is the same side that likes to start up Doom, turn on god mode, and run through rooms at top speed blasting apart baddies with the rocket launcher.
4. Palace Midas - Someday, I hope somebody asks me, "What, in your opinion, is the ideal level design?" because it will be the easiest question to answer ever. I will say, "Palace Midas." I will have answered so fast the question asker wouldn't have thought up the question. Also, this level has Gold Lara, Best Death Ever.
3. The Lost Valley - These dinos are way better than the Crash Sites ones that take so long to bring down I got bored. Seriously, how do I get bored with taking down raptors? Anywho, the environment is gorgeous, all the little nooks and crannies in the valley are excellent, everything you've ever heard before.
2. The Cistern - Floating crocodiles! Yes, I know they're in other levels, but I associate them with this one. Wait, that doesn't explain why I like this one. No time! Moving on.
1. Sanctuary of the Scion - Okay, so that moment when you first see just where you are, and how big the room is, and how giant the Sphinx is? That moment is so majestic it could make a Vulcan cyborg cry. Then we get to climb all over the scenery, which always makes me happy. The bad guys were freaking awesome; plus I could predict whenever they'd come out, so that helped. Okay, now you know the moment when you fall into the lake so deep it completely submerges two statues? The moment is so awesome it makes that moments from before look pathetic. Now, as for the fight near the end between Centaur guy and his two cronies, well, that one always gives me trouble. But the level is so great that by the time I get to that part, all I can say is, "Thank you sir, may I have another?" Oh, and I don't have to kill Larson. Squee!
Great stuff, wonderful read! :D
If I had to guess which particular level would win a poll that all the members in here who played the game voted in, my guess would be The Sanctuary of the Scion. Although it would not be #1 on many of the polls, it would average out to #1 I believe. It is a superb; no stupendous level. :)
stereopathic
04-04-08, 16:25
you know, we actually had an enormous series of polls to widdle down the forum's favorite levels of each of the TRs back in 2006. then there was a final poll that pitted all the winners against eachother. lemme see if i can find it...
here we go. (http://www.tombraiderforums.com/showthread.php?t=80053)
lost valley not only won the TR1 poll, but the whole thing. i think i remember sanctuary making the top 5 along with valley, palace, atlantis, and folly. but only the top two were allowed to go the the final vote.
-edit-
oops. nope. just found it and sanctuary came in 7th. wow, that's kind of surprising. link (http://www.tombraiderforums.com/showthread.php?t=62670)
sandra croft
04-04-08, 18:56
you know, we actually had an enormous series of polls to widdle down the forum's favorite levels of each of the TRs back in 2006. then there was a final poll that pitted all the winners against eachother. lemme see if i can find it...
here we go. (http://www.tombraiderforums.com/showthread.php?t=80053)
lost valley not only won the TR1 poll, but the whole thing. i think i remember sanctuary making the top 5 along with valley, palace, atlantis, and folly. but only the top two were allowed to go the the final vote.
-edit-
oops. nope. just found it and sanctuary came in 7th. wow, that's kind of surprising. link (http://www.tombraiderforums.com/showthread.php?t=62670)
That was interesting, lost valley is a worthy winner, it has everything that makes a good TR level - hard, big, beutiful, fun and scary.
Eddie Haskell
04-04-08, 19:12
you know, we actually had an enormous series of polls to widdle down the forum's favorite levels of each of the TRs back in 2006. then there was a final poll that pitted all the winners against eachother. lemme see if i can find it...
here we go. (http://www.tombraiderforums.com/showthread.php?t=80053)
lost valley not only won the TR1 poll, but the whole thing. i think i remember sanctuary making the top 5 along with valley, palace, atlantis, and folly. but only the top two were allowed to go the the final vote.
-edit-
oops. nope. just found it and sanctuary came in 7th. wow, that's kind of surprising. link (http://www.tombraiderforums.com/showthread.php?t=62670)
That was a very biased poll.
What I had in mind was a series of polls. One for each game, with the winners squaring off to decide the "Greatest Tomb Raider Level Of All Time". At least in this forum...;)
stereopathic
04-04-08, 19:30
What I had in mind was a series of polls. One for each game, with the winners squaring off to decide the "Greatest Tomb Raider Level Of All Time". At least in this forum...;)
forgive me, i must not have been clear. this is in fact what it was-an epic series of polls to determine the forum's favorite level of all time. the top two vote-getting levels for each game (one for legend and add-on levels) got a spot in the final "Best Level Ever" poll. i'll link to the individual game polls so you can check it out if you want.
TR1 (http://www.tombraiderforums.com/showthread.php?t=55365)
TR2 (http://www.tombraiderforums.com/showthread.php?t=60520)
TR3 (http://www.tombraiderforums.com/showthread.php?t=64386)
TR4 (http://www.tombraiderforums.com/showthread.php?t=75681)
TRC (http://www.tombraiderforums.com/showthread.php?t=72555)
TR add-on levels (http://www.tombraiderforums.com/showthread.php?t=67267)
AOD (http://www.tombraiderforums.com/showthread.php?t=77772)
TRL (http://www.tombraiderforums.com/showthread.php?t=77773)
grand finale (http://www.tombraiderforums.com/showthread.php?t=80053)
it was kind of shocking that more than twice the amount of people voted in the TR1 poll than voted in the big final.
Eddie Haskell
04-04-08, 20:27
forgive me, i must not have been clear. this is in fact what it was-an epic series of polls to determine the forum's favorite level of all time. the top two vote-getting levels for each game (one for legend and add-on levels) got a spot in the final "Best Level Ever" poll. i'll link to the individual game polls so you can check it out if you want.
TR1 (http://www.tombraiderforums.com/showthread.php?t=55365)
TR2 (http://www.tombraiderforums.com/showthread.php?t=60520)
TR3 (http://www.tombraiderforums.com/showthread.php?t=64386)
TR4 (http://www.tombraiderforums.com/showthread.php?t=75681)
TRC (http://www.tombraiderforums.com/showthread.php?t=72555)
TR add-on levels (http://www.tombraiderforums.com/showthread.php?t=67267)
AOD (http://www.tombraiderforums.com/showthread.php?t=77772)
TRL (http://www.tombraiderforums.com/showthread.php?t=77773)
grand finale (http://www.tombraiderforums.com/showthread.php?t=80053)
it was kind of shocking that more than twice the amount of people voted in the TR1 poll than voted in the big final.
One problem with a poll like this (and I should say that it is not a deal breaker) is that anyone can vote, even those who never even played the game. One would hope that they wouldn't, but nevertheless they could stain the results.
Also, how many (or what percentage) of players have played all of the games? I would think that as the games progressed, the numbers in this forum would increase in terms of the total number who played a particular game. For example, more in here have played Legend than let's say TR3. So a poll like this while certainly admirable (I for one think it is great) really might include results that are not truthful or based on real fact.
But still, it is fantastic. :tmb: And the results are quite interesting. I would like to see a poll involving only those who have played all of the games. Btw, I wonder how many in here have played them all?
I can't believe Nightmare in Vegas didn't go through! It's probably my all-time favourite level, because it's fun, it's absolutely crazy and it's years ahead of its time.
I can't believe Nightmare in Vegas didn't go through! It's probably my all-time favourite level, because it's fun, it's absolutely crazy and it's years ahead of its time.
I've only played UB as far as extension packs go but "Nightmare in Vegas" and "Tomb Raider" shouldn't belong in the same sentence :pi:
rr_carroll
05-04-08, 13:13
I've only played UB as far as extension packs go but "Nightmare in Vegas" and "Tomb Raider" shouldn't belong in the same sentence :pi: But "Nightmare" has three of the scariest TR characters - T. rex, Thunderfoot the giant bird, and Winston!
My all time fav TR/UB level is Temple of the Cat!! It`s geniously!
I second that! A very good level & one of the best throughout the series IMO! :):D
Tyrannosaurus
06-04-08, 06:44
I love all the levels from TR1. Though some of them have tedious spots, they're simply a joy to behold. If I could arrange my top 15 TR levels (didn't really care much for UB), they would be difficult to place, but might be in this order:
15. Caves - A great introduction to the world of Tomb Raider, but too tame for me to place it anywhere else.
14. Natla's Mines - This level has some splendid moments, an interesting change of scenery, and three truly unforgettable battles, but it's too damn frustrating. I can almost never complete it in a single sitting. I especially hate that puzzle that invovles jumping over the hurdles and outrunning the boulder to reach the second fuse.
13. Cistern - This level has some nice secrets and beautiful rooms, but the first time through it can be quite frustrating if you flip the switch that raises the water level too soon and forget about it.
12. Colloseum - Some wonderfully atmospheric areas and fun secrets, but the level itself is short and not particularly challenging. There are quite a few extra areas that you don't even need to explore.
11. City of Khamoon - Beautiful to behold, and not too difficult, but there are some slow and tedious areas. A nice tour through Egypt this time. The sphinx looks kinda ugly compared to the one in Sanctuary of the Scion, though.
10. Lost Valley - a simplistic and overrated level, IMHO, but no one forgot about it. There are plenty of fun secrets to find, too.
9. Tomb of Qualopec - Short, tight, and intense. What you'd expect the tomb of Qualopec to be. I also love the fact that you leave the level as you entered (most other TR games don't bother to suggest how Lara escaped, but it would be entirely possible to backtrack through to the entrance of the caves) and encounter Larson on the way out. The first time through, I was shocked, and had no idea what to expect.
8. Tomb of Tihocan - The battle with the Atlantean horsemen has to be one of the scariest moments in the TR series. And I love the final confrontation with Pierre.
7. City of Vilcabamba - Easy and basic, I know, but this is everything a TR level should be. The visuals are beautiful, and there is a good variety of combat, exploration, puzzle-solving, and trap-evading. The level is also rather vast (or at least, gives us the impression of being so) and fantastic to explore.
6. Obelisk of Khamoon - Beautiful scenery, and you get to see the rear end of the sphinx you saw in the earlier level. But sometimes a little confusing and frustrating.
5. Sanctuary of the Scion - This is where Tomb Raider gets really mean. Still pretty damn hard. The layout is elegant, simple, and effective. The final showdown with Larson, though appropriate, is a joke.
4. Palace Midas - This place is awesomely epic and majestic in scale. There is so much to do and see here, and some of the traps are damn hard for me even now (flamers, anyone?). For once, Pierre doesn't even show up to bug you, though that might have added a little variety to the backtracking, which is the only downside to this level.
3. St. Francis' Folly - This is first really big and really complicated level in TR, so much so that the Colloseum seems like a bit of an anti-climax. It's legendary in every sense of the word.
2. Atlantis - It goes on and on forever, yet never gets boring. We get a real sense of progress and accomplishment here. It's fascinating and horrifying all at once. And who can forget the Altantean Lara we have to outwit?
1. Great Pyramid - I admit, I surprized myself in placing the Great Pyramid on top. I don't really like it that much, but I guess there's nothing that can beat it if you want a quick and brutal test of your tomb raiding skills. It's in a category all on it's own. There's only one word to describe it, and that would be 'intense'.
i couldnt possibly choose a favourite level......
Awesome list, makes a great read.
And I'm glad to see he Sanctuary up there :p
:D
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