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Villa Mortal 2 by The Vagrant

alan 7 8 9 8
Ceamonks890 8 7 8 8
Chel 7 9 8 8
DJ Full 9 10 9 9
dmdibl 7 8 9 9
eTux 8 10 9 10
Gerty 8 8 9 7
Jay 7 8 9 8
LuxQSD 9 8 8 9
manarch2 6 8 9 8
MegaGamer 10 10 10 10
MichaelP 7 7 9 8
Mman 7 8 8 9
Nuri 7 10 10 10
Obig 8 7 8 8
Orbit Dream 6 8 8 9
rtrger 7 10 10 10
Ryan 7 8 9 9
Thorir 7 9 10 10
Torry 8 9 10 9
Treeble 8 9 9 9
vienna 7 6 8 7
 
release date: 05-Apr-2002
# of downloads: 166

average rating: 8.39
review count: 22
 
review this level

file size: 14.20 MB
file type: TR1
class: Rome/Greece
 


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Reviewer's comments
"The enhanced and expanded version of Villa Mortal 1. An odd choice from the author to put a '2' next to the level name, causing confusion since myself and many others thought that this was an entirely new map. The 'sequel' updates the map and adds a lot of new areas to explore in the form of an alternate path you can take to progress the level linearly. It was an interesting design choice to not gate off the exit to the level and make the new areas mandatory. You may still simply activate the exit switch in the courtyard and leave the level prematurely if you wish. This map slaps hard. The original areas along with the new ones are all beautifully decorated and visually stunning to look at. Exploring them is an absolute joy and the level doesn't swarm you with unfair fights either. This is as beautiful as the levels get with base TR1 resources and engine. I didn't notice any puzzles aside from a few tricky jumps and switch pullings, but this hardly detracts from the overall experience. If you're looking for a great classic TR1 adventure with that old school feel, this one's for you. Highly recommended." - LuxQSD (15-Mar-2022)
"Despite the name this is an update of the original level, with some tweaks to the first part and then an entirely new second half (although the ending is in the same place, making all the new stuff curiously optional). The new content does a good job expanding on what was there, with a bit more added to the mossy theme, with the giant statue object being especially impressive, along with a couple of other new objects. The new gameplay is nothing especially complex, but it makes things more substantial and interesting, with some nice platforming (along with custom objects adding to the novelty) and a bit less linearity to the new segment of the map. It also fleshes out a roof area that was inaccessible before and adds some depth to the old areas as a result. Easily amoung the best TR1 maps out there, and worth checking out for a relatively short but visually engaging Greek setting." - Mman (21-Aug-2019)
"This is the same setting as the first Villa Mortal, only with some extra rooms added where you can solve some puzzles to get secrets. Also, I noticed Lara's top was shorter!" - alan (06-Dec-2018)
"This is a very fun, enjoyable and surprisingly clever and inventive raid. I have to play using the standard batch file, since Glide hates my gamepad and I can't enjoyably play without using one. Console habits die hard. The Glide textures were amazing, judging from the few minutes I struggled that way! Even the standard package visuals really didn't detract from the gameplay, and were comfortingly retro in a way. Some of the rooms were massive, but they were just so well done that as a player I got the sense of architecture and presence the builder was communicating. The villa was impressive, especially the room with the immense statue of Diana the Huntress. That secret was intense. Overall I just had a blast with this one. Excellent use of the TR1 engine. Highly recommended level." - Chel (09-Nov-2018)
"This is a more complete and extended version of the first Villa Mortal level. Although the actual path through the level remains the same (the only real added sections are purely for secrets), the architecture is even more impressive than before (even extending to an absolutely stunning Diana statue housing one of the secrets) and the enjoyment factor remains intact. Nice one." - Ryan (04-Aug-2018)
"Villa Mortal expanded and revised. This certainly doubles the game play with the impressive additional rooms. The first 20 minutes or so are the original version 1 but from there on it becomes more interesting with the Diana room standing out as the most impressive. Just love what Kevin does with this old engine and keeps the glory days of raiding well and truly alive. The camera work within this level is breath taking and whilst there are no new enemies here, there are plenty of the original crew to keep you busy. I played this using the glide batch file and textures were brilliant." - Torry (05-Apr-2018)
"This was actually a very very nice experience! All TR1- Custom Levels were mostly like short, unspectacular and more or less boring to me, while this one has amazing big areas to discover and a good amount of enemies to kill. There are also 3 secrets leading you to the weapons of the game. Actually a nearly perfect custom level. But the gameplay doesn't differ that much from other old TR1-Levels (Some creative puzzles would've been nice) and the length of this level was a little bit disappointing too. It'd be really cool to have a longer version of this." - Nuri (17-Feb-2018)
"My new personal favourite TR1 level. It cuts off a little bit too quick just like Cape Fear of this author does, but before that it offers more and more with every step taken. Elements of interaction are basic but all in place and prepared with dedicated build-ups so even switches and pushblocks are satisfying - a masterclass in this aspect, and exactly the kind of stuff I like." - DJ Full (15-Nov-2017)
"Great level from year 2002. I liked TR1-engine and this level has greater ways than Villa Mortal 1. I give 7 for gameplay because level could be more premeditated and have clearer final. Now there is a blue tempel where I couldnt find any more ways to progress more further without levels finish. But this is still recommendable level for TR1-fans." - vienna (11-Mar-2017)
"This is a remake from Villa Mortal but very worth your while I must admit. This one has more enemies and more rooms to explore. I had to peek at the walkthrough a few times as I got lost going back to some places I visited before. Don't rush it and do explore a lot, I had much fun going through this one." - Gerty (30-Oct-2016)
"Don't be fooled by the level's title: this is not a sequel, but rather a version 2 of the same level. It's been expanded, with several new side areas, and while they all do add up to the great atmosphere of the original, I felt it become overwhelming rather quickly. That's not to say it's a bad thing, as gameplay is just as well paced as it was before (and I'm sure Lara found a way to bring that Diana statue home eventually), but the level seems to keep unfolding upon each new room so it's pretty easy to lose track of where you are and where you're supposed to go next. All in all, however, definitely worthy of its status as cult classic and one everyone should check out. 35 minutes, 2 secrets. 12/15" - Treeble (30-Dec-2015)
"The Vagrant was the undoubted Master of TR1 level building.When playing,you can't help but admire the extraordinary effort that was put into creating the impressive architectural environments. To be honest,there's not an awful lot more to this level then running around grandiose areas.It's perfectly possible to reach the Finish Trigger after 25 minutes,as the additions to this revisitation to Villa Mortal are purely for the aquisition of secrets.Enemies are generously placed;while cameras are used creatively to re-inforce the majesty of the surroundings.Lighting has been used superbly (and is a feature often lacking in levels using this particular engine) and really creates an atmosphere.Gameplay generally restricts itself to lots of running,jumping and shooting;but (even when taking the restrictions of TR1 levels into account) there's plenty to admire along the way." - Orbit Dream (01-Sep-2015)
"The Vagrant is just one of the very few builders that can actually make great retro levels! You see, if a builder doesn't rush and actually takes his/her time to create a retro level, this should be the overall outcome. Well done to The Vagrant! Recommended level!" - MegaGamer (05-Jul-2014)
"To end my reviews of TR1 custom levels, I find myself playing essentially a slightly extended version of the original 'Villa Mortal' release, with a few new areas to explore(including an absolutely stunning statue to look at and admire), some more ammunition/healthpacks to pick up and some more enemies to shoot. Beyond those additions though, the overall quality is pretty much the same as before. Highly recommended, especially if you haven't played the original version of Villa Mortal." - Ceamonks890 (30-Jun-2014)
"I haven't played all TR 1 levels yet, but it seems this level is deservedly the highest rated of them all. While the gameplay is rather unimpressive, the reasons why you should play this level are the impressive looks and the builder has done a quite amazing job here. Compared to the first version, the added areas are even more spectacular and the rest does at least look more mature. Especially the large room with the Diana statue is nothing but impressive, even more so when you try to find the secret hidden within(!) the statue - that was a really fantastic moment, and this is not the only case of quite unique object design in this level - try it out to see what can be done to a rather dated engine. Finished in 25 minutes with three secrets found." - manarch2 (28-Jul-2013)
"This must be the best level i've ever played in tr1 genre. The gameplay is interesting but very easy. The atmosphere is just wow i really like it. The best thing about this level is definetly the textures, i like the placement of the secrets well hidden. I've always liked St Francis Folly and Palace Midas very much and this level reminded me of those. This level is a must play even if you have to use DosBox to play." - Thorir (11-Jun-2013)
"I played bad reviewer/good reviewer with this one, i.e. 'oh no, not another TR1 level I shall have to play on DOSbox' versus 'one more review will take it off the wish list so grit your teeth and get on with it'. Good reviewer finally prevailed and I have to say I'm actually quite glad. After allowing for the age of this level and the obvious limitations of the TR1 genre, this is a well crafted and enjoyable game. Certainly if you have a fondness for the old Cistern and St Francis Folly levels, there's much to appeal here. Try it, why don't you!" - Jay (24-Jan-2012)
"One of the best TR1 level. You don't have to miss it. Reminds me of Collosseum and Cistern levels. The final part is a little jumbled, because of we could open the door at the spike room, and we could finish the level without the second part/half of the level. So don't go left in that room, first research the underwater areas, there are many. :)" - Obig (14-May-2010)
"Really shows what TR1 can do, as Lara wanders through a series of wonderfully designed rooms. I played this years ago, but have always remembered it: the giant Diana stature, the soaring water rooms, the way everything interconnects as play progresses. Yes, the graphics suffer within the limits of TR1 and the early unofficial editor, but this is a fully developed achievement, worthy of inclusion in official TR1. In fact, if one remembers TR1 levels such as "Cistern," then "Villa Mortal 2" surpasses such original levels in design and architecture. This is a greatly expanded and richer version of an earlier release. This leads to a curious problem: players can abruptly shorten the game by following the play of the initial release. And the expansion means that play often feels haphazard, with Lara a tourist. But what there is for her to see has a magical feel. A must play TR1 release." - dmdibl (11-Apr-2010)
"Again, a big wow goes to Kevin for this level. Absolutely stunning one! Intimate rooms with nice lighting, a gorgeous statue, and a beautiful blue temple - that's why it should not be missed. The gameplay is similar, but the architecture is marvelous enough to do not complain about this level. Superb level, don't forget to try it!" - rtrger (06-Apr-2010)
"Now that was indeed a significant addition to the earlier version. More than doubled in length for me and the extra areas are most impressive in terms of their architectural scale, fabulous objects like the Diana statue, a few clever jumps to be mastered and great secrets added. The original rooms play almost the same, except for a few changes in pickups and enemies, but it is indeed the new rooms that make this one of the greater TR1 custom levels out there. Not to be missed." - MichaelP (04-Apr-2010)
"There's just something charming about Vagrant's levels that at least for me embodies the best aspects of creating custom Tomb Raider games. If there's anything you can single out as a distinguishing trademark of his - then I would say that it's the ability to create environments that are simply awe-inspiring considering the limitations of the engines he usually prefers to work within. It is no different here in Villa Mortal, and you get such places like the cistern, the cortyard and the Diana room (among others) that easily got me back in the feeling of the early raiding days when every larger well-crafted area was a little miracle. The attention to detail is amazing and while it shows in other ways, generally it's hard to tell you're playing a TR1 level. The tasks don't deviate much from the standard TR1 gameplay, so you get some swimming, lots of platforming and lots of wildlife extermination, though I did enjoy the jumping on the columns in the Diana room, and the spike and slope pit to the switch that opens the level's exit was a highlight. The secrets are well placed as well with the one in the Diana statue being my favourite. Despite its more obvious faults (sometimes during the 40+ minutes spent here I wished there would be a bit more variety to the tasks), the game has a very professional feel about it and it would've perfectly fitted in within the original TR1 game. The one thing I didn't get however was why so much of the level could be skipped entirely? I understand that they were essentially just add-on rooms to the original level (which is included in its entirety in this one as well), but I think it would not have been too difficult to add a key or switch in the new areas that somehow contributes as much to allowing Lara to finish as all the old tasks, and while this perplexed me somewhat, it definitely should not scare anyone interested away, as the level is worth your time even with all of its flaws. If you only play one TR1 level in your entire life, this one should be the one." - eTux (02-Apr-2010)