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One Room Challenge - Protected by the Dead by Matie

afzalmiah 8 9 9 10
alan 8 8 9 9
Bigfoot 10 10 10 10
Blue43 8 8 9 9
Bradley 7 9 8 9
Christian 9 8 9 9
Cory 8 8 9 9
Daffy 9 9 9 10
Diz 9 9 9 10
DJ Full 8 9 9 10
dmdibl 9 9 9 10
eTux 7 7 8 8
Feats 9 9 9 10
Gerty 7 7 8 8
Jay 9 9 9 10
John 7 7 9 8
Jose 9 9 9 10
manarch2 7 7 8 8
MichaelP 7 8 9 9
Mman 8 9 9 9
Mytly 8 9 10 10
Orbit Dream 8 8 10 10
Phil 9 9 9 9
Ruben 8 8 9 9
Ryan 8 9 9 10
Scottie 9 9 8 8
Shandroid 9 9 10 10
TheStig 8 9 10 10
Tombraider95 9 8 9 9
Torry 10 7 8 9
Treeble 8 8 8 8
Ward Dragon 9 9 10 10
 
release date: 10-Apr-2011
# of downloads: 143

average rating: 8.75
review count: 32
 
review this level

file size: 51.61 MB
file type: TR4
class: South America
 


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Reviewer's comments
"Oh wow I just love the TR underworld vibes in this level. Starting off outside in a dark rainy area we can look down into the area below and see this is going to be area that requires some setting up before we can fully climb and explore around it all with the deadly eitr welcoming us to fall in. With crumbling floor tiles, scary jump rolls on sloping platforms and nasty spikes from the get go this level does not ease us in in gently! Luckily the enemies are spaced out a bit and consist of black panthers, spiders, military men and even a snake! After finding the 2 silver skulls in the first area it’s time to open up a new area with platforming and swing-pole challenges in order to find jump switches, these switches activate push blocks to appear in another room which we need to arrange in a certain pattern. Once completed this reveals a key which we must backtrack to get from the first area before returning, inserting and jumping across some nasty drops, its here unfortunately where the level comes to an end after defeating Amanda’s monster from TR legend. I didn’t want it to finish where it did really because I was really enjoying the gameplay and atmosphere and so this level falls under the category “short and sweet” so if that’s what your looking for and enjoy TRU vibes you deffo need to try this one out." - John (08-Dec-2023)
"A really good raid to be had here, a really short one but definitely a good one! My only gripe was maybe it was a little too short even for a One Room Challenge. Played other ORC's that had more content. But the content that is in this level is extremely good, was just left wanting more! Maybe that was the intention! I look forward to playing more levels by this builder anyways haha! Definitely recommended" - Feats (04-Oct-2023)
"This one draws heavily from the Southern Mexico levels in Underworld, at first I wasn't particularly sold on the setting but when I realized the burning surface at the bottom was actually eitr it sort of grew on me (possibly due to a restriction in the challenge so it couldn't be a water room, it being brick solid definitely looked off). I quite liked the unexpected apparition of Amanda's wraith as well. Some of the jumpswitches required proper positioning to get to but all in all I enjoyed my stay here, even the pushblock puzzle was actually fun to solve for once (dragging four blocks across a limited 3x3 grid). 15 minutes. 11/22" - Treeble (13-Nov-2022)
"Good looking little level with some nice tasks to do. I found soldiers, a snake and some dogs as enemies, besides that great boss fight at the end. The puzzle may seem confusing at first, seeing as you have to push some blocks to tiles that are not theirs first in order to move other ones, but after you figure it out, it's no longer complicated. The environments are nice and well textured. I had a good time so I definitely recommend it." - alan (14-Mar-2020)
"There is a lot to do in this one room and the amount of platforming provided was gratifying. The movable box puzzle was simple enough and the majestic demon in the demigod slot at the end was very well textured and quite believable. Only issue I found were the strange underwater sounds coming from the gun fire of the soldiers so a few points off for that. I did not find any secrets and am unclear if there were any. Graphics and lighting were spot on. Lovely 15 minute romp. Thanks Matie." - Torry (08-Jan-2020)
"This is a very impressive little level. An amazing environment (reminiscent of Tomb Raider Underworld's Mexico section), great atmosphere and surprisingly varied gameplay for a small level. A tricky jump, a few jumpswitches to pull, some pole swinging, a boss battle and a block puzzle that required some clear strategy. Definitely recommended." - Ryan (19-Jan-2017)
"The first time I played this level, I say "it's impossible there are just one room in this level" ... But YES, there are just one room of gameplay and this last is exellent. Lara is searching another Thor's hammer in Mexiquo and The many puzzle are just greats. I really enjoyed the final boss and the last sequence with the hammer ... GREATs MOMENTs. The few musics are perfects with the atmosphere and the objects (enemies, statics, pushables, ...)too. I spent near 25 min in this game. Thanks a lot Matie for this little game. Very recommended and playable by everyone." - BigFoot (21-Aug-2012)
"A great 20 minute level here from Matie and one of the best One Room Challenge levels I've reviewed so far. The strong Underworld theming (with the outfit, objects and music) works very very well. The push-block puzzle was simple but effective and overall the gameplay was very well balanced. Texturing and lighting were excellent too. Another adventure that expanded into a longer adventure could be something Epic! Recommended Stiggy :)" - TheStig (07-Mar-2012)
"I only played one of these one room challenges until this awesome entry by Matie. She clearly has an immense talent for building amazing-looking levels, this one in the style of Underworld, a game I very much enjoyed. There is a lot of fun to be had in such a small area. There is a bit of everything: human, animal and monster enemies, jumping sequences with traps, swinging bars and a very nifty block puzzle. The background music is great and affective and Lara is pixel-perfect. I would LOVE to see Matie create a big level series using these skills. She has the ability to create a Hall of Fame worthy level, and I hope to see much more from her. Highly recommended!!" - Shandroid (23-Dec-2011)
"This level takes place in a (Underworld-style) Mexico environment, with texturing and lighting that feels near perfect and great object use; this is a level that feels like every object was carefully placed to maximise it's impact, and I can't really see it being improved on within the parameters of the contest (although the boss is a bit dull as it's so easy to exploit). The gameplay is a mix of a couple of platform challenges, a block puzzle and a boss fight, and it ends up quite varied. There was one part where using collapsing tiles too early allows you to be stuck, but it's right at the start of the level so it's not really an issue. This is definitely the best all-round level of the contest." - Mman (08-Dec-2011)
"I found this level the best One Room Challenge and I think everyone else has as well. It is brilliant. Even thought Matie has used only one rooms she made the level feel like an actual level that has great traps and puzzles. Enemies were only spiders if I can remember. There was alos a boss fight at the end which was really good. The use of audio was very good as well and the puzzles were good to make your brain think harder. They were mostly pushblock puzzles. The level definately reminded me of Underworld and deserved to win the One Room Challenge. Highly recommended." - afzalmiah (12-Nov-2011)
"This level was very good. A very difficult start to the level with the crumbling floors! A good ending aswell with a well suited boss in a difficult to battle enviroment. This level is very underworld-like (outfit, enviroment, objects, textures, burning blue water...). (completed in : 45min; over all rating : very good." - Bradley (11-May-2011)
"This is the only one that I would like a peek at the prj, as I am not completely convinced about the one room rule (even if you may use two rooms as long as there is no game play). No indication that the floor is deadly but I can understand the choice of this builder. Liked the jumping one has to do and even if it is small, it was fun." - Gerty (05-May-2011)
"To me this one's a tie with Folly for top honors in the ORC competition, so I'll award it the same scores. I was a bit put off at the beginning by what I considered a blatantly unfair jump from a collapsing tile to a ladder after activating a jumpswitch, but after numerous failures I found that I could make it by sliding a bit before taking a back flip from the slope. That gives you a little extra running room to swerve right and back left to jump for the ladder before you're burned to a crisp. The latter part of the level is dark, but what else is new. I found that I could see well enough to perform basic tasks, but I sure do grow weary of dank and gloomy surroundings. Gameplay is quite crisp throughout, and you have to put on your thinking cap a bit to maneuver the blocks onto the right tiles (after figuring out how to raise the blocks in the first place). I milked a good half hour out of this one, a pretty good bang for the buck given the limitations placed on the builders. Recommended." - Phil (01-May-2011)
"Thrilling! While in other levels of this project I feel a sign of entertainment in this field - in Matie's level I feel a sign of genious. For most of the game, I had an adrenaline shot... This is definitely the most appropriate enemy application and placement in the whole ORC. Pushed a block, two soldiers emerge just two squares on Your right - far enough for the active camera not to see them appearing from thin air, and close enough to force any player to react by take defensive action as fast and possible. Pantheras also surprised me. And the final boss encounter was the only enemy in the whole contest requiring any tactics other than shooting. Of course, there were some flaws - like climbing a ladder 3 times (but it wasn't too high, and lasted for short time - and I was glad there was a snake fight intermezzo, right in the moment when I felt bored and demanded entertainment - Matie knew when the snake should emerge from between the pillars and it means she knows how to keep players interested) or a clever, but rather tiring pushable. I don't like making me stuck. But I like making me think. This set of cubes satisfies me in both ways. It's definitely too slow compared to the preceding tempo - but I keep in mind such inventive pushables are rare and wanted thing. Meta2tr-ed walls of the final canyon and the puzzle uncovered with a mystic spell were a pinnacle and made a great ending. Everything was accompanied by soundtrack fitting Legend atmosphere so well it couldn't be better. Also, my special personal prize for 'most awesome humidity' goes to Matie for there is only one custom level I felt it before (it's called Beyond the Scion - I know I mention it too often, but how can I not do it?) and she achieved the same thing as EssGee did - I really felt all this water on me. SUMMARY: Some backtracking is in this little gem, but You are very unlikely to care about it. Highly recommended especially for those who can switch to patient mode. All other players should also find it nice." - DJ Full (18-Apr-2011)
"I do believe that being nice just for the sake of being nice, or for fear of hurting the author's feelings is in the long run just as harmful to everyone involved than being deliberately malicious. So while I really do appreciate this "One Room Challenge" because it allows to spend just about as much time on raiding as I am willing to give if I am to finish writing my thesis any time soon, I did not believe the levels should be exempt of the scrutiny any other level I play would get, just because they're part of a competition. That said, this one turned out to be a rather pleasant surprise. Playing through the 16 minutes of net gaming this provides, one's appreciation of the level really grows when you consider that it is all made within the confinements of one room. The objects are neat, the level looks great overall and most importantly there are some fun gameplay moments to be had with the collapsible tiles, jumps and the movable block puzzle. On the downside - I could not get used to the burning ground texture as it did not look threatening at all, the task for raising the 4 movable blocks was a bit too repetitious, and the final boss seemed to take a small eternity to take down (but I may have only perceived it as such because it has been a while since I played a TR level). Overall though, this is a great little level that shows what one can squeeze out with some imagination no matter the limitations." - eTux (16-Apr-2011)
"In true spirit of keeping the best for last, this One Room challenge entry just begs to be extended into a much longer level or even level series. The atmosphere and the visuals are quite stunning, supported by nice tetxures, beautiful audio and a select few enemies, with the final boss being especially cool, albeit of course easy to kill. The breaktile sequence actually took me a few attempts to get right and the pushable puzzle (including the jumps to the switches to activate them) is also clever in its simplicity. A 20 minute teaser of what could become so much more if only Matie has the passion and patience to extend it further. As is, it presents at least the hands down winner of the One Room Challenge competition!" - MichaelP (16-Apr-2011)
"This just goes to show that you don't need to fill a level with ostentatious custom textures in order to make a favourable impression.You simply craft an impressive environment,light and texture it to perfection and devise suitably entertaining and intelligent gameplay,and hey presto! You have a classic (regardless of its length). I spent 25 minutes here and quite forgot that this was a part of the 'one room' challenge,so absorbing was the experience. The pushable block puzzle succeeded in squeezing out considerable originality from within what you would think to be a well-worn concept;and the atmosphere throughout was completely gripping.Challenging jumps and well-placed enemies rounded everything off very enjoyably,and this remains a superb example of what can be done within such a potentially restrictive scenario." - Orbit Dream (16-Apr-2011)
"The ORC cannot compare with the BtB Series and should be rated as a more or less successful attempt by some builders to create a game limited both as to gameplay and locations , nowhere in the all the ORC issues is to be found a real TRLE game which is really worth beeing called an "adventure". None of the games reveal a plot or interesting gameplay , its just a number of meaningless block-pushing short living events Lara would definetely avoid to visit if there was better stuff to do at the moment. Matie`s contibution was still one on the better side as it shows the builder`s great abilities to handle the NGLE . My rating shows its quality in comparism to the other ORC issues only , I really liked the beautifully designed environments . ORC may have been a good TRLE Project that had some moments but who needs another ?" - Ruben (15-Apr-2011)
"Another very nice submission to the One Room Challenge series. This level has a wonderful atmosphere with nice soundtrack, great looking textures and lighting. The game play is really nice for a level that size and includes a series of precise jumps over breakable tiles, swing pole acrobatics and all that in order to access a neat push block puzzle and a final pickup. I had a lot of enjoyment playing through this one and it is one of my favorites from this series. (19 minutes, 0 secrets found)" - Blue43 (14-Apr-2011)
"The gameplay was very good with a nice combination of platforming, exploration, and combat. Additionally, I really enjoyed the block puzzle because it actually made me think about how to solve it. The level was very beautiful and atmospheric as well, so all around a very enjoyable level." - Ward Dragon (14-Apr-2011)
"How much gameplay fits in one room? Obviously a lot. A nice run over some breaking tiles, some well placed jumpswitches and pole-jumps and a nice pushblock-puzzle. Compact creative gameplay in one room. My favourite one of this series!" - Christian (14-Apr-2011)
"Right from the start this level had a great atmosphere. Gloomy without being over dark, the lighting was nigh on perfect and the textures used lent a solid 'real' feel to the stone walls. The level's really about finding the right way to go about the wall and drop switches, turning off spikes and getting rid of the few baddies there are (great looking last baddie, by the way). Prospective players are strongly advised to read the 'Read Me' (shouldn't need saying but it does) as the one real bug is easily avoided. A thoroughly enjoyable 23 minutes of gameplay and I was sorry it was so short (the constraints of the 'One Room Challenge' I suppose). This is definitely one the builder should consider turning into a full length level." - Diz (13-Apr-2011)
"More please. Seriously, I really did not want this one to end so soon, I was having such a good time. It's beautifully made for a start, with great lighting, and the atmosphere is excellent. The gameplay, whilst of necessity short, is very engaging with some nice jumping, collapsing tiles and pole swinging, plus a block puzzle and an enemy or two to spice it all up a bit, the boss baddie at the end being most imposing. Not much over twenty minutes, but packed full of entertainment, this is a real winner." - Jay (13-Apr-2011)
"Note: I will not be reviewing this level with leniency due to the fact it only contained 1 or 2 rooms, as it deserves to be treated the same as any other level. By far and away the best of the competition in terms of gameplay and looks. Nothing is really too difficult, and you have puzzles, jumps, and a boss fight at the end to finish things off. It is incredibly well made and great fun to play, and the atmosphere was very good, aided by lighting which was used to great effect. I couldn't see a stretched texture, and although the textures used were not astounding, they were used very well. I think I'm out of things to say about it. From a (I think) first time builder, this is tremendous. Highly recommended." - Cory (13-Apr-2011)
"As we know, southern Mexico is never sunny and warm, but is cloudy and drizzly, and so it is here (ahem). If this level consisted only of the starting area, with good jump routines and triggers, it would be praiseworthy. But it continues with more clever pole jumps and a push block puzzle, and then tops everything off with a ghoulish beast, for a fitting ending. I loved the author's choice of design and texturing. This is really good, and to think that all this has been done in one room makes this level a tour de force. Probably the best of the contest." - dmdibl (12-Apr-2011)
"Well, here it is, the best level of this challenge. I had loads of fun playing through this level, that lasted little less than 20 minutes for me. It had everything a good level has, even with this (here not important) limited size. Everything in this level fitted together, the brilliant lighting, a good atmosphere, traps, puzzles, exploration, fights. Everything. I admired the setting very much and loved the puzzle where you had to find four levers to raise four blocks to solve a puzzle with it. Wonderful ideas in a wonderful level. I can't really see why I shouldn't give higher marks for it just because of the size, since this level is maybe so beautiful only because of its size. Thanks much." - manarch2 (12-Apr-2011)
"At the beginning of this level is the admiration that was my first feeling is beautifully constructed, rendering the atmosphere is very good, good music puts you in the mood of the game and I output my umbrella. After the first few minutes of playing some jumps have begun to ask me problems (I'm not very good) but hey, after many trials is past. The pulzze with 4 blocks is excellent and the enemies are sometimes daunting. To summarize, it's a great game in a small space. Congratulations to the author for this outstanding work." - Daffy (12-Apr-2011)
"Does mean "One Room Challenge" really that the level builder must limit himself on one room? And if so, can there generally something originate reasonable from it? Anyhow I have my doubts, because I always have "Lara in the box" in my mind. Well, we will see what the level builders have made with this regulation.
And once again I am surprised and astonished what a level builder can mount if he has at disposal only one room. Matie has filled this one room with great riddles and very nicely formed surroundings. The small sound problems hardly counted there. The lighting was good, indeed, it could have been brighter a little. As already with DJ Full and AgentXP I hope that also Matie will build even more levels, because after her successful debut with BtB 2010 she has also proved here that she can build a very good level." - Scottie (11-Apr-2011)
"This level is full of atmosphere throughout, and doesn't seem it was made with only one room. The level has brilliant gameplay with tricky puzzles such as the block puzzle, and a great boss fight towards the end. The lighting and textures really add to the levels atmosphere and with the sence of TRU, it gives the player the feeling they really are in Mexico. Overall it is a fanastic one room level and is definatly recommended by me!" - Tombraider95 (11-Apr-2011)
"It's incredible all that this author can make with only one room in the editor. The best level I've played (at the moment) from this contest. Ambience is very good, tasks are original and there's a moveable blocks puzzle very interesting too. Few enemies but hard to kill (except the panthers). I couldn't find secrets. Very good effects with lights and sounds. At the end I thought the final boss couldn't be killed, but he's only a modified demigod. If it's not the winner, this level will be between the first places. Excellent!" - Jose (11-Apr-2011)
"This is only the second level from the One Room Contest I have played, but I think this one may be my favourite. The setting is absolutely lovely, with beautiful lighting and nice textures (from TRU), and a stunning atmosphere and great music. The gameplay is good too - plenty of traps and tricky jumps (in relation to the size of the level, that is), one major puzzle, and a wide variety of enemies, including a boss fight. The puzzle, involving four pushable blocks that rise out of the ground, is quite good, and involves some thought. But it's quite easy for a player who fails to read the readme to mess it up completely - or if they are lucky, solve it far too easily than intended by the builder. One thing I didn't like was the rather unnecessary amounts of backtracking - for example, having to climb the same ladder about 4 times. Also, I thought the exploding barrel was a rather cheap trick, but that's a minor nitpick.
Overall: Great stuff! Can we hope that you might expand this into a full-fledged level, Matie?" - Mytly (11-Apr-2011)