trle.net
Level: Tricks and Traps back home search
Author(s): Roe Croes
total rating:7.62 Gameplay &
Puzzles		 Enemies,
Objects &
Secrets		 Atmosphere,
Sound &
Cameras		 Lighting &
Textures
CC 8 7 6 6
Cory 5 4 4 5
Dimpfelmoser 8 8 8 8
eRIC 8 8 6 7
Gerty 8 8 7 7
Kristina 7 8 8 8
Magnus 9 7 7 8
MichaelP 9 7 8 9
Orbit Dream 9 7 7 8
RaiderGirl 8 7 8 9
Roberto 9 9 9 10
Sash 9 8 7 7
Scottie 9 8 9 9
Treeble 9 7 7 7
Wendee 7 8 8 7
category averages
(15 reviews)		 8.13 7.40 7.27 7.67

Reviewer's comments

"This was not my kind of level, as it was just a series of 'copied' rooms and odd puzzles. You start by 'diving' into one of the rooms, pulling a lever (which didn't seem to do anything), go into a crawlspace, shoot a lot of baddies, complete a challenge, repeat. Some of these challenges were very unfair, like the underwater swim and the maze, while others just lead no-where, like the corridor leading to a pool of water. If you're lucky, you'll get to the top floor and pull another lever, however, sometimes you have to repeat everything to get up to the top floor. This becomes tedious, as most of the gameplay is shooting baddy after baddy after baddy. The texturing was average, and lighting was mainly shadows. When all of the levers are pulled, the level ends abruptly while swimming in a corridor. 45 minutes. Not recommended." - Cory (01-Aug-2010)

"First things first:there are two walkthroughs for this level,and it is essential that you ignore them both as they are singularly useless in their quite extraordinary complexity.Yes,the level itself is undoubtedly complicated;but (aside from a horribly complex water maze) there's little here that is excessively complex nor impossibly tricky.Once you've worked out that there are four levers on an upper level which need to be pushed,it develops into a straightforward 'quest for the four levers' adventure;each separate quest containing gameplay challenges to a greater or lesser degree.The highlights are the room with the never-ending Ninja attacks;the fun 'mummy monkey swing';the interesting swimming challenges;and the baffling but clever 'door-and-lever' puzzle.As mentioned,the water-maze is far too evil and devoid of clues to progression (you can even become irreversibly stuck if you should take the wrong turn);but the level as a whole has a perfectly logical flow and is often highly enjoyable,including two deviously placed secrets. Lighting and textures are used imaginatively(the level incorporates the Tut1 textures,but you'd be forgiven for not realising that),although the various rooms are occasonally too dark;while atmosphere is sufficient enough considering that the levels purpose is to challenge the mind and not the eyes. For those who can keep their bearings and are not easily intimidated,this is something of a custom-level classic; and it's a great pity that the builder has not reappeared on the scene." - Orbit Dream (18-Jul-2010)

"Very good Egypt leve,l which shows a high riddle density on small room. One is here in a 2-storied central outside are with a pool in the middle. In every wall there is a big opening which is closed with water textures. Or also not. The player must find out this. Behind it, there are ground levers, which open other areas. The water walls are permeable only in one direction. A very made good riddle is, e.g., a ground lever / door combination. There are several ground levers, which ever open at least one door. Or close again and open another door. Aim is to open several grid doors in a long underwater way, thereby one reaches the level end. Opponents are here mummies and Baddies. There are enough Weapons, Medipacks and Flares. The textures are clean and applied attractively. Result: One has here for at least 1 hour a lot of fun." - Scottie (18-Apr-2009)

"I started this one and eventually had to start over because I got irreversibly stuck in one of the puzzles. Upon restarting, I took another route and the first thing I noticed was that I reached the ever mighty water maze; then before thinking of restarting the level, I looked upon eRIC's review for instructions to get through. Not a bad level at all, it's a nicely crafted and puzzle/trap driven level, but it might get a little frustrating because of it's non-linearity and occasional walkthrough walls. Most of the water walls are single way through, so it takes a bit of trial and error but in the end it completely narrows down to patience and perseverance. So, if you want a solid gameplay and don't mind another tut1 environment, give this one a try. 35 minutes, 1 secret. 02/07" - Treeble (20-Feb-2007)

Tricks and Traps sounds ominous, and I shyed away for a long time. But now that I've played it, it wasn't so bad after all. There was only one frustrating place, the glass maze. I appreciate the work of all walkthrough writers, but the walkthrough for this level was more confusing than playing it. In fact, I made my way through by trial and error and it worked out fine. Which makes me believe that anyone, with time, can figure out what they have to do. What we have here is a building of sorts on two levels, a central structure and water below. We can see large glass panels on each of the four inside walls on both levels, so there are eight panels in all. We see floor levers inside, and the aim of the whole level is to get to those eight levers, so an underwater gate will open and let us escape. Getting to the levers involves negotiating different 'tricks and traps'. For example, a maze type area with numerous doors to open with floor levers. Trying to figure out how many doors each lever opens can take some time. Some straight forward tricks are hopping across a lava room with so-called invisible blocks, but they were easy to see. There's an underwater route that looks like a maze. And then we come to the famous glass maze. The first time I did it I found a ninja, shot him, and prompty got stuck forever. I'm not sure if killing him did this, or I had just gone the wrong route. Eric's instructions were brilliant for getting through. It's not the greatest looking level out there, but this is made up completely by the unusual theme, and therefore it's very well thought out. A level that could easily take the player over an hour. Well worth it for such a tiny download. - CC (12-Jul-2005)

“After reading about the 'horrible' glass maze I had been putting this level off but I was worried about nothing. I actually found it to be very easy and made it through without using the author’s notes. I did have to go backwards a few times and retrace my steps but made it through in only a few minutes. There are a few other puzzles to solve to get to a number of switches and by the name of the level I was expecting a lot of boulder spike and lava traps. While there are a few boulders and some deadly liquid I found the main 'tricks' were figuring out what see through walls you could go through and 'traps' when you picked the wrong one. Overall an original level and one that was quite interesting.” – RaiderGirl (15-Feb-2003)

“Probably the title that scared me off and now after playing it I can only say what a surprise. First thanks to Eric as his solution works and what can I say there are some novel puzzles here. As the author says that you better wait with throwing that lever and he is right as I tried both ways. Enemies are mostly ninjas some scorpions and for fun a mummy or so. At a certain point every block I jumped on triggered a ninja and if that was not enough some tiles did the same. There is also some swimming to do also thinking that you dive in the water you end up dry. The swim through and also the walkthrough walls are great a shame you can get trapped as mostly they are one way. The monkey swing in the tar room you have to see that. It can be a very confusing level as I found out and although I had fun I like a bit more of an adventure thrown in for good measure. It IS full of tricks and traps. 30-11-2002” – Gerty (01-Dec-2002)

“I was surprised that this level ended after only 60 minutes as it didn't seem like I've been to all 200 rooms. But I made it through the glass maze with the help of the author and the lever maze wasn't that hard actually. There is a good use of one-way walkthrough water walls you get well placed enemies devious spiked boulder traps and some really impressive light effects in combination with transparent structures in an otherwise solidly textured tutorial tomb. I needed some time to understand the concept of this contrived adventure but once you get going the gameplay is fairly entertaining and it's a nice change from the usual tutorial stuff. Ah yes and the frantic monkey swing over the black tar while three mummies are catching up is a great TR moment. I'm not so sure about the glass maze though.” – Dimpfelmoser (08-Oct-2002)

“The title of this level says it all tricks and traps abound there are 200 rooms in this level and they all seem to emanate from a central outdoor area most of the rooms seem to hold one difficult puzzle or deadly trap after another and you are always kept moving I can't begin to describe all of them but some standouts are the all glass maze a switches and doors puzzle a leap of faith fire puzzle and many more also keep an eye out for the near impossible secrets areas as the entrances to them may not be exactly what they seem don't be put off this level if it sounds too difficult as the creator has thankfully included the answers to solving the hardest puzzles and secrets within the file.” – Sash (21-Jun-2002)

“A very unrealistic but totally fun level to play. Built around two levels of a central structure you will need to switch 8 levers and on your way will have numerous clever puzzles to solve. Many transparent textures which you can only walk through in one direction and not back and (unfortunately) also some walls/floors you can actually walk through; some decent action when fighting white ninjas and scorpions; a fabulous ‘fire room’ and wonderful use of those mummies along the monkey swing in the ‘black tar room’ among many other elements make this hour long level quite an experience. I found the switches and door puzzle a little annoying and finally reverted to checking the tips/solution provided by the author and surprisingly missed the glass maze and second secret as you can end the level without it. Try it out!” - Michael (21-Jun-2002)

“I enjoyed playing this level with the hints and help that the author provided. Ensure that you follow the glass maze walkthrough that eRIC provided in this review section because the one that Roe provides does not work. This is entirely a level of tricks traps and deadly enemies on land in the water or one of many difficult mazes that take some time and thought to figure out. A nice amount of game play for such a short download. Definitely worth a look.” – Wendee (21-Jun-2002)

“In this level you have to switch eight levers and swim to the end. Even though you can see the levers already in the beginning switching them is not as easy as it may seem. If Lara switches one of the levers she has to survive a trap and (hopefully) get to the switch above the first switch. Then she has to do the same thing with the other switches. I didn't like the use of too many white ninjas but luckily enough you get a lot of medipacks. The texturing is good and the lightning too and it's a nice Egyptian level.” – Magnus (21-Jun-2002)

“Beautiful level built round to one desert central structure. It adopts new techniques with walls of water and transparent walls that render it only in its kind. Optimal the general atmosphere the enemies are always in ambush behind the angle and the puzzle enough they are complicated. Present also a crystal maze and an enigma of the levers that it will hold to you occupied for some time. 2 not easy Secrets species the last one... you will be happy when you will catch up it... after to have tried vain to take it for all the level!” – Roberto (21-Jun-2002)

“It started as a good level with a lot of levers and baddies also mummies. I as expecting it to be a little difficult because of the title but not as to get stuck forever. Everything was going well I really liked the underwater mazes which you had to find a way to access another room that’s the general idea actually you move along by going around through glass walls. One room has spike balls coming down another had doors that were opening by stepping to the tile of another door then another maze with levers and doors which you had to find your way out that was quite difficult. The right door to open was giving you access to another part of the maze and so on the wrong one made you go in circles wondering what you did wrong. A lava room with invisible blocks not hard at all this time and so on. The problem was when I arrived to another area with the glass maze this time. Now the author provided a walkthrough with the download but I did get it right the first time around so when Lara got trapped inside a square I referred to his notes I found out that the problem was killing the baddy before you arrive to a certain square. As many times as I tried nothing happened. I followed his instructions to the letter but there was no way I could finish it every time Lara got stuck in it. Anyway I think I played the big part of it that’s why I am writing this. I would recommend it as a good one if I was sure that you wouldn’t have a frustrating problem like mine but nevertheless do try it and I do wish you don’t get stuck as I did.” – Kristina (21-Jun-2002)

“This level is a big puzzle which contains many puzzles and some of them are a little tricky. Around a central area with a big pillar surrounded by water Lara must push the 8 levers she can see behind transparent textures to escape this place. The enemies are well placed and not fair the ninjas often shoot her in the back. The puzzles are sometimes difficult fortunately there is the solution for the principal ones (and for the secrets) furnished in the zip. But the solution for the glass maze is false I came out of this maze by the following sequence: Starting at (5 1): L 2 R 2 L 1 L 2 R 1 (1 1) R 3 R 3 L 2 L 1 L 1 R 1 R 1 L 1 R 2 (1 8) R 2 R 1 L 2 R 1 L 1 L 2 R 2 (8 8) R 1 R 1 L 2 L 2 (8 4) EXIT. You will understand the meaning of this when you'll be there and read the author's solution. This level is very cleverly built but I did not enjoy it a lot I prefer the true adventures!” – eRIC (21-Jun-2002)
Tag Cloud from Reviews:
back home search