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Level: Ynys Witrin - Episode 2 back home search
Author(s): Miss Kroft
total rating:9.00 Gameplay &
Puzzles		 Enemies,
Objects &
Secrets		 Atmosphere,
Sound &
Cameras		 Lighting &
Textures
Bex 9 8 10 10
BigFoot 10 9 10 10
Brigidsgirl 10 9 10 9
CC 9 8 10 9
Cuqui 9 9 10 10
Dimpfelmoser 8 8 8 9
Engelchen Lara 10 9 10 9
eRIC 8 7 10 9
Freeman Porter 9 8 10 9
G.Croft 8 7 9 8
Gerty 8 8 10 9
gfd 9 8 7 8
Hendrik 9 9 10 10
Ivan 9 9 10 10
Jose 8 8 9 9
Josi 8 7 9 8
Kristina 10 9 10 10
Loupar 9 8 10 10
MichaelP 8 8 9 9
Mman 9 9 9 9
Momster 9 8 10 10
Patson 10 9 10 10
Phil 9 9 10 10
QRS 8 8 10 8
RaiderGirl 10 9 10 10
reborn1995 10 8 9 8
Sarikman 9 8 8 7
Scottie 10 10 9 9
Sheevah 8 8 10 9
Tombaholic 9 8 9 9
Torry 10 9 10 10
Tortoise3 8 8 9 9
Xxenofex 9 8 10 10
category averages
(33 reviews)		 8.97 8.33 9.52 9.18

Reviewer's comments

"I have to say that I really enjoyed this level. It is very classic. Surely there are not anything new to see. We just face enemies and objects from TR4. This doesn't mean that it is not interesting. This level has a very nice gameplay. You mostly do things that you did in TR4. The author used many puzzles from it. I have to say that I like classic gameplay. Sometimes it's better than a new type level which doesn't reminds you of real TR. I would rather fight a boss in the level's end, but it doesn't matter. The fight with ahmeds and skeletons were nice. Not so challenging, but nice. Let's now talk about some bad things. The level needed much better texturing. Many of the textures are not good looking or they are not raotated well. In addition, the author used the textures with a strange way. Some textures which are supposed to be for ceiling, we can see them on the floor or walls. Also, there was a lava room, where some lava textures were not moving while the others around them were going crazy. In this room there was wooden floor. How on earth did the wood not get burned. There were few rooms which had nice textures, but the author mixed many textures together which didn't look well all together. Also, I couldn't understand where was that level. We see textures from Egypt, City of Tinos, Peru, Ireland, Scotland. I got confused. The lighting was pretty nice though and it affected Lara's body very well. The atmosphere was sometimes good while others it got ruined because of the textures and the lack of music. The author used very few tracks for this level and the background sounds were not the best fit as they could be better used for a horror level. I must say I really had great time playing it and I like its classic gameplay. If the texturing was better, it would be great." - Sarikman (24-May-2012)

"This second level throught Glastonbury in better than the first. Like the previous episode, this level start with a flyby and Lara arrived in another areas of the castel. This level is maybe more difficult than the episode 1 but it's not a critic, I like hard level. We have another mix of textures and a very good result. So another great level to search the Graal. BigFoot" - BigFoot (26-Nov-2011)

"This level picks up where the first one left off. The gameplay continues to be absorbing without providing any of those hair-pulling moments. I remember a rope swing that gave me fits when I played the level the first time years ago, but I've learned a counterintuitive trick since then - if you wait until Lara starts swinging back from the zenith of her swing, and then jump off the rope, you get greater distance than if you jump off at the peak of the swing. Go figure. Anyway, I had a great time with this older level, and it goes to show that newer isn't always necessarily better. If you're looking for a nice raid, dust off this three-parter and enjoy it all over again." - Phil (11-Mar-2011)

"The sequel, with you exploring deeper into the castle. Most of what I said about the first level's visuals applies to this one too, except this level has a much bigger scale in some areas and the eclectic texturing is fit in much better (although still a little extreme occasional). Enemies are also used with more moderation this time.
This level is more linear than the first, but the gameplay is more smoothly implemented and flows extremely well with a good variety of tasks. The difficulty is medium outside of some sneaky shootables. The closest thing to a problem I had is that the main room is a large water chamber with each puzzle area accessed from it and little meaningful gameplay in itself; if that area had been a more interesting design it might been ten material. A solid improvement on the already good original." - Mman (19-May-2010)

"This time the gameplay was a bit better than the previous episode, the triggers were not so far from the objects, and there is no much backtracking. Textures are a bit better too. Lara continues the search for the Holy Grail through more castle areas with more enemies and dangers, but not too hard for her this time. In the line of the previous episode." - Jose (27-Dec-2009)

"I could give to me once more myself a few slaps on the ears! On the one hand, because I have played first the middle section from the 3 levels. And on the other hand because I have not played the three levels generally yet. And this, although I go hunting now nearly 4 years like a savage through the level history. But now I have played this level. And I am absolutely delighted! So much nice rooms and caves which one can explore. So many made good riddles. So a first-class Gameplay. Playing time was about one and a half hour. And I have enjoyed every minute. I hope, that Part 1 and part 3 are as good as this." - Scottie (29-Jun-2009)

"This is a large, long level with plenty of gameplay and puzzles. There are some wonderfully decorated rooms in this level. The traps are a little ferocious in places. And just me personally, i abhor those awful Ahmet creatures! -but i know many will like them for the action, so i certainly can't use that personal preference as a reason to count of review points. Here's a tip: after you crawl out into the first room with a set of Ahmet beasts, don't shoot--just run and find one of the ladders and back flip into one of the alcoves and shoot those beasts from above. The strength of this level is that it comes across very professionally--like you were playing something made by the TR creators/designers themselves. This is not the work of an amateur! Very well done." - reborn1995 (20-Feb-2006)

"We are still in the abbey of Glastonbury (in more ancient times known as Ynys-within) in search of the holy grail, and start with Lara dropping into the moate and finding her way indoors. I liked the interior rooms with skylights and windows, and also the odd run though a small courtyard, a jump to a battlement, getting across a chasm, and finally reaching the high up arched roof area. It all looks terrific. Gameplay here is far more interesting, in that there are a lot more things to do. For example, we have a boulder rope to burn, pushing rocks around, raising blocks, outrunning falling boulders and swinging chains, dodging those hanging balls that shoot out knives, interesting ropeswinging, even more interesting jumping on slopes, and a lot of gems to shoot in lion's mouths. And now there are more severe enemies of the ahmet. wrait and skeleton variety. There is still a lot of running backwards and forwards, but it is in much smaller areas, naturally because we are indoors mostly. It is not as confusing as the previous level, more puzzle based that exploration. I knew what needed to be done. Again I got the feel that a lot of actions here are new, even though they are not, like the boulder that must be moved twice to open an extra area. There are timed runs, not too difficult. Also the plants that show where to swim to in the lake were good, but it still took a while to figure out how many openings I had to swim through. An excellent level to play, even as a stand alone. All fired up now to go to the next, and final, level . . ." - CC (10-Nov-2005)

"The sequel to Monika’s excellent level ‘Ynys Witrin’. If you liked the first one, you will not be disappointed! I found this level to be easier than part one though but still there were a few really tough challenges. As usual it is (mostly) Monika’s skills of making the levels looks so nice that drives me to play them. Overall a great level but it is not as good as the first part. Although a piece of art not to be missed! 2005-05-29" - QRS (31-May-2005)

“I thought this was quite a bit better than the first episode! It managed to be both exciting and interesting all the way through and even managed to have one or two original moments (to me anyway). You're off for an enjoyable hunt for 3 gems and 3 stars not to mention the good old crowbar. Save your revolver ammo though you'll need a lot of it for lion's heads. I'm afraid to say that there aren't many cameras during this level but most of the time switches activate something close to you so it's not so bad. Nothing too difficult here then a good level for beginners (although experts will still like it a lot). I completed it in 1:30 hours but didn't find any secrets.” – gfd (07-May-2004)

“I like this level a bit more than the first episode and they flow well from one to the other. The part with the timed doors was cool and it took me a while to figure out what to do from there (and when I did it took some skilled shooting to progress). The enemies were okay but I get a little bored when I keep getting a bunch of dogs thrown at me. I only found one secret can't remember how many there were but the one I found was hidden well enough. Overall 10 cool level!” – Brigidsgirl (15-Apr-2004)

“The second in a series of three levels this one was even better than the first one. This one has dogs and ahmets knife-ball traps lava wild boars wraith skeletons spikes swinging chains and much more. The object is to get first the three horseman’s gems that will lead the way to a big room where Lara has to get the three golden stars that will allow her to move a block into place that opens the last door out of this level. She will have to swim in a big lake run around a huge room shoot some lion’s mouths trips some switches and generally have fun. When you get to the big lake and the big room take some time and look around the scenery is very impressive. This was a very good level from Monika Pawlus and I can’t wait to get to the third one. Aug 5 2003” – Patson (07-Aug-2003)

“Ynys Witrin 2 is better than the first; both levels are very similar in terms of gameplay and objects (one secret room in each one and the same objects plus too many lion's heads). This second level has a beautiful environment as the first one but I think this time Miss Kroft has made a wonderful work with the lighting and textures. I loved it.” – Loupar (13-Apr-2003)

“This enjoyable level is beautifully designed as the previous one. It's not too hard and very fun to play. Great atmosphere and nice music. I liked specially the big lake the sounds and the way to pick up the crowbar. I'm going on to Episode 3.” – Cuqui (22-Jan-2003)

“This second part of the Ynys Witrin levels is very nice. The enemies are now ahmets not very likeable creatures if you ask me and jackals. The puzzles are good but not too hard although it did take me some time to discover the lionheads in a certain room. There's a few timed runs to do and a lot of swimming. Moveable blocks are easy to spot so you don't need the binoculars or flares to see them. The surroundings are very nice it's a pleasure to walk around (well as long as you have no ahmets in the way).” – Josi (27-Dec-2002)

“This is my kind of level not too (and I mean frustratingly) hard but also not too easy and in a way very logical. Adding music to it is a bonus even if it is an instrumental version of ‘Stairway to Heaven’. I had a feeling that I was running a lot (a big level) at least I knew where I had to come back to to place the gems and stars. No confusion this time for me. I loved the way you had to play around with the pushable blocks and I jumped twice in my chair once the first encounter I had with the ahmets and the second one with that skeleton almost at the end. The wraith wouldn’t follow me around so that was easy and the binocular bug was present although the flares did work. All in all I had a great time now up to Episode 3. 09-11-2002” – Gerty (16-Nov-2002)

“In this part of Monika's opus you need to locate three horseman's gems and three stars but finding these is a task. You meander the castle until arriving at a huge lake and it is here that the search for the horseman's gems commences. Once retrieved you make your way to another section where all stars are in plain sight. Only problem is that they are directly in front of some flame emitters. Your quandry is how to get those flames out. This is just a great level with really good but not mind boggling puzzles simple maneuvers that don't take 30 tries to get right and a pervading feeling of ‘I'll just get this bit before I go to bed’ and then it's two in the morning lol. Really really well done and a pure pleasure to play.” – Torry (15-Nov-2002)

“Another level of visual delight. Loved walking on a carpet of purple flowers and found it a well-lit game throughout. So much better than having to struggle in the dark. The way through this was fairly obvious [thank heavens] and the puzzles not too hard which allowed the player to enjoy it without all the stress. Loved the pointers such as the greenery in the deep pit and the author was especially thoughtful with the enemies none of which were too lethal. More please.” – Tortoise3 (24-Sep-2002)

“I liked Ynys Witrin 2 better than the 1st part generally the atmosphere was simply superb also visually this level was designed very well. Miss Kroft put much effort into it and has textured the rooms with much care and added the illumination just as suitably as the sound. Sound and camera were very well used. Therefore honestly said my Lara was really enthused ;) The riddles were also very diverse one had to do a lot above all think about how to get to all the puzzle pieces especially the crowbar and the 3 blue horseman’s Gems were a puzzle in itself. Near the end one finds and places also 3 golden stars. But beware a fire spirit is after Lara ;)” – Engelchen Lara (09-Sep-2002)

“Monika made very nice levels forming a saga of Tomb Raider and I am looking forward for every new level of hers. Today I saw she released Ynys Witrin 3 and this will be new fun playing and enjoying.” – Ivan (13-Aug-2002)

“I really do have a penchant for these mediaeval/castle levels especially when they're done well. And of course if you're familiar with Miss Kroft's previous work you'll know that you're in for a treat. Ynys Witrin 2 is a wonderful follow-up to Ynys Witrin 1 it's just a shame that you can't play the two parts together. Once again the custom music adds warmth depth and atmosphere to what is already a really good level. I disagree with Dimpf's review in that respect - I think the 'Stairway to Heaven' arrangement works beautifully! Throughout this level Miss Kroft manages to make the player believe that they are 'there' in the game that whatever is happening to Lara is actually happening to the player. That's how believable this level is. The gameplay is never confusing and it's very difficult if not impossible to 'get lost'. As with Ynys Witrin 1 the scenery is instantly reminiscent of the Scottish levels in 'The Lost Artifact'. Lots of heather and crumbling walls and deep reds and violets everywhere. It's gorgeous a visual delight. This level does not inundate you with enemies it places the emphasis on puzzles and strategy which is exactly the kind of gameplay I like. My only complaint is that I got a little tired of shooting lion's heads all the time. It just got a bit jaded after a while. Still there's a hint: If you're not sure what to do next - look for lion's heads! In short a fabulously atmospheric level maybe a little on the easy side but one that you shouldn't miss if you enjoy puzzles. Also I'd advise that you try Ynys Witrin 1 first if you haven't already - again it's a wonderful level. This way you'll be able to sample the delights of Miss Kroft's magical world in full.” – Bex (29-Jul-2002)

“Another beautifully designed and professionally layed out level from Miss Kroft that is entertaining throughout as you get such a variety of tasks and yet it fails to come up with anything new or challenging so it left me somewhat unsatisfied. For once the shot-the-gem-in-the-lions-mouth puzzle is overdone here the three timed doors are manageable on the first try I got a bit fed up with the spot-yet-another-underwater-tunnel-in-the-big-pool bit but what I hated most and the thing I personally consider as unforgivable is to use an instrumental version of Led Zeppelin's ‘Stairway to Heaven’ for the soundtrack. A song I profoundly loath to start with but here you get it as a spiritual rendition which is almost as bad as Abba’s greatest hits done on panpipes. Well you can always turn off the sound or maybe you are a fan of progressive rock. Poor thing.” – Dimpfelmoser (20-Jul-2002)

“Better than the first I would say. The same environment with the greenish areas but although it seemed shorter it was a little more complex. No need to repeat the very good work as far as the textures are concerned or lighting the respect for the players is obvious because of the attention given to every detail. Collecting three gems and three stars the gems in different areas which can be accessed from underwater tunnels and the stars so obvious but so well placed someone can miss them and wander around. A torch puzzle and also lions with stones in their mouth also brilliantly placed which help the gameplay to proceed. I could keep writing about how good no the best word is excellent this is but it is best to leave ‘you’ players out there find out for yourselves. Be sure not to miss either of them.” – Kristina (14-Jul-2002)

“The sequel maintains the fabulous atmosphere and adds a few nice custom sounds (like the Gregorian Stairway to Heaven). In terms of gameplay it is a little different though as it is more of a linear quest where you have to complete one task after the next to get the crowbar three gems and three stars before you make it to the exit. Nevertheless it is still very entertaining due to the variety of those tasks with monkey swinging and shimmying (maybe a little too much at times) spike and boulder traps a torch shooting gems from lion's mouths (seven times or so - maybe a little overused) rope swing movable stones swinging chains and raising blocks. Not to forget the timed doors. I liked the cave with the lake a lot and found one secret (grenade gun) which does not show up in inventory. Enemies are not a huge element here as you meet a dozen dogs some ahmets warthogs and a skeleton and a firewraith (which you can actually avoid altogether). The first time playing this took me 1:20 hours at the TR meeting. Second time playing for this review only 50 minutes when you know where you're going.” – Michael (12-Jul-2002)

“How can you not like a level that includes a new age Gregorian chant of ‘Stairway to Heaven’ in its musical score? Indeed the author uses music well to enhance the atmosphere including a subtle nod to Indian Jones at one point. None of the puzzles are too hard nor the traps too deadly which is not to say that they aren’t good. They’re just about perfect for my taste. The only thing lacking were the difficult skill sequences that round out any great level. The castle setting is well done with a few splashes of color spicing up the somber ‘Lost Artifact’ textures. The additional textures from the TRC ‘Ireland’ levels are a good addition as well. My only complaint in this category is a lack of good lighting effects in some areas. Overall though it’s a skillfully crafted well-balanced level and I am definitely looking forward to Episode 3.” – Tombaholic (21-Jun-2002)

“A nice fluent gameplay; traps swims boulders fire ahmets and dogs. Lara moves around in a ruin with big rooms in several levels. Firstly find three gems and secondly find three stars to finally stand in front of the door to the third part of this series of levels. 1 ½ hours of gameplay not too hard but fun.” – G.Croft (21-Jun-2002)

“I just don't see how it could get any better than this level. It starts out with some lovely music and a flyby that shows off the first beautiful room and each room just gets better from then on. Monika is an artist when it comes to building and decorating rooms as each one looks just amazing and though they each have their own look they all fit nicely with the overall theme. I don't even know how to describe the puzzles. I spent an exciting two hours dodging boulders and swinging chains jumping spikes shooting objects swinging on ropes and jumping over lava - and these weren't just ordinary traps but parts of very well done and clever puzzles that had me saving and reloading quite a few times but were never so hard that I found them to be frustrating. Rather they were just the perfect difficulty. The download is a bit large with the custom music but well worth it. I never though I'd hear Led Zeppelin (my favorite group) in a custom level and I just LOVED it! Plus the new sounds really add to the spooky atmosphere and made me constantly feel like something was sneaking up behind me - possibly one of the skeletons ahmets wild boars or dogs which made the level just that much more challenging. I found one secret that included the grenade gun which was very useful against the skeleton in the room with the rope swing. Monika has great talent working with the editor and I can't wait for part three to be released.” – RaiderGirl (21-Jun-2002)

“Ynys Witrin Part 2 is again a typical Miss Kroft level. Without being extremely difficult a really nice game with typical Tomb Raider elements. Traps with fire rolling balls spikes enemies like the pigs and the red devils (Ahmeds ;-)) and some very well hidden lion heads are some of the components from this fabulous adventure. I liked the hidden secret room the great soundtrack and the four entrances in the deep water they were well marked with green plants good idea. Playing time about 1 hour and 30 minutes I will keep my savegame waiting for the 3rd part. Recommended also for beginners!” – Freeman Porter (21-Jun-2002)

“A nice level which I liked more than the first part mainly because of the storyline that made it easy to find your way through the game. Lara's quest is finding three blue gems first and three golden stars later to finish the game. The rooms are very nice lots of new textures are used. The lighting is nice as well and makes a good atmosphere. Your enemies are dogs a few ahmets and some wild boars but it's not hard to get rid of them because of the shotgun sixshooter grenade gun and a lot of ammo and medipacks. Traps and timed runs are not hard to make so from the difficulty level this game can be recommended even to beginners.” – Sheevah (21-Jun-2002)

“Part 2 of the trilogy of Lara’s quest for the holy grail even excels over Part 1. While there the setting was mainly outside in Part 2 she has to find the entry to inside of the castle walls. In there smartly constructed traps wait for her. Spikes flaming water rolling boulders and debris falling from the ceilings all very well camouflaged. In the course of the game Lara occasionally comes outside but there is not much time to enjoy the fresh air. Arriving deep down at a cave lake Lara needs to dive for three blue crystals which after placed lead to the fabulous finale of this level. Three golden stars want to be found with nice alteration of timed sequences enemies (yes even dogs can scare you) and tricky puzzles (thanks to the revolver). Music (Last Unicorn and Gregorian Monks) fit nicely into the castle atmosphere and excellent flybys support it beautifully. Lighting and Textures are as perfect as always. A great level of about two hours of gaming fun. The one secret is well hidden but very rewarding if you find it. In my opinion a perfect masterpiece!” – Hendrik (21-Jun-2002)

“The second part of the Ynys Witrin series has been built by Miss Kroft just as successfully as the first one. Very beautiful textures good architecture fantastic music and perfect lighting create a very beautiful atmosphere. For me the level was too easy although there were a few good jumps and puzzles which nevertheless could simply be cracked. Can’t say much about the opponents they were used very well. This level is for a little bit more advanced players who may not count to themselves yet to the professionals however but are also no beginners.” – Xxenofex (21-Jun-2002)

“Firstly it is a pity that the savegame I made at the end of Ynis Witrin 1 does not work with the sequel. Then it is also useless in my opinion to have all those audio files in the zip as we have already some of them in the previous level. Why the players should download big sizes to have twice the same files? Now let's review the level: I had fun for 2 hours the gameplay is very good and can satisfy many players because the difficulty is not above the average. The experts eye will spot rather quickly what s/he has to do in the rooms. So the tasks are not that challenging but it's fine they are diversified except for a shooting puzzle which is repetitious and becomes a bit tedious at the end as you have to find a difficult angle of shooting to succeed. It is hard to get stuck if the player does not forget to lift up her/his eyes! The level is very beautiful and atmospheric the author has mixed textures from all the official Tombraider from Scotland Rome/TR5 Tinnos sounds from Ireland/TR5 etc...and the alchemy of all this stuff works to create a new game and setting. Not many enemies some ahmets a fire spirit and 2 skeletons and I found a bug with 3 wild boars vanishing when Lara climbed down in the pit. This pseudo series is definitely pleasant to play.” – eRIC (21-Jun-2002)

“1 hour 56 minutes and 2 seconds. Excellent adventure and one I’d been awaiting breathlessly for a good long time. I was not disappointed by any means with the further exploration of Ynys Witrin. Monika’s usual well-played mood music and sounds I felt as if I was actually walking through the eerie lonely desolation of the somehow foreboding and at the same time beautiful areas and as my kitty would gently wind herself around my legs crying for attention I found myself being startled so engrossed was I. Good solid gameplay puzzles were not terribly difficult although you might not imagine that by my mewling cries towards the end. Monika showed a fiendishly devilish side with that rope swing and skeleton and I must confess that a good part of my gaming time was taken up with that as I foolishly forgot to save after that jump was accomplished only to be eaten by a mutant and therefore..well you know the rest. Definitely load this one up and if you haven’t played Ynys Witrin 1 do so first as to lap up the mood before you start this one!” – Momster (21-Jun-2002)
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