trle.net ::: Level Reviews

Level:	Taki (Waterfall)
Author(s):	Nobu

total rating:	9.32	Gameplay & Puzzles	Enemies, Objects & Secrets	Atmosphere, Sound & Cameras	Lighting & Textures
	Andi Croft	10	9	10	10
	Engelchen Lara	10	10	10	8
	eRIC	9	9	10	9
	Gerty	8	9	9	9
	Jay	8	9	10	9
	Kristina	8	9	9	9
	Magnus	8	7	8	8
	MichaelP	10	10	10	10
	Moonpooka	10	10	10	10
	Navi	10	10	10	9
	RaiderGirl	8	9	10	9
	Raymond	10	10	10	10
	Sash	8	8	10	10
	Scottie	10	10	10	10
	category averages (14 reviews)	9.07	9.21	9.71	9.29

Reviewer's comments

""Actually", and "Impossible"!? I will cancel these both words in future from my vocabulary. "Actually" and "Impossible" are Words which may not be used for this level. How should I manage this time run? How should I manage this jump? How should I come upwards? This is "actually impossible"! No, it is really possible! It was possible again and again to manage the impossible. Is there a deciding reason, why the inclined player constantly repeated these both words? Yes, because this level was built in Japan. And the Japanese have in this regard a reputation like a echo of thunder. There are built levels in such a way that one mostly thinks that this or those move is impossible to manage. However, there are mostly weaknesses with texturing and lighting. Indeed, in this case is Taki the exception to the rule. And for that reason alone makes it a lot more fun to play this level. It goes without saying, that this level nothing for beginners is. And even advanced players will have here some problems. All the sam is this level for every player an absolute must-have, because here everybody can test his possibilities and raise the bar over and over again." - Scottie (11-Jun-2011)

"I started this when this level came out but I abandoned it because I couldn’t make the timed run to a cage. It wasn’t so much that timed run but more that I couldn’t find the cage and as this level is a not a straightforward one (when you play it you’ll understand my dilemma) I was at a lost almost all the time. Anyway tried it again and although there is now a walkthrough, it is still no walk in the park. If you love jumping and exploring you might love this. It is difficult at times because you have to find the way to proceed and the walky isn’t that clear. But at least I found my way easier this way than without the walky. All I can say is safe and safe again. I still found it quite confusing. Traps are fiendish, some jumps are pixel perfect and to be honest, when I reached the end, most of the time I had no idea where I was. One thing this level wasn’t, that was boring but I am glad I finally made it so I can give this level a rest forever." - Gerty (07-Jun-2010)

“Now these are two interesting levels. They mix one of my favourite elements and one of my least favourite elements of tomb raiding. Yes the levels can be very challenging at times (this is a good thing) but unfortunately they are also very confusing. You’ll spend a lot of your time just running around wondering where you are supposed to go. I would have preferred a more obvious path. Yes it’s more true to reality like this but personally I don’t like not knowing where to go next. Well it’s just a matter of taste I guess. As I stated earlier the levels can be very challenging. This is what makes the levels stand out and what makes them enjoyable. The highlights are the two timed runs – especially the one in the second level. Other than the two timed runs the levels aren’t overly difficult and most obstacles can be traversed without too much of a problem. Although some jumps will probably make you tear your hair in anger. Except for the overall confusing feel of the levels there was another thing I didn’t like and that was running back and forth all the time. Sure you do this in most Tomb Raider levels but in these two levels (especially the first one) you have to run back and forth so much that it’s almost frustrating. Sometimes though you get to take another path to the same place and that can be really interesting. The levels look good – at least the first one. The second one is a little too dark and plain in its texturing. And the flare-bug didn’t help either. Overall these two levels were quite fun. When they ended after just over ninety minutes it really felt like it had been a real adventure. If you like a challenge and don’t mind the confusing parts these levels may very well be something for you. Personally I think these levels are worth playing just for the timed runs – the rest is just a bonus.” – Magnus (29-Jan-2004)

“After giving up some weeks ago I replay this double level and this time persevere farther. The first big water area is very confusing. Although you never get a clear view of the global place you guess that there will be plenty of things to do as you cover a lot of ground in this intricate area for a small result. After hours of searching I was really bored once again with areas yet unreachable and doors still closed. But after some more progression and shortcuts open to avoid the backtracking and the redo of some difficult tasks I eventually enjoyed it as things began to take place and mapping of the area slowly fixed in the mind. The setting a sanctuary with a lot of greenery to hide the desert horizon and waterfalls is splendid and the enemies are well placed. The second water area is smaller and less confusing you better know where to go and the tasks at hand were enjoyable even if a timed task with a zipline was very tough. There is also a lava cave were difficult moves are required one of them is almost impossible. But it was great fun as was also enjoyable the traps with the deadly sharp teeth doors combined with jumps. The two big underwater rooms are very beautiful a good lighting and a lot of cameras exist to help the player although one fixed camera from above was very annoying. The quests for the secrets were too difficult for me. All in all Taki is one of those dense adventures I will be pleased to play again. That is the more important and in my view the best criteria to justify a good rating” – eRIC (23-Nov-2003)

“This double level is outstanding in beauty and in difficulty. What a great composition! Could be my absolute favourite. Its architecture is absolutely ingenious. Ok you can get lost in the big area in level 1. You have to search very carefully and you have to memorize very well. But as the pieces go together step by step you’ll have a great sense of achievement. How I liked the long way up to the secret rose with all this jumps. Because I had been trained very well by the other Japanese levels I had no difficulties with it. And this nasty timed runs in the second level. I enjoyed them very much. Altogether you have to do a great variety of tasks in a very beautiful environment. Yes sometimes it can be frustrating but I had always the sense of excitement and enjoyment to overcome them. I don’t want to say much about the other things as that they fitted in very well in this masterpiece. As a experienced raider you have to play it. Thanks to Nobu!” – Raymond (29-Aug-2003)

“This level truly is a feat of architectural brilliance with Nobu making every innocuous little thing such as a rock in the water a helpful stepping stone for a timed run or to get a torch across a water soaked area just amazing. Besides the great use of the environments though they are also beautiful luscious settings usually based around water. Now gameplay! Well what can I say other than this is one of the most devastatingly tricky levels that I have ever played with not only unobvious progressive routes to take as everywhere you look seems to be a place to visit and without a doubt will be but mainly the cause of most frustration and irritation comes with the precision perfect moves you must make seemingly every few steps and this was no more evident than in the lava room you come across that seems to have been bore straight from hell when you play this you will understand what I mean. Thankfully enemies aren’t a great part of this level as you are fighting the environment the whole time and any other distraction would just be sadism on top of the already evident masochism you place yourself through playing this. When I finished this level after 2 and a half hours of in game time though clocked up many days of playing it then putting it away to play another then whipping it back out again and with very crucial help from Mike’s walkthrough if for nothing other than seeing if I was moving ahead in the right direction and not veering off into a ditch somewhere I came to the conclusion that this was maybe a little too smart for its own good and didn’t leave me with much satisfaction but rather relief as the end came near this I’m sure will be the same for many so I have scored it down though I wish I didn’t feel I had to as the ideas here were just so well thought out.” – Sash (08-Jun-2003)

“Although late reviewing this level I played a week ago it's been stuck in my head ever since. I can't think of a level that has had such an impact on me not even one from the original levels. It's totally brilliant in its entirety from start to finish. Hard is an understatement some of the jumps got tiresome and I had to resort to DOZY but all of them are possible eventually and are well thought out my score for gameplay is a high one because although so very hard and frustrating at times it's what makes this level so addictive. Gameplay was slow but that was due to my own incompetence. If you like a hard level then this is for you. Enemies are few considering the hugeness of this level they all fitted in so well lots of crocs some harpies ninjas and wraiths but not too many enemies that it gets tiresome. The trips off to different parts of the level all held something different and was a totally new experience not only in gameplay but puzzles and scenery it was like many levels in one each area was astounding in its beautiful graphics and textures so real and so atmospheric beautiful rooms with burning torches rockery and wall textures all melted into each other and an equal amount of everything levers wall switches activation floor tiles and rope swings timed runs and just about everything else but in well balanced order and amounts. Going from one level to another to open doors and do things to continue in another level was fantastic. I will never forget this level I will play it again and again. The lighting was perfect the atmosphere was perfect the lava room had me sweating just being in there it was all so lifelike I could smell the atmosphere in each area from the rocky water edges to the waterfall and lava room. The secrets were amazingly hard to get to timed runs and zip lines and if you didn't make it before the cage came down then you'd had it again hard but well worth it failure just made you want to try and try again! Once started it's impossible to turn off however much I cursed and sulked at those jumps and timed runs! I will never forget this level I will play it again and again I don't feel I can do it as much justice in words as it deserves this author is a genius! Play it and don't miss out on it because I doubt you will find another level quite like it. Positively and absolutely 10/10 all round in my opinion First class stuff!” – Moonpooka (03-May-2003)

“This is one of the hardest levels I’ve ever played. You must do a lot of hard jumps. In this level are two timed-actions. One of this was the hardest time-lever I ever absolved. The textures were very nice and the atmosphere is great. You meet some enemies. The enemies were demon-birds ninjas crocodiles skeletons bats. You must find three horseman’s gem and some other artifacts. You must find a lot of lever and jump-switches. You must seek in all corners to find the secret objects and levers. The first level is playing in a big wonderful area. You must find a lot of ways. And the second level is playing in a big water-area and in a big fire -area. You must change the levels and find the best way. In this level there were more ways to finish it. This level is not for beginners and I have played over four hours for this. I saw one of the two secrets but I have not been able to pick it up. A good level for hardcore-raiders.” – Andi Croft (29-Apr-2003)

“With 900 levels played and reviewed this is the very first complete level that gets full marks from me. It is utterly perfect to play despite loads of frustrating moments but the overall architecture is nothing but ingenious and once you overcome the initial sense of total disorientation it gives you a fabulous sense of achievement as the individual pieces fall into place. When I replayed it it still took me two hours of net gaming time to get through and because of the great variety of actions required along the way it never gets boring. Gameplay revolves mainly about two huge water areas and one lava room with devious jumps to master. If I had one complaint then it would be this room as some of the jumps need to be absolutely pixel perfect and after a hundred attempts and still failing it does get a little tedious. Finding your way around the water areas is great though with a variety of jumps and runs levers jump switches zip lines very smartly constructed timed runs not immediately obvious torch puzzles and all this in a very beautiful area with fabulous waterfalls great flip effects not many enemies but still nicely placed and challenging for example the wraiths that require you to master a long way to get rid of them. Also make sure you go for both secrets. One is an interesting timed sequence including a zipline the other offers you a whole new area to explore that you would otherwise miss. There are a few awesome long flybys and many short camera shots guide you through your progression. Yes it can be frustrating when you don’t know what to do next and yes that lava room has two or three jumps that are really too hard but I just don’t have the heart to rate it down for that. And I am so glad to hear the rumor that Nobu is already working on his next level…I for one can’t wait to test my skills again on his next offering.” – Michael (26-Apr-2003)

“Expert raiders only need apply. This is the hardest level I've ever played. In fact I started it and gave up quite early on only to be inveigled into carrying on by a certain M Prager Esq. Hmmmmmmmm. I shall certainly not be revisiting this one in a hurry. On the plus side it is beautifully constructed and a visual treat and you certainly won't be bored. Believe me by the time you've been playing for an hour or so you'll appreciate just what underrated commodity boredom is! Some of the jumps and timed runs in this are fiendishly difficult and I really feel that a level aimed solely at the few real Olympic grade raiders is a little unfair on the rest of us. If you manage to get through this without cheating and with your sanity intact you can feel very very proud of yourself. Frankly I found it more of an endurance test than entertainment which is why I have downrated the gameplay a little. Nevertheless it IS a magnificent level and I urge you to try it even if you can't manage all the moves.” - Jay (26-Apr-2003)

“This is a beautiful level like a huge paradise with gorgeous waterfalls trees lagoons and many levels and areas to explore. But it's also really tough because there are a lot of areas to explore and I often had no idea where I should go next or how I should get to the next area. You start out in a small lagoon with an underwater area and a gem receptacle you then have to make your way to the large waterfall area where if you're lucky you'll end up with a gem a knot and a pillar after many hours of hard work jumping and climbing pulling switches and opening doors. Now all you have to do is make your way back to the beginning of the level where you can finally use the gem knot and pillar to open the door leading to the levels exit. Lot's of work to open that gate I must say. I managed to get one of the gold roses but didn't even bother with the second I'd already spent a few days on this level and just wanted to finish it.” – RaiderGirl (20-Apr-2003)

“A well done level. A masterpiece. The architecture of the whole level is very impressive. It is built around many puzzles which are not easy as some of them are timed. There are two secrets to find both of which my Lara collected :). Cameras and sound were suitably added the atmosphere very interesting. It’s a level which brought me a lot of fun. Looking forward to the author’s next level :) I simply love the challenge for my Lara. Bravo to the author! A must play for the expert raider.” – Navi (18-Apr-2003)

“Well the setting in this level is very good with waterfalls all around. Be warned though that you need much patience and good memory to finish it. The puzzles aren't anything original but what makes this level look very big is the many location you have to visit over and over again. I got frustrated many times especially from one timed run that included a zip line and you had to catch a platform raised to pull a switch. The one for the golden rose a secret wasn't that hard. A knot a pillar gems is items you have to collect and along with torch puzzles moving statues and chains on fire timed as well you have a picture of what the level is all about. It's really tiring to climb so many times the ladders around and swim through the underwater holes to get to an area. If your memory fails you then you will probably give up on it or search for hours or days maybe. If it weren't for the cameras at some point I would have given up myself not that a few more would hurt. I didn't have the strength to get the second golden rose so I preferred to finish the level without it. The textures when high up have a few missing parts and I noticed a few walls that had a different tile from the rest of it. I did like the way walls disappear and you can see the crocodile swimming around from inside a room after placing the knot and pillar. Other enemies were ninjas harpies and skeletons. The weapons although not a secret are not easily spotted so be sure to check everything thoroughly. After 'Eye of Eve' and the most difficult of them all 'Meganebashi' this is next most difficult level due to the confusion you get from it I have ever played. Play it if you feel up to it.” – Kristina (10-Apr-2003)

“A rip snorter of a level – one of the most difficult ones ever. I am thrilled by the ideas that Nobu put into this one. The architecture alone all the colours the many waterfalls and many other things I could rave about but you have to play it for yourself. However it really is only a level for the experienced raider ;-) the beginner will probably not make it as you need a lot of endurance patience and fighting spirit for example for the really hard jump sequences where Lara needs all of her skills. The puzzles are difficult as Lara has to pull all levers before getting to the artifacts and you have to expect the worst as the traps are devious and the timed sequences are tough. Another challenge are the secrets. I managed to get only one rose and do not know how to get the other maybe other players have more luck. Textures are well chosen for the most part and my Lara overlooked the other ones. Enemies were ninjas crocodiles two skeletons and harpies. Cameras were very often used especially to show where Lara needs to go so make sure you remember the places in this huge level. I was never frustrated – quite the opposite I enjoyed playing a level where Lara had to use all her skills. You can see how much work went into this. There are a few little issues but overall it counts that Nobu has built a top level here.” – Engelchen Lara (09-Apr-2003)