Reviewer's comments |
"Here we have a short level where the gameplay could definitely be described as plain, simple or basic again but what
wins me over with this oldie is the lovely coastal setting, the bright outside locations and the unique layout of the areas
and rooms, it's these elements that make the level feel fresh and intriguing to play rather than the actual tasks
themselves actually. We start off with swimming, killing crocodiles and searching for items before moving onto to
climbing and platforming tasks with one room that changes not just in its layout with the insertion of a token (allowing
you to access new areas) but also with bright colours in all 4 corners, I thought these colours might represent a puzzle
but no it's just eye candy it seems. With this level there is not only just objects and keys to find, you'll notice a large
variety of weapons and ammo if you like to explore the out of the way areas oh and of course the 3 secrets to find but
there was also a laser sight which of course makes you think there could be a shooting task or challenge but it alas it
seems not. Overall unfortunately this level doesn't offer much of any kind of challenges such as timed tasks, traps or
puzzles, it's only the skeletons and crocodiles that contribute in that area but what the level may lack in this department
it personally made up for in the exploration of a great environment." - John (19-Jan-2024) |
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"A level right from the beginnings of TRLE. And it is quite good considering its age. It has
a pretty standard gameplay which involves a hunt for items and some exploration. Nothing
more really. It's enjoyable and not really difficult. The design is fine considering it's a
level from 2000. Architecture is simple, textures are mostly well placed and the lighting is
ok. Nothing more to say. It's a fun and short little level. I always love these early 2000s
levels - they have such a unique vibe. Recommended." - BlackWolfTR (16-Sep-2023) |
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"Well this is the first TR4 release on TRLE that actually takes you back to the home screen
once completed, that's a bonus in itself. The level is nicely designed and is the first to
incorporate multiple things to do within a level. The atmosphere matched the scenery and the
lighting was quite fun at times. Definitely worth a playthrough!" - ColeMoles (19-Feb-2022) |
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"Very pleasant level. Short and easy, chilly. Recommended." - Lioness_86 (23-Jan-2022) |
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"An excellent TR4 level set within a coastal environment. I
must admit that upon this point, this was the best TR level
I have ever played! Gameplay was flawless, as finding
puzzles and the right keys and pieces was cunningly
designed by the builder of the level. Enemies were good,
although I would like to see something else instead of wild
boars, ninjas perhaps...? But not a big deal! Atmosphere
was perfectly designed and decorated with several moveable
and static objects. Lighting and the use of textures from
the original TR4 Coastal Ruins level was absolutely
fabulous. Well done! Recommended Level. Thank you." - Mehrbod (06-Aug-2018) |
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"This is undoubtedly one of the best levels of this era,
especially considering it only uses assets from the
original game. The camera angles showing enemies coming was
great, and the structure/layout of the level is
entertaining. The rooms were well-lit and nice to look at.
I thought the skeletons were quite pesky until I got
explosive ammo to blow them up with, and I liked how all of
the areas were connected to each other. The secrets were
too easy to find unfortunately, and it was quite annoying
having to backtrack to get the key after the water drained,
but I can appreciate the creativity. Overall this is a
level I would definitely recommend, especially if you loved
the coastal areas from TR4, and I can't wait to play the
sequel." - Ejecta (14-Aug-2017) |
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"By the age of this level, it's still very nice to play. I
liked the hunt for puzzle items, and kill the enemies that
appeared. I liked the colors and textures used. I was grateful
to find the grenade launcher, and finally blow up all those
skeletons! Without the walkthrough, I wouldn't have noticed
the keys in the empty pool. After you place all the items you
access to a room with a 'water eye' and is the level end.
Recommended. 29 minutes." - alan (01-Jun-2017) |
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"Very nice level from year 2000. I liked very much of level's design and brightness. It is quite linear but has still some puzzles. I enjoyed lighting effects in some rooms. This is very recommendable level for fans of coastal levels." - vienna (25-May-2017) |
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"This enjoyable older level still stands up well
even today. The coastal surroundings are nicely
recreated, complete with the usual batch of
crocodiles, boars and skeletons. I enjoyed the
search for the needed items as well as the nice
lighting effects in some rooms. I really
enjoyed this one." - Ryan (06-Dec-2016) |
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"Not bad especially for a debut level. A pleasant coastal
setting nice atmosphere and a light straightforward
gameplay. Lighting work is also very well. Enemies are
skeletons (they were annoying until i found explosives)
boars and crocodiles. Camera angles showing enemies
appearing behind you were nice additions. The gate in the
shape of an eye is well done and the next level takes place
behind it, sort of. Recommended." - Nomad (21-Sep-2016) |
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"Really smooth game play. That's the key word to describe this
level. It's small but with a main goal: to pick up 3
essential items that will grant you access to the finish
line. It's not too tedious or brilliant but it's pretty
'fluid', i just had to check the walkthrough to pick up that
key on the pool (it isn't that obvious, not to mention that
it can be easily confused with the floor). Had good
lightening, nice use of the various colours. I just wish the
level had more music, it was the same background sound for
the entire level. To conclude i surely recommend this short
but enjoyable level." - Zhyttya (13-Apr-2016) |
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"A very enjoyable gameplay experience. Just a breeze to pass and a really well thought level. The weapons were not "secret exclusive", the areas even if they were big they didn't seem like they were overdone (and the overall layout of the level didn't make the backtracking annoying), you could always go back if you miss something and the amount of enemies was just enough. I really don't have anything negative to point out, is just a simple level, made in a really great way! Highly recommended if you miss the Tomb Raider 4 pure experience" - Leeth (13-Apr-2016) |
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"This trle is Super Cool there are some amazing Puzzles and
Well hidden secrets if you are Looking for a Cool 30 Minute
Raid Coastal Ruin is really cool" - JoeTheCrazyGamer (27-Aug-2015) |
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"This is the debut level from a builder whose output is limited
in quantity but has been uniformly well received by the
reviewing community. It's a pleasant 50-minute diversion in a
coastal setting that offered nothing new even when it was
released but is nevertheless quite fun to play 15 years later.
Cher (Momster to us) has provided a compact walkthrough that
covers everything but the final secret (which I would have
missed as well, since the access slope appears to the eye to
be inaccessible). Lots of light, lots of color, and easy on
the eyes. Recommended." - Phil (15-Apr-2015) |
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"I'm very fond of the coastal wad - the bright, fresh look of it, the appealing sound files, even the enemies (skellies, crocs and pigs) seem somehow like old friends. This 35 minute raid may be old, but I found it rather delightful and solidly built. Judging by this author's later works, I dare say I should not have been surprised at the quality of this debut level. Despite its age, this is still well worth playing and, although you may not need all the explosive crossbow and grenade gun ammo, it's still great fun blowing up everything in sight. Crocodile bits, anyone?" - Jay (19-Feb-2014) |
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"The first steps with the leveleditor from this author give you an idea about what he could make in the future. This coastal level is solid and well builded, with no bugs and some good effects with the lights and cameras. No specially difficult to play, except for the key I forgot in the floor of the drained pool. Well balanced enemies and enough guns and ammo. There is some backtracking, but never too fastidious for the player. The final bluish gate was a nice touch. Worth to play." - Jose (04-Feb-2014) |
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"While being par for the course in terms of length for these
early levels, I enjoyed every minute of this tasty delight.
The texturing is interesting and fits a coastal level nicely.
There are some innovative secrets to be found (considering
that most levels from this era possessed no secrets). I didn't
find any particular use for the large quantity of ammo I
collected, but at least I had a blast collecting it. A fun
twenty minutes to spend on some light raiding; highly
recommended for an early creation." - Xela (22-Jul-2013) |
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"Old level that to this day shows some nice features. Textures are really well placed, gameplay is fun and typical for TR series with chance to get lost :) As for its age this level is amazing! The idea with keys in the pool was really nice and I had problem with finding them as would never think of looking there. I liked this level a lot, especially that even for its age it's still very, very good." - Casual Raider (15-Jul-2013) |
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"A lot of times these older levels don't challenge you that much and you end up just going through the motions till you hit that elusive finish trigger - not the case with this level. At 20 minutes it's on the brief end, but it shows at least some early attempts at setting up an overall structure (around the coloured doors) - the author makes sure you can't leave the areas without finding the necessary item (in the case of the gem), and the looks are technically very, very well done, if not really memorable for that many areas. The key manifesting only in a drained pool felt a tad forced, and I would not have thought twice to look for it there - but I guess it's kept in line with the author's desire of laying this brief level's gameplay on you gradually, and I can't begrudge that. You are given every type of gun and ammo as you progress, so while the enemies might seem numerous, you're actually fairly well equipped to handle them at any time. There's not much else to be said - it's a very competent level for its times - and I liked the stargate at the end." - eTux (21-Oct-2011) |
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"I found this little level to be pretty special because it is really good for a really old level. I loved this coastal run with a lot of challenges and places to go to. Enemies were wild boars, skeletens and crocodiles. The textures were nice but some were stretched. In some rooms the auther added some lights which made the place look more nice. There were more than enough pickups to kill all the enemies and trying to find the puzzle pieces was fun. Recommended." - afzalmiah (20-Apr-2011) |
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"Quite a nice strong professional looking effort here. Some well hidden items placed around the level. Nice to play a level from so early on that forced me to think and use my eyes a bit more than usual.
Completed in 50 minutes." - TheStig (14-Dec-2009) |
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"This Coastal level is gorgeous and very relaxing. I dreamed that I was looking for artifacts, listening to the sea gulls and being amazed by the coastal setting. It was fun looking for objects, 1 secret and a few key items. It took a while to figure things out sometimes (especially in the big room where one has to place the token), but it wasn't too difficult either. The lighting was very colorful and varied, and the ending is particularly rewarding with the waterfall. I also liked how Lara got stronger over time as she acquired more weapons little by little in order to face the crocodiles, the wild boars and the skeletons." - Sakusha (19-Aug-2009) |
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"If the listing is correct,this was the fifth custom level to be released and,seen in that light,it's a bit of a milestone. Yes,the appearance is that of a typical 'Coastal' setting,with rather too many large bare rooms prohibiting an entirely convincing atmosphere (and a few flipped rooms that appeared to be there simply to illustrate the builders command of the LE). The enemies are the usual Coastal crowd,and the provided armaments are so comprehensive that they really don't pose much of a threat.Lighting and textures are used very competantly under the circumstances,while the Gameplay is pretty straightforward throughout. It's the last few moments (when the builders imagination takes a huge leap forward)that make the best impression,though;a magnificent foretaste of the sort of thing that Custom Levels were going to be all about in the years to come. Worth playing just for those final few seconds." - Orbit Dream (14-Feb-2008) |
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"One of the earliest levels, and I think it is the first that really worth playing. Good texturing and colorful lighting, interesting layout, one very good camera at the beginning showing the croc moving towards Lara. Still an easy and short level with too much ammo, but enjoyable, well done." - Akcy (13-Dec-2007) |
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"Here we have a level theme which is not done too often, a coastal level. I liked this small coastal level because it pretty much fit the part. It has all the looks of a coastal level and plays close to that too. The enemies consist of skeletons, crocs and wild boars which fitted this level nicely. There was ample ammo and med kits to go around and maybe on the too much side to provide a challange. The level layout was good if only let down by huge spaces with little to do in them. A little more refining and it would have played much better. Cameras were used to help show where the doors opened which is great. The secrets were placed properly and some were real clever. Special points are added for the window room and couple of the nice looking objects and nice use of colours. All in all, a great coastal level without looking too flash, however it's still fun to play. If I had to give this level a grade, I would give it a B, a distinction." - The Aussie Adventurer (16-Nov-2005) |
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"A single level based on the TR4 'Coastal Ruins' level using also textures from the Rome levels of TR5. The game loads from the main TRLE menu under the name 'Coastal Ruins' and all the features (loading screen music in-game sounds) are the same as the original. The architecture of the level is pretty straightforward not too complicated to understand and follow yet there is an element of surprise (in a seemingly dead-end area there is a door hidden somewhere above your head leading to a whole new place). There is a limited but interesting variety of rooms but you need to keep in mind certain areas as you will need to return there later after having collected any necessary items. Another interesting element is the fact that there are vast areas hidden behind tiny openings doors above rooftops or narrow underwater tunnels. Speaking of which there is a very well-organised underwater labyrinth leading to a number of rooms with goodies and ammo (including a secret) and to the next-to-visit area which in turn leads back to one of the main rooms near the start of the level. Lara's inventory is rather rich compared to the limited length of the level (her discoveries include a Crossbow a Shotgun a Revolver a Grenade Gun plenty of ammo and medipacks and a few items and artifacts that she uses in order to go on) and she's called to face some unexpexted enemies (hogs!) along with other more usual ones (skeletons crocodiles). The solid textures smooth environments fine lightings and certain impressive effects (after you place a token in a slot the room around you lights up each corner under a different light) add to the whole. Overall it is a very good level easy to navigate and pleasant to explore yet it leaves you with a bitter taste at the end: after placing all the items where you are supposed to and unlocking all doors you arrive at a newly opened area where a magnificent curtain of blue water reveals a secret passage behind it. But that's all as soon as you pass through that water curtain the level ends and you wish you had a way to explore what lies behind!" - Ravenwen (17-Aug-2004) |
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"Can't believe the age of this level. A lot of the usual coastal stuff going on here but there are some really good lighting effects and I loved that huge 'eye' at the end. Very well built and textured I particularly like the way the wall texture was cut out to show the sky - a tiny thing but I did notice it and Lara swims up into a room with shallow water and the camera shows a crocodile sliding past and towards Lara - that was excellent. I never saw the keys in the water but when I drained the pool they were there. Got two crossbows one was a secret the other side of glass where you pick up the knot." - CC (10-Dec-2003) |
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"I like coastal levels and this one although short and easy is no exception. Your goal is to find a knot a gem a star and along with a token access a room that looks like a gate ready to transport Lara somewhere else. The skeletons are annoying and by the time you get the crossbow it's too late you're near the end. The crocodiles and wild boars are other enemies for you to face. There is some climbing and swimming involved with a set of keys to help you access another part of the level. A little over twenty minutes to finish with two secrets found. I am sure you will like this one." - Kristina (14-Sep-2003) |
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"This is a very good level. There are lots of nasty crocs about and more than your average share of grunting pigs to spice up the action. There are some doors that require a few items to be found before they reveal their purpose. Lots of places to explore-----------great game--load it up now!" - Doug E (04-Dec-2002) |
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"Another one of those levels I played many many months before I started sharing my impressions of these things with the world and as soon as I loaded this one up I remembered it immediately. Here you seek three key pickups and whilst this is not a difficult level some careful exploration is required. This is a satisfying early attempt by the author that will keep you occupied for around 35 minutes or so." - Torry (01-Dec-2002) |
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"This is a very simple level but very funny to play. Is the third UFO level that I've played and I've enjoyed with all of them. Particularly this level has all the beauty of the Coastal Levels and is full of light and colours (the big hall after using the token). I can't rate the sound because I played without it; but after all it is a great level." - Loupar (16-Sep-2002) |
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"A most satifsying gameplay I have to say; it ended all too soon after only 35 minutes. A great placement of pickups and enemies as you face the first skeleton without any appropriate weapons then you get the shotgun and near the end you finally find the grenade launcher. Ok the crossbow and lasersight was a bit pointless after that but let's not be picky here. The common coastal setting seems a little plain at the start but as the game opens up it becomes more convincing and right at the end you get such a beautiful room with a water curtain I was really cross that the game was over. I liked the colour effect that appeared when you used the coin how the course took you back to places already visited and there is one brilliant camera angle right at the start when you see Lara far away in the back of the room and the crocodile closes in from the front. Although there weren't any mindbending puzzles nor trick jumps or deadly traps I finished the game with a great feeling of accomplishment. Highly recommended. I say that quite a lot do I?" - Dimpfelmoser (11-Aug-2002) |
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"With some well placed enemies that because of lack of weaponry in the first half pose quite a threat and keep you on your toes 3 not so difficult secrets to find a great visual colour effect half way through nice steady progression that has you looking for 3 key pick ups and a magical ending as you step through a huge eye shaped water portal this is a well crafted coastal level. This isn't a complex level but at one point I was so stuck looking for a set of keys that I had to write the author and he graciously pointed me in the right direction which was of course quite an obvious oversight otherwise I may still be searching for them in this 40 minutes level." - Sash (21-Jun-2002) |
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"I played this first level by Uwe after having played his latest masterpiece 'Blue Planet' so quite obviously it does not match up but it was a fun half an hour of gameplay in a kind of standard coastal scenario. Some good use of camera angles and some really colourful light effects are entertaining. Few but well placed enemies (warthogs crocodiles and skeletons) and smartly 'hidden' stronger weaponry which gives you that feeling of accomplishment when you get them. Certainly the level feels bigger than the 41 rooms it has and the ending is really cool." - Michael (21-Jun-2002) |
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"Set in a nice coastal environment this level got my attention through its 45 minutes. In order to Lara accomplish her objective in this level she must find artifacts hidden through the level. I liked the texturization and the lighting the author showed how nice you can get a level to look. The object selection/placement is nice as well. I just found one flaw in the whole level an invisible wall. Not a real problem as there is another passage next to it." - Treeble (21-Jun-2002) |
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"I liked this little level although there is a distinct lack of sound effects and music - they always add a lot to the atmosphere so it's a shame they're missing. The level is a good mix of water and ruins (not much coast though - if any) and the enemies run to skeletons crocs and a few wild boar for good measure. I liked the finding of the pieces to open the gates at the end but was less impressed with how areas of the level changed without any indication or warning allowing access where none was permitted before. A few sections of film cut-aways would have been nice for this at least to show where you were meant to go next. Fun and diverting." - David (21-Jun-2002) |
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"If this is the first level by UFO I can't wait to play the rest. There were times I had to look around for what to do next - I was never bored. This level covers a big area so there's plenty of exploring to do. Though nothing we haven't seen before he did a good job with the textures (including some great lighting effects) and there's a nice sprinkling of enemies throughout the level to keep things interesting. Nothing too difficult but a lot of fun finding and placing some key items to progress further into the level and I really enjoyed it." - RaiderGirl (21-Jun-2002) |
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"Reading the reviews I sometimes wonder at the places people do get stuck. They keys to the door for instance. I got them first time around (not exactly the first time but you will see what I mean) but I had a hard time locating the knot. Matter of looking LOL. Main goal is to find a star a blue gem and the knot. In this level there are some outdoor areas and I had a great time running around. Not much enemies some skeletons boars and a crocs. Found 3 secrets one was very well hidden. The crossbow one of the secrets is also found in another place. Very handy to have to get rid off the skeletons I have to say. It is very short and I still wonder at the deadly water. 03-07-2002" - Gerty (21-Jun-2002) |
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"This is a very nice first work of UFO. It was built a while before custom levels were possible and therefore it makes a good use of the coastal objects. The gameplay is not very difficult but also not too simple. Lights and textures are well chosen and set and so the overall atmosphere makes it definitely still worth to play. Enemies are also placed well - so give it a try!" - Webknight (21-Jun-2002) |
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"This is a nice level using the original Coastal WAD and textures. Visually it reminds me of the first part of Coastal Ruins. Most places are well modeled and the texturing and lightning work is well done. As with other Coastal WAD levels the lens flare effect tends to appear from walls which I think is a problem with no solution so it's ok. Gameplay is easy but not straightforward and the level can be completed in about 40 minutes. Weapons can be found right when needed and the action is cool. Overall it's a good level see for yourself." - Fabio Ribeiro (21-Jun-2002) |
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"I like this level. It is an entertaining one and not too much difficult as I like them. The gameplay is very fluent. You have to find the key of a door on the roof and 3 artefacts (star gem knot) to end the level. You find also a token when you use it the main big room is enlightened with various colourful lights. Some skeletons to kill with the shotgun and some with the explosive weapons a croc very well placed and wild boars. Find 3 secrets. The only reproach I would make is that this level is too short as I wanted to spend more time (55 minutes) in this bright and sunny place. When playing I had the feeling to be on vacations near by the seaside." - eRIC (21-Jun-2002) |
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"This is a nicely done early coastal level with plenty to do and lots of good exploration areas. I like a level that makes me want to pat myself on the back for making a particular pick up and this is the sensation I had as I found the door key. Quite easy as a beginner's level and I would have liked it to be longer but worth 20 minutes of gaming time." - Momster (21-Jun-2002) |
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