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Gateway to Menouthis by Will Gell

alan 7 6 7 7
Andi Croft 9 8 8 8
CC 7 6 9 9
Cuqui 9 8 9 8
David 10 8 9 9
Dhama 8 8 7 7
Dimpfelmoser 9 7 9 9
Duncan 8 8 8 7
Engelchen Lara 8 7 9 7
eRIC 7 7 8 7
Gerty 8 7 9 7
Gonxii 8 8 9 9
Jay 7 7 8 8
Jose 7 7 7 8
Kristina 8 7 8 8
MichaelB 8 8 9 9
MichaelP 7 6 9 9
Miguel 9 8 9 9
misho98 6 7 7 7
Momster 8 8 9 9
Orbit Dream 7 7 8 8
Phil 7 6 7 7
RaiderGirl 8 8 9 9
Ryan 7 7 8 8
Sash 8 6 9 9
Scottie 9 8 9 8
Treeble 8 8 9 9
TrueRaider 8 7 7 7
Whistle 8 7 8 9
 
release date: 03-Mar-2001
# of downloads: 265

average rating: 7.88
review count: 29
 
review this level

file size: 22.00 MB
file type: TR4
class: Coastal
 


author profile(s):
email(s):
william@wgell.net

Reviewer's comments
"This coastal level is actually bigger than it appears at first glance. There's a lot of exploring to do in equal amounts of sunlight and darkness and it will have you going for a while. Now, I'm partial to Coastal levels, but I'm wary of levels that are too dark. But in the end, I found myself enjoying this one. The setting is attractively made and easy on the eyes and despite the majority of the later section taking place in very dark connecting tunnels, a provided torch saw me through and there's a timed trapdoor challenge. You don't actually need the torch for much else other than lighting a couple of hanging boulder ropes, and otherwise there's nothing difficult to overcome, but I nonetheless got 50 minutes of enjoyable raiding with this one." - Ryan (09-Nov-2018)
"This is a coastal level, but it won't be bright and peaceful all the time. You'll enter to dark caves in search for puzzle items, facing skeletons, crocodiles and deadly spike traps. I liked the jumps on the timed trapdoors. It's not difficult, but entertaining and pleasant. Found 1 secret." - alan (27-Dec-2017)
"The beach area was definitely an eye candy but as far as gameplay goes I'm really not impressed - most of the time it was lowkey annoying rather than fun, I find the progression kinda weird and uninspired but it still has it's moments. The coastal city looked nice although there's not much to do in it. The timed trapdoor sequence was another highllight but it lasts only for a few seconds. And even if the game has some nice areas most of the textures are streched and the lighting is a bit too dark and not atmospheric at all especially in the caves. The outside areas looked fine though. Not a bad offering if you wanna fill your free time with not-so-long tomb raiding." - misho98 (03-May-2016)
"A very nice and long level with lot to see and explore. Even though I am not fan of coastal levels, this one was catching. I also loved the combination light-darkness throughout the level. All in all a very nice level to raid. Keep me entertained for an hour." - Gonxii (12-Nov-2015)
"I rather liked the contrast between the sun-drenched outside areas and the gloomy cavernous inside ones in this level. There's plenty of exploring to do and that's largely a pleasure in the always pleasant atmosphere of the pretty coastal village (in this case, quite a large one). The action is fairly simple, running around, swimming, picking up lots of goodies and killing a few skeletons, pigs and crocodiles. There are plenty of torches dotted around, but mainly to eke out the flares in some of the darker areas, the only actual torch work needed being burning ropes to drop a couple of boulders. Apart from some easy but fun timed platform sequences, that's about it, but if you like coastal levels (and I do) it's worth a look just for the lovely atmosphere." - Jay (07-Aug-2015)
"This vintage level is a little too expansive and non-linear for its own good.Actually the playing area is so big and complex,and the direction of the gameplay so vague,that I was almost tempted to chuck this in (or resort to the Walkthrough);but I persevered and gradually found all the items I was required to locate;and I'm ultimately rather glad that I did as the tasks that crop up as you explore the vast area are really rather fun.There are some timed trapdoor challenges which are just about manageable on the first attempt;plenty of skeletons to eradicate in various pits;and two secret areas to uncover.Textures are pretty well allocated,while the lighting veers from the effective (naturally formed shadows,good use of lens flare)to the downright irritating (way too many pitch black areas).My best recommendation is to tackle this level with the crib sheet handy;but it still provides 70 minutes of reasonable entertainment." - Orbit Dream (08-May-2013)
"I'm sure I played all of this builder's levels many years ago, because they were among the few for which walkthroughs were available (courtesy of the builder himself), but this must have been before my reviewing days. I played this one again just now and found it to be pretty ordinary, although I suspect it really impressed me the first time around, when I was still wet behind the tombs. Much of the beginning action takes place in a well-lit coastal setting. There's an extended sequence near the end that's played in near darkness, although you have the ability to improve your visibility by carrying a lighted torch through the whole section. Spooky, to say the least. There are some interesting touches, such as a timed trapdoor sequence that turns out to be much easier than it appears to be at first glance. But overall I'm surprised it received the high scores that it did, even by 2001 standards." - Phil (04-Jan-2012)
"Ordinarily I complain with the Levels of Will over and over again to this unnecessary darkness. Then mostly one has at disposal only a few Flares and can hardly see something. This level is different. Of course he is again partly quite dark, but now one can find enough Flares. And one can very often explore the rooms with a torch. I have well liked this really. Nevertheless, there it gives immediately even more pleasure to play this level. Moreover, he is built very well. Merely Will could have formed the coast a little bit better. All together this was one the best level which I have played from Will." - Scottie (22-Feb-2010)
"Coming back from a few days spent at the seaside , I wanted to play a Coastal level , so I picked up Gateway of Menouthis that I already played before. In here, you find all ingredients that make a good classic level, mainly exploration , with a few traps and puzzles. An abandoned city , ruins , a coast everything is here. The extreme darkness in the underground portions of the level is a major annoyance. The highlight is the well made and synchronized series of timed trapdoors. Not my favourite level from the author but good level nevertheless." - eRIC (17-May-2008)
"This coastal level is huge and complex. It's easy you miss something and have to go back for a missed item 'cause the level is no-lineal. The worst for me were the very dark rooms where the jewels were; yes, there are several torches and the author put some packs of flares, but gameplay is slow a long time. The best for me were the timed trapdoors in the spooky areas. No much enemies, crocs and skeletons, you'll have enough guns and ammo to deal with them; I found the sight but for me was useless, and the revolver too. Good architecture and well textured, a lot of pickups, some musics in certain places,... An enjoyable level." - Jose (03-Dec-2007)
"This certainly is among the best coastal levels I've played. Not only the settings and landscapes are fabulously built, but gameplay here is fun. Thanks for putting the crowbar on sight as well. You set off on a quest for a star to eventually get the two gems to open the gateway. The timed trapdoors prior to the gems themselves were nicely set and added a certain diversity to the otherwise peaceful gameflow. The background sound with the seaguls make it all the more relaxing. A number of skellies but they pose no treat once you get the crossbow in the nicely built underground area. 40 minutes. 02/07" - Treeble (20-Feb-2007)
"I have played this long after its release after I played the Skull of Dunelie. This a Coastal level which starts believe it or not on a Coast. The opening part I didn't find that interesting. However things get much better when Lara delves into the underworld. Some very clever puzzles and traps. Play this one it's a lot of fun." - Duncan (09-May-2004)
"We've climbed out of those dark caves and we are now at the coast. I like the look of this place with the sea and temples on islands and that stone archway. Naturally where there's lots of water there's lots of crocodiles and where there's a coastal wad there's lots of skeletons. One waterhole lets you come out at a broken down temple with a rope+boulder burning puzzle. Another brings you to a great little town. I had great fun running around the roofs and walls and that was a very cleverly hidden revolver secret. I loved the torch and dropping trapdoors wasn't so amused about that underwater maze-like area. Everything here is to get blue gems and a star. And at the end yet another torch+boulder puzzle. There's no need to hold on to each torch because you get one for each puzzle is it four? Can't remember just now. Yes this is a nice level to play and the standard is increasing per level." - CC (19-Aug-2003)
"Will certainly knows how to create spooky levels. Lucky me this one had more light but not enough. I enjoyed though exploring houses at a coastal setting fighting skeletons in an underground area and try to avoid spike pits at the same time while holding a torch to guide my way. Does it sound interesting it sure is. We also have to find a star two gems and jump on timed wooden platforms. Recommended as is the rest of the levels." - Kristina (24-Jul-2003)
"Lara's task is here to find two gems and a key. The puzzles were nice but it was extremely dark where you had to jump across the timed trap doors. The timing was easy enough but the darkness was a problem. Other than that gameplay way ok and I found the two secrets." - Engelchen Lara (26-Jan-2003)
"Till now I had always put off playing any of Will's levels because of the many timed doors he likes to use but now I wish I hadn't waited so long. The timed doors and platforms can be difficult but everything else about this level more than makes up for it. There are some great areas to explore including sandy beaches beautiful water a small city and even a dark underground chamber with skeletons. Lara's in search of some keys a few gems and a golden star and has the darkness spike traps timed platforms and skeletons to get by plus that boulder at the end that caught me by surprise just when I thought it was safe." - RaiderGirl (21-Jan-2003)
"Starting up this level it did look rather familiar so I must have played it and forgot to hand in my review. Well it was a pleasure to play it again as most of it came back while playing. It does start rather gloomy in the underwater cave and the sunlight almost did hurt my eyes when I opened that door. The skeletons you do meet are a pain in the neck without a weapon but I got used to them and know how to handle them as I sort of knew what to do next. Exploring it is with this level from Will and first of all do get that crowbar and later on you'll find torches instead of using flares what a nice gesture although personally I would like it a tad more brighter. The star is the main goal here but do take your time as the level is longer than you think. Nice puzzles to solve and also some traps so be prepared to die every now and then. Still a great game though. 16-12-2002" - Gerty (22-Dec-2002)
"Nice level with great puzzles. Not too hard. Atmosphere is as usual very successful and high quality of design. The underwater areas and the town are wonderful. Many torches to light (you find several torches in the way in case you've lost them). And the final room where you place the two Jewel Keys and you must burn a rope to drop down the boulder is fun. I think that's an exciting level to play." - Cuqui (26-Nov-2002)
"Memory lane memory lane. An excellent level especially as a prelude to the 'City of Menouthis'. You get three areas; a rocky coast in the sun a quaint and cosy little village and some dark underground catacombs. At first the whole place seems so huge you really don't know where to start but once you get a feel for the setting it all comes together nicely. I really loved the non linear progression and my absolute favourite the timed trapdoor has a short revival although it's a bit easy really. Bearing in mind how much distance you cover it's amazing that you finish the level in 60 minutes or so. For instance the village is fairly big and yet I didn't do much there apart from getting the revolver. But I won't complain cause as there is nothing too cleverly hidden and puzzles are rather easy the pace is pretty fast which along with the great atmosphere is the main reason why this coastal adventure is an utter delight from start to finish." - Dimpfelmoser (28-Aug-2002)
"This level is quite a change from the creators other fantastic previous levels this level is primarily set outside on a gorgeous sunny beach then it works its way through a wonderful town full of surprises with one of them being the gateway to the dark unnerving caverns that lay beneath it all with deadly enemies and even deadlier traps luckily you get to see the blessed light of day once more as you continue on I found this level both beautiful to look at and explore and also exciting and entertaining to play you won't be sorry if you play this level I guarantee it." - Sash (21-Jun-2002)
"Maybe it is because I usually enjoy coastal-type Levels but I really loved the overall atmosphere of his one and the change from outside to the dark inside setting with the skeletons and the running around in the city scenario. However the difficulty level was surprisingly low and the toughest part for me was actually to find that underwater swim to the Star and in the city complex there is some 'unfinished business' to find when you get up to the roof and reach the 'end of the world' and can look down into a sort of 'behind the scenes-emptiness'. Nevertheless fun level to play so go get it..." - Michael (21-Jun-2002)
"This level looks superb especially the abandoned town which is huge fun to explore. It continues Will Gell's high standard of level designing with good gameplay object placement and a few custom textures thrown in! But the level is not without its fair share of downfalls. Several sections of the level are a bit too dark with a lack of flares if playing this level as a one off instead of part of Will Gell's series. It is not exactly action packed but the puzzles make up for this and the optional opportunity to jump across the rooftops!" - TrueRaider (21-Jun-2002)
"Simply wonderful. A complex and detailed level which contains a lot of new ideas and some great puzzles. From the sea Lara must go to an abandoned city to a hidden underwater area and to a skeleton-ridden final area (very tricky - no grenade launcher again). You *definitely* need the pistol/crossbow and sniper attachment). I loved the changes in mood and texture and the underground areas (especially the large cavern under the city) are superb. I did get a little lost at one point (I hadn't found the golden star) but some searching revealed an area I had hitherto overlooked. It's a massive level (it feels like that anyway) and there is a lot of exploring to do. Loved the flaming brands to carry the falling boulder traps and the pathways to get to the two blue gem keys. Interestingly Lara can actually swim to the limits of the sea and 'see' the final underground area below in the blackness beyond. However the currents can kick in and trap Lara in these outer sea areas and there's not much to find there. The city could/should have had much more to do - more of the buildings could have been openable and explorable maybe (it's such a big area though that maybe it's reached its room limit). Also there are not many pickups in the City - especially on the rooftops which it's possible to get up onto at one point. The shotgun (or was it the pistol) is especially well hidden in the city - I found it by accident while exploring shimmying along rooftops and observing the camera movements. One of the best levels I've played. Very fine indeed." - David (21-Jun-2002)
"This was a fun level to play. Why? I cannot tell you. Why? Because it would spoil it. You really have to try this one out and do not be surprised if certain moments cause you to smile and think: nice one! When you have played it you will know what I mean." - dhama (21-Jun-2002)
"A good little level. Plenty of thinking to do, finding the route to follow. Three main areas to explore, as well as swimming round in the two large lakes. Except for crocs and skeletons and one pig, the enemies are non-existent, the game play however does not seem to suffer. Plenty of atmosphere and semi dark areas, which you can use torches rather than flares, gives the level a good atmosphere. Watch out for the jump/trapdoor sequences, Lara is bound to die at least three times while you work it out. Well worth a play." - Whistle (21-Jun-2002)
"Simply put a (well done) return to Lara's puzzle era. Will Gell has three levels to play with more promised. If you visit his website you can find a single download that has buttoned all three together for your gaming pleasure. For those players that enjoy the puzzles but aren't ready for the shoot-em-ups (Daddy why did you shoot the dog?) this is one to check out!" - MichaelB (21-Jun-2002)
"The level is fine - for me like a mix from Twilight City and Imhotep... And like before Will Gell put the surprise in - my heart was missing a beat...A good gameplay - a lot of fun and nice for your eyes - sun water dark places downstairs and timed platforms...A good texturing and light/shadow better than before. Enemies well fit in - warthog skeletons crocos. I liked the flame emitter that destroys the rope and a boulder falls down - it is good for learning. For me one of the better levels." - Miguel (21-Jun-2002)
"This is the best level from the first five of this series. But the lighting is very dark. The lighting in the sun is better. There are many skeletons and some crocodiles in this level. The textures are very good by the sea. The puzzles are not so hard but I couldn't find the star. One hour later I found it. The atmosphere is good and the gameplay too. I was playing over one hour for this level and I found two secrets. I was ending this level on a ramp downstairs." - Andi Croft (21-Jun-2002)
"Lara starts falling into a deep water area and must find a way up and out. The only thing she must do as she travels upwards is find the crowbar. When I came out after working my way upwards the scene was just breathtaking. This level was pretty straightforward and fun to play. Having just played 'Lost City of Menouthis' I was ready for the author's style in this one. Not a lot of enemies and certainly nothing overwhelming. Going from the bright sunlight water area to the dark tunnel type area was a huge contrast with pits everywhere to catch Lara unawares. Some decent puzzles to solve lots of places to die. More use of the torch than I've seen in awhile but the author thoughtfully provides plenty of them in case you throw one in a spike pit when you're defending yourself against a skeleton. All in all a well-done adventure and quite enjoyable. 1:20 hours for me." - Momster (21-Jun-2002)