Level reviews

"Okay, now this is what you call a remake sort of thing. While some of the gameplay and areas remain faithful to the original one, there were some new things added here and there. The atmosphere looks nicer with the lights and shadows added. The new sounds of Lara's pistols are good as well, but I have to say, what were those raptors doing in the Tibet? And why did they sound as if they were made of metal?! Aside from that, I think it's good for an attempt at an actual remake." - alan

"This is a very competently made re-creation of the original TR2 level and certainly has the nostalgia factor going for it. It's not an exact replica in terms of gameplay (and the original yetis have been replaced with raptors, which seem far less appropriate enemies), but the look of the various areas will be immediately familiar. If you fancy a shortish stroll down memory lane this is well worth a look at." - Jay

"This is a 40 minute decent reinterpretation of the Catacombs of Talion level from TR2. I vividly remember having a hard time figuring out the original level, even trying fruitlessly yo jump onto the bridge that spans the main area. Lighting and texturing are decent, although the ambient loop got a bit wearying. Also a shame that no TR2 music was used, which could have enhanced the atmosphere further. A pleasant stroll down memory lane." - Ryan

"As a remake, this attempt at the Catacombs of Talion level from TR2 is admirable in how it not only manages to preserve a lot of the original TR2 design, but at the same time, adding enough new elements in order to keep things fresh(such as different puzzles involving collection of keys to open doors and pulling regular wall/jump switches or rearrangements of certain items in different locations.) Texturing and a lot of the objects are the exact same quality as the original TR2 version of the level(whether that's a good or bad thing is up to the respective players) and lighting is handled relatively well, adding a lot to the authenticity of the remake and the overall atmosphere as a whole. There are a few minor criticisms I have towards this re-release however. The enemies from the original TR2 version of the level have been completely scrapped and replaced with different types of opponents(such as velociraptors or sharks), which feel quite out-of-place for this type of environment. The music also lacks any actual tracks from TR2, instead relaying on a sole ambiance track from TR3(which, while quite fitting), kind of robs this remake of its own identity slightly. And the camerashots triggered(upon using a switch), end much too quickly for the player to instantly know where the next door they opened up is and requires either a walkthrough or a very quick keen eye for certain details when attempting to figure out what the camerashots are failing to show you properly. Overall though, this is still a rather well-done remake and one that you should definitely try out, whether you're a nostalgic veteran or not." - Ceamonks890

"Of all Tijay's levels,this one is undoubtedly the least frustrating from a 'doing things in a way otherwise unintended by the author' perspective (although there are almost certainly one or two occasions when this could easily occur);but it irritates all the same with the continuous (and often downright confusing) back-and-forth gameplay,which often has you running from pillar to post in a highly convoluted and frustrating fashion.The enemy placement keeps things zippy though (I especially enjoyed the re-textured tin men);and there is no faulting the lighting nor the texturing,which is well above par and goes a long way to creating much needed atmosphere.I spent 75 minutes here,but this level could probably be finished in half the time with the aid of the Walkthrough." - Orbit Dream

"I always liked the Nepal levels of TR2 and therefore thought to give this one a try. It sure is a well-crafted remake and the game play is very similar to the original with a few differences here and there. The enemies are completely different as there are no yetis or snow leopards, but plenty of raptors and sharks. Since there are changes in the game play, the builder added welcomed camera hints to the switches and levers, but they were flash-like and therefore it was almost impossible to determine what was actually happening. The atmosphere was decent with a good choice of background track, although I wish there would have been a little bit of variety. The texturing was all low resolution TR2 and very authentic. The lighting was nicely done and the builder provided plenty of flares for the dark areas. I was a little disappointed with the dark yeti room" with the cages, as I remembered it to be somewhat scary and intense in TR2, but it turns out to be rather harmless in this version. Anyhow, if you liked TR2, you'll definitely enjoy this one. (40min, 4 secrets)" - Blue43

"When I found the first raptor I was shooting it for a very long time (was it immortal?) I get bored and I had to use the trsgeditor (I hate this) to get a powerful weapon. The remake is good with some missed rooms and few variations like the new enemies or some tasks, but I didn't like the unmarked climbable walls, there are no musics and the cameras were useless 'cause in my game only appeared for 1 milisecond and I couldn't see anything. Even so the game is enjoyable, good for those nostalgic TR2 players like me." - Jose

"The only tr2 remake level I have seen so far. The author has done a great job to get it right. Some things have changed like the yetis, masks etc. Also some ways have been deleted and new has been created. Still the author has managed to capture the feeling of this masterpiece of a level and everything else is there! 2005-05-29" - QRS

"Indeed this is a remake of the excellent level Catacombs of Talion from TR2. Not much change - I mean the gameplay is like the old one only the enemies are different but it's still a cool level that is worth to be played again." - Yoav

"This is a remake and although everything will look familiar watch out as there are some things done differently in this level. The enemies are different as you will encounter raptors sharks SAS men in their winter outfit and some invisible tinman. Didn't know if I should shoot them but the first one I encountered made it very clear that he was up to no good. Had a hard time locating that underwater switch and the fire puzzle is not the same so be aware. Also getting on that bridge was a bit of an ordeal as it isn't obvious at all that you could climb a wall. This level could use some camera work as you do need to travel back and fro a bit. There are some nice traps and like in the original version this was as creepy. Found 4 secrets. 01-05-2003" - Gerty

"For what I hear there is an original level with this title but I haven't played all the original games yet so I wouldn't know. It looks nice though with an icy setting and cave like. Lara in her camouflage outfit finds three keys has to avoid snowballs sharks and a few men in white to reach the end. The rope confused me for a while near the end and there were some snowballs that didn't drop. You can just jump to a slope and climb the wall so the rope was totally unnecessary. I found four golden skulls and I saw a trapdoor open near the start I never found also some other doors didn't open as I found no switch for them. It was fun for the one hour it lasted." - Kristina

"This level is one of my favourites! It is a remake of the Catacombs Of Talion from TR2. It is the same atmosphere from the original. The textures were applied beautifully and new enemies including the raptors and the soldiers. The yeti's were gone but didn't make that much difference. I found a bug which was rather strange. When a camera was shown there was a quick look and just a flick without the cameras I was searching for doors. It took me just over an hour to finish. The large areas were created perfect and the background music felt really tomb raider 2ish :) Overall this level is a good remake and deserves some credit! I would say an 8 out of 10!" - TombRaiderFan

"A nice remake with thrills aplenty that kept me entertained for almost an hour and it brought back fond memories as this was the first level where I backflipped from a ladder into the unknown. The setting is well done but as the layout is copied from the original it can't get full marks for gameplay textures or atmosphere. My only complaint is that the cutscenes you get (if you get one at all) are just a flicker that don't tell you anything and as there are many doors that stay closed you are bound to do some fruitless searching for a new opening. A useless rope and some mysterious breakaway tiles add to the confusion. Otherwise the gameplay is fairly fluent the new enemies blend in rather well and the four secrets I found were not that hard to spot." - Dimpfelmoser

"This level is like the TR2 one but with a difference gone are the yeti's and snow cats they are replaced with raptors white soldiers and invisible tin men. A lot of the gameplay is the same but there are a few differences in the way you progress like new levers to pull and trapdoors also there are is a key which replaces one of the masks. The puzzle with the gates and pushable block has been changed and instead of a timed exit to the level like old one there is another climb to make another key to find and more levers to pull and an underwater area with sharks to discover which was nice. I enjoyed this level more then the TR2 one as there are add-ons in gameplay which make it more enjoyable to play. In terms of texture and atmosphere it was just like the TR2 one only better. I found 3 secrets some in the same places as the one in TR2 some not. Great level get it now!" - John

"From what I've read about Tijay's other levels (none of which I've tried yet) I expected a daunting experience when I downloaded and started playing his latest release. But either I'm starting to get the hang of this Tomb Raider stuff or Tijay decided to give us nepophytes a break on this one. The gameplay is fun and challenging without being too tough on the new player. I especially enjoyed the sense of deja vu in the apparently intentional effort to emulate the look of TR2. I recommend this level for experienced and new players alike." - Phil

"Another almost perfect remake of an original level this being one of the yeti levels from TR2. The only difference between this one and the original are the use of enemies raptors instead of yetis invisible horsemen and sharks although not hammerheads the puzzle where you have to melt an ice pool with the use of tipping over a bowl of molten hot liquid and the placement of the exit. I really enjoyed the original and I enjoyed this version I did however mark it low in some aspects because it is a remake but that doesn't mean it isn't a fun level as it definitely is. I finished it in 50 minutes with 4 golden skull secrets found and a few grey hairs added because of a very non obvious climbing wall that took me ages to find so that I could reach the bridge." - Sash

"Thankfully I had almost no recollection of the original TR2 level which was the basis for this remake so I could full enjoy the beauty of it in the snowy atmosphere with many raptors roaming about sharks in the water SAS clad in white and rather strange invisible tin men. The modified sound is great as is the AK-47 (near one of the four golden skull secrets I found) and the falling icycles and the rolling snowballs. The main issue I had that progression was sometimes far from obvious with climbing walls not textured as such and the occasional key just lying around somewhere but all in all a fabulous adventure that lasted almost an hour for me." - Michael

"As a tribute to the original Catacombs of the Talion from Tomb Raider 2 this is a very well thought out level. It is similar enough to bring back fond memories of that great game yet different enough to keep you guessing and indeed tearing your hair out. My only real complaint is that you could do things out of order which meant that certain things that should happen would not because you had inadvertently skipped that crucial stage and forged ahead because the design of the level permitted it. Hence it became very confusing and indeed quite frustrating. Also keep a sharp watch for essential items as some are not easy to spot and you can pass them by a dozen times without realising they are there." - Torry

"An incredible remake of the TR2 level! Well if you think a TR2 walkthrough will work with this level you're wrong -- I tried this :). Until the point after the two giant doors in the main area it works fine but after that it turns into a custom level! I spent a lot of time trying to figure what would be next then I looked for some help. I should find a key (actually not hidden just too hard to find) and then shimmy Lara through a room. But Lara wouldn't shimmy it and then I cheated. In fact Lara really should do it then she would get to the keyhole to open a door that in the original level was triggered in its same room. Not here. There are some new areas raptors replacing the leopards arctic SAS replacing the mercenaries and 4 secrets instead of three. I think it's well worth the download both for TR2 fans as for icy levels fans :)." - Treeble

"Tijay did a wonderful job not only recreating the original level but adding enough new puzzles and enemies to almost make it a whole new level. The differences between this and the original level were quite surprising and had me confused more than once as I searched for a key tried to open a door or tried to find my way onto the bridge in the main cavern all while avoiding spikes boulders icicles and even an elemental. The enemies are just as challenging this time only they are invisible horsemen raptors sharks and soldiers dressed entirely in white instead of yeti leopards and mercenaries. I found four skull secrets in my travels and plenty of pickups and weapons including the AK-47 I found in a pushable block puzzle. Fun to play whether or not you've played the original." - RaiderGirl

"A very good remake from a TR2-Level. I couldn't remember the details from the original so for me it was like a new custom level so I rate for the fun I had with this game. The weapons are cool with a special sound also the AK 47 was nice stay on the fire button one second and the soldiers fall quickly. There were a lot of raptors also with good sound effects. It's very important that you play the new revised version without bugs because the gameplay is very different now. I have found 4 secrets (skulls) and played about 1:20 hours. Nice one to play!" - Freeman Porter

"As a TR2 fan I prefer especially the Tibet levels so this one made me feel at home instantly. The dinos and sharks first seemed a bit strange to me in such a snowy area - but why not try something new? The camera bug is a bit annoying but it's a technical problem of the level editor (I know this problem for building levels myself). The sound of the pistols was great very realistic! But I still wonder what was the rope good for ..." - Sheevah

"A cleverly reworked TR2 level with raptors & sharks added. Gameplay similar to the TR2 level but nothing too challenging. I got a bit confused as there were not any flybys when you activated switches and had to hunt around to see which door opened. Sound effects were really great the revolver sounded really real! Worth a download especially if you are a TR2 fan." - Grayboy

"If you have played TR2 you will recognise Level 13 if not it is an ice level. The outlay looks familiar but it has some changes too. First you don't meet Yetis and leopards but raptors and invisible knights or so. Second the rooms are slightly different too. Other enemies are white soldiers sharks (rather tame ones) and ice wraith. You have to collect keys and weapons and other goodies. I found the sound or sentence of the weapon after killing something rather annoying. It took me about 55 minutes to finish the game and I found 3 Golden Skulls (secrets). I think it could be an interesting level rather for beginners." - Monika

"It seems that this level is a remake of TR2. I have never played TR2 so my rating may be a little different than other reviewers. Anyway I think that Talion2 is better than the original for the texturing and sounds as we are in 2002. The textures are very well chosen and the atmosphere is great. Different kind of enemies (raptors white soldiers almost invisible tinmen nice sharks) but it is not a shooting level. Beginners can play this level and have a great fun because it's not a difficult one except maybe for finding the climbable wall to go on the bridge after using the rope. Thanks Herr Tijay you have given me so much pleasure with your level and I know I will play it again." - eRIC