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About Tomb Raider
Level Editor
TRLE is a commercial version of the tool used by the
developers of TR to design the TR levels. It is specifically
for use with a special release of the TR4 game, and this is
included on the Level Editor CD. This release is included
with the commercial release of Tomb Raider: Chronicles on a
separate CD-ROM.
It also contains several slighty modified TLR levels and
a Playable Tutorial Level. Included are all the textures,
audio files etc. you need to create your very own TR
adventure! This is a complicated process and a fully
detailed pdf manual is provided to guide you through the
making of the playable tutorial level as well as giving lots
of background info on the level making process (this manual
requires the free Adobe Acrobat reader).
The Editor constructs TLR levels, but you won't be
constrained to TLR textures. Others are available, and you
can even make your own terrain textures. There will also be
a good range of TLR enemies to use in your own unique
levels. This will provide more adventurous Raiders with many
hours of distractions, and a large number of custom levels
are already available on the web.
Most of the PC levels already posted on the web are
playable with the Mac Custom TR game - this gives a great
selection of neat levels. But there are also some Mac
designers and some very good Mac-made levels! Note that many
of the custom levels on the web require converting before
you are able to run them in the game. The advantage is that
the unconverted levels are much smaller than the game-ready
levels, and are a lot faster to download. Check the Mac TRLE
instructions for details on the conversion process, which
isn't very difficult.
There are an enormous number of single custom levels on
the web now, many of which are very well made! There are
also plenty of short TR games comprising several linked
levels. If you thought you'd run out of TR games to play,
then think again - even at October 2003, there are still
good levels being released! However, I won't be able to
provide any gameplay help for downloaded custom levels - for
this you should check out the forums, or contact the author
of the level.
NOTE: Due to time and bandwidth constraints I will
unfortunately not be able to post any user-designed levels
or walkthroughs. I will, however, try to post links to the
best TRLE sites on the web - if you find a good one I've not
included in my Downloads
entry, please let me know the details.
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Walkthroughs
(updated 9 December 2007)
This TRLE download contains the following
walkthrough:
Playable Tutorial Level
Download
the MacRaider Tutorial Level Walkthrough (4k)
Notes - TRLE can be
used to design your own TR levels, which you can then play
using the special edition game included on the Editor CD -
in the Mac version this game is called 'Tomb Raider Level
Player'. You can also download Mac or PC levels from the web
- levels are compatible with both platforms!
This single level is the tutorial level included on the
CD. There are also several other TLR levels included which
differ slightly from the original release in some details,
and aren't necessarily designed to be played as a game (that
won't stop me trying though!) They are intended to be used
as help for designing your own levels. The Playable Tutorial
Level does automatically lead on to 'The Tomb of Seth'
though...
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Hints and
Tips (updated 9 December 2007)
For some notes on the conversion process and some of the
pitfalls you may encounter, go to my Custom
Level info page. This is essential reading for anyone
wanting to download and play custom levels on a Mac
Also, this Gameplay Tips download contains
information on all versions of TR up to TR Chronicles, most
of which is applicable to Mac, PC, and PlayStation! Of
particular interest may be any 'Last Revelation' tips as the
custom levels use the TR 4 game engine so all cheats for TLR
apply here as well ;-)
Topics covered include the Weapons, Enemies, Moves,
Vehicles, Bugs, and Cheats; as well as some Mac-specific
information about watching the FMV's, and a neat way to see
the TRC Main Menu Flyby and Special Features without that
annoying text!
Download
the MacRaider Gameplay Tips (30k ZIP)
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Downloads
(updated 9 December 2007)
Mac Designed
Levels
I try to play every level I'm posting so I can give a
personal opinion, but that may not always be possible. If I
have not played a level I'll say so; otherwise you can
assume I've played the full level!
- 'Duration' mentioned is my savegame time, unless
otherwise indicated - actual play time could be a lot
longer...
- 'Review Rating' refers to ratings of levels by
reviewers on the excellent trle.net
Custom Level Listing site. These ratings fluctuate over
time as reviews are added, so the ratings I give should only
be viewed as a guide - visit the site for current ratings.
They are rated out of a maximum of 10 in 4 categories,
higher (of course) is better! (Please note that these
ratings do not necessarily reflect my own opinion of
a level!)
- Download links are to the level as posted at
trle.net
Custom Level Listing. The site has a good search
function so be sure to go there and find out more about the
authors and levels, and check out the reviews! Note that
authors listed on that site are in alpha order of first name
or nickname.
Atsushi Yamakawa
(Blacksheep)
Author's
Profile at trle.net
|
Another Tutorial Level - The first level from
this author. Despite the title, this one bears no
resemblance to the original Tutorial level and is
an interesting departure from the usual Tutorial
style. Suitable for most players. Quite
straightforward, but good fun none the less.
Duration about 40 min. | Review Rating
6.0
Download
this level (Zip, approx 2.5 MB)
Skeleton's Palace - The second level from
this author is based on the Coastal wads. It shows
good design skills development, and introduces some
nice, and unusual, puzzles. This is a more
difficult level than the first and should suit
those players who have medium level playing skills,
or a beginner who wants a challenge.
Duration about 50 min. | Review Rating
7.3
Download
this level (Zip, approx 800 K)
Heathen Temple - This author's third
level is based on the Karnak wads. It is a very
nice looking 'desert ruins' level with some good
puzzles and plenty of interesting areas to explore.
The author has included lots of of visual links
between areas, thus allowing the player to get
glimpses of later rooms. There is also a good
'flooding' puzzle which shows careful attention to
detail. A medium difficulty level, but not too
difficult for beginners who want a challenge. (Note
- save some revolver ammo as it's required to
complete the level!)
Duration about 75 min. | Review Rating
8.0
Download
this level (Zip, approx 1.0 MB)
Out of Curiosity - Atsushi's fourth level
features the Young Lara, and is one of the best of
this genre to be released! It is based on modified
Coastal wads and is a more polished effort than his
first three, and a lot of fun! Lara has to
negotiate a difficult environment, with no
protection from some dangerous enemies but her
wits. Remember that there are more ways of
disposing of bad guys than blasting them out of
existence! There are some devious secrets, one of
which requires some practice and skill to acquire,
and another which requires some lateral thinking.
You will need to carefully explore all the areas
you find yourself in to make it to the end as all
may not be obvious at first glance. Be sure to save
as much health as possible - unless you find all
the secrets you might get very low on health by the
end! This is not an easy level to complete and I'd
recommend it for more experienced players.
Duration 90+ minutes | Review Rating 8.5
Download
this level (Zip, approx 9.4 MB)
Night School - The fifth level from this
author continues the 'Young Lara' theme, with a
concept I don't recall seeing before - Lara is
trapped in a school and must open the main gates to
get out! Not as simple as it sounds... The school
building is nicely realised and a lot of exploring
is necessary before Lara can go home! However,
there are a couple of problems regarding the single
secret in the level, which is very difficult to get
- download
these tips (2k ZIP) if you're finding it too
difficult! This level has some tricky jumps and
although otherwise not too difficult (apart from
the secret) may be beyond a beginner.
Duration 45+ minutes | Review Rating 7.5
Download
this level (Zip, approx 6.3 MB)
The Thing In The Cellar - The sixth level
from Atsushi is set in a wonderfully complex and
realistic castle, where Lara has to find yet
another artifact while dodging The Thing! I tested
this and found it to be a solid challenge so it's
not a level for beginners. Watch out for a very
tricky 'Asian' jump (a jump using precise angles to
skip over an edge), a race to beat a guard reaching
a switch (similar to a place in TR3 Area 51,
although this time it's not essential to beat him),
and a tightly timed Motorcycle section (that is one
of the more difficult timed runs I've seen). This
level is for an experienced player.
Duration around 90 minutes | Review Rating
8.9
Download
this level (Zip, approx 12.8 MB)
The Thing In The Cellar Revised - This
update has had a number of changes and now has two
different endings, and it doesn't have the very
tight timed Motorcycle run. I've not played it yet
so I can't comment except to say that the reviewers
have given it the thumbs-up!
Duration probably around 90 minutes | Review Rating
9.0
Download
this level (Zip, approx 13.1 MB)
|
maxx
Author's
Profile at trle.net
|
Nethermore Castle - This is the first level
from this author, and it's a stunning debut! From
the moment it loads you know it's going to be one
of the spookiest and most atmospheric levels out
there! The lighting, map, textures, and audio are
very evocative of a haunted night time castle, and
for once a darker lighting level is totally
appropriate, and even enhances the gameplay! A
medium+ difficulty level requiring careful
exploration of this wonderful castle. Highly
recommended, and well worth the large download
(which contains the game-ready TR4 file, and the
custom audio files which add so much to the
atmosphere of the level).
Duration about 75+ min. | Review Rating
9.0
Download
this level (15.8 MB Zip)
|
Mirai
Author's
Profile at trle.net
|
Tomb Raider Tokyo 1: Studio UMMO - This is
Mirai's first level, and is the result of an
experiment at building a copy of his own apartment.
Of course I don't know how accurate it is, but it
does look very realistic and mostly the proportions
look lifelike (with a couple of notable exceptions
;-) It doesn't have much in the way of gameplay -
just look through, check out the disco (and turn it
on to get the visual effects), find the secret spot
and head to the somewhat less likely 'basement'. If
you like you can ride the motorcycle through the
apartment, but do it before opening the basement
trapdoor entry! Suitable for beginners.
Duration about 20+ min if you look around | Review
Rating 5.4
Download
this level (13.1 MB Zip)
Tomb Raider Tokyo 9: Grand Lodge/Dark
Lair - Now this is a far greater challenge!
Long a classic with the reviewers at the
www.trle.net site, and well worthy of the
reputation. This is a two level extravaganza,
although the second level is quite short (but very
spectacular!) The first level 'Grand Lodge' is set
in a Lodge, with wonderful architecture, and is
very atmospheric. The place is dimly lit, and at
the start you can see rain 'through' the window.
Lara's footsteps echo, and set the mood for an
engaging game. The second level 'Dark Lair' isn't
all that dark really, with the shadowy areas well
set off by the lighting. It's a short level set
mostly in a single, rather dangerous, room with
several manifestations of Ammut, the composite
monster from the Scale Puzzle rooms at the end of
Last Revelation. This game is medium+ difficulty,
but worth checking out for less experienced
players, if only for the great atmosphere! (When I
played this game the second level wouldn't load at
the end of the first - if this happens, you can
play the second level by renaming it 'tut1.tr4' and
running it with the original Script files,
selecting 'Playable Tutorial Level' at the New Game
menu. You won't have much in your inventory this
way, but if you're careful you shouldn't need
it.)
Duration about 75 min. | Review rating
9.2
Download
this level (36 MB Zip)
|
Chris-Craig Michaels (Cbl)
Author's
Profile at trle.net
|
Indus Valley: The Baths of Harappa - for
those of you who, like me, have fond memories of
the TR3 India levels, this one should provide a lot
of fun. It has a very nicely designed map with a
central jungle area including some tree climbing,
along with several interesting side areas. Lots of
places to explore! The jungle and ruins are
convincingly put together and textured, and the
feel is further enhanced with several watery areas.
Unlike some others the author has resisted the
temptation to scatter heaps of undergrowth around
which, although looking good, impedes Lara's
movements, so the ground isn't too cluttered here.
There are plenty of challenges, including some
tricky jumps and well placed bad guys (most of the
monkeys are friendly ;-) and at one point it's
necessary to find a way into the trees carrying a
burning torch! The side areas aren't
straightforward to access, and good fun when you
get to them. However, as most of the side areas can
be accessed in any order, it is necessary to do
some exploring to work out what happens next. And
it's possible to get yourself into a position
resulting in Lara being unable complete the level
(by trying to swim with the torch, thus losing it),
so don't jump into deep water with the torch! As
usual, it's a good idea to save in a new slot
regularly, just in case! Cameras are mostly well
done, with some nice fixed cameras and flybys to
help you along. This level is intended to be the
first of a series, and I'm looking forward to the
next one! Not an easy level so more suited to
experienced players.
Duration over 1 hr depending on the exploring |
Review rating 8.3
Download
this level (16.25 MB Zip)
|
Due to bandwidth restraints I am unable to post any
levels. However, let me know if you'd like a link to
your Mac levels included here (similar to the above
entries). PLEASE DON'T SEND ANY LEVELS OR SCREENSHOTS! Email
me with the name of the level, a short description, and the
download URL only - no exceptions! Some of the sites listed
below might also be able to post details and links to your
own levels. Check on the sites for more information.
Remember that if you want PC gamers to play them as well,
you'll need to post Zip archives which can be used on both
Mac and PC.
I won't be rating any levels, but I will try to play all
those I post, and include a short comment. I can't accept
any responsibility for any problems you may have with any
levels I link to - this is the responsibility of the level's
designer, so contact them with your questions and
comments.
Top Download
Sites
(My TRLE
Custom Levels page is dedicated to Mac issues regarding
the downloading, conversion, and playing of custom levels!
This includes details and fixes for most problems you're
likely to encounter!)
Essential site
- trle.net
has a great listing! These include the file type and size of
the download, as well as a reviewer rating and separate
reviews for nearly all the levels posted. Note that not
all levels are Mac compatible, especially if they use
the patched tomb4.exe PC game (although some of these will
run on a Mac - it depends on what features have been
activated).
Eidos
Interactive Download page has some extra Editor WAD and
TGA (texture) files to download. These may be needed to
convert some custom levels, or for extra textures to use in
your own projects.
Forums
There's an excellent forum at trle-community.net.
There's info there on troubleshooting and gameplay help for
many custom levels! If you've come to a grinding halt in a
level, check there first as the answer may already be
posted! Or you might like to make your own submission...
The Official
Tomb Raider site has a forum.
If you know of another good TRLE site, please let me know
- I'll consider including it here.
Back to top
Game
Bugs
As custom levels are designed by many different people
with widely varying levels of expertise, you can expect to
find the occasional bug. Also, playing PC designed levels on
a Mac does result in the occasional bug not seen if played
on a PC - a typical one of this type is a freeze caused by a
game trigger, like a trigger to activate bad guys, which
hangs the Mac for some as yet unknown reason. Another, this
time common to both Mac and PC, is the 'flare bug', which
results from an author designing too many active flame
emitters into a level.
These are only a couple of examples. There is a lot more
detail on custom level issues of all types on my 'Playing
Custom Levels' page - essential reading for anyone
playing custom levels on a Mac!
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