Mute2Conversations

Nice looking site, Marluxia! I'll have to be sure to send you my haiku that won me GOL--or do you have that already?

Thanks, EldinSuper! AAGH! You are all seeing this, right? They've changed the layout of LaraCroftOnline! I was so confused! I don't know if I really like it. It is harder on the eyes, I think. But I'll give it a try. I'm not always open to changes.

Thank you, Stella! It is a great feeling! Now for the real challenge: job interviews! I love taking walks! I love being in bright sunshine! That is one nice thing about Florida! Of course, the oppressive heat and humidity is a detractor...and the allergens and bugs. But nice blue sky and sunshine is a perk! I'm glad I never moved to a place that has gray skies all the time. We get them occasionally in the winter here, and I have to say they really depress me. Anyway, GOL.... LEVEL 12: STRONGHOLD PASSAGE I love the soundtrack in this level, which is the Kazakhstan level music from Legends. There are several things I will have to remember to look at in Stella's walkthrough. In this section, for instance--how to get that floating red skull...actually, I did get an idea of how to get it, but only after finishing the level. I love the rocket launcher! It took me forever to get the spikey ball across the lava pit--you know, where you have to bomb it to the pedestal, then to the other side. I had a problem finding the last ball. Then I realized I hadn't went up one set of stairs. Time: 1:10:57 I rested the ball on the pedestal. I had 0 points (I died a lot). I stepped on the three spider tiles (which I couldn't find the last time I played). 1/2 Weapons, 1/2 Relics, 1/2 artifacts, 6/6 power-ups LEVEL 13: THE MIRRORS WAKE First time I played this, I sang Christmas carols. It reminded me of Christmas a bit--you know, because it was snowing. It was snowing fiery ash, but it was snowing. With the first puzzle, I don't know how they expected you to solve it. I solved it by stepping on the pad, then stepped off and threw spears at the pillar as it went up. Then I jumped on the spears to get to the top. I wish I hadn't increased the difficulty. I did finish, but I'm too stressed out to appreciate challenges at the moment. For once, Totec does appear to be useful when he offers to take care of the three lava dinosaurs. I was glad. One lava dinosaur was enough for me! 1:02:10 was my time. I broke two shields with a truck. 96,150 points. 1/2 Weapons, 0/2 relics, 1/4 artifacts, 2/4 pickups. LEVEL 14: XOLOTLS STRONGHOLD Some of my pointers that I had written down when I first played the game didn't seem to apply the second time around, possibly because I had increased the difficulty. When Big Ugly was crouching over and shooting sparks at the very last, it wasn't quite as easy for me to approach him and take him out. While I lost some health last time, this was the best thing to do because it killed him faster. This time, I couldn't get up to him without dying, so I used the rocket launcher. I finished in 58:01 minutes. I unlocked both the heavy jungle and Legend outfits. I still like the game very much, but it was a mistake to increase the difficulty when I wasn't in the mood to be challenged. However, I think I won't go back to get what I failed to get the first time around. It is fun playing with you all, but I really want to play Legends now. And are you still thinking about doing TR3 at the end of the month, Stella?

I like the game. I wouldn't be happy if they used the view in all TR games from now on, but I didn't mind it once I got used to it. If you are big into role playing and story development (with character interaction) only, then you may be disappointed. However, it has all the other Tombraider qualities. Weapons, very tough baddies, even tougher boss fights, puzzles (my favorite part of the game), and hidden pick-ups to find. The view is good for the type of game it is. I think because it was designed to be co-op, they made it smaller so that you could view a larger area. I haven't played co-op. I'm using my experience with the Lego games, which have a similar layout. One problem in earlier Lego games is that the characters would pull each other if they went too far away from each other, and this made battling difficult. In the later games, they resolved this issue by splitting the screen--which took some getting used to. Downloads on Xbox 360 take forever! However, I have played the game twice and loved it! It is one of them I would list as a favorite, though I haven't played all of them just yet.

Well, I haven't been on in a while. I was busy GRADUATING! I made it! Despite wanting to quit at least four times during this medical coding course, I stuck to my vow not to quit! I didn't realize what a terrible quitter I was until I was 34 years old, and by then--I had done a lot of quitting. I couldn't figure out why people who had less going for them managed to succeed where I didn't. I entertained quite a few conspiracy theories. Then the obvious hit me...they succeeded because they hadn't quit! So, I decided to be a plugger! And I did it! I think my gaming has improved after adopting the same philosophy. Anyway, time to catch up! LEVEL 6: TOXIC SWAMP I will have to read Stella's walkthrough, because I couldn't solve the first puzzle the second time around either. I cannot get that ball to jump to the higher level--even though I've done it in other puzzles. I really liked shooting the spikey ball with the grenade launcher--in that puzzle where there is a spikey ball surrounded by wooden stakes...and you have to get it into the fire pit. That is Lara's version of pool! To our teenage friends, this proves that there is a use for geometry! I completed it in 1:11:25. 434,150 pts. I collected the skulls. I cleared the maze without taking poison damage. 2/2 Weapons, 2/2 relics, 1/4 artifacts, 3/6 powerups. LEVEL 7: FLOODED PASSAGE Spikey balls are also good for protecting you from spike traps and destroying them! I managed to get the third gem on the wall that I wasn't able to get the first time I played. This is the first time you see the regenerating skeleton dudes. Grenade launcher is good against them. You have to be careful in this level of what you blow up. Some of it is needed to collect something...for instance, a vase in one of the puzzles helps you reach a red skull. Of course, there might be other ways to get it. As a general rule, I prefer using the spears than the grapple. I don't find the grapple very easy to use in this game. It seems to me that Big Ugly really doesn't like the darkness. He is always bellyaching about it. It seems strange, since he is the god of evil and darkness. But maybe he didn't choose to be the god of evil and darkness. Maybe it was circumstances. Maybe his mom took one look at him and said, "Big Ugly, you are too d@#* ugly to be a god of arts and crafts! You have to be the god of evil and destruction!" Maybe all Big Ugly wants is a pink room with a ruffled bedspread, Hello Kitty decorations, and one of those little dogs that have to take their owner's anti-anxiety pills every fourth of July or they pee themselves senseless. I could actually picture him being that way. LEVEL 8: JAWS OF DEATH You know, when you play video games, you have to suspend reality a little bit. In reality, Lara probably couldn't jump so well if she had triple D's. I know her appearance has been an issue in the past...but I tell you, you can't think too far on this one. You can't get too realistic, no matter how endowed she is, because it will definitely destroy the illusion. For instance, Lara always looks good. Every so often, you'll see a bit of mud streaked on her legs or maybe some blood. But no matter what she has went through, she looks good. No sweat rings under her arms. No bruises. Her hair doesn't even get mussed up. In reality, I doubt she would look so good. I also doubt--particularly in Level 8 of GOL--she would look or smell so good. Let's face it, Lara sometimes hangs out in some pretty funky places. Really, she would be quite disgusting in both sight and smell if Eidos chose to be that realistic. I'm certain she got bits of big mutant fishy sprayed on her. Then there is the spider splatter. Aside from this philosophy, not much to report on this level. Collected the skulls. 6:49 was the time. 1/3 artifacts. LEVEL 9: TWISTING BRIDGE I knocked the shield off a demon. I still could not bomb the rolling fire--another thing I will have to look up in Stella's walkthrough. 125,950 pts. 46:36 time. 1/2 weapons, 1/2 relics, 1/2 artifacts, 2/4 powerups. LEVEL 10: FIERY DEPTHS My second favorite level. Time: 41:31. 60,300 pts. 1/2 weapons, 2/2 relics, 1/3 artifacts, 3/6 powerups. I didn't record my achievements, if there were any. I was getting irritable right before I graduated. I was also stressed out because I was facing situations, now that I'm preparing to be the major bread earner, I had never faced. You are never too old to experience something new. And I am beginning to lose hope that I will ever have all the answers like I thought adults were supposed to get. I didn't have them when I became an adult, but I thought maybe I'd get them in the middle of my life. Oh, well....Anyway, at this point, I hated everything--even Tombraider. LEVEL 11: BELLY OF THE BEAST I really hate this level! I didn't unlock the rocket launcher right away, and it takes FOREVER to kill the lava dinosaur with a grenade launcher! You get so tired, that even if you successfully avoid getting hit with fire balls or stomped on, sometimes you fall into the lava. This level almost made me quit the group play. I had completed the game once before, but I had upped the difficulty this time. It seemed I was never going to defeat the monster. And the bug I had discovered, which I mentioned in an earlier post, still holds true. There is a save in the middle, but if you stop there, the life bar of the dinosaur disappears and you can't kill it! Fortunately, I did unlock the rocket launcher today--and that did make easy work of the dinosaur. I completed it in 13:09. 2/2 weapons, 1/3 artifacts. I stepped on all the platforms.

@Shrensh--I didn't encounter that in that particular level, but something similar happened to me in a much later level. I forgot the name. Maybe Stella will remember, since I did write her. Anyway, there is a lava T-rex. There is a save in the middle of the game. If you stop there and reload, the health meter for the dinosaur disappears--and you can't kill it. You have to finish this level from start to finish, even though there is a save in the middle. Of course, maybe it doesn't happen all the time. I don't know. LEVEL 4: THE SUMMONING This part of the game gave me a good idea either for a contest or a forum game! Seeing Big Ugly awaken that stone T-rex, I was feeling rather Christmasy. I was thinking about the "Twelve Days of Xmas"--except instead of a partridge in a pear tree...it is a stone dinosaur. I always feel like singing Xmas songs at any other time except December! Anyway, I was thinking--around December maybe we should have a contest or a forum game where we redo Xmas carols in a Tombraider theme. The Twelve Days of Tombraider...doesn't that have a nice ring? I was rather disappointed that Totec didn't stick around in single play. I was hoping it would be like the way it was in Lego games, where you have the option of switching characters. Totec seems to be very good at avoiding the heavy action, it seems to me. Maybe there is a good reason why he was the only one that survived the battle with Big Ugly. Maybe he said, "You guys go on ahead...uh, I'll join you in a minute. I forgot my cell phone." How is he in the co-op game? He's certainly not a cheerful Charlotte either. He's a real negative Nancy. "Oh, we will never make it in time! You can't possibly survive!" I got 8050 points in this level. I did it in 12:00. I collected all 10 skulls. I destroyed all the columns. I found 2/3 artifacts. LEVEL 5: FORGOTTEN GATE I think this may be one of my favorite levels. I loved the ball puzzle! Oddly enough, though, I don't have much to say about it. I got 122,750 points. I collected all ten skulls. I did it in 55:53. I got all the ball into the main room. I managed to bomb the ball onto the pedestal. I got 1/2 weapons, 1/2 relics, 2/3 artifacts, and 6/6 powerups.

I hope nobody minds me double posting, but I always worry that it will get too long, though I don't have much to say about either level. LEVEL 3--SPIDER TOMB My first impression, "Dang! This place has a real bad spider infestation!" I thought I could hear Lara sigh and roll her eyes, "Duh, idiot! That is why it is called the Spider Tomb!" Yeah...Lara almost got herself thrown off a ledge for that one. I do not appreciate attitude. I used bombs to take care of the spiders, but I don't think I got as many points for them. I was angry when I didn't notice the spikey ball in one area right away. Of course, when you are being swarmed on all sides--it is hard to use the spikey ball to your advantage. And one thing I neglected to mention in the other post--you have to be careful with the big guys and the ones that shoot energy balls. They can make the spikey ball roll back on Lara and injure her. However, it turns out that spikey balls can kill anything--though some enemies are more challenging than others. It doesn't matter how big they are. And you get more points for it. I even killed one of the big, ugly kilt guys. I wasn't able to open the gate for one of the puzzle challenges. I'm certain I did before. I must have neglected to do something. The bridge--oh, my god! That drove me crazy the first time I did it. I could not figure out what you were supposed to do. I saw the dynamite finally on top of the spiked roller--but I couldn't figure out how to access it. I thought you had to jump to it. Lara died often. Then, out of frustration, I just started shooting aimlessly. I didn't expect that to help--so you can imagine my surprise when it did. I can't tell you how often aimless shooting has helped me in video games. My time: 32:05. Points were low--81,700. I did the hole in one. I did the 12 leaps (died several times--I don't think Lara was ever into jump roping, despite being a jock). I defeated the spider queen. I collected the red skulls. Weapons 1/2, relics 0/2, artifacts 3/4, and powerup 3/4.

@Stella--hope you feel better! @Shrensh--I don't agree with Marluxia15. I think the score does change according to the weapon you use. For instance, with the spiders--when I use the spear, they are usually 500 a piece. However, when I use the spikey ball, the score doubles. I could be wrong, but I'm certain I was seeing that. And when I used a bomb to kill the spiders, I'm sure it was 100 a piece. Can anyone back this up? LEVEL 2--TEMPLE GROUNDS How can big, fat kilt guys punch through walls without knocking the wall down? They injure Lara. I guess that is one of those scientific laws in gamer land. I'm learning new things playing the second time around. Of course, I am also missing some things I didn't the first time around . But eventually it will all come together--and I need to download Stella's walkthrough. One thing I learned--spikey balls are very efficient killing weapons, and I am certain that using them doubles your kill points. I was wondering what they were there for--because not all of them in the beginning have a function. Later, they are sometimes used to plug up fire pots and in challenges. I also used one in this level to jump on so I could throw a spear higher, which I jumped on to access a red skull. Like the spider pot challenge, if you fall in the water in the challenge to cross the river without touching the water...if you do fall in mid-way, simply go back to the first block you jump on and try again. You will get the achievement. I fell several times and went back, and I got the achievement. Thank god for the map--it is easy to get lost in this level. I neglected to blow up one of the trucks. Total time: 1:17:45. I collected all 10 skulls. I crossed the river without touching the water on my fifth try. I defeated the giant lizard very easily by rolling it over with a spikey ball. I got 254,350 points. Weapons 3/4, Relics 2/2, Artifacts 2/4, Power-ups 6/8.

LEVEL 1: TEMPLE OF LIGHT First of all, I love the music and the intro of the menu. I know the music is recycled--and the music at the beginning is the same music that was played in Lara's Shadow towards the end. However, it makes me feel like I'm at a play--that exciting feeling when the lights darken and the orchestra starts up. The music sometimes starts out faint, even hesitant, and then it swells until it engulfs the whole theater. Though it is nice when there are new things introduced, I did really love the soundtrack from Legends and didn't mind hearing it again. It was nostalgic. The dialogue at the very beginning was rather comic bookish, and I remember the first time I played the game I was like: . However, it allowed an opportunity for Lara to display her wit. Ah, Totec. Typical man. Always running off ahead of you. The controls are awkward at first, particularly aiming weapons. I don't like that I can't turn Lara easily. She points in one direction, and it is hard to make slight adjustments. The smaller scale also initially annoyed me. It can be hard to see at times, though it gives you a larger view of the land. I worried it would distance me from the game, but I got into it very quickly. While I wouldn't want all the games to be designed like this, I don't mind it in this one. It is easier to role play when Lara is more at your eye level, and you see things more from her perspective. I liked destroying arrow traps! When Totec offered his spear, and Lara said she was certain she could find a use for it...I was thinking, "Yeah. She can scratch her butt with it maybe. " Actually, it turned out to be extremely useful. It was my weapon of choice throughout most of the game until I got the grenade launcher--which was good against enemies in later levels. What I like about the spear is that you can use it to climb. I don't know if you all know this, but in the Spider pot achievement--even if you fall to the ground during jumping...if you start over from the beginning, you can still get the achievement. By the way, since I confuse Xolotl's name with the drug Zoloft, I have nicknamed him Big Ugly. So when I say Big Ugly, you know who I mean--even though there are other creatures in the game who are also big and just as ugly. I was proud when I first played this game because I managed to solve all but one of the puzzle challenges--and this was before Stella had a walkthrough. The only thing that was tough is that I couldn't share my experiences because most of TR fans didn't have Xbox. I thought I was going to burst! So I'm glad I can talk about it now. And after playing Underworld, it is nice to play something that is a little lighter. I think there must be a book called Demonic Gods Classic Guide to Picking up Women. Didn't that sound like a pick-up line that Big Ugly made to Lara? "You're a fine specimen. I'll wear your skin." It was something like that. I don't remember the exact words because the noise of my eyes rolling drowned it out. I was wondering if said book was written by Hannibal Lector's protege--you know, the degenerate with the poodle. And how typical of a demonic god when a woman rejects him. "Oh, yeah! Well, if that is your answer, I'll send a bunch of my fat, ugly, cross-dressing minions after you--and then you'll appreciate me!" Statistics: IT took me 38:37 minutes. 134,700 pts. I collected all 10 skulls. I destroyed all the urns. I got 0/1 weapons, 1/2 relics, 2/3 artifacts, and 6/6 power-ups.

I got a little confused when I tried to download Steam. They asked which type of DSL I had. I have the fastest one--though it isn't associated with a cable company. Anyway, I picked the one I thought I had. When I tried to connect, they said Steam couldn't be contacted right now. I uninstalled it because I don't know if I chose the wrong one. Is Steam having technical difficulties?

@BPanther--thanks! @Stella--I wish I would have known that was a problem area for you. I did get killed a few times at first, but the solution turned out to be very simple. I hope I remember it. Anyway, I'll be glad to play co-op with you! I haven't activated my Xbox Live membership yet. Do you know when co-op is becoming available? Anyway, I'm JessicaLynn75...I think. I might have to check to make sure. I have so many identities I'm getting confused. Anyway, if I'm wrong I'll tell you. I'd like to see the master at work! I'm writing a walkthrough for Ju-on: Haunted House Simulator. I'm trying not to add spoiler text, which is complicated. However, it is a horror game--and knowing the scares ahead of time decreases one's appreciation. @Shrensh--thanks for the tip! It is nice to see the old crowd! So, when are we doing this officially? Also, I keep hearing about Steam. What is it?

Oh, thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I just realized I can't open a thread in all areas on this site. I was also beginning to wonder whether there really was any interest--it was too close to the holidays and people were too broke and couldn't buy it...or maybe they had forgotten about it. Or maybe there was a boycot because the other people who own other systems were ticked that yet again Xbox users are being shown favoritism. Looking forward to playing! I'm also going to be trying co-op on Xbox Live. I've never been on Xbox Live before, so I'm hoping I won't get lost--and it isn't too complicated.

I just finished GOL. It was sweet! I think I'll go onto TR8 until September. If Stella doesn't start a group play for GOL, I will. I'll post here and on Facebook if I do. I am down to my last two AA batteries for my Xbox controller--and I don't know if I'm going to have to buy a new one anyway. That middle X button seems to be permenantly depressed. The Xbox is getting a lot of action. I was playing GOL and Lego Harry Potter. My mom is also addicted to the Lego Harry Potter. In fact, I wound up buying it because she was making herself sick trying to finish it before our game pass at Blockbuster expired. She came out with a headache, bloodshot eyes--one was twitching. But she is still playing several hours of it. I also recently bought Lego Indiana Jones 2, because it was only $20.00 at Target. I checked it out--I have to admit I was very perplexed. It doesn't seem very much like the first one or as user friendly. However, I did start getting into it.

I finished it yesterday! I loved the puzzles! It was certainly challenging! While the aerial view is helpful at times, I don't like having it all the time. And I like a more developed plot with interaction of other characters, like TR7. But I do really like it!

@Marluxia--cool! Sounds interesting! I'll take a look. I have to admit, Winston is actually one of my favorite characters, and I always thought there was more to him than meets the eye. I've thought about writing about Lara, but I haven't had any ideas just yet. Natla is my favorite enemy, and I thought it would be neat to write a history about her. She rules peacefully with her brothers for years and then one day builds a bunch of mutants and overthrows them. Of course, she stated her reasons in TR1...but was that all there was to it? Amanda's evolution from naive adventurer to bitter person is interesting...though depressing. I always wondered how finding out that Avalon wasn't the perfect place with King Arthur's knights would affect her. I've been proud of myself that I've been able to figure out much of GOL by myself, though I miss a few secrets. I like my spear and it is still my favorite weapon, but the grenade launcher is becoming quite useful now.

Thank you for taking the time to answer. My problem, though, is that tutorial isn't extensive enough. It taught me the basics--but it didn't go into detail about the switches. It tells you to connect them so that action A causes B to do something--but mine aren't working. I just got Lego Indiana Jones 2, and supposedly there is a builder on that. Maybe since it was the first of Lego builders, it will be better.

@Marluxia 15--thanks! I liked yours too! I only know Kingdom Hearts by videos someone on YouTube does with them. They did two songs I like--Tears From the Moon and A Kiss from a Rose using Kingdom Heart footage. What do you write? I'm currently trying to get a children's book published. However, I didn't realize that Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer wasn't public domain...and I had to do a rewrite. It is a Christmas story. @rosinna--thanks! @CaityFM--you think you have it bad? I was on vacation, which ended today, and I had seven tests and ten case studies that I had to code that were due. Today was the new term, and I couldn't go because of a problem that arose at the last minute. Then my internet didn't work, so I couldn't send my homework to my teacher. (SIGH)...it has been a lousy day. But GOL helps! By the way, if you guys want training preparation for the new game...I suggest fighting big--very big--baddies and any situation where you get swamped by baddies. You are going to need it.

@JD_Zen--thanks! @CaityFM--I'm on Facebook. You can find me two ways. One is under my real name Jessica Gray...unfortunately, there are a lot of Jessica Grays. I'm a white girl with long brown hair--there are balloons in the background. The other way is to type in Sheridan Medicalcoding and look under the Friends area--I'm there too. I don't know if this helps: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/profile.php?id=100000782026924 Right now I'm playing GOL--but later I might see if anyone is interested in playing one of the other TR games with me--unless there is a group play for GOL or TR3 coming up. I have to admit, I've become addicted to these group plays. It makes the game so much more fun! And that is the only downer in regards to winning the GOL--most people apparently aren't Xbox people, and so I don't have anyone to play with. I feel like a child on Xmas morning, and I can't talk about my toy...because you know, spoilers. But when there is a group play, hopefully it will be just as exciting the second time--or whatever time around it is for me!

Thanks for the congratulations! Do you know I wasn't planning on entering the contest?--even though I love Stella's contests--even if I don't win! I've only written one haiku in my whole life (until the contest), and that was in fourth grade. That was a long time ago! And I don't like haikus generally...but they are so hard to form! I couldn't do it initially, so I wasn't going to enter. Then I got depressed about something else and went for a walk. All of a sudden, on the sidewalk on 56th avenue, I was hit by inspiration! I sat down and wrote it on the back of a friend's business card. Then it started to rain, and the ink smudged. I ran home and sent Stella the email with the haiku. The rest is history! I start school on Monday too for my last term. This last term is coding a bunch of medical charts. I know coding can be tedious, but I am getting so sick of coding patients who are alcoholics, who have had a splenectomy, who have hypokalemia, and have an old thoracic vertebra fracture. And I'm tired of Parkinson's too. Stella, I'm all in for playing TR3 later. I'm also playing GOL--I wrote today on your Facebook page about how the end of the Spider tomb drove me crazy and the lucky break I got from pointless shooting. As for the rest of you, this is a great game! To me, it has the spirit of Tombraider...though I don't know if Stella quite agrees. I'm into puzzles, which this game has a lot of...so of course I'm going to love it. I don't want to give any spoilers...but just so you know, get used to spiders. They are bigger than in TR2, though oddly enough are easier to kill...and they explode and leave puddles of glistening spider guts. I enjoy it (I don't know if Lara does--her boots must be a mess!). Of course, it would be more fun if I had other people to play with and share stories...but I guess there aren't a lot of Xbox players among TR fans...and so everybody is waiting for when it gets released on their system. @CaityFM--I, for one, enjoy reading your posts even if I'm no longer playing TR2. Don't get discouraged!

Hello. I am currently playing Lego Harry Potter, the video game. The game has a level builder included in it. Supposedly, Lego Indiana Jones 2 had one as well--but I haven't played that one yet. I can't get some of my switches to work correctly. I was wondering if anyone knew a good site for tutorials for this game on the level builder itself? I haven't found any so far. Thanks.

I finished level one yesterday. It is so cool! I didn't have much hopes for it, to tell you the truth, after seeing the trailer. That was why I was glad to win the haiku contest, because Xbox games can be so expensive! It is really terrible to buy something you might hate. But I love it! It has captured the spirit of Tombraider, even though they now give you the option of blowing up dart traps-- . But it is still very challenging. There are more puzzles, which I like. I think it will be more humorous. Totec is such a chauvinist--and so Lara gets a chance to use her wit. I really liked when he gives her his spear, saying it is a powerful weapon fashioned by the gods. Lara says she is certain she'll find some use for it, and I'm like ...yeah, maybe as firewood or to scratch her back. However, it turns out the spear is very useful and becomes my weapon of choice. It slays some enemies the first time--and the big dudes, it takes five or six spears (the spear is renewing, so you don't have to retrieve it--and it uses more ammo to kill the creatures with guns). The spear also helps you climb up walls or cross gaps. My only complaint is that when Lara is aiming, she can't turn around (or I haven't figured it out if she can)--so I can only fire at the enemies when they are in front of me. The controls are a little different and took some getting used to, and fortunately there were very good instructions (they sometimes interrupt the game to give you them, showing diagrams--you can turn these off later). I was grateful, because as I got a download, I didn't have a booklet. The game has a campy dramatism you see in comic books--but I think that is intentional. However, while I rolled my eyes at first, it didn't detract from the game. The music is recycled from Legends, but that game had very good music--and it adds nostalgia and excitement. It is attractive visually. Initially, I really hated the aerial view and how small Lara was. It was harder to see, and I didn't think I'd get lost in the game. However, both issues were not the problems I thought they would be--and I was totally immersed into the game in no time. I suppose the aerial view does have some advantages because you can see more, which helps solves the puzzles--though I wish we had the ability to look a little further without moving Lara (we don't seem to have a Look button). The game has challenges that you don't have to do, but they give you extra goodies and achievements. In single player mode, Totec disappears (he runs off ahead--typical man )--or at least he does in the first level. Lara is older, a little wider, more muscular, a little rougher looking (as you'd expect someone with that lifestyle to be), and a little rougher in character, all feminine endowments are smaller....she isn't as attractive (at least, not to me), but it is realistic. People's tastes are different, but I believe that if you liked the previous Tombraider games, you should like this one. It is very similar in many ways to the last two, but it is more challenging like earlier TR games--which I have missed in the later games. I always worry when Eidos decides to do something new, but it is good that they experiment and keep the game fresh.

Well, my plans to play TR8 have been postponed--because I found out today that I was one of the winners of the haiku contest! HOORAY FOR ME! I just finished the first level, and it is SO COOL! I didn't expect to like it, but despite whatever differences--it is still Tombraider. I could go on and on about it, but probably this isn't the thread to do it. But I felt like I was going to burst with happiness, so I had to tell somebody...and most of my friends aren't gamers and couldn't appreciate this. And I have better hopes for this baddy we are fighting in this game too. Personally, that is one objection I had for TR2. Bartoli wasn't a great character. I mean, his turning into a dragon was cool--but you know, there wasn't much communication. Yeah, I know it is a chick thing to say ...I want a man to talk to me after doing the wild thang and before he turns into a dragon and tries to burn me to a crisp. I haven't played all of the TR games, but Natla is my current favorite nemesis--Anniversary Natla in particular.

Finished The Dragon's Lair and Home Sweet Home. This game reminds me of Star Wars: Episode 2, The Clone Wars. When I saw that movie, I was so bored! I thought Anakin and Padme's relationship would be an interesting courtship, but it really wasn't. And besides, it occurred to me that Padme was quite a bit older than Anakin...and while I couldn't blame her for being turned on by him, I was thinking she was definitely toeing the line of pedophilia there. What was my point? Um.... Oh, yeah! Anyway, I was bored with that movie, and I was wondering why people gave it good reviews. And then the last half hour happened, where you see Yoda fighting Count Dooku...so awesome! And this long analogy...this game was like that for me. I really liked the Maria Doria levels--The Deck is my favorite level in the whole game. The snowmobile level is my second favorite. After that level, though, I started getting bored. I don't know why. The levels were challenging enough. But fighting the dragon was awesome! I managed to kill him and get the dagger out on my fourth try...but then Lara was killed by a falling block. Next time I succeeded in killing the dragon, getting the dagger, and getting out. Then that wonderful explosion--which I got to see, unlike that level in Venice. I said to Lara, "Uh...you better get out of here before the Chinese bill you for that." Then Home Sweet Home. I said to Lara, "Somehow, I don't think that van belongs to the pizza guy." The ending is so funny! Here we think we're going to get a peep show, and she says, "I think you've seen enough!" and shoots the camera! Well, guys, it has been fun. I definitely will be game for playing TR3 when you all are ready. @Stella--are you going to send an official e-mail out when you are ready to do the TR3? @rosinna--thanks! @Shrensh-- You know, it never occurred to me how the cults do make sure their vans are very memorable when they go to kill people. Until then, I will keep reading the posts. I'm in the mood to play TR8 at the moment, so I'm glad to wait for the rest of you to catch up. I hope I don't lose my skill for playing the older games, but I've been wanting to play TR8 for several days now.

Finished Level 16: Floating Islands. Neat scenery--it is like Willy Wonka's candy factory meets a Planetarium. I found it easier to bypass jumping on the left side of the upide down V ramp, and just taking a running jump to the second angled green block. The baddies in this game all abuse steroids and seem to suffer from digestive problems. I wonder if they are eating Winston's cooking? I heard the statues belching when they came to life. There was no large medipack near the second plaque in my PS2 version of the game. On Larger Island, Lower Level--definitely looked like Willy Wonka's chessboard. I guess the statues are Oompa Loompas. Wonka is now making his own brand of steroids. I was imagining them singing: Oompa Loompa, you may be endowed! But can't you read? No chicks are allowed! You won't last very long if you don't listen to the Oompa Loompa song! Oompa Loompa, we don't mean to be rude! But you are trespassing, so you are going to be dragon food! Then Lara sings: Oompa Loompas, not so fast! I got a grenade launcher ready to blast! I'm not some High School High musical lass! Making me sing, I feel justified in blowing up your Oompa Loompa a--! And I'll get your dragon too--I'm saving him for last!" I forgot to reset the first zip line, but fortunately I hadn't saved--so I was able to reload. In Lower Bridge Room Below Garden, after pulling up on slanted block (after climbing green block), jump over slanted roof at the left not right. I killed Lara several times until I realized this. I'm not usually into snuff Tombraider, but even I wanted to see if Lara's head would set on fire when she jumped in that room that had a lava ceiling. It didn't happen for me. Those four baddies and four statue guards--after Lara killed them, she said, "They ain't so bad?" And I said, "Excuse me?" She reiterated, "They ain't so bad!" And I said, "Are you kidding?" So, next is The Dragon's Lair.

Hi, everybody! Long time, no write! @AmberNamber--my favorite level is the Ireland levels in TR5. I kind of think of them as one big level. They usurped my longtime favorite Nepal in TR7 just recently. My least favorite...running around those cities in AOD, particularly Prague. Or they are what comes to mind. I haven't played TR3-4, and I didn't finish TR5 because I stupidly saved when I was supposed to load after messing up on the shooting ranges. I'll get back to it eventually. Of course, I haven't played TR7 recently, and I may fall in love with Nepal again. It is like that. TR7 introduced me to Lara, and even though I think I prefer other TR games, when I play TR7--I fall in love all over again. @Rosinna--cool cover! Me like! @Stella--thanks for the video! To be young and have good reflexes and no arthritis. And OMG--they offer a Vista version of the bonus levels? I didn't know that! Is it just TR2, or do they offer all the levels? As for the woman on the plane, I realized it was nose art later--but I first saw her from under water and she looked real. @JD_Zen--ah...there may be another reason why that water is yellow, and if that is the case--Lara isn't going to be getting richer. You sure that place isn't used by the local YMCA to teach first graders how to swim? Of course, she could bottle it and sell it as a hair restorer or something. After all, they sell processed bird poop as a wrinkle remover. So, I just finished Level 15: The Temple of Xian. I think this is one of the most challenging levels for me...a lot of difficult jumps and traps. It certainly took me a few days to get through it. It was intense, and therefore I couldn't play it as long as I could other levels. So, my first thought was, did Lara really drive all the way here with a blown tire? The Temple of Xian looked like Brighton palace. It bordered on tacky, I thought. Sometimes you can have too many designs, and it can make you throw up. I swore that one of the Buddha paintings had him in a bonnet. I'm quite certain, if this is the temple that we saw at the very beginning in that cut scene with the two monks--it has been added onto. I found the tigers to be friendly. They seemed too domesticated. They seemed to want treats. First springboard you encounter--it is best if you face the red wall before jumping on it. Creepy music! I kept expecting some Japanese ghost woman with long black hair and a broken neck to emerge. I was playing this at night, and I was getting scared! I kept saying to Lara, "Do you hear whispering and shuffling? I think I hear whispering and shuffling...and I think we are being watched." Lara pooh-poohed this, saying it was just an old building--and old buildings have weird noises. I wasn't convinced. I was thinking that these ancient peoples didn't have to worry about health plans or Medicare. They knew how to solve the problem. Build spike traps, boulder traps, lava pits, etc. into buildings the populace frequents. People probably didn't grow too old in these places. I thought the robot guards looked like S&M spanking machines. TR designers are a little kinky, I think between these and all those bottles of chloroform in TR5. I had a problem with the first springboard you encounter after taking the dragon seal. I found it best to jump from the middle of the block you are standing on onto it. That was a lot of ammo for Secret #3! Lara was happier than a tornado in a trailor park! She had definite plans for those! I could not find the large medipack or grenades in the Pool with Side Tunnels and Levers. Can another PS2 player tell me if they are there? I don't know whether I missed them, or they aren't available in this version of the game. I looked all over and did not see them. The fish are starting to P**s me off! Later, I realized that I wasn't hearing whispering...I was hearing spiders scuffling about. Those spiders aren't worried about bikini season. They must have fat legs to make that much noise when they walk. The big spiders, though, scared me! And it was rather funny, because I'm also playing Lego Harry Potter--and I was fighting Aragog at the same time I was doing this part of the level. @Stella--okay, it may seems stupid...but it might be nice to mention the hallway at the left when you get to the top of the blocks in Inside the Second Temple. I got rather confused, because I hadn't noticed it, after I got the pistol clips--and the next thing I read was to cross the bridge. I felt like a novice with those blocks in the second temple. Had a hard time with those. The second tiger startled me, even though I was expecting him (when I crossed the bridge). The blade crossing the bridge freaked me out too. I narrowly escaped it. I wanted to do things the hard way and return to the room by the bridge. I found it a little easier, after pushing the button, to jump to the bridge as the blade came towards me (to a part it had past), and then jump/run to the room. Yeah, it was unnerving to have it on my heels--but I did better than following it. Sometimes I don't read far enough in Stella's walkthroughs, and sometimes I miss things. But even when I expect them, they can still scare me. Those spiked walls closing in while I had to run and jump to the ladder--my heart quickend there! Did anyone else expect the dragon statue to come to life when you picked up the main key and chomp you? I did. The slide, though, was fun--even though I died the first time. Lara's inner child was going, "Weee!" In the second room with dragon statue and pillar that went to the top--I missed the ledge and fell. Lara survived the fall and even was able to walk around in the lava for a few seconds, apparently unharmed. Just when I was wondering what was going on, she suddenly remembered that she should be dying. This proves, I think, that we only die because we expect to. The ladders with the blades were difficult. Finally, though, I finished. Watching Bartoli stab himself, I was thinking...you see, this is a good argument for staying home and trying to make out the squiggly picture on the TV of those spicy channels you are too cheap to include in your cable package. When you don't approve of doing such things, you find yourself joining some weird cult and stabbing yourself mortally for some reason that will probably come out in a later level. I took a look at the next level. Freaky looking! And did I see Magneto from Xmen? Boy, he got fat!