Reign of Chaos - Mexico by Agnes

Level 1- Mexico

The first part of the adventure takes Lara to Mexico in search for the purple Chaos Gem. I must have restarted the game over and over again five times at least only to get to see that incredibly eerie fly-by sequence in the very beginning of the first level, suitably enough accompanied by one of the spookiest themes I’ve heard in a custom level. If this together with the skeletons on the rooftops, the desolate alleys, the rotting houses and the mutilated corpse by the green pool at the plaza does not give you the feeling of a ghost town in the middle of no where I honestly don’t think anything does.

The spooky atmosphere had me shivering, and playing after dark definitely had me looking over my shoulder more than once. This is one of the levels where you run around with a pounding heart, nearly afraid of what you’ll find upon turning the next corner. I honestly haven’t felt this way since I played Debbie Overstreet’s Psycho from Lara At The Movies.

There aren’t really that many enemies to find here, but those that are would be more than enough to make the average raider shudder. In this quest for the first gem Lara will be exploring every little part of the little western-looking town, from the sewers to the rooftops.

Level 2- Free Mexico

As you surface from the pool where you dove down to find the Chaos Gem nestled among a conveniently placed spike trap you will hardly believe that you’re still in Mexico. I honestly felt a rush of excitement going through me as I looked around at what had become of this previously spooky dead man’s land.

As by magic the water in the pools had gone from a sickly green colour to sparkling blue, there were leaves on the trees and flowers on the ground, birds were chirping and the ghostly residences of old all of a sudden seemed way more inviting.

I must admit that I drew a breath of relief over having put that ghastly experience behind me. But don’t get too comfortable thinking that the road ahead will be smooth though. There are still traps to dodge, a timed run challenge to get through and not even the enemies will leave Lara alone at any rate.

The plaza with the church provides an even more peaceful impression and the venture itself will definitely stand out as a pleasant contrast to the dark and dead atmosphere of its chaotic equivalent.

There are some keys to locate and you’ll even find a use for a torch, before finding your way through to the airport and the plane awaiting there to take Lara to her next destination.

Conclusion

This is a beautifully crafted set of levels and they absolutely show off a promising start to the adventure. Agnes has done a marvellous job and it's evident at every single point that a huge effort has been put into this project. Spooky atmosphere is the keyword here and although the levels are not too difficult they will without a doubt provide to be a thrilling experience for everyone.

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