Why is TR2 a fan favorite?

[Vortex85]

I am currently on "The Deck" in TR2 and so far all these nautical based levels from the Offshore Rig on have been such a bland experience compared to the colorful and interesting TR1 levels. At this point I find it hard to believe that TR2 will come close to topping TR1 based on my experience so far.

Just curious do fans of TR2 like the Rig / Maria Doria levels or are they considered the low point in this game and something else makes up for these levels?

[DogMeat]

I agree about the Oil Rig being a bland an uninteresting setting... but a sunken wreck at the bottom of the ocean? Always loved the Maria Doria levels.

I will admit that I'm a bit biased. TR 2 was the first game ported to Macs back in the day (by Aspyr) and it was my first TR. I'd later pick up all the other games ported except for TR V & AoD.

Barkhang Monastery, an upcoming level for you in Tibet, is one of my all time favorite TR levels and I hope you like it too!

[Vezera]

The Oil Rig was so-so, but I loved the Maria Doria levels. Felt very appropriate for tomb raiding, a lot of underwater usage, the entire level being a nice premise. The last level of that section is literally just an open area that says "Figure it out yourself", and you just wander around putting individual pieces into your mind until you find something that goes "Hey, this fits into that piece I remembered!"

I like that :v

[McCloud]

Originally posted by McCloud:

and then starting with Catacombs of Talion forward in TR2 is when the real 'tomb raider game' begins.

[vinyblaster]

I prefer TR2 for many reasons, but yeah there are too many "water levels": the rig, under water, the wreck, living quarters, the deck. That's a lot of the same theme.

[DogMeat]

I'm one of those crazy people that usually doesn't have a problem with the video game underwater level. I've always loved the idea of exploring the ocean, so perhaps that translated to enjoying underwater levels.

[chakkman]

Originally posted by Snake:

TR1 is a 10/10 masterpiece but TR2 is decent but highly flawed.

I would say TR2 is quite a masterpiece as well.

I understand if people dislike the increased amount of action though. Apart from that, I think TR2 is an absolutely excellent game, and my favorite of the series'.

[kakiss4]

Originally posted by Vortex85:

I am currently on "The Deck" in TR2 and so far all these nautical based levels from the Offshore Rig on have been such a bland experience compared to the colorful and interesting TR1 levels. At this point I find it hard to believe that TR2 will come close to topping TR1 based on my experience so far.

Just curious do fans of TR2 like the Rig / Maria Doria levels or are they considered the low point in this game and something else makes up for these levels?

I haven't played it on the Remaster yet, but i liked the Colours used, brown redish to blue and greens.
The Combat there was also not too bad and the Adventurering wasn't as confusing.

The Part i dislike most of TR is the Opera.

But yes, TR2 is the Game where they have started to ad more BS Situations, got worse on 3 with Poison and more insta Deaths and in IV they also made Puzzles unnecessary confusing in Parts while adding even more BS Stuff.
Also, the pacing is off in 3, it often feels as a Level is taking too long.

So TR2 is mostly more of everything and the others are often too much of some of the bad.
So you can still ignore most of the Issues in 2.

Overall i agree, TR1 has done it quite well with its pacing and adventureing in Focus and doesn't feel unfair (at least on PC).

Btw. Lost Artefact is really nice!

[OtakuD]

Probably more ppl heard about TR at that point so more ppl bought the sequel? Not sure really but yeah I still feel the locations of TR1 are superior.

[chakkman]

TBH, I didn't like the Atlantis levels in TR1 so much, but, the rest was very good indeed.

[DogMeat]

Originally posted by chakkman:

TBH, I didn't like the Atlantis levels in TR1 so much, but, the rest was very good indeed.

I initially thought the Atlantis textures looked bad from screenshots.

Seeing them live, in motion, changed my mind, think it looks amazing. Disgustingly amazing, but amazing!

I wish there were more areas like the starting area of Atlantis, where it looks like you're inside a vein.

[dml!]

Originally posted by Snake:

Well TR1 has no throwaway levels. TR2 has quite a few, especially in the underwater areas as discussed in this thread which is why I still think it's a good game but not a masterpiece.

Also I'd argue that TR1 is a case of less is more. TR2 levels are bigger and complex but not always better and feel a lot less 'logical' if that makes sense.

Though agree to disagree, I know people love TR2 but it is a little polarizing compared to the first for a reason.

Not sure I agree, as I can think of several parts of TR1 I'd throw away. The Atlantean monsters are annoying as heck and somehow despite playing TR1 countless times I never remember what areas come in what order in those levels. For me they probably could have combined Atlantis and Great Pyramid into one level by cutting out several parts. I'd also probably throw away Tomb of Tihocan - apart from the first appearance of the Centaurs and finally getting rid of Pierre, most of the rest of the level is Cistern part 2 (though at least it's a short level). Could make a case for throwing away Natla's Mines too, as half of the level is running back-and-forth pulling switches.

[nosgoth01]

Beacuse TR2 has a more diverse gameplay and levels compared to the first game. I don´t understand what you mean by "colorful" since the levels of the fist game are mostly rocks, stones, dirt and sand.

[DogMeat]

Originally posted by nosgoth01:

Beacuse TR2 has a more diverse gameplay and levels compared to the first game. I don´t understand what you mean by "colorful" since the levels of the fist game are mostly rocks, stones, dirt and sand.

Agree about the gameplay. It has more exciting design, even if there are a few irritations here and there. Hello snake eater ladder.

As for the original, they did a great job with the remaster adding color to it.

[HexeR]

Originally posted by Vortex85:

I am currently on "The Deck" in TR2 and so far all these nautical based levels from the Offshore Rig on have been such a bland experience compared to the colorful and interesting TR1 levels. At this point I find it hard to believe that TR2 will come close to topping TR1 based on my experience so far.

Just curious do fans of TR2 like the Rig / Maria Doria levels or are they considered the low point in this game and something else makes up for these levels?

Because it's a fun good game. Next question.

[Ebin398]

I really love Opera House and Xian Temple.

This music is really cool too https://youtu.be/9EYtkuEhME8