TOMB RAIDER 3: THE LOST ARTIFACT - Highland Fling

Written by Anubis_AF from Tomb Raider Forums.

I bet the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear 'Highland Fling' is the first level of Lost Artifact. Just like me, not many people realise that it is actually the name of a famous Scottish dance!

In fact, the Highland Fling is one of the oldest traditional Highland dances of Scotland.The dance goes back to 18th century, where it was created, and rendered, by victorious and triumphant male warriors. It was considered as a way to express happiness, success, and glory.
The story behind this dance says that upon seeing a deer whilst taking a walk with his father, the boy tried to impersonate the deer with his arms and fingers held atop and arced like the antlers, and holding his head proudly as he hopped up and down on the spot as the deer had done.

» Lost Artifact Comparison: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly...

-[The Good]-
Probably the most distinguishable thing in this level is the historical Urquhart Castle, that sits on the banks of the legendary Loch Ness lake. According to various sources, the earliest records of the castle date back to the 13th century. Which is when most of today's explorable areas date back to as well - more specifically, around 1250. The magnificently situated Castle remains an impressive fortification. It is considered to be one the top touristic attractions within Scotland.

The Loch itself is over 213 meters deep, and the nearby surrounding hills rise by about the same amount. CORE did so well with this level. In fact, you can probably say that the final version of Highland Fling looks 80% similar to the actual Loch Ness location.There is just something about this level; the atmosphere immediately sends you to a completely new dimension - a far more interesting one. Which brings me to the next point, my favourite thing about this level . . .

-[The Bad]-
First of all, don't get me wrong. The 'bad' part is actually what drew me the most to the level. We all know Scotland may have something of a reputation for being cold and damp, but then again, who can resist that in a tomb raider game?Immediately as you start this level you get this indescribable feeling of mystery, horror, and darkness. And of course, it gets worse and worse (or should I say better?) as you make your way to the top of the castle, avoiding enemies.

The thing about this level is that it's got exactly what a tomb raider game should have, whilst keeping some sense of reality regarding real-life weather in Scotland. Which leaves you with a feeling that if you were to grab your bags and go to see Urquhart Castle you would find it strikingly familiar - and this, dear tomb raiders, is what defines this level.

-[The Ugly]-
One of the interesting things about this level, is the "alleged" monster lurking deep beneath the lake: Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster. This monster is an animal, identified neither as to family or species, but claimed to inhabit the lake. It is featured in the game as well. And can be seen from time to time swimming in the nearby lake. It's one of those 'Wow' moments you'd get in levels like this one.
Nessie has been controversial ever since it first reached the news. But in Lara's world, anything is possible... which is why you can actually see the two dimensional Nessie monster swimming in far distances, before coming face-to-face with it.