Odyssey
Level: Master Delver
Rank Points: 124
Registered: 09-09-2009
IP: Logged

Another amazing hold by my favourite architect. I remember downloading this quite a while back - oh, the joy of participating in my own magic show. And yet - it is still one of the best holds today. It's rated as the hardest hold, too!

I enjoyed the Deadly Tricks level the most - Infinite Enemies took a good few attempts before understanding the trick (though I have yet to solve the challenge version of this level). Escape Tricks was amazing, too - really clever puzzles that you tend not to see often in very many holds.

9 brains, 10 for fun. Quite possibly one of my most favourite holds. I have yet to fully master it (I hate clowns), but I'll try to conquer this little gem. A must-have for any experienced DROD-er. The hold aesthetics are pretty cool, too - I liked the designs in the mini-map. That makes the whole experience more lively.

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55th Skywatcher

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[Last edited by Odyssey at 10-09-2009 08:35 PM]

da rogu3
Level: Smiter

Rank Points: 491
Registered: 04-06-2011
IP: Logged

This is definitely my favourite larrymurk hold. Tar cutting, movement order, efficiency, and other devious lynchpins are all present here.

Probably the best thing about this hold, is that most rooms have fairly simple solutions, and yet finding them is much trickier than it seems. I'll describe a few favourites - Spark Tricks 1S is perhaps the only room with multiple mimics that I've actually enjoyed solving. 1E on the same level was extremely clever, too. I loved the 2 efficiency rooms in Escape Tricks, and their respective secret rooms as well. Deadly Tricks 1W was a neat little room as well.

Some rooms however, weren't at all great. Deadly Tricks 1S felt a bit straightforward. 1N was terrible.(edit: Actually, that sounds a bit harsh, the room was still well made, but I just didn't like it) I absolutely hated that room (even when reading the trick in H&S, it was annoying to carry out). That one room stopped me from giving the hold a perfect 10 for fun.

The final level made up for it though, the first 3 clown rooms were so simple, yet so devious to figure out (the last one in particular, very sneaky trick!)

And that final room is one of the best I've ever played. It was extremely satisfying to complete.

Overall, this is a must-play for experienced DROD players. Difficulty-wise, (by today's standards) I don't think this is one of the hardest holds, at least not 8.5 brains. Compared to Magic Show 2 and many TCB holds, this isn't too difficult. So if any of you tried this hold years ago and gave up, now is a good time to replay it.

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[Last edited by da rogu3 at 10-01-2011 01:04 PM]

martz
Level: Smiter
Rank Points: 416
Registered: 08-19-2005
IP: Logged

A quality hold from Larry once again. Full of trademark LM puzzles of various flavours. Some seemed rather simple and obvious but there were plenty that were not and in some cases after struggling to clear a room you then find a secret variation that is even worse!

You could argue the hold is lacking somewhat in presentation but that's understandable given the engine and the age, and when the puzzles are this good it really doesn't affect your playing experience anyway.

Difficulty: 8
Fun: 8

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Without struggle, there is no progress, so get up, get out, and go make the rest of your life the best of your life; you deserve to live the life that YOU want to live...

Progress - Gavin G