|
|
|
|
|
|
Previous Page
Best viewed in 1280x1024 with Internet Explorer 6.x
|
'New Lara has arrived?'
 Developer: Crystal Dynamics
Publisher: Eidos
Category: : adventure
Official Site
Platform: X-Box 360 / PSP
Might look like: Previous Tomb Raider?
Date posted: 11 September 2006 (Updated !)
Written By: Jason (Xbox 360) & Bjorn (PSP)
We also test other games on
"PlayDevil.com Game Machine"
Lara Croft, we missed you
Tomb Raider was a big part of 90's video game scene.
The game play ( at least the first 2 games) was fantastic since adventure was mixed with decent action.
But the developer, "Core Design" started to push out sequels like there was no tomorrow, and with 'Angel of Darkness', we all knew that it was over.
Fortunately, "Eidos Interactive" smartly put a fresh take on the series in the very capable hands of developer "Crystal Dynamics", makers of the "Legacy of Kain" series.
And although it's not the best 'Tomb Raider' ever, "Lara Croft" is definitely BACK and we just love it!
The Legend
The game revolves around Lara trying to solve the murder of her mother, and the mysteries surrounding it.
I think that this is the best story yet, filled with mystery, adventure and of course action. I won't spoil it for you, but some pretty crazy stuff happens, and though its far fetched, I like 'wild tales'.
The game has some pretty different locales such as 'Peru', 'Bolivia', 'Tokyo' and 'England'. And even "King Arthur’s Tomb"! Each level offers a truly different experience.
Back to The Basics
All of us remember "Tomb Raider" for its puzzles and platforming but not so much for the action. Lara was always hard to maneuver, and really made platforming a real chore.
Thankfully, developer Crystal Dynamics started from scratch, ending with a much more traditional control that finally makes Lara control the way we always dreamed off.
She moves in the direction you want with no fuss. Plus the button set-up to grab items, jump or use the new magnetic grapple are easy intuitive.
The grapple is probably my favorite new feature. You can use it for the various puzzles, to reach far areas, or as a TARZAN like swing.
There are also some great interactive cut scenes, a la "Resident Evil 4", which are a welcome. There are some great moments in levels like "King Arthur's Tomb" where you must avoid fire traps by pulling a metal box through and using that to stop spinning spikes. It really feels like you're in a place that hasn't been ment to be seen for years and I loved it!
Also the platforming in Bolivia, and King Arthur's Tomb are great. Getting down a stair case with broken stairs by shimming across, grabbing a pole swinging and then doing a long jump requires some tyming and thinking. It really feels like "Prince of Persia" in a lot of ways.
And if you like any of those games you will feel right at home with Lara's new adventure in "Tomb Raider: Legend".
  
The blind leading the blind
However, all is not perfect in the world of Croft though.
The camera is a chore to position, leaving for some truly cheap deaths. I can't count how many times I was fighting with the camera to position itself in the correct place, just for it to turn back and fall to my own death. Thankfully there's a great checkpoint system, meaning if you die, you don’t have to start too far back.
Also the motorcycle levels seem tacked on and are the major low point of the game.
Also worth mentioning is the horrible creature boss In the Russian level. I died a few times too many trying to defeat it. I think this is added just to spice things up, but turned up as a sour note. At times the controls to be a little unresponsive since I would hit a ledge and run to jump on the next but it seems that the game just didn't register my button press at that time.
Thankfully this did not happen to often and otherwise the controls worked great for controlling Lara.
Old School plus new school
The overall feel is reminisce of the past games. Lara mixes her adventure with some great almost, dare I say it again “Prince of Persia” type levels. In some new action levels like "Tokyo", the shooting is much better than previous games. But it's still a problem locking on somebody when there are multiple enemies. You get your standard "two-hand guns", "a machine gun", "an Uzi" and even the "Excalibur Sword".
Sadly you don’t get this to the end, but its still great fun.
But it’s the nifty puzzles that really stand out of the entire game.
A lot of them are the 'move-the-box-type', but due to a fantastic physics engine and the new magnetic grapple they're really fun and interesting.
Only towards the end, I did feel a little "deja vu".
Platforming as I said is much more enjoyable. Grabbing ledges, swinging from vines or the grapple hook are all easy to use, but hard to master. Using this grapple to grab hidden items, or to pull unreachable boxes is great fun and adds a new dimension to the gameplay.
One stand out moment was a great dive down a waterfall, and thankfully Lara has her diving skills back, plus a few new moves. Another move I really like is when you grap yourself up a ledge and she handstands up slowly. Just as you would expect from Lara showing off when she's in a dangerous situation. Finally she is the "real female Indiana Jones" !
Goodies
When the final credits roll, there is plenty of extra goodies. Each level has a time trail where you can gain the all-mighty "achievements". There are plenty of hidden areas, and artifacts to collect. Each level has bronze, silver and gold artifacts.
Upon collecting, they unlock goodies such as outfits, unlimited ammo and various other cheats. Lara's mansion is also available for you to explore.
  
Graphics and sound
The game looks great on the 360.
The lighting effects are stellar and the water effects really make you stop and gaze. But if I do have something bad to say it’s that some textures don’t match up to other 360 games, and its not a huge leap from the PS2 and Xbox version, except when playing in HD (high definition). But if you have a 360 and a HDTV, this version is the way to go.
Also I have to say that Crystal dynamics did a great job of getting the "mood" right in the levels. The ones that need a claustorphopic feel, match and the grand open areas really capture that feeling.
The background and art have a great style that mixes some old with some new, and even though its not the best looking 360 game, its no slouch either.
The sounds are great especially on a surround sound system, the music does fit the mood, but is nothing that stands out.
It seems they went the generic route, but you will have your palms sweaty and full focus on the game and won't even notice the music. I do have to say that i really enjoyed the music for the end credits.
The guns and sounds really make you have a deja-vu in a good way. They sound just the same like past "Tomb Raider' games.
The voice acting is average, and gets the point across but won't win any awards. They feel forced a bit with some of the evil characters. But all you care about is Lara right? Thankfully she sounds like the baddass she is. Snoty, funny and sarcastic, just the way we want her.
Tomb Raider Legend on the PSP
Besides coming out on several other platforms, the PSP version of "Tomb Raider: Legend" is a pretty good game. The story, cutscenes etc are basically identical towards the other platforms. The only thing that does change is it graphics. And for Sony's PSP console, the graphics in Tomb Raider: Legend are beautiful and detailed.
Lara moves, jumps, attacks etc just identical like on any other platform. Of course the Xbox 360 version is superior but for a handheld version, this PSP port is a real masterpiece.
The analogue stick combined with several other buttons will not disappoint you in controlling Lara and performing difficult tasks isn't well, difficult at all.
Sound is clear and crisp and since this is a handheld version, it does its job very well.
The X-Box360 review is almost equal on how the PSP version plays and if you only own a PSP, then "Tomb Raider: Legend" is definitely a great addition to your growing PSP collection.
Conclusion
Anyone who loves Lara Croft (some of you know what I mean) or like action/adventure games, you really can't go wrong with "Tomb Raider: Legend" for Xbox360 and PSP.
“Angel of Darkness” scared a lot of us into thinking it was all over for our dream girl, but developer 'Crystal Dynamics' really did a great job with this total new game.
They have developed it for a whole new generation of fans to enjoy while also pleasing the hardcore crowd.
With tight controls, great gameplay, and some extra goodies, Lara is definitely back!
And believe us, we couldn’t be more happy !
-Jason / Bjorn
Ratings
Manual:
85 % |
Graphics:
89% |
Music & Sfx:
87% |
GamePlay:
88% |
|
This game scores
on our 5-point Rating System
Up
Previous Page
If you want to review your favorite game, or if you work with a computer game company and want your products reviewing, mail info@playdevil.com.
All contributions are welcome.
Join Video Game Network Exchange
Any problems and/or suggestions are always appreciated on
webmaster@playdevil.com
Nothing of this entire Site, animation & logo's included, may be reproduced, stored, saved, transmitted, in any form or means, electronic, written or otherwise without the prior permission of PlayDevil.
Other Logos & Names are Copyrighted Material of its respectful owners.
All Rights Reserved.
PlayDevil Productions © 199/8-199/9-200/0-200/1-200/2-200/3-200/4-200/5-200/6
"rip your own stuff"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
)
)
)
)
)
)
)