|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
| PLATFORM: PLAYSTATION 2 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
| THEY SHOULD HAVE SENT A POET |
|
|
|
|
 n some circles, Tomb Raider has become a joke. What was a prized and praised franchise in its early years now evokes healthy skepticism, even from some of its fans. Thankfully, Lara’s latest adventure is in good shape to reset perceptions for those still willing to give her a chance. Sporting a totally redesigned control scheme, for the first time a Tomb Raider game feels natural and intuitive. Even more importantly, this newest entry in the series brings back the adventure and awe that made those early games so exciting. Tomb raiding is fun again.
The moments that really work in this game are the ones that make you pause and gaze about in wonder. The gorgeous level designs are often breathtaking – thin shafts of sunlight dapple ancient ruins and long-forgotten stonework arches overhead. These same inspiring locales are filled with a constant stream of clever puzzles, hard enough to give you pause but reasonable enough to keep the action going. The more modern level locations are also well put together, even if those fail to elicit the same excitement as delving into the trap-laden remains of a dead civilization.
Taking cues from the best recent platforming games, (most notably Prince of Persia), Tomb Raider: Legend boasts a silky smooth control scheme that I’d be surprised to hear complaints about. Because the world no longer functions on an invisible grid of squares, the physics-based puzzles feel somehow more genuine in their solutions. In addition, some excellent animation work has Lara jumping flipping, shooting, and dodging in ways that stretch credulity, but at least don’t feel any more ridiculous than a good action movie. Combat feels like an afterthought to the real game, which is much more about exploration than fighting. Even so, the brief gun combat sequences are fun, and the occasional vehicle sections give some variety, even if they’re by no means perfect. An intriguing story and passable characters round out the mix, giving you plenty of reason to keep playing. Plus, some worthwhile replay value is built in thanks to the level time trials and secret rewards, many of which are a major challenge to track down.
Tomb Raider: Legend fails to be a reinvention of any genres, but succeeds in every way at reinventing itself. It walks the fine line of pleasing long time fans, the folks who just watched the movies, and even brand new players, all at once. Don’t miss out just because it might be popular to hate on the franchise these days; Legend reminds us why we fell in love with Lara in the first place.
|
|
|
After suffering a bone-shattering fall from grace, the spunk has finally returned to this spelunker’s step. Tomb Raider: Legend rekindles the thrill of adventure and sense of discovery that once made this series a juggernaut. Masterfully crafted architecture and lushly detailed landscapes fill your eyes with wonder. Your brain will twist over the ingenious physics-based puzzles. For the first time in this series, you’ll also find yourself roaring enthusiastically over the immaculate platforming and finesse that has been applied to all of Lara’s acrobatic moves. Rather than keeping players submerged in dimly lit caverns the entire time, the face of the game is constantly changing. This leads to an experience that moves along with the fervency of someone extending a hand to grasp a golden artifact. The only time you’ll find yourself frowning is in wobbly-controlled motorcycle segments. Without question…welcome back, Lara! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Copyright
1991 -
2009
:: Game Informer Magazine
|
|
|