Tomb Raider: Underworld (Xbox 360) Review
Posted by Natalie Shoemaker on 01.17.2009
Will this Tomb Raider revive the now slowly fading series? Or merely add more pixels to Lara’s bust?
Title: Tomb Raider: Underworld
Publisher: Eidos Interactive
Developer: Crystal Dynamics
Genre: Action/ Adventure
Players: 1
Rated: T for Teen
Gameplay
Our story starts off with Lara Croft’s beloved mansion exploding in flames. After escaping from the blaze we are thrown back to the past where Lara is exploring (can you guess?) ancient ruins under the sea. Diving right into the gameplay, both literally and figuratively, gives the player a learn-as-you-go start to the game.
If you do get stuck along the way there’s a nifty “hint” device that can either give you a clue about what to do next or tell you what to do. Some may have mixed feelings about this choice in game design. It’s handy for those situations where you get stuck, but it shouldn’t be necessary in order to play the game. There certain qualities that make a game good—one of those qualities is having a natural flow to the game. It’s hard enough to be a challenge, while not being impossible. The gamer should be able to make it on their own rather than rely on an in-game FAQ. It feels like game devices like this are here to cover up bad game design rather than taking the time to smooth out the flow of the levels.
The Tomb Raider series would go under the category of puzzle/ platformer and Underworld does not go off the beaten path. It does the puzzling and the platforming well, but it also tries its hand at third person shooting. This can be equated to jumping around unnaturally while unloading a whole clip into a bad-guys chest or a tiger’s head. The game in the end could have done without the tiger and shark battles. Occasionally, while the player is in the middle of jumping from one ledge to the next small bugs or bats will come at you—breaking concentration and immersion. The animal encounters are just pesky annoyances.
Speaking of small problems we come to the camera, who is a fickle mistress in the whole line of Tomb Raider games. There are constant moments were leaps of faith end in a sigh of relief or a controller sustaining injury. Some may ask why this is still a problem if it has been a problem for so long? Who knows.
Graphics
In the start of the game it’s difficult to determine where it’s ok to climb and where it’s not. Some ledges that Lara would be able to scale make for a quick drop to death.
From under the ocean blue to the snowy mountains the scenery in Underworld looks fabulous. But the only thing in need of a makeover is Lara herself. Although the young tomb raider has gone through several full body transformations she still has this Barbie face. This look makes it difficult to take her seriously especially during more serious points in the story.
Sound
The voice acting is spot on. Keeley Hawes is once again gracing our presence with her voice for Lara Croft. In the past she has voiced Lara in Legend and Anniversary. Once again adding her talent to bring Croft to life.
Fun Factor
Tomb Raider: Underworld is a fun little puzzle platformer that tries to tie up some loose ends. The game itself is relatively short—only seven levels, a quick play. The game can be quite frustrating at times when trying to figure out how to get from one place to another. The level design could have flowed a lot better, but all-in-all Underworld was a fun little game.
Lasting Appeal
This game has nothing to make anyone want to replay it again. There is no compelling story or multiplayer to bring anyone back aside from shear enjoyment.
The 411
This Tomb Raider is no step forward for the franchise. It has potential to be something great, but the old girl needs to have a clean slate and start something fresh to breath life into the series. Underworld shows more or less the same stuff we’ve seen, but here’s to hoping for the future.
