Tomb Raider: Anniversary (Xbox 360)

The Tomb Raider series is probably more well known for the star of the series and her main er, assets than the games themselves. In 1996 Lara Croft burst onto the scene with the original Tomb Raider game for the Sega Saturn, and later the Playstation creating a lot of attention for itself, eventually spawning many sequels and even movies. But with this game, 10 years later, we return to the beginning. It is the second Tomb Raider game to be released ...
...different look on the classic Tomb Raider game.

The storyline focuses on Lara's quest to find parts of the Scion, an ancient artifact, as requested by Natla. The plot continues as you track down the various parts of the Scion all over the world including Greece and Egypt.

'''Gameplay'''

The gameplay is a mix of three things: exploring, fighting and solving puzzles. It is split quite evenly throughout ... more

The Tomb Raider series is probably more well known for the star of the series and her main er, assets than the games themselves. In 1996 Lara Croft burst onto the scene with the original Tomb Raider game for the Sega Saturn, and later the Playstation creating a lot of attention for itself, eventually spawning many sequels and even movies. But with this game, 10 years later, we return to the beginning. It is the second Tomb Raider game to be released as a revival of the series, and offers quite a different look on the classic Tomb Raider game.

The storyline focuses on Lara's quest to find parts of the Scion, an ancient artifact, as requested by Natla. The plot continues as you track down the various parts of the Scion all over the world including Greece and Egypt.

Gameplay

The gameplay is a mix of three things: exploring, fighting and solving puzzles. It is split quite evenly throughout the game which keeps the game varied and interesting, especially when applied to each unique location.

The biggest problem has always been a problem in Tomb Raider, and this game is no exception. That's right, a good old combination of bad camera angles, questionable aims, and controls which work fine until you want to jump over a large pit of lava. And so you'll watch Lara plunge into some lava, or pit of spikes, or just off a large drop many times before you finally do this. And it's almost this that can decide whether you'd like the game or not. If don't have the patience then you will get annoyed, but on the other hand you can just find it really, really funny to watch Lara fall off things; I know I did, and so I liked the game, but hey that's just me.

But there is a lot more to the game, and I still think most people should be able to look beyond those small parts. The puzzle aspects can be frustrating, but they actually make you think and have some difficulty associated with them, making it more of an accomplishment when you complete them.

The combat parts generally work quite well with auto locking features a feature I became grateful for. It also adds a move called an 'Adrenaline Dodge' which makes the combat a bit simpler, which comes into use a lot when you are attacked by more powerful enemies or bosses, or just when you are attacked by hordes of creatures which definitely lowers any frustration from the combat, which would otherwise remain difficult.

There is given replayability with the addition of relics and artifacts which are hidden (quite well) through out the game. These items unlock content such as commentaries and art galleries, as well as costumes to use when playing through the time attack mode, a mode challenging you to beat the levels as quickly as possible. Also as with all Xbox 360 games there is the addition of achievements to unlock as you play through the game. Aside from this though the core game remains the same, with no multiplayer, online, or bonus levels.

Graphics and Presentation

The biggest thing that's been improved from the original game is of course the graphics. Lara is now presented in fully up to date 3D graphics, with her surroundings also looking as impressive as they should on this up to date console. The graphics of this version are also a step up from the ones on the PS2, making the Xbox 360 a good place to buy this game. The graphics are nothing advanced or special but are good enough for what this game needs.

As with all Tomb Raider games the soundtrack manages to create a great atmosphere for exploring ancient ruins, with different music for different situations, such as a faster paced track for fights.

Other Things To Note

This game was originally released for the PS2 and the PC, with a version of the game later appearing on the PSP and Xbox 360, as well as on the Wii with Wii-specific controls and features. This game is not suitable for young children due to the violence, blood and 'scary' moments in the game.

There are a lot of changes from the original game, with most levels featuring major changes in puzzles, layout and fighting, and is generally considered shorter, and perhaps more easy, than the original.

Summary

Fans of Tomb Raider will like this a lot, providing they are not expecting a carbon copy of the original. It is not as big as a landmark as the original was, and hence feels almost average by todays standards, but it still provides enough fun, and enough of a challenge to be worth picking up. You can pick this game up for quite cheap now, which definitely makes it more appealing.

Overall, Tomb Raider Anniversary is a solid game that has it's flaws, but definitely is worth a look for those who want a blend of action, exploration and a good old fashioned puzzling. 

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