Early Preview: Tomb Raider Underworld For Wii and DS

kristyrk — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 13:36:49 -0700

Out November 21.

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Tomb Raider Anniversary For The Wii: Geek Out All Over Again

GeekSugar — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 11:00:55 -0800

If you were as big a fan as I was of the original Tomb Raider, and spent hours in front of the TV (or PC) trying to figure out puzzles, flipping switches, and finding keys, this anniversary edition for the Wii will definitely keep you occupied this coming Winter.

Tomb Raider: Anniversary does a great job of reliving the game, but throwing in so much extra content, it seems like a whole new game that you've never played before. Think of it like a good high school friend that you haven't spoken to since graduation and then you meet up at your ten-year reunion. She's the same person, just . . . different. Grown-up perhaps, but much more interesting.

Multilayered puzzles and the addition of minigames make for a more involved experience. Not only are you searching for keys and unlocking seemingly unreachable doors in bigger and grander settings, but you are dodging traps, bobbing, and weaving past rabid animals and of course, facing Jacquline Natlas's thugs. Yeesh! It's enough to make a girl cry out for Calgon.

It's not all wine and ancient artifacts though, I did have a few gripes. To find out what they are, read more

The only real downside to the game is the controls take some getting used to, especially the camera. There's nothing I hate more than not being able to see when it matters most. More than once I had to start again because I couldn't get the angle right. The battle sequences are a challenge as well. I liked the new target and aim system but it seems the action movements are a little slow on the uptake every so often with the Wii remote. Nothing too irritating, just enough to notice.

Overall this is a great game to spend some time on. The game itself is totally enveloping. You can really feel the difference when Lara is making her way through tight spaces and leaping from ledges in huge catacombs with no floor in sight. The visuals are great, which is no surprise since Tomb Raider always delivered for me when it came to atmosphere and cool things to look at. Additionally, Lara's movements and athletic skills have improved since the 1996 version. Trust me, you'll be glad she's in such great shape when you are trying to figure out how to get from one point to another in some of these levels! Renting is a good option if you don't want to fork over the $40 to own, but If you are lucky enough to know a Tomb Raider fan, this would make an awesome holiday gift. (Hint, Hint! )

You can pick up Tomb Raider: Anniversary for the Wii online or in stores now.

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