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| Version | User | Scope of changes |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 24 2006, 6:04 PM EDT (current) | Jmann2k1 | 3 words added |
| Apr 20 2006, 12:35 AM EDT | Jmann2k1 |
Changes
Key: Additions Deletions
Description:
Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Legend is Eidos' attempt to resurrect a series that was being annually destroyed more and more by it's former developer, Core. Well, Eidos saw that there was still a spark of hope left for Lara and her ailing series, so they decided to take it away from Core and let Crystal Dynamics have a shot at it. Sometimes, people, drastic measures are necessary. This was one of those times. Tomb Raider has always had an interesting premise. Who wouldn't want to be an Indiana Jones type action hero? Not that the eye candy (at least for guys, the main video game demographic that developers see) that was Lara Croft, and her "assets" hurt either.
If you don't think of Legend as a sequel, continuing where past games left off, and instead think of it as a resurrection (as stated earlier), or reinvention, of the entire series, then it will be much easier to take this Lara for a spin. While the game still looks, and generally feels, like a Tomb Raider title, the overall sensation is a much cleaner, and more enjoyable experience. What I mean by this, is that where Core seemed to have problems in both the graphics and gameplay departments, Crystal Dynamics seems to have recognized those things that were problems in those previous games, and put a lot of effort into improving them.
Graphics: 8/10
OK. This game IS technically a port of the Xbox and PS2 versions. However, it's a very good port. What this means, is that while the areas and such are the same, the developer used the abilities of the Xbox 360 much more than other ports that are out there (i.e. Gun). This game LOOKS like an Xbox 360 title, but just not one of the best looking Xbox 360 titles. There are sections of it that are truly breathtaking, though. One such place is on top of a waterfall in the first level. The water pouring over the side along with the view of the skyline is amazing. If there was a first person view (w/o using the binoculars) you'd feel like you were right there in Bolivia.
Sound: 8.5/10
The sound in this game is pretty spectacular. If there is a waterfall, or rushing water behind you on your right side, that's where you hear it. However, the sound for that water doesn't stop at that speaker alone (if you're using a 5.1 setup). Instead, it's positioned spatially so that the sound comes out from around you, as well, just not as loudly. Other games have done this too, so it's nothing revolutionary, but it still amazes me nonetheless. The jungle sounds like the jungle. Caves sound like caves. Everything that I've experienced just sounds right. The only thing that I wish this game had is a bit more background music. Yes, I know I can add that in by myself, using my PC link, but I would have enjoyed some more appropriate music that played in the background at the right times. I'd really like to see a game like this utilize a music system similar to that in Lumines for PSP. Not techno/pop tunes, mind you, but music that changed and evolved along with what you were doing on screen, thus triggering different emotions and levels of tension in the player.
Gameplay: 8/10
This game plays absolutely wonderfully (compared to past Tomb Raider titles). Having said that, the game does play well, but not perfectly. While the controls for Lara are almost perfect, there is still one nagging problem... The camera. The overall camera control isn't poor, like in many other games, but it can still inhibit gameplay in a few key situations. The comeback from this, though, is the second chance grab button. If you try to jump to a ledge and just miss it, Lara will grab on temporarily, and you have a second chance to grab the ledge by pressing the yellow Y button when shown to do so. The level design is varied enough to keep your interest, although it is a short adventure (5 hours or so, over the course of around 7 levels). Levels range from Bolivian waterfalls and caves to Tokyo rooftops. The story will keep you into the game as well, with the believable voice acting, and decent plot. How rare is that combination (No, really. There aren't too many other games that have that combination.)?
Overall: 8/10 (Not an Average)
I'd have to say that this game is a solid buy for those who used to be fans of Lara and her adventures (Remember Tomb Raider I and II?), and for those that enjoy action and puzzle solving games. Remember this though; there is much more puzzle solving and exploration than combat. This is not a shooter, but that's quite alright. Not every game needs to have tons of action. It's good to have a variety on the market. The replay value for this won't be as high as titles like Battlefield 2, simply because of the lack of online gameplay, and the fact that the puzzles will have the same solutions on multiple playthroughs. If you're not usually into this type of game, then give it a rental over a weekend, and see how you like it. As of this writing, there really isn't anything else like it on the 360.
Jmann2k1
Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Legend is Eidos' attempt to resurrect a series that was being annually destroyed more and more by it's former developer, Core. Well, Eidos saw that there was still a spark of hope left for Lara and her ailing series, so they decided to take it away from Core and let Crystal Dynamics have a shot at it. Sometimes, people, drastic measures are necessary. This was one of those times. Tomb Raider has always had an interesting premise. Who wouldn't want to be an Indiana Jones type action hero? Not that the eye candy (at least for guys, the main video game demographic that developers see) that was Lara Croft, and her "assets" hurt either.If you don't think of Legend as a sequel, continuing where past games left off, and instead think of it as a resurrection (as stated earlier), or reinvention, of the entire series, then it will be much easier to take this Lara for a spin. While the game still looks, and generally feels, like a Tomb Raider title, the overall sensation is a much cleaner, and more enjoyable experience. What I mean by this, is that where Core seemed to have problems in both the graphics and gameplay departments, Crystal Dynamics seems to have recognized those things that were problems in those previous games, and put a lot of effort into improving them.
Graphics: 8/10
OK. This game IS technically a port of the Xbox and PS2 versions. However, it's a very good port. What this means, is that while the areas and such are the same, the developer used the abilities of the Xbox 360 much more than other ports that are out there (i.e. Gun). This game LOOKS like an Xbox 360 title, but just not one of the best looking Xbox 360 titles. There are sections of it that are truly breathtaking, though. One such place is on top of a waterfall in the first level. The water pouring over the side along with the view of the skyline is amazing. If there was a first person view (w/o using the binoculars) you'd feel like you were right there in Bolivia.
Sound: 8.5/10
The sound in this game is pretty spectacular. If there is a waterfall, or rushing water behind you on your right side, that's where you hear it. However, the sound for that water doesn't stop at that speaker alone (if you're using a 5.1 setup). Instead, it's positioned spatially so that the sound comes out from around you, as well, just not as loudly. Other games have done this too, so it's nothing revolutionary, but it still amazes me nonetheless. The jungle sounds like the jungle. Caves sound like caves. Everything that I've experienced just sounds right. The only thing that I wish this game had is a bit more background music. Yes, I know I can add that in by myself, using my PC link, but I would have enjoyed some more appropriate music that played in the background at the right times. I'd really like to see a game like this utilize a music system similar to that in Lumines for PSP. Not techno/pop tunes, mind you, but music that changed and evolved along with what you were doing on screen, thus triggering different emotions and levels of tension in the player.
Gameplay: 8/10
This game plays absolutely wonderfully (compared to past Tomb Raider titles). Having said that, the game does play well, but not perfectly. While the controls for Lara are almost perfect, there is still one nagging problem... The camera. The overall camera control isn't poor, like in many other games, but it can still inhibit gameplay in a few key situations. The comeback from this, though, is the second chance grab button. If you try to jump to a ledge and just miss it, Lara will grab on temporarily, and you have a second chance to grab the ledge by pressing the yellow Y button when shown to do so. The level design is varied enough to keep your interest, although it is a short adventure (5 hours or so, over the course of around 7 levels). Levels range from Bolivian waterfalls and caves to Tokyo rooftops. The story will keep you into the game as well, with the believable voice acting, and decent plot. How rare is that combination (No, really. There aren't too many other games that have that combination.)?
Overall: 8/10 (Not an Average)
I'd have to say that this game is a solid buy for those who used to be fans of Lara and her adventures (Remember Tomb Raider I and II?), and for those that enjoy action and puzzle solving games. Remember this though; there is much more puzzle solving and exploration than combat. This is not a shooter, but that's quite alright. Not every game needs to have tons of action. It's good to have a variety on the market. The replay value for this won't be as high as titles like Battlefield 2, simply because of the lack of online gameplay, and the fact that the puzzles will have the same solutions on multiple playthroughs. If you're not usually into this type of game, then give it a rental over a weekend, and see how you like it. As of this writing, there really isn't anything else like it on the 360.
Jmann2k1
