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Tomb Raider Legend Review |
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Written by Don Lee
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Monday, 21 August 2006 |
 Tomb Raider Legend was eagerly anticipated after the last installment
in the franchise, which was panned by critics and the fans. Tomb Raider
Legend looked promising by the screenshots and information being
divulged during its development. I was a Tomb Raider fan during the
first couple of releases and I wanted this game to return to the fun
times I had in the beginning of the series.
I have high hopes for this game so here is what I discovered about Eidos Interactive’s Tomb Raider Legend.
A Return to the Past
The action in Tomb Raider Legend harkens backs to the good ‘ol days. Double barrel gun action, shotgun and a number of movement controls allow Lara to maneuver and get around the screen in a variety of ways. As in previous releases, you need to position Lara in certain ways so she can make these maneuvers. Luckily, the game presents you with tips along the way so you can get through a level.
The game is more interactive in that you can utilize objects throughout a level to your advantage. In fact, there will be times that the only way to proceed through a level is through the use of those objects.
Your main goal is not only to accomplish your mission but to also keep Lara out of harm’s way. Because you’re given a 360-degree view of your environment, you need to watch your back as enemies can appear from anywhere on screen. You’re going to want to master the art of jumping as well as aiming on the move as there will be a lot of times where you won’t have a moment to focus your shot. The better you are at making decisions on the move, the better you will do in the game. Try rolling and flipping as defensive moves when trying to avoid fire. If you lock onto your enemy, you can still fire on your target as you roll and flip.
There are plenty of items available at Lara’s disposal such as grenades, binoculars, shotgun, guns and her melee attack moves. Don’t forget to pick up health packs and other items along the way.
I found the controls to be a big improvement over the PC version but I always found games like this to be more of a console title anyway. Rotating the camera view was a big help in determining distances and angles especially when you’re making long jumps or combo moves.
The Final Word
Kudos to Eidos and Crystal Dynamics for returning the Lara Croft franchise to its roots and bringing the fun back in Tomb Raider Legend. This game brought back all the fun elements from the first few Tomb Raider releases while adding some cool new features. I found the puzzles to be tough but not impossible. Lara’s control and graphic glitches of the past appeared to be resolved as well.
Remember to monitor the data you pick up along the game on your PDA (yep, Lara is up on the latest technology). Utilize every part of the game and you will have a lot of fun playing Tomb Raider Legend. Don’t miss a chance to take a ride on an available vehicle. Nice change of pace from the usual running and jumping in this game.
 If you’re a fan of the Tomb Raider franchise, then you probably have already picked up the game on the first day of release. But if you’re one still scarred by the last Tomb Raider release, then you need to pick up this game because you certainly will not be disappointed by the action and challenges.
Tomb Raider Legend earns a 4 out of 5 star recommendation. You can click HERE to purchase it for the PlayStation 2.
About Tomb Raider Legend
You can learn more about Tomb Raider Legend from the game’s official website at http://www.tombraider.com.
About Eidos Interactive
Based in Wimbledon, South London, Eidos Interactive Ltd, part of SCi Entertainment Group Plc (SEG), is one of the world’s leading developers of entertainment software. Eidos consists of publishing operations across Europe and the US and several development studios including Crystal Dynamics, IO Interactive and Pivotal Games as well as a valuable stake in other studios. http://www.eidos.com
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