Interesting debut promises serious but subtle fun.
Yes, back in 1996 it would probably be safe to be so kind about Lara. Back then it probably wouldn't have to sound so tongue-in-cheek or forced. 1996 was the stunning debut of an original game by the name of Tomb Raider. It combined a powerful use of polygons for 3D detailed landscapes and gameplay which revolved around the intrepid heroine traipsing around the explorative levels, triggering puzzles and fending off the odd enemy. It was hailed as a breathtaking and innovating piece of work, the birth of a computer generated star. Despite the fact developers and publishers would pervert this acclaim in following sequels, the original Tomb Raider is a triumphant debut that has the biggest strength of being an interesting, explorative and original concept.
The story of the game adds spice to the adventure quota. Lara Croft's great reputation attracts the attention of Jacqueline Natla, a feisty business woman with her heart set on a fabled artefact located in Calcutta. Contracting the services of Lara, Natla sends her to claim it. However, it isn't long before Lara discovers sinister motives that may leave her for dead, and soon the excavation becomes a journey of survival and vengence. As the old saying ought to have been, hell hath no fury as two women trying to kill each other.
The appealing about Lara Croft in Tomb Raider is the elusive trail of who this busty girl is. Just happening to be scrumptious in those tight travel wear is a typical sex symbol template, but one many gamers are destined to adore. Tomb Raider sees her scrutinise the depths of caves, ancient tombs, raptor infested caverns and most magically, a monster littered Atlantis. The whole feel of Tomb Raider isn't that of an action game but one, like Prince of Persia before it, focused on level design and the fun of platforming. It's a intriguing idea explored masterfully and while the thrills of the gameplay are subtle, Tomb Raider definitely has the knack of keeping you hooked and interested in what is going on around you.
Arguably, Tomb Raider's thrills may not be subtle by choice: the controls and movement to Lara force the gameplay down a few notches. Buttons can be unresponsive and in the case of jumping, this is more than dangerous. Getting Lara to run and jump can sometimes require a few tries - that's if the fall across doesn't kill her first. Other problems arrive when trying to turn Lara; rather than flinch position, she has a to turn a half circle to change direction and in times of combat, this is excruciating. Luckily, the controls aren't completely hazardous to the real fun of this game - the level design. Rendered in 3D polygons, the landscapes in Tomb Raider are large and adventurous - matched with the acrobatic abilities of the heroine, prepare for some serious fun indeed. Tomb Raider's levels packs challenge with required wits and logic to get through them.
Anchoring the ambitious levels are the wonderful graphics, which pioneered the use of polygons in the PSone's reign. Given that the game was one of the first for the PSone, Tomb Raider looks marvelous. On occasion the graphics are blocky, as the levels are brought to life in huge landscapes, amazing attention to detail and decent animation. And yes, the emphasis on Lara's chest and derrier should confirm her status as most (geeky) teenage boy's fantasy. Reigning in the grandeur of the graphics is the stirring fashion of sound. Less is more, as music only plays at pivotal moments in the game, but sound effects are pushed to great use in the game. Breathy effects such as wind and echoes blowing through caves are small flourishes that make the experience of the levels much more engaging.
All in all, Tomb Raider was an exhilarating debut, seriously good enough to span on. This is a game that wins because of original level design which captures the fun of an Indiana Jones style adventure with a challenging blend of platforming reminiscent of the classic Prince of Persia. It all makes for a decent experience and despite a few hitches, is still worth a look even to this day.