Tomb Raider Anniversary is a re-make of the original Tomb Raider. Although, I have only played the demo version of the original Tomb Raider I can see many of the mechanics and the levels have been directly carried over to Tomb Raider Anniversary. What makes Tomb Raider Anniversary interesting is the puzzles that needs to be solved in order to get to the next stage. The puzzles are varied and requires you to think and the platforming requires to time things properly. The platforming aspect is what makes this game frustrating. The platforming mechanics in this case are flawed. If you miss time a jump slightly or don’t swing from one bar to another in a timely fashion you die. This requires you to try a part over and over again for several dozen times and puts a damper on the enjoyment of the game. Games should be challenging but not to a point where it becomes a frustrating experience as was the case with some of the levels in Tomb Raider Anniversary. The game mechanics are underdeveloped. Another issue is with the auto targeting of enemies. Sometimes the game doesn’t automatically target an enemy or targets the wrong item which means you keep on getting hit until you die. Which requires you try all over again.
In terms of the graphics, the environment, the tombs are great to look at. Crystal Dynamics did a great job in the graphics department for the various levels. Although, it was not the best looking Game of 2007, that would be Crysis, the environments are still great and carry over the sense that you are actually inside a Tomb or whatever the level you are playing in.
The Music score in the game is also good and goes with the levels.
In conclusion, Tomb Raider Anniversary is a great re-make of the original with some levels that are frustrating due to it’s poor game mechanics. But if you are a Tomb Raider fan that hasn’t completely played the original or want’s to get a dose of nostalgia in a newer updated version of the original game, than Tomb Raider Anniversary is the game for you.