Tomb Raider Fans Rejoice!
Lara Croft is now back with a whole new development team (Crystal Dynamics, those behind the Legacy of Kain series) and a whole new engine to boot. Gone are the clunky slow jump and grab action buttons and the square based worlds. Enter a more believable and exciting world of Ms. Croft's unlike any before.
The platforming is the highlight in this game, unlike the highlight in the older games which was simply more polygons added into certain 'areas' of Lara's body. This is not to say that her character modeling hasn't gone up because it has. This not only includes a more realistic looking Lara but even a new costume (costumes) in which she so greatly shows off.
Oh yea, the platforming, where was I? Yes, the platforming resembles a more Prince of Persia feel in which you must think fast and use your mind in order to overcome the many obstacles set in Lara's way. Lara is now armed with a magnetic grapple in which you can move objects and swing with and even disarm baddies! The puzzles are well thought out and can be quite challenging at times, offering a fun experience for the platforming fans.
The action itself is a bit simple. A basic lock on system is in place making even the hardest difficulty setting seem extremely easy. The game is also fairly short taking about 4 to 6 hours to complete your first run through. But where the lack of length is there, the unlockables are sure to wet your appetite enough to go back through and complete the different difficulties and time trials. In doing these you unlock not only artwork and music, but character biographies and secret costumes. Now how can you resist the temptation of playing Lara in your favorite costume?
Overall this game is very solid. A fun adventure with plenty of puzzles, platforming, and action to go around. Tomb Raider Fans rejoice! Lara Croft is back Baby!