Tomb Raider Underworld Review

I'm not one to put something down a lot. If I don't enjoy it, I normally won't take the time to write about it. However, being that I am a huge Tomb Raider fan, I find it is my civic duty to warn other fans of the atrocity that is Underworld. For those of us that don't have a next gen console yet, it was a welcome release (probably one of the last) for the PS2. However one has to wonder why it was even released for the PS2 at all. My only guess is for them to make the quick buck on us poor PS2 folk.

I'm going to start with something that really drew me to the Tomb Raider series from the beginning: The enemies, many of whom were animals. When you watch game play on sites such as YouTube where Lara is battling sharks underwater or getting ambushed by spiders in the jungle, your mouth waters in anticipation of being able to take on these creatures on the PS2 version, but hold that thought. Because even though you'll encounter jellyfish (which don't move) in the ocean level, you don't come face to face with a single shark nor do you have the ability to shoot your guns underwater either.

While you will encounter a few tigers in Thailand and even some giant venom spewing lizards who will crawl out of the holes in a wall in one location, that's really about the extent of the fun enemies. You'll encounter some black panthers in Mexico, too, as well as some supernatural enemies (which Tomb Raider is known for doing) in later levels, but the bulk of the game is platforming and exploration. Encountering enemies is few and far between which doesn't give it much depth. And what about that boss kraken in the underwater level?

It just sits there doing nothing! No excitement and in truth, it really can't be called a boss at all. In fact, there is not one single boss in this game. While I always get nervous going up against Tomb Raider bosses for their uniqueness and sometimes difficulty in figuring out a way to beat them, this game offered no challenges of the sort. Heck, even when you make it to the conclusion of the game, you'd assume there would be some sort of final confrontation, but you don't even get that - just a few fireballs thrown your way.

As to the platforming part, the camera tends to have a tendency to pull away literally making you a fly on the wall as you desperately squint to see where Lara is and where you can make your next jump. While this doesn't happen all the time, it's annoying when it does. Also, the camera gets caught behind ledges or walls not giving you a decent look at your surroundings and making you fight the camera and losing every time. It isn't until you move that the camera relaxes and by then, it may be too late.

As to the environments and tombs (another reason I liked the older games) aside from the platforming in a few locations that seem massive, there really aren't any nor are there any animals to bug you as you try and make each jump. In Anniversary, I remember having to deal with bats on a few occasions. But in this game nothing. And really, saying that the PS2 is last gen is a poor excuse, especially when the last gen version of Anniversary was so good. They could have at least given it that amount of quality.

Like someone previously said, it's like they ported this game onto the PS2 making it playable but removing all the fun features the next gen installments contain. Why do that to the fans that have been so loyal to the series? Those involved in making this version of the game need to issue a public apology to the fans and the sooner the better. This is just heartbreaking. Despite all this, I will say that the music is decent in terms of the overall soundtrack (like the few times you encounter animals or during the end credits) and while the graphics could have been better (especially underwater which almost looks murky) they're decent, especially for being a late PS2 release. However, the bad far outweigh the good. Keep your money and begin to save up for a PS3 before getting this title for that. Or, if your PC has the specifications, get this game on that.

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Product Description:
Tomb Raider: Underworld for PlayStation 2 by Eidos resumes where Tomb Raider: Legend left off. This installment introduces a new, interactive playing environment that gives players a chance to immerse themselves more fully into the game. Players once again take the role of Lara Croft as she explores such wide-ranging places as the Arctic, Mexico, and beneath the Mediterranean Sea.


Lara's environment is now much more realistic and interactive. View larger.

And now she can hold onto a ledge with one hand and fire a gun with the other. View larger. Interactive Worlds Introduces Realistic game play
Unlike the previous games in the series, Lara's environment is now much more realistic and interactive. Footprints will be left in mud, for example, but only until they wash away in the rain. Lara's shirt will also get wet, and she's more likely to lose her grip if she is standing on a slippery, rain-soaked ledge. When the sun comes out, her shirt will dry and the slippery surfaces regain their friction.
In Underworld, Lara also has a lot more flexibility in how she makes her way through a level, as there is often more than one way to get from here to there. She can now climb walls with texture and rocky outcroppings to reach areas she previously wouldn't have been able to access.
All of these additions have been made to give the game a non-linear, open feel. Players can interactive with the environment by doing things they find to be intuitive, and the game will respond appropriately. When Lara interacts with trees, for example, she will push aside leaves using either one or two hands depending, on whether or not she's holding something. These details give a lifelike, immersive sensation to the game.
New Melee Combat System
Underworld introduces a new melee combat system that requires players to strategically strike with offensive, defensive, and evasive maneuvers. Lara can now attack enemies with different punches, kicks, knees, and other acrobatic onslaughts. Items lying on the ground, such as poles that were previously walked on, can be picked up and swung at enemies. Players can also perform a greater variety of actions with weapons; for example, Lara can now hold onto a ledge with one hand and fire a gun with the other.
Realistic Enemy and Animal AI
The AI in Tomb Raider: Underworld has also taken a big step forward--both enemies and animals now make independent decisions based on their surroundings, employ ambush and squad tactics when fighting, and will retreat if deemed necessary.

With updated graphics and a more immersive and realistic game play, Tomb Raider: Underworld will have both fans and newcomers excited about the newest installment in this popular video game-pinup franchise.



Tomb Raider: Underworld is loaded with a new melee combat system, various weapons, and smarter AI for both enemies and animals.


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