Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness

"The Queen of Gaming has reclaimed her throne once again!!!"

Lara Croft. The undisputed queen of gaming is back in her latest adventure: Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness. This game has been in production for a good 2 to 3 years, and it shows. The game is a masterpiece, a jewel, that only certain games can achieve. An thoroughly interesting storyline (probably the best of any game), along with gameplay that is extremely addictive and enjoyable, fantastic graphics, a musical score like no other, and everyone's favorite heroine, Lara Croft.

Gameplay: 10/10
The game is addictive, and the controls take very little time to get used to, because they are practically like the old Tomb Raider. Lara seems more realistic with her moves. She cannot dangle from a ledge or vine indefinitely anymore (who can?). But you can make Lara stronger and faster. For example, you make a huge jump over a wide gap, and Lara may say, ''My legs feel stronger now'' and give you a new ability. Enemies can usually always reach Lara from wherever she is. Stealth mode is a great addition, in which you can creep around and sneak up on enemies and either break their neck or knock them out cold, whichever Lara feels like doing. Interacting with characters in the game is big step, and can affect your outcome in certain levels. Hand to Hand combat is another new feature, and helps when you’re short of ammo. Finally, a new playable character who is rather peculiar, but nevertheless almost as interesting as Lara, if not as interesting.

Story: 10/10
The story could be turned into a novel and be a bestseller! That is how good the story is in this game. Lara is being framed for the murder of her mentor, Werner Von Croy. She is doing what he last told of her before his untimely death: to obtain the fifth Obscura painting for a client called Eckhardt. Along the way, Lara discovers that Eckhardt isn't up to any good, and I would say more, but I don't want to spoil the story for those reading who haven't played the game. Best story I have ever seen for a game. Ever.

Graphics: 9/10
Lara looks beautiful, and there are amazing, breath-taking environments. Lara is made up of 5,000 polygons now instead of 500. The game has weather effects that enhance the atmosphere. The games areas are well-varied, from Paris to the Louvre and ancient tombs and Prague. 3rd person perspective lets you see EVERYTHING. Only reason it doesn't get a ten is because in some areas, the textures are a little bit off, but its not a big deal.

Sound: 10/10
The games music/score is truly one of the best. Made by a professional orchestra, the score fits each and every area perfect. Even the music in the main menu is a pleasure to listen to. Characters voices are very realistic and acted first rate. You can tell that when Lara talks to someone who is irritating her, she is pissed.

Fun Factor: 10/10
Raiding tombs, exploring Paris and Prague, fighting bad guys, breaking into places, getting artifacts. It just doesn't get any better now, does it?

Rent or Buy:
BUY!!!! Since you can't rent PC games anyway, but rent for PS2 if you must rent before you buy. If you like or love Tomb Raider, buy! If you dislike Tomb Raider, then I wouldn't imagine why you are reading this review in the first place, but then the game has appealed to you in some way, so give it a chance. It won't bite. Just make sure your PC fits the system requirements.

Overall, this is an excellent game that should not be overlooked by any gamer, least of all one who likes an engaging storyline, fun gameplay, amazing music, and Lara Croft.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 07/05/03, Updated 07/05/03