Tomb Raider: Legend

"One Legend, One Story, One Score."

The Tomb Raider series is one that is critically acclaimed in more ways than one. Not only content with having a successful gaming career, Female Heroine Lara Croft has also branched out into two distinctly average films, but however, she teamed up once again with Edios and Crystal Dynamics to create another game to add to the growing list.

This time round however, the game would be a Legend.

Graphics- 8/10

The 360 version of the game is basically just a prettier port of what was already a great looking game on the last generation of consoles, and so whilst the developers have tried adding better lighting effects and textures, there wasn't much that could have been changed without spending more time converting it to a 360 release.

However, whilst Lara's model looks great, some of the other character models look a bit rushed, however, it is only the "bit part" players that dont have a high texture rate unlike the other "main" characters.

Gameplay - 9/10

In the gameplay department, the game really shines as the old adage "You can't teach an old dog new tricks" doesnt get used at all, as the developers have really tried altering Lara's arsenal of moves, introducing many new moves and some variations of old ones.

The game does try to constantly keep things fresh, as one minute you could be having a shootout in Peru, and the next you could be riding a motorbike jumping over bridges whilst shooting down enemies.

It's clear Edios and Crystal Dynamics have tried to forgot the terrible Gameplay of Angel of Darkness, and they have made amends in style with Legends.

Sound - 7/10

Edios have implemented several great scores into the game which really kick in whilst in action situations, however, whilst being good, the music is nothing memorable, thus getting a solid seven out of ten.

Length - 6/10

This is where the game gets crippled, as at a rather short 8 hour long game tops, you might feel you have wasted your money, however, with time trails and rewards also able to play through and collect. With the achivements requiring you to go through the game at least twice to collect and see everything, it adds on some considerable length.

Overall Score - 8/10

For Tomb Raider Fans, a definite pick up, for non fans, it's sure to be worth a rent.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 07/10/06