"There's a lot to like about Tomb Raider: Underworld. Visually, it is the best-looking Tomb Raider ever, with gorgeously detailed environments. Lara herself has never looked better, getting caked with dirt as she rolls through the jungle (get your mind out of the gutter, you pervs). The levels are extremely well designed and often have some great puzzles and surprises. In a way, this game is closer to the old school Tomb Raiders, with large chambers with multiple tasks. Sadly, with the old school approach comes the old school problems. The camera is pretty tricky, and I found myself jumping and hoping there was something to latch on to a lot more than I should. Also, handling Lara doesn't feel as smooth as it did in TR: Legend and TR: Anniversary. Lara also seems to get confused much more than I remember encountering in the previous Crystal Dynamics-developed TR games. When she's standing next to a block, she often doesn't know if want her to jump up and grab it, or jump up and push off the rock. The confusion can lead to a lot of reloading. Overall I am pretty pleased with the new adventure--it's hard not to be blown away by the game's underwater Mediterranean level, but I am hoping the next Tomb Raider is tighter, especially in the camera and context-sensitivity departments."
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Jason's Score:
7.5
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