Tomb Raider: Legend

It is important in a game with so much hanging on high ledges and other movements, that it doesn’t let you down in the control department, and fortunately there are no major issues here.  A few awkward camera angles can give a bad perspective and make controls difficult at areas, but this can be easily solved by moving the camera with the right stick.  ‘A’ as usual is used for jump, ‘RT’ fire, ‘LT’ lock on, B crouch, X grapple and Y is the interact button, of course some change jobs in certain circumstances.  There is an isolated control issue on the earlier mentioned boss battle.

Unlike most Xbox 360 games that have last-gen counterparts, Legend’s graphics are really rather impressive.  While many games have just touched up Xbox graphics, Crystal Dynamics have actually made an effort to use the power of the 360.  Textures and lighting are noticeably better than the Xbox version, and the game on the whole looks significantly better, which is a credit to the 360 edition rather than a negative of the original Xbox’s.

The developers have spent time on fine details that you take for granted, but really must be appreciated.  One small example is when you fire your gun, you can see each individual shell fall and lay on the ground.  Lara’s pony tail swings as she runs and after firing off your pistols in ‘precise aiming’ mode, a satisfying and ultra-realistic smoke fumes from your trusty guns.  Lara Croft has always had sex appeal, and as more polygons have become available over the entire game series, they’ve spent time making her breasts ridiculously huge, bringing in a new ‘type’ of fan.  However, this time in an attempt to eliminate the sleazy element, they’ve been cut to a more realistic size so people can appreciate the game instead of being attracted for other ‘interests’.  As should be expected, this is the best looking Tomb Raider to date, and while perhaps not as breathtaking as G.R.A.W., it holds it’s own against many of the 360 exclusives.

All the environmental sounds you would expect in real life are present, including water flow and birds tweeting.  Gun fire noises are pretty standard as well as enemy cries.  Background music is decent though nothing to write home about and cut-scene dialogue is well written.  The voice acting is performed well, despite her cringe-worthy, yet natural posh, English accent and the headset communication does keep you company.

Final Word

If Tomb Raider Legend was a failure, surely that would have had to be it for Lara and her once brilliant series.  However, by going back to doing what she does best, Ms. Croft has salvaged her career like a sportsman returning from an horrific injury.  Instead of becoming a washed up has been, she has earned her way back into your collection and respectability, and is pouting her lips at your for ever doubting her.

While Legend is not quite an essential purchase, it’s one you should certainly look into.  Old fans of the originals will undoubtedly feel right back at home, while others converted to the genre by Prince of Persia or those tempted by the Indiana Jones like exploration should definitely give it a try, and with a free demo on the marketplace, you’ve got no excuse!  It’s combat may be unoriginal and the game may not be revolutionary, but it’s a truly solid adventure, with a good story, good controls that leave you with a yearning for exploration, and also discovery that is yet to be achieved by any other Xbox 360 title.