Tomb Raider: Anniversary Critic Reviews

For the price, and for the quality of offer, Tomb Raider: Anniversary is easily one the best games released all year. Blessed with an excellent control system and chock full of masterfully designed levels, as far as puzzle-based action adventures go, there have been none finer for years.

With slick graphics, beautiful level design and of course, the puzzles and action that first captivated us completely, Anniversary lives up to the name of Lara Croft.

It’s a timeless experience for the entire family.

If you have fond memories of Tomb Raider from 10 or so years ago, then it is very likely you will be able to pick up Tomb Raider: Anniversary and relive good times. The game might not have the best graphics and some may dislike the Tomb Raider style, but for fans, its a dream come true.

This really is a special game for the truest fans.

This is retro gaming as it should be, other developers please take note!

Tapping into the sense of isolation and level flow of the original game, Crystal Dynamics has completely overhauled the individual puzzles and encounters to match more modern expectations.

Playing it today felt just as new and exciting as playing it ten years ago did. And that is this game's main strength.

If you've never played the first Tomb Raider, this is a great way to go about it. If you have, this is a great way to get reacquainted with it.

It brings a classic game world up to date, throws in simple but intuitive controls and doesn't rely on constant fire-fights to bring excitement.

The 360 is much crisper in appearance, but you'll run across frame rate hiccups while you're playing.

Those expecting a more action heavy experience will feel a little let down, but as a puzzle heavy action game, Lara can more than hold her own.

With three "episodes"--two story episodes and Croft Manor--the price tag is easily justifiable: Anniversary offers a respectable four to eight hours per slice.

Overall the differences between the two versions are slight and other than the inclusion of achievement points - usually rewarded for the successful completion of each level, as well as the completion of time trials and the collection of scattered artefacts – it’s literally the same game in a higher resolution with a few tagged on graphical effects.

This is a game that delivers to both the fans of the series and newcomers and it honestly delivers in spades.

It’s been a long and tumultuous ride over the years for our girl Lara. It’s nice to see her go back to what made her the woman she is today. Solid controls, huge areas to explore and conquer, and larger than life ancient block puzzles to solve all make an appearance.

With its attractive price and workable controls, Tomb Raider: Anniversary is easy to recommend to anybody who enjoys exploring dank and dark caves looking for hidden treasure.

Anniversary is still a fantastic game, and well worth playing, that is, if you haven’t already.

Again, this remake of the original is based on the engine found in Legend, but really could have used more from it. It’s absolutely worth playing because it’s fun and actually better than the original Tomb Raider.

Overall, Tomb Raider: Anniversary features an age old style of gameplay that is beginning to struggle against the test of time.