Tomb Raider: Anniversary

Does she...bounce?

The graphics for the PS2 version are more than adequate for the most part, though we'd wager the PC version can be tweaked to look just a little bit better. Still, the PS2 game supports widescreen in progressive scan mode and the game makes excellent use of bloom and haze in some of the better lit areas, giving parts of Peru in particular an attractive, dream-like quality.

The character models are excellent as well for the most part, though the bats which occasionally attack are fairly basic in their appearance.

It's incredibly interesting to compare the way Lara's look has changed over the years, something which Anniversary allows via an unlockable outfit that restores her to all her low polygon glory. Hearing the developers talk about Lara's past and future is an added boon to thanks to the unlockable commentaries.

Because the game is built on the same engine as used in Legend, gamers can be sure that Lara's latest excursion will look as good as ever. The nice little touches of Legend are carried over so that Lara's clothes darken realistically when she jumps in a pool of water and she remains wet for a while when she gets out.


The slow-mo effect used when enemies charge at you is a great looker too, putting a funky blue effect over the screen and making everything focus in on the targeting reticule.

There were a few problems that showed up however, such as a few clipping issues when Lara clambers up and down ropes, that become noticeable mainly because of the otherwise excellent visual quality. The main issue we had with the games visuals though revolved around the camera, which was sometimes a pain to use and made targeting a pain when Lara needs to run backwards whilst firing (something key to defeating monsters like the T-Rex). Again though, PS2 veterans will have little problem compensating for it and even PlayStation n00bs will be able to get by as long as they can master Lara's dodging abilities.


The true beauty of the game lies in the details though - some effects which aren't immediately noticeable, such as the animations when Lara quickly changes direction and skids to a halt, will occasionally make a jaw or two drop on those occasions when the camera is close enough and Lara comes into close-up.

Conclusion

Tomb Raider: Anniversary is a stonker of a game, proving capable on all fronts and brilliant in a few. It certainly has its problems – mainly involving a sometimes dodgy camera and occasionally frustrating combat – but for the bulk of it Anniversary not only recaptures the brilliance of the original Tomb Raider, but distills that brilliance and provides a double dose.

Plot wise, the game isn't anywhere near as gripping as Legend was and the lack of supporting characters damages the way in which the story is told, but in terms of gameplay it's everything its predecessor was and more.

While Anniversary isn't quite the best game in the Tomb Raider series, it's certainly close and for those who prefer length or replayability over story, Anniversary could well be the best game they buy this year. Heaps of unlockables and a string of coherent and expansive levels mean that the Lara's latest exploration has come back with mountains of gaming gold.