System: PSP, PS2, PC
Dev: Crystal Dynamics
Pub: Eidos Interactive
Release: Aug. 8, 2007
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: Teen
Review by Cole Smith

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Review Rating Legend
1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor
2.5 - 2.9 = Average
3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
3.5 - 3.9 = Good
4.0 - 4.4 = Great
4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
5.0 = The Best

Puzzles make up a good deal of the gameplay, but they may not appear as obvious puzzles to those of the point-and-click persuasion. A lot of the puzzles in Tomb Raider are directly related to how you control Lara. You won't just be pushing blocks around like you did the first game. There are an awful lot of jumps to perform, ledges to grab onto and shimmy from, as well as pitfalls to avoid. You'll swing on hooks, topple over obstacles to act as makeshift bridges, and constantly be on the lookout for hidden items to use. Checkpoints are plentiful, so you don't have to worry about starting over from the beginning of a particularly challenging level. Bullet-time gives you some extra flexibility during combat. There are tons of things to find in this game; everything from extra health to new costumes for our heroine. By the way, she looks great in everything - and most probably - nothing.

There isn't a lot of dialogue in this game; a lot of it is just Lara and her thoughts. It's quite a treat actually to have some time to just think things through. A more realistic mood is presented by this form of narrative, which really drives home the isolation. When there is a conversation it's most welcome, even if the delivery is a little wooden. The soundtrack is subdued and moody. It fits perfectly with the solitary, spooky theme. Graphically the game looks better on the PSP than the original could ever dream of looking. The temples, caves, and pyramid chambers are rendered with incredible detail and depth. Lighting effects are subtle and realistic. These are some pretty big levels so you won't mind the load times which aren't insane anyway.

It's nice to relive the past, but it's a lot nicer when you discover that things are even better than you thought they were.

By Cole Smith
CCC Senior Writer

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