'Tomb Raider: Underworld' underwhelms

Title: Tomb Raider: Underworld

Studio: Crystal Dynamics

Rating: T for Teen — Blood, mild language, mild suggestive themes, violence

Platform: DS, PS2, PS3, Xbox 360 (reviewed), Wii

Score: 5 of 10

THE REVIEW:

Gameplay: Confession #1) I have never played a "Tomb Raider" game before.

Confession #2) I was excited to finally get the chance.

Confession #3) I was disapointed by the game.

Lara Croft would probably be in the video game character hall of fame (if there was such a thing) on the first ballot. There have been "Tomb Raider" games with great reputations, and clearly the character wouldn't have gained such noteriety only because of her cartoon sex-symbol status alone. Plenty of gaming heroines have faded into obscurity with similar qualifications. It is fair to say that the franchise has left an indelible mark on games.

So finding "Tomb Raider: Underworld" less than satisfactory was a major disapointment. The game is wonderful to look at and it felt like it would be wonderful to play, eventually, if only I could get the hang of the controls. The problem is, the controls and the game's camera never got better. They always felt awkward, and getting through some stages of the game was a big dose of annoying for a small dose of fun. Getting Lara to do what is needed feels like a wrestling match with her and the environments.

The game is part of a trilogy, and although I have not touched the other games, I felt OK about the story elements of the game. In fact I enjoyed the cutscenes and in-game story but the grind of play killed the fun. There was plenty to sell the concept of finding Lara's mom, with enough sophistication to engage the immagination. Environments are great to look at but not to play through. The game is a series of puzzles for the impossibly athletic Lara to navigate with jumping and swinging and hanging. She has great gizmos as well that can map environments, and zoom in on scenes, monsters or characters.

With a great plot, character and vizuals all lined up, there is a feeling that there is a great game here if only the problems inherent to the controls could have been solved.

Graphics: Things looked better when Lara wasn't moving. It wasn't a big detrament but lots of movement resulted in degrading visuals. Still, there is a lot to admire in the design.

Audio: The ambient sounds of Lara, mosters, caves, oceans, land, ice, fire and everything else were well executed.

THE WRAP-UP

Parent's take: Lara Croft is designed to be a stunning woman with impossible feminine characteristics but she is a strong female action hero that is proactive and motivated to do good with strong family values. She doesn't dress for modesty. There is cartoon gunplay and death but not gore.

Final word: Fans of "Tomb Raider" may be willing to overlook the frustrating issues of the game but there are real flaws the make the experience hard work.