Tomb Raider: Underworld Review

Tomb Raider: Underworld, also known as Tomb Raider 8, resumes the adventure from where Tomb Raider: Legend left off. Among the highlights of the game are the improved mixture of underground, underwater, and outdoor locations, which are realistic enough, and the added dimensions of Lara’s moves to her existing powers. The game features a puzzle design.

The game starts with Lara racing to escape in her burned mansion. Through the course of the escape she turns to take care of her father’s unfinished business and is led to discover more.

Gameplay – 7.0

As the theme of the game is “Underworld,” the background territory is darker than that of its previous releases. It focuses on some exotic locations, emphasizing on occasional combats and fights. The top drawer would be how Lara handles interaction with the environment – performing jumps and climbing walls, which is as satisfying as ever. Among Lara’s new moves in this series are the ability to balance on beams and to descend using her friction line.

The world is pretty much rigid. However, to the specific environment that Lara seems not to interact with looks clear to you, as it feels lighter and features right-angled edges.

Graphics and Visuals – 6.0

The mixture of underworld and underwater is impressive. Going deep underwater for a dive seems to be pleasurably atmospheric; although there is no direction and indication on which route to swim, you wouldn’t mind swimming in the beautiful bottomless gulf. The visuals are well represented and have vast backgrounds such as temples, mountains, and jungles.

The weapons system is a total disappointment; one is constantly running out of fire. Not only are there few enemies in the game, but they also get repeated and repeated throughout.

Overall – 6.5

The downside of the game is the lack of multiplayer option; it would have been better if the developer had added a character as Lara’s companion through the warfare. Minor flops on visuals include problems with clipping and the rigid and linear underworld ground – the rules are strict without any option for freedom. But still going through all these adventures seems to be enjoyable.