Author Topic: What was the final verdict on Tomb Raider Underworld? (Read 4648 times)

demi · « **Reply #1 on:** December 05, 2008, 02:15:20 PM »

More like awesome, you fat swine

My GameFly copy is on its way

WrikaWrek · « **Reply #2 on:** December 05, 2008, 02:21:59 PM »

Pretty cool adventure/platformer.

The Fake Shemp · « **Reply #3 on:** December 05, 2008, 02:22:51 PM »

How far off from Prince of Persia? I want more platforming.

WrikaWrek · « **Reply #4 on:** December 05, 2008, 02:27:10 PM »

Quote from: Willco on December 05, 2008, 02:22:51 PM

How far off from Prince of Persia? I want more platforming.

Well, you will have to stop and think during your playtime in Tomb Raider. It's not rocket science (never is), but it's no Prince of Persia. I set the enemy shit all to low, and i ended up with the game being 80/20 for platforming. It's pretty cool.

y2kev · « **Reply #5 on:** December 05, 2008, 02:30:25 PM »

The platforming actually takes timing and skill and the levels are not "circuits" around a central hub like PoP.

cool breeze · « **Reply #6 on:** December 05, 2008, 02:33:00 PM »

I kind of want to buy it since PoP is really boring and I'm getting sleepy playing it

It's not bad or anything, but "go here, kill boss, collect this, repeat" is tiring. SotC was similar, but it didn't make you collect orbs. Collecting orbs is boring.

The Fake Shemp · « **Reply #7 on:** December 05, 2008, 02:33:23 PM »

I wouldn't say Prince of Persia is without timing - I certainly have "died" collecting Light Seeds. But platforming requiring a bit more skill would probably be nice, as long as it's not marred by technical problems (fuck you glitch!).

y2kev · « **Reply #8 on:** December 05, 2008, 02:34:05 PM »

As Eurogamer says, the timing window is "as wide as a house."

edit: I agree swagz. The game would be better if it was just lightning fast level to level, but it would be 2 hours long

cool breeze · « **Reply #9 on:** December 05, 2008, 02:37:04 PM »

It's actually a lot faster paced than most similar games, and that's a good thing since you backtrack a lot, but it still is such a chore sometimes. And combat is so simple that I have no clue whats happening other than crazy pretty stuff going on the screen.

And while this game looks great in HD, for some reason I think it would look like Rogue Galaxy on an SDTV

y2kev · « **Reply #10 on:** December 05, 2008, 02:40:37 PM »

Well, it's fast paced because the platforming is not a puzzle. You're not navigating an environment. Everything is a "path" instead of a "puzzle." It's like a bunch of circuits all encircling the fertile grounds...so it's fast. Which is good. But I don't think you will EVER say "hmm, how do i get over there." the answer is you press a and or press a/hold forward.

Van Cruncheon · « **Reply #11 on:** December 05, 2008, 03:03:12 PM »

great game, a bit short but with some really memorable levels and moments

better than uncharted and prince of persia

The Fake Shemp · « **Reply #12 on:** December 05, 2008, 03:09:30 PM »

Thanks Prole - I think I'll pick it up using some of my extra credit today.

Jansen · « **Reply #13 on:** December 05, 2008, 03:59:01 PM »

i'm at mexico now and it's actually pretty good. the only big downer is the camera.

bork · « **Reply #14 on:** January 15, 2009, 02:47:22 AM »

I just finished TRU, although with the DLC levels coming, it's not quite over just yet. The wait shouldn't be too long; it looks like it will be available next week.

Underworld felt like a longer game than Legend, but only by a little bit. The last two levels in the game were pretty short (really just one level; the second to last level is an extremely short revisit to a previous area just to trigger a cut scene); echoing the final two levels in Tomb Raider Legend. Underworld also does a nice job of closing the story line begun in the last game, tying up all the loose ends not only from Legend, but Anniversary as well.

The levels were all fantastic and fun to play through, and thankfully the motorcycle's return was actually integrated well this time around, unlike in Legend. The visuals were also top-notch throughout the game, although the camera had problems; dying because you missed a jump or couldn't see where you jumping to is not enjoyable, and it happened a little too much in this game. Not enough to be frustrating, but still annoying all the same.

Overall I'd recommend Underworld despite its camera and technical issues. Add to that a disgruntled ex-Crystal Dynamics developer spilling the beans that the DLC was meant to be part of the final game, and it's clear this game was rushed. However, it was easily one of my favorite games from 2008 and definitely worth playing if you liked Legend and/or Anniversary. If you haven't played Legend yet, this game is a direct continuation of its story, and it's worth playing through Legend before Underworld.

There's talk of this possibly being Crystal Dynamics' last Tomb Raider game, since sales fell well short of expectations. The series might be in for another developer change and complete overhaul once again. If that's the case, I have highly enjoyed Crystal Dynamics' run on the series (actually I need to finish Anniversary-- only played through the first four levels!); they did a far, far better job on Tomb Raider than Core Design ever did.

The Fake Shemp · « **Reply #15 on:** January 15, 2009, 07:50:52 AM »

Tomb Raider Underworld got mixed reviews and just totally overshadowed when stuff like Fable, Fallout and Gears of War were coming out every other week.

Bildi · « **Reply #16 on:** January 15, 2009, 07:56:36 AM »

I'm picking it up in a couple of weeks and looking forward to it.

It's a shame it didn't sell well but the last couple of months was a pretty stupid time to release non-blockbuster games. CD sure did a great job with the series but after three similar games I suppose an overhaul might be a good thing. Hopefully the series doesn't get stuffed up.

The Fake Shemp · « **Reply #17 on:** January 15, 2009, 08:00:53 AM »

The Tomb Raider series still has a lot of baggage and the general consensus amongst the public is that it still sucks. The game was a good rental, though.

dammitmattt · « **Reply #18 on:** January 15, 2009, 09:01:18 AM »

I'm finishing up Prince of Persia and Tomb Raider: Underworld is next on my list of adventure games. Can someone explain to me how the adjustable difficulty works and how it affects (or doesn't affect) the achievements?

demi · « **Reply #19 on:** January 15, 2009, 09:08:13 AM »

The game is distinguished mentally-challenged fellow easy. Just play it on Master Explorer.

y2kev · « **Reply #20 on:** January 15, 2009, 09:34:03 AM »

Quote from: Kosma on January 15, 2009, 08:36:18 AM

Ok the consensus is the game sucks, but the games are quite good. What would you suggest to the people in charge to let the series hit it big again?

The game doesn't suck. It's good.

The game isn't hard. Play on Master Explorer.

demi · « **Reply #21 on:** January 15, 2009, 09:42:16 AM »

They could like not release it among higher profile titles, that would be cool

y2kev · « **Reply #22 on:** January 15, 2009, 09:44:16 AM »

Quote from: Kosma on January 15, 2009, 09:41:19 AM

I think I didn't write what I ment to say, remember Y2Kev you always agree with me.

What I ment to say: the general public increasingly shuns the game./series , what should the powers that be do to change that?

I dunno, I think it just needs a new publisher with actual money to promote and advertise it. The game hasn't bombed, but it has underperformed and it could be the crowded holiday season-- but TRA didn't light the charts on fire last year either and that was a budget release.

Certain elements of the gameplay need overhauling, like the shootingz and the camera. And if Crystal Dynamics can't do it, then the game needs to be moved to another studio (anyone that ISN'T UBISOFT MONTREAL), but I don't think the public has suddenly decided they hate action adventure games.

tiesto · « **Reply #23 on:** January 15, 2009, 09:51:07 AM »

I didn't like the first two games on PS1, got this game for Christmas and am definitely enjoying it, aside from the camera issues and shitty combat. Really beautiful graphics, too. It's definitely better than Uncharted.

tiesto · « **Reply #24 on:** January 15, 2009, 10:02:10 AM »

Yeah, I felt like I got the good ol' bait-and-switch with Uncharted... I was expecting something much more like TR rather than Gears.

dammitmattt · « **Reply #25 on:** January 15, 2009, 10:17:40 AM »

Quote from: Kosma on January 15, 2009, 09:58:34 AM

Why do people keep comparing it to Uncharted? Uncharted really has people fooled with how it presents itself I guess, but I still think it's way more Gears then Tomb Raider. Uncharted is 85% about the shooting. Tomb Raider is way more balanced then that.

Man it would be cool if Crystal Dynamics and Naughty Dog did a Tomb Raider or Uncharted together. The strong shooting mechanism from Uncharted coupled with Tomb Raider exploration and puzzles That would be GOTY.

It sucked that Uncharted didn't have more platforming because it did it so well during the brief opportunities that you got to actually do it. The shooting mechanics were fairly sound, but they really need to tweak the aiming, bullet feel, and way the enemies are integrated into the game (waves of enemies is so 1999).

Darunia · « **Reply #26 on:** January 15, 2009, 10:17:55 AM »

I can see myself picking this up at some point, even if I was disappointed by the demo. It's still a platform/adventure game, which is my favorite genre. I thought I'd get my fix with PoP but... yeah. i will repent my sins

bork · « **Reply #27 on:** January 15, 2009, 01:26:36 PM »

Quote from: Kosma on January 15, 2009, 04:09:29 AM

So it's better then Legends Lyte? That sounds really good, I've been thinking of getting this for weeks now.

Yeah, I really enjoyed it. If you liked Legend you will definitely like this more, no question. I agree that it's also easy overall, but so was Legend.

Quote

I loved Legends but Tomb Raider 1 was very good too, overall Crystal Dynamics games where better then te Core ones yeah it seems. It's hardly their fault imho that the game sold worse, I mean they never should have pushed it in the main season. A february release would be ideal. Also how big of a market do these games have nowadays? Seeing that there is no other game in the same style I'd say a small one. I just hope the franchise lives on, because I love the vibe that these give me.

It seems like sales projections are putting Underworld at 2.5 million. Expectations were 3 million. That's just a bit short, and add to that Underworld not getting released on the Playstation 2 and PSP platforms like the previous two games did. At least not yet.

Herr Mafflard · « **Reply #28 on:** January 15, 2009, 02:24:25 PM »

I enjoyed Legend, so I'll definately be picking this up.

Bildi · « **Reply #29 on:** January 16, 2009, 12:56:36 AM »

I just ordered it.

chronovore · « **Reply #30 on:** January 19, 2009, 04:15:38 AM »

How was Tomb Raider Anniversary? I saw cheap copies of the ROM version in Nipponbashi last time I was out, and if it's (a) as good as TRL and (b) a full 1000 points (as opposed to the DLC's 250 or whatever), I'll bag it.

y2kev · « **Reply #31 on:** January 19, 2009, 10:56:16 AM »

It's 1000 and it's really good. Probably the best of the three.

Guybrush Threepwood · « **Reply #32 on:** January 19, 2009, 10:58:35 AM »

Uncharted would have been so much better if there was more platforming and less combat.

Actually, it would have been better if there was no combat because the combat was the worst part of the game (well, except for the writing).

demi · « **Reply #33 on:** January 19, 2009, 11:04:06 AM »

Underworld > Legend > Anniversary

bork · « **Reply #34 on:** January 19, 2009, 12:44:25 PM »

Quote from: demi on January 19, 2009, 11:04:06 AM

Underworld > Legend > Anniversary

What puts Legend ahead of Anniversary for you?

demi · « **Reply #35 on:** January 19, 2009, 12:46:42 PM »

The ending

Van Cruncheon · « **Reply #36 on:** January 19, 2009, 01:57:42 PM »

anniversary > underworld >>>> legend

demi smokes pole

demi · « **Reply #37 on:** January 19, 2009, 01:59:10 PM »

Clearly not

Van Cruncheon · « **Reply #38 on:** January 19, 2009, 02:02:25 PM »

legend sucks, sub-uncharted shootout levels and chintzy motorbike controls ftl

demi · « **Reply #39 on:** January 19, 2009, 02:04:04 PM »

Awesome wowsome ending makes everything alright in the end. The cumming of what is a masturbatory experience

y2kev · « **Reply #40 on:** January 19, 2009, 03:20:45 PM »

I didn't hit any bugs. Well, there was an animation glitch I hit all the time. If you run into a wall with some geometry in front of it (rocks, mud, something), Lara will get caught in the "step" animation and you can't clear her out of it until you let go of the stick.

dammitmattt · « **Reply #41 on:** January 19, 2009, 04:04:49 PM »

I liked Anniversary, but it was incredibly unpolished and really felt like a 10-year-old game shoe-horned into the modern age, which is what it was. I wanted to like it more than I actually did.

chronovore · « **Reply #42 on:** January 19, 2009, 09:24:49 PM »

Quote from: Professor Prole on January 19, 2009, 02:02:25 PM

legend sucks, sub-uncharted shootout levels and chintzy motorbike controls ftl

I was not fond of those motorbike levels, no. I got some disgusting weapon that made them a little more tolerable. Or was it that cheats didn't disable Achievements in TRL? I can't recall offhand. Anything to skirt past those poor, mean bike sequences.

Van Cruncheon · « **Reply #43 on:** January 19, 2009, 10:03:03 PM »

Quote from: dammitmattt on January 19, 2009, 04:04:49 PM

I liked Anniversary, but it was incredibly unpolished and really felt like a 10-year-old game shoe-horned into the modern age, which is what it was. I wanted to like it more than I actually did.

really? i thought anniversary was really polished, and i liked that it didn't focus on story or shooting or godawful vehicle sequences but on level after level after level of AWESOME PLATFORMING

y2kev · « **Reply #44 on:** January 19, 2009, 10:17:57 PM »

i agree. it felt really new and fresh. it was like revisiting an old friend who got an amazing boob job and tummy tuck

demi · « **Reply #45 on:** January 19, 2009, 10:19:32 PM »

Except when they ruined the Doppelganger fight

Van Cruncheon · « **Reply #46 on:** January 19, 2009, 10:20:39 PM »

yeah, that was a bit gimmicky, but that was 2 minutes amidst 30 hours of AWESOME

and it was still better than shootout levels and motorcycle hijinks

y2kev · « **Reply #47 on:** January 19, 2009, 10:24:00 PM »

You mean in Atlantis? How did they ruin it? Didn't it play basically the same?

recursivelyenumerable · « **Reply #48 on:** January 19, 2009, 10:30:10 PM »

so if I wanted to play only one TR game ever, to learn what it's all about, would Anniversary be the one to pick? I've only ever played about ten minutes of the original on PS1.

cool breeze · « **Reply #49 on:** January 19, 2009, 10:47:49 PM »

how is the grapple in Underworld? I remember seeing videos where it had actual physical properties and stuff.

demi · « **Reply #50 on:** January 19, 2009, 11:03:24 PM »

Quote from: y2kev on January 19, 2009, 10:24:00 PM

You mean in Atlantis? How did they ruin it? Didn't it play basically the same?

The original didnt have the distinguished mentally-challenged twisty pull thing and making you climb up and race and blah blah blahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Van Cruncheon · « **Reply #51 on:** January 19, 2009, 11:54:11 PM »

Quote from: recursivelyenumerable on January 19, 2009, 10:30:10 PM

so if I wanted to play only one TR game ever, to learn what it's all about, would Anniversary be the one to pick? I've only ever played about ten minutes of the original on PS1.

yes.

dammitmattt · « **Reply #52 on:** January 20, 2009, 01:29:47 AM »

Quote from: Professor Prole on January 19, 2009, 10:03:03 PM

Quote from: dammitmattt on January 19, 2009, 04:04:49 PM
I liked Anniversary, but it was incredibly unpolished and really felt like a 10-year-old game shoe-horned into the modern age, which is what it was. I wanted to like it more than I actually did.

really? i thought anniversary was really polished, and i liked that it didn't focus on story or shooting or godawful vehicle sequences but on level after level after level of AWESOME PLATFORMING

I played it on the 360 and the frame rate was even more inconsistent than Legend, which was already inconsistent. Plus, in the first few levels, I manged to get Lara stuck in weird positions twice, and I even managed to COMPLETELY bypass an early puzzle (the one in the big cavern where you eventually stop up the waterfall and proceed behind it). I'm not sure what I did and couldn't duplicate it during my second attempt at the level when I was achievement-hunting.

chronovore · « **Reply #53 on:** January 20, 2009, 04:55:10 AM »

I don't think I had a complaint about TRL except that the menus were REALLY weirdly low-resolution in the 360 version. Text looked like crap; might it have been the "pre-Scaleform era"?

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Author Topic: What was the final verdict on Tomb Raider Underworld? (Read 4648 times)