Developer Crystal Dynamics has returned with another Tomb Raider adventure, yet this one commemorates her tenth anniversary. Tomb Raider: Anniversary shouldn't be considered a remake of the original PlayStation game, but instead a re-imagining. Players take control of Lara as she sets out on a well-known quest, seeking out a powerful mythical object known as the Scion. Over the course of her journey, however, Lara discovers that she's been double-crossed by her employer. The gun-toting heroine sets out to not only eliminate her enemies, but to keep the Scion out of the wrong hands.
The story, levels and enemies will all be familiar to those who remember the original PlayStation and Sega Saturn video game. However, Crystal Dynamics plans to make this game anything but a rehash. The team has already begun work on fleshing out the storyline to make it more dramatic, though at this point, no announcements have been made elaborating on any new twists. Lara's quest will assuredly move her all over the place, from Peru to the deepest ruins in Greece.
Visually, the team will utilize a graphics engine similar to Tomb Raider Legend's, boasting fine details in level designs and animation. Lara appears as sharp as ever in the trailer, showing off her familiar one-piece swimsuit, ragged brown shorts and twin gun holsters. Her animation appears to be fluid, whether she's performing a sprint or kicks her legs during a swim. Fortunately, her figure retains its realistic touches ala Legend, with a body that includes a supple but not ridiculous amount of features. The animal enemies should come out looking better now, with bears and wolves looking less like pixilated nightmares and more like actual predators.
Those familiar with the Tomb Raider games know that they rely not only on fast-paced action scenarios, but also a mixture of intriguing puzzles. Crystal Dynamics' new design will include plenty of both. For instance, one room will have Lara looking for cogs to open a door while avoiding poison darts that shoot out of the walls. Not to mention the hungry wolves looking for a snack. Another will require split-second timing past closing walls and spike pits – a treacherous run indeed. Players may check out the game's sub-menu at any time, gaining access to a number of Lara's tools. These include her trusty twin pistols, medical packs, and other items that will help her during her journey.
Audio cues will continue to play a big part with this Tomb Raider adventure. Little suspenseful pieces of music kick in whenever Lara finds herself in a dangerous spot. Gunfire, enemy sounds and other pieces of ambience (falling rocks, splashing water, etc.) will draw the player further into the adventure. Rounding out this experience will be dialogue from Lara herself, ranging from little grunts as she pulls herself up onto a ledge to verbal hints that will help the player push ahead through a level.
This only leaves two questions about Tomb Raider: Anniversary in its current state. First and most importantly, will there be some kind of historical retrospective included on the disc? It would be pretty neat to see a chronicling of the Tomb Raider history, from its creation to Lara's current adventures. Hopefully, Toby Gard, Lara's creator, can provide some perspective on Ms. Croft, as well as lend a hand with the game's development.
The second question revolves around the platforms for Tomb Raider: Anniversary. Currently, only the PlayStation 2, Sony PSP, and PC will be receiving it. Could there be a chance that Eidos would consider a more-enhanced release for the PS3 and Xbox 360? Seeing Lara put another dent into the next-gen scene wouldn't be a bad thing.
Regardless of platform, Tomb Raider: Anniversary should be a great game, paying tribute to one of this generation's more diverse gaming heroes. If Crystal Dynamics succeeds, gamers will have a fun adventure to look forward to. Look for a full review when the game arrives later this year.
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