The graphics show a nice new design in terms of the level layout and details, although they don't quite push the Xbox 360 like you might expect. I noticed some slight frame-rate stuttering during some parts of the level, but nothing to really annoy for a great deal of time. Animation is silky smooth, with Lara putting her movements to the test, even with something as simple as the smooth flip over onto a ledge. Lighting details look spectacular, especially in tunnels with that neon light I talked about. But still, something holds it back from being anything more than a gussied-up port from the other console versions. However, it's still frickin' gorgeous in terms of its design, and I hope Crystal Dynamics keeps up the trend.

As for sound, you basically have Lara sounding, well, pretty damn sultry, and backed up by a squadron of both cohorts and villains alike, all sounding convincing. The music is beautiful, and perfect ambience to the levels provided in the game. The sound effects are somewhat brief, but manage to work in the little functions they serve. It's even better in stereo, as expected for a next-gen title.

My main problem with Tomb Raider: Legend is that Crystal Dynamics made it a wee bit too accessible for the public. The game, while a lot of fun and adjustable for difficulty purposes, is still pretty easy to beat. I conquered it in a matter of hours myself. Also, there could've been more done with the gun system. You have a lock-on feature, which is nice, and that environmental shooting that comes in handy for knocking down several gunmen at once, but otherwise it's just move and shoot, and repeat. Most people will be able to breeze through the game in no time flat.

But Legend is still more than worth the cash if only for the moments it provides, which not only feel refreshing in this new edition, but manage to reflect back on some of Lara's finer moments. For instance, you've got swimming, which is put together in a whole new light and feels completely natural. There's also motorcycle riding, which can get rather exciting in a level where room can run out real fast. You've seen stuff like this incorporated in game's past, but Crystal Dynamics pulls off the fanciful feat of making it seem pretty damn new.

Also, I don't think it would've been a bad thing to really see this game access online services. I mean, there's bonuses to unlock aplenty in the Croft Manor and finding hidden rewards that you can add to your collection, so there's replayability galore. But it would've been cool to have access against other players to see how Tomb Raiders around the world stacked up. Oh, well, I guess there's only so much you can ask in a single player adventure, right?

Tomb Raider: Legend may not hold enough to really say that, yes, the series is back and is the biggest thing ever made. The overall length and feeling that it's not quite next-gen kinda hold it back from such a statement. However, considering the lull that Ms. Croft has been in, this is a welcome return indeed, with a new developer putting a twist on the series that's been long-needed since, well, Tomb Raider II, to be honest. I certainly hope good ol' CD keeps up the trend and makes use of Lara Croft the way she was intended- as a heroine and not a super designed floor model. After all, models can't stand still forever. They want to move past the runway and kick some ass.