More of the same... (Tomb Raider 2 (PS))

Member Name: RussellC

Product:	Tomb Raider 2 (PS)
Date:	25/08/00 (27 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: More variety over the first. A consistantly playable game.

Disadvantages: Not much of an improvement. Levels can be a bit too large.

With the success of the first game a sequel was inevitable and it wasn't too long before one appeared on the market. The imaginatively named Tomb Raider 2 continues the adventures of Lara Croft, this time in the hunt for an ancient Chinese dagger which can give immortality to the person who stabs their heart with it. Not that Lara wants to stab her heart with it, she just thinks it'll look good above her mantle piece. Unfortunately for Lara there's a power crazed bad guy after the dagger too, and he does want to plunge it into his heart.

So plot's the usual sort of thing, but gameplay is expanded a little over the previous game. All of Lara's previous moves are there, but she's learnt a few new tricks. Biggest of all is the ability to drive a number of vehicles, so for example you'll need to use a speed boat to complete the Venice section of the game. To be honest control of the vehicles is a bit weak, but it does add another gameplay element and I enjoyed its presence at the time. The overall gameplay is the same as the first game, traps abound along with bad guys. There are more human oponents in this one than before and so you come up against more guns which makes things a little more challenging. If you've liekd any other Tomb Raider game, you'll be familiar with the gameplay here and you'll enjoy it.

Level design has changed slightly in the second one. Firstly Lara is gettign about a bit more now, not just the dingy Tombs for her, but locations like Venice giving a more interesting range of environments to play in. It's visually more varied when you are in Venice for a while, but then later you're in a sunken ship and then further on you're in China. It doesn't really add much to variety in gameplay, the elements are the same where ever you are. In the sunken ship there may be more swimming for example, but the principles remain the same. Things look good, and certainly graphics are impr
oved over the first, not just on superficial things like Lara's floating pony tail, or her rounder breasts. There are a few irritating things still present, Lara's awkward turning motion for example. Overall it's a visually pleasing world you're in.

So the second outing for Lara was a success, the game retained the enjoyment of the first and built upon it. The only complaint must be that overall most improvements were superficial, but having enjoyed the first one so much I was happy to play more of the same. If I had any other problem with the game it would be that levels have started to grow a little too large and the tightness of the firsts level design is at times missing. Still it's a good game, it's a budget title and it has to be said that it is a classic. If you've never played any Tomb Raider before I'd recommend this one overall.

Summary: