Tomb Raider: Underworld (Nintendo DS) - Review by jofra01

Introduction

For just over a decade now we have seen numerous Tomb Raider titles featuring the so adored Lara Croft. This year saw the latest adventure of Lara Croft in Tomb Raider: Underworld. However how does it play out against previous Tomb Raider titles especially itself being on the Nintendo DS.

Gameplay

Unlike what the console versions of the title have to offer in terms of gameplay the DS version is surprisingly completely different. Being more of a platforming title gamers will find they will be controlling Lara on a side on view. However due to this side on view Lara doesn't have all of her great acrobatic moves along. Level designs are well thought out and don't always see you going in the one direction, but there usually is only one path, and you can find yourself climbing up ledges, swinging from vines, avoiding traps and much more. The game also allows you to interact with some items within the game, to a certain degree, but that is only allowed so you can progress further in the level.

One of the largest letdowns that gamers will find in this game however is unlike the console versions of this title that have very large in depth levels the DS version's levels last no longer than 10 minutes. Of course not something that might put off gamers from picking up this title but it does actually affect the difficulty of the title. Enemies in the title are also easy to kill with Lara able to use different weapons they won't be a major threat and there is rarely more than 3 enemies on screen.

The Tomb Raider titles are well known for the actual in game puzzles they have that needed to be completed to advance the level. This time round however in the DS version of Underworld there aren't as many puzzles and the ones you do come across are extremely dumbed down and are quite simple to solve.

Controls

Being similar to a platforming title gamers control Lara on a side on view with the D-Pad and the other buttons used for jumping, acrobatic moves or shooting. When you do actually manage to find a puzzle you will find that the stylus will be used to piece the puzzle together with the touch screen.

Graphics

Many of Lara's most well known and like traits have actually been preserved well in this title with above decent 3D character models used. All characters, except some non-human enemies, are decent in design and are animated well, especially Lara. Level designs are well thought out and aren't as complex as the console versions and a more simple to get around.

The game also surprisingly contains cutscenes out of the console versions which are a great addition even if they don't last very long.

Sound

The game really doesn't contain that much notable in game music and even if it did it wouldn't last long with the level size itself. Voice overs are included, within the cutscenes, and are half decent with Lara's voices and some others.

Dual screen

Dual screen use doesn't really affect the game in terms of anything really. Top screen used for controlling Lara on the levels while the bottom screen is used with the stylus to solve those ever so simple puzzles.

Final comments

If you only own a Nintendo DS and are a large fan of Lara Croft or similar titles than by all means go pick this game up. However if you can get it on anything else that would be the wiser move. Levels are simple and small in size, puzzles have been dumbed down and it doesn't have the true gameplay core elements as the other versions do.

Pro: Builds on past AW games and has loads of features.
Con: Can get frustratingly hard.
Final score: 6.5

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