"A Tribute to Sega"-WriteOff: They saved the last Tomb Raider for the best!

In 1996 a fairly unknown software developer called Core marketed a game that would shake the gaming world…

Tomb Raider: the history

Core had been making games mainly for Sega’s Megadrive, but the game that they were developing couldn’t be released only for the Saturn (you remember, the black 32 bits console that sold about 35 pieces worldwide) because they knew this was going to be a very special game, one that was meant for as large an audience as possible…
After three months after the Saturn version, the Playstation version came out and it became a worldwide success. Millions of copies were sold, and even the “serious” press became interested.

Mmmmm Lara…

Lara Croft, the well-endowed lady who is the main character in Tomb Raider, became a true icon in the gaming industry, and was even used in commercials and virtual fashion shows. You’d almost start to forget the game with all the merchandise going on…
Well, almost, since Tomb Raider was pretty well made, with a perfectly balanced mix of puzzles, mystery, excitement and action. So it was only a matter of time before Tomb Raider 2 appeared – which it did, more than a year after its predecessor hit the shelves. This game got good reviews as well, and was another bestseller.

It couldn’t last

Another year went by, and Tomb Raider 3 emerged. Now the criticism started: it was too much like the previous games, didn’t have enough improvements, etc. So in other words, the old format got a little worn out. Core Design understood this, and now with Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation (Tomb Raider 4) they’ve tried to recapture the old atmosphere from the first Tomb Raider that everybody liked so much, while adding some new twists…

Improvements, or more of the same?

That is the question, and the answer is: both.
You start the game as a young, cute Lara Croft in the Brazilian caves. There is a tutor you have to follow around, and he shows you the different moves you can make. This first level serves as an excellent tutorial and is fun for both those who haven’t played a Tomb Raider game yet, and veterans. After this level, it’s back to present day as you are whisked away to Egypt. And then the real game starts…

Gorgeous graphics

The game’s graphics are simply gorgeous, with professional use of light, elaborate textures and a sharp looking Lara. Core Design pushes the Dreamcast to the max, but there’s almost no (if any) slowdown in gameplay, even in huge environments. The Full Motion Video cutscenes, only add to the atmosphere.

There’s sound? Oh, now that you mention it…

The sounds are rather minimal – as usual – but very clear. Even the minimal music is nice, and the further along I got in the game, the more I got the same feeling I did when I played the first Tomb Raider, way back when.

The old and the new

Of course everything isn’t the same. Core has added some new moves to Lara’s “arsenal”. She can swing from ropes, hang from the ceiling (if there’s anything to grab on to), and continue hand over hand from the ceiling.
What hasn’t changed are the puzzles you’ll encounter. They still range from very simple to fiendishly difficult. This game can get quite annoying, but is very rewarding when you solve a puzzle. In any case it adds to the lasting factor.

Is it the best one?

The action isn’t as overwhelming as it was in part 2, and the whole game is a little less chaotic than the somewhat vague part 3. In many ways, Tomb Raider 4 is better than all previous parts.
But in some ways, it isn’t. Some aspects of the game make you think they did a rush job, hurrying to finish the game. And this may cause some bad moments, without it really being your fault…

A hint for those who haven’t played it yet

If you haven’t played this game before but plan on doing so, read this and remember it well!
At the end of an early level, you get a jeep at your disposal. With this vehicle you will end up at a building. You might want to get out and run through the gate to a courtyard. DON’T! Take your jeep with you instead! If not, you’ll get stuck later on, and have to start over!

A great game!

Now that you’re warned about this, I can tell you this much: Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation is a great game. The smooth, mysterious atmosphere, well thought out puzzles, and everything else that made part 1 a winner is all present, but with much better graphics of course, and the wonderful Full Motion Video cutscenes throughout the entire story.

In conclusion

Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation is an excellent part – perhaps the best yet – and despite a couple of shortcomings, it comes highly recommended.

This is part of the “A tribute to Sega” Write-Off (sorry for being a day late), hosted by Pika312. There aren’t that many participants, but this only has the advantage that it won’t take much of your time to take a look at the reviews of these people:

LorinSilver (you’re looking at mine now)
yarrick
jeremy1456
erny5796
Horhay
rpgguy16
Pika312 (our distinguished host)