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VIDEO GAME REVIEW : Tomb Raider: Underworld (12) - Nintendo DS
Civilisation itself is at stake in Tomb Raider: Underworld, a superb new addition to the Nintendo DS range.
It's down to you – and you alone – to save all of us from the evil god Natla. You might not have heard of her, but she wants to destroy the world for no better reason than the fact that she probably can. Unless you stop her.
Your task is to step into Lara Croft's shoes and collect all the artefacts which once belonged to the god Thor. It's belt and not quite braces, but gauntlet and hammer that you're after.
Once you've got these, then you can show Natla who's really in charge.
But it's a white-knuckle ride as you trek through ancient ruins, dangerous jungles and a tumble-down mansion, with perils waiting for you at every turn. Fire is the least of it; jaguars, giant bats, traps and sudden spears through the floorboards are all out to get you.
Hold your nerve, though. With a bit of ingenuity, a bit of lateral thinking and a clear head you can solve the puzzles of the gods and so get the access you need. Watch out. You'll also need quick reactions.
It's all great fun, absorbing, inventive and fast-moving, devilishly plotted to keep you on your toes in a contest that's never mindless, always thrilling and ultimately highly satisfying.
Of course, there are some bad points as well as good. The display doesn't show your health all the time so you don't know when to use a health pack, and if you really want to be picky, then it does take quite some time to climb up off a ledge onto a platform.
But all this is far outweighed by the plentiful good points. You have to press x when you don't quite make a successful jump. X will give the chance to make a saving grab – and that's a big part of the fun.
The puzzles are intelligently presented and they certainly stretch you sufficiently. The extras (profiles, concepts and treasures) are terrific; and Nintendo are spot on with the realistic sound effects and movement (you can even see Lara's hair move).
Added to the appeal is the fact that you get increasingly-better weapons as you progress throughout the game. A percentage marker usefully tells you how far through the game you are, and the good film clips and storyline are all part and parcel of a great package which has been thought through in every last detail.
The high adrenaline slow motion moments when you have to jump out the way are a nice touch. And what a relief at the end when you know that civilisation won't end here – thanks to all your frantic button-pushing.
Phil Hewitt
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Weather for Chichester
Tuesday 14 February 2012
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