Preview: Tomb Raider: Underworld (360)

Most of the storyline is being kept under wraps, but what we do know is that Lara's late father left clues regarding the location of an ancient civilisation. Whilst exploring this lead in the Mediterranean Sea, Lara becomes aware of another historical mystery, that involving Thor's legendary hammer. Long thought to be fictional account, the Norse God's fearsome weapon was believed to flatten mountains, slay any challengers and in tandem with his chariot, prove to be an unbeatable combination of power and destruction. Thus begins another jaunt across the globe including Thailand, Mexico and the Arctic in search of the legend.

Eidos are touting Underworld as the first Lara adventure specifically designed for the current generation consoles unlike Tomb Raider Legend. This increased power has allowed Crystal Dynamics to revisit and enhance the key ingredients of what makes a Tomb Raider title. Expanding Lara's level of control and her interaction with the environment. With this in mind it’s probably no surprise to see the return of Croft Manor alongside the handstand, both of which will be exploited as tradition demands. A more open-ended approach to puzzles is promised, hopefully with a return to the gigantic obstacles that made the original so enjoyable and rewarding. Players will also be encouraged to use Lara’s camera function to take snapshots of their adventures and upload these online.

Lara has never moved or looked better. She is more able to react to the weather systems in each environment and their affect on her surroundings. Underworld features motion capture – a first for the series – and this has resulted in a dramatic result. This fluid animation alongside enhanced physics, lighting, improved camera system and graphics engine, confirms this Tomb Raider is struck from a new cloth.

Those in a fortunate position of owning more than one of the current consoles will have to decide, which version to purchase when the game is released in November. With multi-format releases for Gamestyle it normally comes down to the PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 although its worth highlighting Crystal Dynamics has passed on developing the PS3 version due to their lack of experience with the system. It is here, just like the deal Microsoft signed with Rockstar concerning GTA IV, that the 360 seems to have stolen a significant advantage. An exclusive deal has guaranteed two further chapters in the Underworld universe, with an estimated playtime of six hours being highlighted. The first of these (Beneath The Ashes) will be available in time for Christmas, with Lara's Shadow following early next year. Both will take place after the Underworld storyline has reached its dramatic conclusion.
 
Each episode based on what's been disclosed, will be a new type of experience, beyond what was present in the standard retail version of Underworld. Whether these were ideas withdrawn from development due to time restrictions, or hardware limitations, it is good to see other developers following Valve's lead and expanding the life of a single player experience with new game play features. Unfortunately for PlayStation 3 owners, the deal with Microsoft is also believed to specify that only the Xbox 360 receives a demo.

Tomb Raider Underworld seems set to benefit from the major improvements that Crystal Dynamics have implemented. The mix of old and new, promises to revive fans of the original, whilst attracting rookie players to the ongoing adventures of Lara Croft. We have our fingers crossed at Gamestyle, everything points towards a strong instalment but we still carry those wounds from previous adventures.

Words by Jason Julier