September 26, 2008

Preview of Tomb Raider: Underworld

Lara Croft is poised to return to our consoles in her latest starring vehicle, Tomb Raider: Underworld, set to arrive in the UK on November 21 (November 18 in the US).

Tomb Raider: Underworld — According to The Guardian's Steve Boxer, "Underworld will feel reassuringly familiar to anyone who has played a Tomb Raider of yore. The focus, clearly, has been on subtle improvement of a successful formula" Photograph: grabs

Tomb Raider: Underworld — Underworld is the first of the series specifically designed for new-generation consoles Photograph: grabs

Tomb Raider: Underworld — Lara's recently acquired grapple plays a more prominent part than in previous games and has been improved. It will still only hook onto strategically placed brass rings, but can now be attached before running, jumping or abseiling Photograph: grabs

Tomb Raider: Underworld — Underworld is the first game in which Lara's movements have been dictated by motion capture rather than hand animation. Crystal Dynamics used a gymnast-cum-stuntwoman called Heidi Moneymaker Photograph: grabs

Tomb Raider: Underworld — You can now choose to shoot animals with a tranquilliser gun rather than a lethal weapon, though as Steve says, if you can't kill endangered species in a videogame, where can you? Photograph: grabs

Tomb Raider: Underworld — Where's Lara? Photograph: grabs

Tomb Raider: Underworld — As well as free-climbing surfaces studded with hand-holds, the new Lara can pull herself up to walk on the narrowest of ledges Photograph: grabs

Tomb Raider: Underworld — That's just showing off ... Photograph: grabs

Tomb Raider: Underworld — The Kraken awakes Photograph: grabs

Tomb Raider: Underworld — As ever, says Steve, much of the game's joy derives from controlling a character who moves so delightfully Photograph: grabs

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