Nice TR3 review from ZDNET
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1998
Lara Croft Returns in Tomb
Raider III
Vince Broady, Editorial Director
GameSpot
Although she hasn't appeared in a game
in almost a year, Lara Croft's cult of personality shows
no sign of diminishing. The video game vixen -- with her
lithe figure, striking features and charming British
accent -- continues to reign supreme in the hearts and
minds of millions of gamers, and in the mainstream
media at large.
In fact, after just three years and two games, the
sophisticated and deadly Croft has seemingly
surpassed the popularity of such kiddy characters as
Mario and Sonic the Hedgehog, both of whom took
decades and a half-dozen releases to reach their own
lofty status.
Now, just imagine what might happen when Lara Croft's
next adventure, Tomb Raider III, is unleashed on the
public sometime this winter. If the game is merely good
(as many argued was the case with Tomb Raider II),
then Croft's career may be at a crossroads -- and
gamers may finally be ready to move on to something
new.
But if Tomb Raider III is another breakthrough title,
comparable in scope and impact to the original, then
Croft may soar to all new heights, setting the stage for
even more grandiose future treks, and paving the way
for an assault of mass media forms beyond the PC
gaming market. The stakes are high, indeed.
Which is why it should come as no surprise that Eidos,
publishers of the Tomb Raider series, is doing
everything in its power to make Tomb Raider III the
biggest and best release in the series. And based on
what GameSpot has seen of the game so far, the
company seems to be on the right track.
What's new? The graphics engine has been almost
completely rewritten, and it shows. Using the latest in
dynamic and colored lighting effects, the new game
has a much more realistic atmosphere than its
predecessors. Furthermore, the new levels (which take
the player to such varied locales as Antarctica,
Nevada's Area 51 and the South Pacific), reflect a more
thorough understanding of 3D space -- the outdoor
areas are more organic, while the buildings are
architecturally accurate.
But the biggest change is in the game design. Unlike
earlier Tomb Raiders (and most other action adventure
games), Tomb Raider III will feature a non-linear level
tree. That means you'll be able to explore the various
worlds in whatever order you choose, which is sure to
reduce frustration. Even better, each level will have
multiple objectives and paths to victory, greatly
enhancing replayability.
Want to know more? Well, you're in luck, because
GameSpot has just posted an exclusive, in-depth
preview of Tomb Raider III. In addition to more than a
dozen beautiful new screenshots, it also includes
all-new information about the game's new weapons,
enemies and gameplay. All that, not to mention a
rundown of all the items in Lara Croft's new wardrobe.
What are you waiting for?
zdnet.com for more info
|
