Tomb Raider - PC Review - Gamecenter

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Tomb Raider
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CNET Gamecenter Review
By Hugh Falk
(12/23/1996)

I've seen movies where people meet someone who so intrigues them that they burst into song. I have recently met such a woman--Lara Croft, heroine of a new game from Eidos Interactive called Tomb Raider. Here's my first attempt at songwriting (sung to the tune of "Lola" by The Kinks): "I'm not dumb, but I can't understand why she walks like a woman but shoots like a man; oh my Lara, L-A-R-A, Lara."
quote Maybe songwriting isn't my forte, but I can't help myself. It's rare that I meet such an attractive character. Save your perverted thoughts; this isn't physical attraction (although she has a set of polygons like you won't believe). This is the attraction players feel when a game's main character is so well developed that they become immersed in the story. Although Tomb Raider is more action than story, characterization is one aspect that helps set it apart from most other shooters/action adventures.
For those who haven't heard the prerelease hype, Tomb Raider is a 3D-modeled action/adventure game with a story likened to an Indiana Jones movie. Lara Croft plays the lead role--part archaeologist, part bounty hunter--searching ancient ruins in her quest for Atlantis.
not your average shooter
Unlike most 3D action games, the point of view is third-person rather than first-person, which means the player generally sees the action from behind Lara. Movement is tricky at first but comes naturally well before the first velociraptor attacks. The game also has some satisfying, intuitive puzzles and secrets that rely on powers of observation instead of trial and error. They can be very difficult to solve, however, so this game is not for novice gamers.
Women looking for a game with a strong, aggressive female character might find what they're looking for in Tomb Raider. Certainly during gameplay, the main character could be a man or a woman without making any difference. However, I suspect that Lara is designed to appeal to a male audience. I base this solely on her measurements and the fact that she wears shorts even while hiking in the frozen mountains of Peru. In fact, I expect a lawsuit any day now from Hooters restaurants claiming they have a license on women wearing short-shorts in inappropriate environments.

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Tomb Raider

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