Why do I love Tomb Raider: Anniversary? [Archive]

CatSuit&Ponytail

06-18-2007, 05:15 AM

I love this game!

Besides the obvious personal reasons, here's a list of my observations and thoughts:

+ The levels are cunningly crafted and absolutely breathtaking!

+ The animations are fluid and captivating and the overall effect is spectacular.

+ Enemies are lovingly created and the animals all look very beautiful and believable. The lions' ears twitch!!! ;D Wiggle wiggle!

+ Lara herself is a real joy to play, even though I personally scream at missing a jump because of the camera changing what WASD means. ;)

+ I love having the Walk and Grab buttons returned to the game. I feel much more like I, and not the engine, am playing the game. ;D

+ Although very difficult on the keyboard, the new grapple swing/wall run is fabulous, a move she should always have been able to do.

+ The top-of-pole balancing act is quite fun too!

+ The music is stirring and the way it is strategically placed is a great relief and muchly appreciated.

+ The ambiance is delightfully Tomb Raider, the environmental sounds and back-soundtrack of the levels really accentuates the incredibly beautiful exotic locals.

+ Larson is yummy, and his character boost has really added body to the storyline effectively....I am waiting to meet Natla yet, but I loved what was done with Pierre's looks and personality.

+ Lara's voice and personality are softer and more accessible now.

+ The Manor is a level all on it's own, with secrets and puzzles and fun. The change of clothes as bonuses is an idea I really enjoy seeing implemented, and seeing the old outfits is a real thrill.

But, to make it purrrfect, I really wanted a tranq gun.
- Regarding the way animals are dealt with... They really should NOT be used as triggers for the escape of an area. For example, the raptors in the Lost Valley MUST be killed (6 of them) in order to trigger the T-Rex and be able to get to some areas. There should always be ways to avoid the animals if you are quick and smart enough ( by running and jumping out of reach for instance), otherwise gamers like me will feel manipulated, and cheated of gameplay choices. If we were actually GIVEN an option to tranquilize the animals that would be totally ok with me. Also, not all animals should attack Lara immediately, just if she gets too close, or they are hunting.
- The secret of Natla being an Atlantean is given away in the first opening movie! :o What's up with that? Luke? Who's your Daddy!?
- There are no gun/holster shadows. and - The guns' triggers are strapped into the holsters...maybe it's a safety feature. ;p
- Enemies still disappear when you kill them. I prefer them to stay.
- Jump is a bit slow on a keyboard, the jumpjumpjump spring thing she does with a gamepad is almost impossible to do with the keys, but I may just be too slow. ;)
- The target icon for the Grapple Hook is still a HINT and is on even if Hints are turned OFF. Maybe it's for some interactive cutscenes? But it flashes in your face if you enter a room and is a completely annoying hint, if one wants no hints, it should be gone.
- Training Text Hints should be placed in the Croft Manor level and nowhere else! That is what it's for! To train in before the big adventure! Experienced gamers should not have to suffer training lesson text pop-ups in the levels themselves.
- Saving should be anywhere, anytime, and no limit on the saves, please!

But other than that, it's glorious.

So, a few technical and emotional points, and the rest is pure gold. :D :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Mangar The Dark

06-18-2007, 05:34 AM

I agree with a LOT of what you wrote, Catsuit. I'm taking my time playing through TRA, and thoroughly enjoying it.
In fact, this is easily the most fun I've had with a TR game in a long time (and I've been a fan for ten years now.)

For me, one of the best things about it is simply the fact that Crystal made all the changes I wanted them to make from Legend. Legend was a fun game, no doubt, but its linear paths, short length, and monotonous enemies left a lot to be desired. Now with TRA, Crystal kept everything that DID work in Legend (controls, acrobatics, lush graphics, superior platforming, etc, etc) and combined it with everything that worked in the old Core games (less linearity, more interesting enemies, atmospheric sounds, scary moments, etc.)

The boss battles are handled very well too. I love the fact that they're more like puzzles than tests of reflexes. Once you know what you're supposed to do, the bosses are quite easy to beat. So the trick is simply figuring out the enemy's weakness.

Another thing I love, which some people may disagree about, is that the fact that Lara cooperates with me now! In the old games, she was basically a mindless action-figure. In TRA, on the other hand, she seems to want to succeed as badly as the player does. For example, she'll make that extra grab for the ledge that's just out of reach. I feel like we're working together now, rather than me doing all the work while she reluctantly goes along for the ride.

My main hope is that Legend 2 continues in the tradition of TRA. Legend was a good start for CD, but it missed the mark in a few key places. TRA hits the mark just about everywhere, and if Legend 2 continues in this style, it'll be fantastic.

jazzyD

06-18-2007, 05:40 AM

The One Thing That Will Make It Perfect Is A Guy Who Loves Lara ;)

Rai

06-18-2007, 06:08 AM

May I just say i agree with everything Cat and Manger have said only with a few alterations.

1, Wall runs. urgh!!!!:mad2: Even with console controls I found this new move frustrating. Especially if you add a backwards jump into the bargain. Also if you need to adjust the length of rope I found it near on impossible to regain momentum. The short runs make for an interesting variation of the grapple swing so they can stay :D . This is a personal thing for me and I'm beginning to be repetitive. Sorry :o

I would have preferred to be more active with the fights between Larson and Pierre. The interactive cut-scenes are dramatic and I loved how these characters were fleshed out and I certainly wouldn't want the same old shoot away at them for 2 minutes until they're down. I don't know how this could have been changed I just would have liked a more hands on approach.

Oh dear this turned into a gripe. I didn't want to do that. :(

Other than that. Absolutely FANTASTIC game. :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :D I have high hopes for future games now. I truly hope Eidos/CD can take some of the elements from TRA and add them for Legend 2. I would be disappointed if they went back to the Legend way of doing things as great as that game was. TRA is a great improvement, I want that expanded on in the future.

Werner Von Croy

06-18-2007, 06:26 AM

I aree with Catsuit the whole game/enviorment/graphics are stunning, the controls can be a bit clunky at times and sometimes the camera angle can be dodgy especially in Lost City when you are trying to shoot flying antlean creatures and Lara keeps aiming for the timing switch instead of monsters which cost you dearly as there fireballs plunge you into lava, i had no hair left after that bit as was getting more and more frustrated :mad2:

GeorgeMaciver

06-18-2007, 06:35 AM

The two most engaging, exhilarating, breath taking, awe inspiring and adrenaline flowing levels for me were St Francis' Folly and Sanctuary of the Scion http://209.85.48.11/3106/35/emo/%28%28bowj%28K9%29%29.gif On reflection, I notice that these are also the two longest levels in the game with the most puzzles and areas to explore http://209.85.48.11/html/emoticons/blink.gif Coincidence? I don't think so http://209.85.48.11/3106/35/emo/big%28w%29ink.gif Longer levels engage the player whereas shorter levels don't.

I'd like to see a full game of levels as long as St Francis' Folly and Sanctuary of the Scion http://209.85.48.11/3106/35/emo/wu%28b%29%28%29.gif

There has only been one small thing thats ruined the atmosphere for me and that's the placement of check points http://209.85.48.11/3106/35/emo/OMG.gif The one in the Damocles room where you jump off the grapple to the column behind you was perhaps the worst, but there are a couple of others, like the grapple swing over to the closing moat bridge at the top of the room in the Temple of Khamoon and the steam pipes after picking up the third fuse in Natla's mines. Having to redo a sequence of climbs and pushes and shimmy's just to get back to attempt something tricky becomes tedious. And that's my only suggestion for improvement. I think I'd prefer save game crystals you can collect to this checkpoint system. It leaves you more in control rather than being controlled http://209.85.48.11/3106/35/emo/b%28a%29b%28y%29.gif

One last point, let Tomb Raider set now. Don't change the game engine or the level editor again. Let it set. Improve and tweak the existing editor and game engine, don't bin them for something 'cutting edge' with a billion bugs. Let the character be who she is.

http://209.85.48.11/3106/35/emo/thanks.gif

Mangar The Dark

06-18-2007, 06:37 AM

Another thing I forgot to mention-- I'm so glad the inventory is back!! I really hope Legend 2 doesn't go back to Legend's system, because TRA's handling of medpacks, items, etc, is so much better.

@ Rai004--
Regarding the wallruns....

The first time I had to jump away from a wall during a wall run was in St. Francis Folly (Damocles Room), and I found it absolutely infuriating. But honestly, once you get the hang of it (no pun intended), it's quite simple. Just wait until she's about to change direction, and jump away at that moment (if you're using W and S to wall run, then tap A or D before jumping. If you're using A and D to wall run, then tap W or S, depending, of course, on which direction you want to jump.)
I practiced it a bit, and now I do it without even giving it much thought, and it feels very natural. But I do admit that the first few times, I was screaming at my monitor!

@GeorgeMacIver--
Yes, the save system should be tweaked. Bringing back the "save anywhere anytime" system would be the best, really. But if they insist on having check points, then they should be placed better. The Damocles room was VERY frustrating!

GeorgeMaciver

06-18-2007, 06:46 AM

Tomb Radar

06-18-2007, 06:47 AM

The emphasise on mooching, with the occasional shooty bit is what makes it so great for me. I'd like Zip and Alistair back though, and permanent background music.

GoranAgar

06-18-2007, 07:07 AM

... and permanent background music.
What? After we fought to hard to get rid of that? Never! :eek:

Tomb Radar

06-18-2007, 07:30 AM

What? After we fought to hard to get rid of that? Never! :eek:

Its what I'd like though, or atleast an option for it. :)

Raziel_Requiem

06-18-2007, 07:35 AM

.... because it's Lara in glorious DX9.0 detail, of course :)

With a little more sincerity, though, I eagerly awaited TRA to come out. After Angel of Darkness I had begun to really go off TR games and, as well as thinking they're probably wouldnt be any more, I was even more doubtful of purchasing one if there were.

Then Legend came out, I read reviews, watched demos etc etc and bough the game, a little uncomfortable with the re-writing of the char, but I got over that, the game itself was enjoyable, the story strong, typically TR-world stuff and refreshed my interest in the games.

I love TRA so much more, because (and this is my personal preference) I was never very keen on the city/modern-building-type levels or Lara walking around in normal habited environments, because the lack of interactivity detracted from the immersion of the game. TR was perfect. She's the Tomb Raider and here she is doing what she does best, raiding tombs. Now being able to recapture that essence but with updated graphics, more versatility and although the areas I have so far discovered are quite recogniseable, the difference in approach to the puzzles and increased detail keeps the whole game fresh and 'new', yet still complacently settled in nostalgic classique.

Oh yeah and the original TR1 theme is back that's a big plus too!!!

(( I just wish she'd still say 'No!' in that sultry, expressive voice hehehehe))

JBG

06-18-2007, 07:50 AM

Okay did anyone besides me cry when they heard the old tr background music on the first lvl. My kids just rolled their eyes when I gushed lol.

Also the inventory, omg all the guns and stuff and mutliple medikits, how Ived missed them.:)

Mangar The Dark

06-18-2007, 08:00 AM

Hi Mangar, I've not played Legend yet, but after Anniversary it's top of my shopping list! Not having played it I can't really comment regarding the inventory system but I can say I agree with you that I loved using the Anniversary inventory system :D

The "inventory" in Legend isn't really much of an inventory at all. There are NO items to be picked up, other than weapons and medpacks. That means NO keys, NO cogs, NO lead bars, etc, etc. And you're limited to just 3 medpacks at any time (granted, the game isn't overly difficult, so you'll never really need more than three, but I still prefer TRA's system of letting you stock up on as many as you find.)

LegendLost

06-18-2007, 08:18 AM

i_am2young4this

06-18-2007, 08:36 AM

Yeah i love the ideea to avoid enemies, that would be cool and i don`t like killing animals and it would be cool if there would be some animals that don`t hurt you that would be awesome!!!!!
I just LUV and ADORE Anniversary it was the best!!
But i was and i still am sad because i can`t play as human Natla!!
I JUST LOVE HER!!!SHE IS SO EVILICIOUS!!:lmao:

Gamer4Lyfe

06-18-2007, 09:31 AM

About the grappling hints, I agree. I wanna figure all on my own. And I think there is a mod where all of them are removed. PC version FTW!!!!! :D

Raziel_Requiem

06-19-2007, 05:23 AM

Catsuit,

I mentioned this in another thread somewhere and I still feel strongly about it. I think it would be awesome if they could, just as you stated, make it possible to avoid the enemies. I really think it would be cool if one of the options to obtain 100%, just like time trial, would be to to complete each level/ the game by avoiding all enemies. Trying to beat the game without any kills to unlock secrets. I think that would make a great challenge. Except for the bosses of course, what type of Tomb Raider would it be without a boss to defeat.

I know it's not quite what you are suggesting, but something I have noticed so far (which isn't very far to be honest), is that TR:A has something else in common with TR:1, that is: it's entirely possible to complete the game without losing any health. Of course, this is a lot easier said than done, and requires knowing what to do where to go and stuff... Im hoping the rest of the game is like this, makes for an interesting challenge.

By the way, Ive not done it in either game, but it IS possible in TR:1 at least, if you're good enough :)

NizCroft

06-19-2007, 05:59 AM

I agree on all Catsuit's plus-points!

+ I just love the way Lara hugs poles lol. Even chunky wooden poles can feel lonely in old tombs, and need a big bear hug sometimes!

LisaB

06-19-2007, 08:44 AM

I love Anniversary because for the first time in years I feel like I'm playing Tomb Raider again. It's not perfect, but it's darn close.:thumbsup:

GeorgeMaciver

06-19-2007, 08:59 AM

I think that about sums it up LisaB :thumbsup:

Hippie

06-19-2007, 04:04 PM

The difficulty, the exploring. I would search every nook and cranny of an area to find secrets, and got quite a few good surprizes. And there's a moment in Greece, in the Tower Chamber of during St. Francis's folly, where a camera angle would pan up after Lara exitted each chamber that would remind me of the opening shot of the adult Lara in "Last Revelation".

I, too, miss saving at any moment (although in the old games I used to get frustrated at a moment when Lara would fall off a ledge and accidentally save it at that moment, so every time I restarted, she was falling, then I'd have to use another save that was two hours old and play through again).

I'm on a PS3 now, and I probably won't go back to the computer and keyboard. The controls are much easier, especially with this "Legend" Lara.
Although, if I go back to replay the old games up to "Chronicles" I'll stay with the keyboard. I still remember the controls with them.

I'm still undecided about the grappler and the targeting hints. They were never in the old games, so you would have to search for any possible gadget or secret to help you, which was great, but then there was never grappling in the old games, so it's let me know if I'm in range of hitting the mark.

The frustration I had playing "Anniversary" let me know that this was the way Tomb Raider is supposed to be. I had a nasty habit of making it through an obstacle on the first try, but if I had to go back and do it again, it took another thirty to get through it.

And since this is the first time I've been posting, I will say that before the new Lara came out in "Legend", I didn't know if I would like it as much, but now...this new Lara is a lot sexier.

Lara Croft is the one that got me into playing video games. And I hope she'll be around for a long while.

lunastar87

06-19-2007, 04:28 PM

i agree with you. Anniversary's graphics are beautiful and everything was perfect!!! And the new traps and updating the tombs was awesome. I enjoyed playing the game and beating it all over again.:lmao:

Bampire

06-19-2007, 04:42 PM

AGREED!

But Larson isn't that good looking (to me). xD I prefer Pierre more. Lawl.

rabid metro

06-19-2007, 09:07 PM

I love this game!
... *SELECTIVELY CONDENSED*
+ Lara herself is a real joy to play, even though I personally scream at missing a jump because of the camera changing what WASD means. ;)
- ... There should always be ways to avoid the animals if you are quick and smart enough ...
- The target icon for the Grapple Hook is still a HINT and is on even if Hints are turned OFF.
- Saving should be anywhere, anytime, and no limit on the saves, please!

TRA has become my numero uno TR game, displacing TR2 ...

*** the camera intelligence is subtle and, IMO, is meant to provide hints.
in normal 1st-time thru play, the camera seems to want to be very helpful, in terms of seeking the "optimal" perspective.
to take advantage of this, you frequently have to pause and wait for the camera to find its "place".
when you are replaying a level it would be nice if you could turn off the "optimal perspective scheme".

*** personally, i'm not in favor of a special purpose tranq gun ...
but, i sort of agree that it would be cool if you could environmentally trap the animals,
and it would be cooler if the game acknowledged this style of play:
KILLED: 0, TRAPPED: 14

*** if the grapple anchors are consistently rendered then the need for hints is diminished.
IMO, the current hints simply mean that you can safely grapple without seeing the anchor (i.e. avoiding camera contortions).
another issue with grappling is timing. it seems that the absence of the hint means you can't grapple at that moment.
the hint that you can grapple isn't too bad since it doesn't tell you where you should swing to ...

*** IMO, saving is a "divergence" issue, which, if possible should be minimized.
the manner of saving can offer up (unintended) advantages and should not be a divergent platform feature ...
i think minimizing divergence is also a factor in the controller/keyboard issue.
of course, the Wii port will throw a ba-bomb into the minimizing divergence thing ...

as i stated at the outset, i simply love this game! no hold barred, 12 out of 10, etc.
@Catsuit, in general, i couldn't agree more with your observations.
good work CD! getting LisaB to say that TRA is darn close to perfect is nothing short of miraculous ... :) :) :)
BTW, i've had people tell me that they liked the "storyline" of Legend better than TRA ?!?! ...

oh well ... back to the future ...
Raid On!

CatSuit&Ponytail

06-20-2007, 12:39 AM

[snipsnip]

*** personally, i'm not in favor of a special purpose tranq gun ...
but, i sort of agree that it would be cool if you could environmentally trap the animals,
and it would be cooler if the game acknowledged this style of play:
KILLED: 0, TRAPPED: 14

Ooooo trapping them within the environment, hehehe, I have done that in TRA once, by pushing a block in front of a room opening while a playful panther was inside.

I'm sure glad I can stack endless medipacks! :eek:

GeorgeMaciver

06-20-2007, 12:45 AM

One wonders what you would do in real life if you were cornered by a pack of snarling wolves looking to rip your throat out and eat you and you had a shotgun in your hands. Roll over to have your belly tickled? :lol:

CatSuit&Ponytail

06-20-2007, 01:09 AM

What is with Europeans and their wolf phobia? :lol:

But to answer, I'd not be in that position. If I were even remotely, my shotgun would be only filled with trancs, as would my other weapons. I'd go equipped like a scientist, not a merc. Trancs work against bad guys too. I am not a killer, though I play one in games. ;)

If the end of the world was occurring and it was kill or be killed, we'll talk again about it then. :whistle:

GeorgeMaciver

06-20-2007, 01:59 AM

Good answer http://209.85.48.11/3106/35/emo/fl%28o%29w%28e%29rs2.gif

Laura Croft

06-20-2007, 03:46 AM

Saving should be anywhere, anytime, and no limit on the saves, please!

I agree on the saving! It's especially irritating when you have a tricky sequence to do and you die and have to start from the last checkpoint. If I was finding a sequence tricky in previous games I'd keep saving it as I went along so I wouldn't have to do it aaaallllll over again. I want unlimited saves back and the choice to do it when I want.

ElectroBoy

06-20-2007, 03:53 AM

The thread title should be Why did Tomb Raider Anniversary suck so bad?

Sorry, just was dissapointed with TRA.

Mangar The Dark

06-20-2007, 04:47 AM

The thread title should be Why did Tomb Raider Anniversary suck so bad?

Sorry, just was dissapointed with TRA.

There are other threads for those who don't like the game. A lot of us think it's great.

Getting back on topic-- I just reached the Obelisk of Khamoon, and wow... it looks amazing! The graphics have been amazing throughout, of course, but I really love what CD did with the Egypt levels. They look so much more real now. Instead of the cartoonish bright colors of the past, the level now looks like an authentic Egyptian ruin, which makes it that much more interesting to explore. Plus, the sheer scale of it is amazing.

GeorgeMaciver

06-20-2007, 07:12 AM

Sanctuary of the Scion is out of this world! :thumbsup:

JBG

06-20-2007, 07:47 AM

I agree on the saving! It's especially irritating when you have a tricky sequence to do and you die and have to start from the last checkpoint. If I was finding a sequence tricky in previous games I'd keep saving it as I went along so I wouldn't have to do it aaaallllll over again. I want unlimited saves back and the choice to do it when I want.

Well dying over and over again goes with the game I'd say. Even back in the good ol days lol. PC always used to have the advantage over other platforms when it came to saves so this current situation is at least equitable. I objected to it at first too but now find I seldom have to use a medipak as the checkpoints are mostly adequately spaced.:)

midroth

06-21-2007, 05:53 AM

+ I got it free of charge! :D

Phlip

06-21-2007, 06:45 AM

I agree with most of what you've said, especially about the animals being used and activation points.. or triggers, I like to have some fun and try and do the level without using my guns, you can't do that these days. :(

tiger

09-04-2007, 01:09 PM

Originally Posted by rabid metro
[snipsnip]
*** personally, i'm not in favor of a special purpose tranq gun ...
but, i sort of agree that it would be cool if you could environmentally trap the animals,
and it would be cooler if the game acknowledged this style of play:
KILLED: 0, TRAPPED: 14

Ooooo trapping them within the environment, hehehe, I have done that in TRA once, by pushing a block in front of a room opening while a playful panther was inside.
I'm sure glad I can stack endless medipacks! :eek:

That is a very good starting point about tranquilizers, CatSuit!
And Rabid's follow-up could become a lot of good-natured fun for TR! :thumbsup:

(Btw, all during my early games of TR, I had one strange little habit of always trying to leave any and all creatures, "alive and well". . . And well, sometimes I might have to "sting" him, a bit, with a shot or two. But for the most part, my favorite un-written "TR Player's Rule" was "to Live and let Live" whenever I could do so, reasonably.) :cool:

So what do you think, Crystal Dynamics ? ? ? ;)
If I was working with a weapons-modder, for an UnReal-based game, I'd probably be suggesting a player-controlled "Main Menu" option with Lara's infinite Automatic-round, going from the current "fatal" version to a "tranq" version. . . And then, we'd make this tranq sound like a high-pressured C02 pop. (And, of course for keeping the current "gameplay balance", it would take just as many tranq-shots to bring a creature "down".)

floydthebarber

09-04-2007, 02:11 PM

Treeble

09-04-2007, 02:50 PM

Could there possibly be any more ass kissing or back slapping in here? It's no wonder this place is bereft of any real debate or criticism, and that some threads go dead in hours. Sure, it's the "official" forum and all, but my God Anniversary was not the greatest thing since sliced bread! The pc version absolutely reeks.

The camera still wanders all over like a drunken sailor, the platforming/arcade element gets ratcheted up game after game at the expense of other things, they copy other games in order to try and draw in that gaming crowd, they dump on an a 10 years of a bio in favor of a new one, the controls for the pc truly suck (and I mean this sincerely), I could go on and on.

It's not our fault if most of us here can handle the PC controls just perfectly (whereas you obviously can't, so you blame the game for it? :scratch: ) and enjoy the game just as much. And besides, I'm rather happy with the lack of discussions and debates there are in other forums when kids go mad over Lara's lip gloss color has changed. THAT's what reeks, buddy. Along with all the speculation that comes with it. But guess kids will be kids. :rolleyes:

Way to be really objective in here guys, perhaps you scared off all of the possible dissenters with the overpowering one-dimensional viewpoint that is consistent in here. Is this game the ultimate TR game? Truthfully? :mad2:

Just as other forums do the same scaring people who actually like the game for the countless repeated topics about the controls that suck because I can't use both hands, or because of the camera that sucks because I don't know how to maneuver the mouse, or because of Lara's hair which doesn't move with the wind and that takes so much of the gameplay value. Is that what Tomb Raider is all about? Truthfully?

thecoolstinger

09-04-2007, 04:41 PM

i love TR:A because when i play it i recognize certain rooms from when i was like 12 years old and that is pretty cool. i remember when the first one came out and it was all the rave. i like natlas character too.

tiger

09-04-2007, 07:10 PM

Well, Floydthebarber, "PC control problems" is probably why I spent several weeks gradually adjusting my AutoHotKeys PC mod, below. :cool:

And sorry, mates. . . :o
But I have not heard back from Crystal Dynamics, about a seperate console-command to lock the camera like their current Combat Mode's camera, but without a weapon, for all of Lara's other "normal" movements.

(And if I had that then I'd be testing it, first on Grapple Wall-runs, especially those in that small Pyramid Hell's room with its obvious camera problems.)

humbug

09-05-2007, 12:59 AM

I really loved anniversary because;

1 I thought the grapics where gorgeous and the atmosphere of the game was very tomb raider.

2 They got rid of the constant background music, theres no need for it!

3 There was no Zip and Alister! They really got on my nerves especially with their helpful hints!

4 I also thought the game was very well made, and stayed mostly true to the original format.

I did have a bit of a problem with the controls but I've got used to them now. The only annoying thing about the game was its length I wished the levels had been a bit longer. It was also a bit disappointing that the levels and been cut in half for TRA.

Sophia Leigh

09-05-2007, 04:47 AM

What a truly beautiful game. I not even half way through yet, spare time is tight at the moment so I steal a few minutes of game play here and there. I love the "Oh thats where I am, I remember here" moments.

I am a bit disappointed with the Midas level, in the original you had to search and getting to the hand felt like a well deserved reward, in Anniversary its right there at the start of the level without any build up. How cool is it though when you step Lara on that hand?! :D

My two main "issues" are 1. the controls, especially the camera as previously mentioned, what is with that! Crucial jumps and the camera shifts at that crucial point. And shooting - I like to be able to hold the trigger in and have Lara continually shoot why I worry about moving her around, I don't like to have to keep pressing the shoot button while I'm trying to concentrate on other moves. I liked the Legend controls and combinations and hope they revert to them in the Legend sequel.

2. is the addrenalin dodge, I hate that move, I can't do it and to beat the T-Rex I managed to hide behind one of the big spikes, it took ages. I know I'm going to be forced to use it at some point and am not looking forward to trying again. CD, please do not include the addrenalin dodge in the Legend Sequel.

I'm looking forward to completing this game, I'm enjoying the reminiscing and the graphics are beautiful. I absolutely loved playing the manor. I can say for certain though that its definetly not my favourite Tomb Raider.

LisaB

09-05-2007, 08:07 AM

Could there possibly be any more ass kissing or back slapping in here? . . . Way to be really objective in here guys, perhaps you scared off all of the possible dissenters with the overpowering one-dimensional viewpoint that is consistent in here. Is this game the ultimate TR game? Truthfully? :mad2:

I think there has been quite a bit of real debate. As someone who liked the game but has been very vocal about things I'd like improved, I can't say that I've been "scared" away by positive posts. Much of the discussion you seek has already taken place in older threads however.

floydthebarber

09-05-2007, 10:00 AM

I think there has been quite a bit of real debate. As someone who liked the game but has been very vocal about things I'd like improved, I can't say that I've been "scared" away by positive posts. Much of the discussion you seek has already taken place in older threads however.

This place is dead. Or more accurately barely breathing. Treeble claims that he is happy with the one-sided, occasional conversations that occur when someone happens to post a few hours after another one. The game is a couple of months old and already this place is as quiet as a church. How many regular members post here daily? How many real, deep, pages long debates have you seen lately? And I'm talking about pages long threads that happen in a day or two, not over weeks.

It is painfully obvious that the other TR forums of which I am a member are more vibrant, insightful, open, inviting, varied, engaging and provide all sides of every issue. Even the little ones that Treeble so easily dismisses out of hand because he may find them childish. Well, to some TR fans the way that Lara looks is important.

Why is it that the EIDOS TR forum is so dead? What makes the other forums so alive? When I first joined here we had many good debates, now that is gone, stifled by an overpowering elite who either ignore posters or shout them down (in a nice way most of the time). I'm sure that EIDOS is happy, they get a bunch of intelligent, well versed backslappers to rule the roost and discourage and even chase out dissenters.

I am not saying any of you are evil, malignant or shills. Not deliberately mind you. But if the end result is less discussion and more "dead air" than this forum does not even live up to it's name.

humbug

09-05-2007, 10:53 AM

This place is dead. Or more accurately barely breathing. Treeble claims that he is happy with the one-sided, occasional conversations that occur when someone happens to post a few hours after another one. The game is a couple of months old and already this place is as quiet as a church. How many regular members post here daily? How many real, deep, pages long debates have you seen lately? And I'm talking about pages long threads that happen in a day or two, not over weeks.

It is painfully obvious that the other TR forums of which I am a member are more vibrant, insightful, open, inviting, varied, engaging and provide all sides of every issue. Even the little ones that Treeble so easily dismisses out of hand because he may find them childish. Well, to some TR fans the way that Lara looks is important.

Why is it that the EIDOS TR forum is so dead? What makes the other forums so alive? When I first joined here we had many good debates, now that is gone, stifled by an overpowering elite who either ignore posters or shout them down (in a nice way most of the time). I'm sure that EIDOS is happy, they get a bunch of intelligent, well versed backslappers to rule the roost and discourage and even chase out dissenters.

I am not saying any of you are evil, malignant or shills. Not deliberately mind you. But if the end result is less discussion and more "dead air" than this forum does not even live up to it's name.

Ohh someone has been sucking rather hard on that lemon! I personally am happy with this forum and am glad there are not daily arguements, and general hysterics over a small sniff of the next TR game! I for one am a regular member that posts daily, if you hate it here so much then what are you doing here?

floydthebarber

09-05-2007, 10:56 AM

Ohh someone has been sucking rather hard on that lemon! I personally am happy with this forum and am glad there are not daily arguements, and general hysterics over a small sniff of the next TR game! I for one am a regular member that posts daily, if you hate it here so much then what are you doing here?

Thank you for proving my point.

humbug

09-05-2007, 12:19 PM

I don't think I proved your point. Lets just say that different personalities prefer one or the other forum, its like pop music those who like it have different personalities to those who don't.

LisaB

09-05-2007, 02:51 PM

I belong to three other TR boards and I can't say that any of those forums are more active, or it they are then they are general TR discussion threads, not Anniversary specific ones. There is more discussion here in the general TR forum.

Although if you're merely looking for the rehashing of Anniversary's shortcomings, I do concur this is not the place. Many of us posted here with the (valid, I believe) assumption that our views were getting to the right people by posting on the Eidos board, therefore sitting amongst ourselves nitpicking the game for others amusement would be beside the point, not to mention futile.

Gamer4Lyfe

09-06-2007, 04:05 AM

Okay did anyone besides me cry when they heard the old tr background music on the first lvl.I actually feel hugely disappointed that most of the epic ambient music from part 1 was missing & or not used enough in TRA. I clearly remember playing TR1 on the Sega Saturn & entering a new area when that oh so uber awesomey fantastic ambient music came on!!!! I miss it so much! Bring it back CD!!!!

Phlip

09-10-2007, 10:43 PM

Now please explain why you love Legend. :D

LisaB

09-11-2007, 07:23 AM

No can do, Phlip.

Neither the game nor the horrid Tom Cruise movie. (http://www.figmentfly.com/legend/gifs/jl.gif) :D

humbug

09-11-2007, 07:41 AM

I didn't love legend, it was good but it had too many flaws. Mainly length, lack of challenging areas and constant cheesey disco music!

Phlip

09-11-2007, 07:53 AM

I didn't love legend, it was good but it had too many flaws. Mainly length, lack of challenging areas and constant cheesey disco music!
Cheesey (http://forums.eidosgames.com/showthread.php?t=72108) did you say? :D

humbug

09-11-2007, 08:38 AM

I can handle the odd bit of cheese. But legends music is just a huge lump of stinking bishop!

Johnny

09-13-2007, 07:10 PM

I'd like Zip and Alistair back though, and permanent background music.

You did NOT just post that. :eek: I don't mind Zip and Allister making a return in the next Tomb Raider, but their commentary MUST be nonexistent when raiding tombs. Crystal did a wonderful job with the music and ambiance in TRA, and I'd like this pattern to continue in TR8. :thumbsup:

Likay

09-14-2007, 02:39 AM

I love both Legend and Anniversary. But i find Anniversary far more better because of the exotic surroundings. Lara belongs among those old tombs, inka, egypt stuff. Makes me dream away for a while, lol, and Anniversary makes it better than Legend. :)
It's only my opinion though.

cheers

Gamer4Lyfe

09-18-2007, 03:34 AM

I can handle the odd bit of cheese. But legends music is just a huge lump of stinking bishop!
Legend's music happens to be one of my favorite all-time video game soundtracks! :D

Especially Nepal's epic music!

Mangar The Dark

09-18-2007, 07:30 AM

Yeah, Legend had some great music. The theme song was brilliant. I thought I would miss the traditional TR theme, but Legend's pretty much made me forget about it. I hope Legend 2 uses a variation of Legend's theme.

As for the background music in Legend, I liked it! It was subtle enough just to add a nice sense of ambience without ever becoming overpowering. I really don't get why people complain about it so much.

Zip & Alistair should be toned down for the sequel, though. Have them speak only when the player wishes to consult with them about a puzzle, just like the journal in TRA. That would be ideal. They could also speak if it's essential to the plot. But no more random chit chat about what Lara is doing.

Overall, TRA is better than Legend, but I do wish we had at least one motorcycle level in TRA, as those were a lot of fun in Legend.

Cyborg666

09-30-2007, 05:34 AM

Hello,second day here on this website....

I too,am a fan of Tomb Raider,I really love Tomb Raider Legend and Anniversary,infact i was able to upload my save file when i was playing Legend on Gametap,before the game needed my account on Gametap to be upgraded inorder to keep playing.Anyway i was in West Africa when the game on Gametap wouldn't let me keep playing because it wanted my account to be upgraded,and yet i'm now pretty far in the game,mostly in the place where Lara has to chase a train on a motorcycle,and beat some bad guys on motorcycles.

In Anniversary,i'm in the Fire Pillair of the Grece level,trying to get a relic before 30 seconds are up.I love these games,and they show lots of goods i love,and it's seeing bad boys and bad animals get a mouth full of bullets by Lara's guns.
In anycase i don't care if someone insults the game,the games itself lets us be someone else foronce,when i said that,i meant be a British woman with combat skills of G.I Joe himself!
I don't respect Larson at all!Sides,it was nice of Lara to kill him for us.....

I never did play the orginal TR game,i only see videos of it on Youtube.
But if i did,i wouldn't like it cause i can't even lock on a target so i wouldn't be wasting bullets in the air.But in TR,there's blood,in the remake,it don't.
I played Legend,and it said there was blood in the game,i think not!That's a bunch of lies tied together with a rope.

Anyway,Lara's combat skills are very cool to watch....don't any of you guys agree?The two have class!

But,i do misss Kurtis,you know from AoD?He was cute,and he's a perfect match for Lara,I wonder in the new game of Tomb Raider coming out,will he be in the game?Or reffered to?