|
Publisher: Eidos Interactive
Category: Action, Adventure
Platform: PS1, Dreamcast, PC, Mac
ESRB Rating: Teen Release Date: November 1999
Overall Rating:
3.5 Stars out of 4
Review by Darvan
4 Stars out of 4
(Review of PS1 version)
Tomb Raider. What was once an innovative 3d action game has become a
world wide franchise. And with the 3 previous installment of the series,
this one comes with hopes for a return to the roots of the original
game. Well this game starts out with a short introductory game play sequence
where you learn about Lara Crofts past. It is basically a training
level. This is an interesting feature but for people who have already
played the game or one of the other games its annoying to have to go
through the training level every time you want to play the game. That
however is a small disappointment. The game then picks up and you are
placed into the heart of the action with your pistols and some health
packs.
Something that is different about this game is its location. Instead of
the game taking place in locations all around the world, as seen in the
previous games, it sticks with the one location, Egypt. This allows for
a much more interesting plot. The graphics are exactly what you will
see in the previous games if you are playing the psx version, however
if you are playing the other versions you will see much more detailed
textures, better lighting, and real time shadows. This creates for
better realism. The psx version is what you would expect, meaning alot
of pixelization and not a great draw in distance. The levels through out
the game do look good though and add to the atmosphere of the game. Lara
also looks pretty detailed as well. You won't see any gaps in her elbow
or knees anymore either.
Lara returns also with some new moves. The rope swing and corner shimmy
being my favorites allow for more intricate puzzles and greater depth in
play. The rope swing is hard at times but once you get a hold of it you
will do it with ease. She also retains the same moves found in TR 3.
The enemies or the lack of are harder then what you will find in the
other versions and smarter but there is not a whole deal of them. You
usually have to cross alot of the level before encountering one. But
when you do encounter them they are usually fun and challenging to get
rid of.
The story of the game unfolds through in-game-sequences and some
spectacular FMV's. This will make your journey with Lara all the more
pleasurable. This game offers alot in the way of replay with loads of
secrets you can find. It is definitely better then TR3 , and it returns
to the much loved roots of TR1. So i would recommend it if your into the
whole action/adventure scene and have always wanted to relive the
moments of your favorite Indiana Jones flicks.
Review by Tom Allen
3½ Stars out of 4
(Review of Dreamcast version)
I am still a loyal Tomb Raider fan! The PlayStation version of The Last Revelation was a tad
disappointing, but the Dreamcast game feels polished enough for a full recommendation.
The controls feel much better, except that it's awkward to switch from the analog thumb stick
(walk/strafe) to the digital D-pad (run). On the other hand, you'll get used to this quirk.
Thankfully, both realms of control feel responsive and intuitive in and of themselves.
However, I think the R button should have been used to toggle between running and walking
modes. This way, players could choose not to use the D-pad or thumb stick.
Aside from the controls, The Last Revelation (TLR) offers a notable improvement in graphics.
The Dreamcast version sports amazing shadows (relative to the game's sun) as well as smooth
underwater textures. Playing this game makes you appreciate the game's art direction.
I realized that graphics have a much larger effect on the overall experience than I would have
imagined after spending so many years reviewing PlayStation titles that almost mirror each other
in terms of graphical quality. At some point, graphics ceased to be a focal point of games,
simply because the playing field was so level.
The same phenomenon will occur in a few years for the Dreamcast, but right now, Dreamcast is
top dog for graphics. If you haven't already played TLR, you really should check it out.
Review by Tom Allen
3 Stars out of 4
(Review of PS1 version)
Lara fatigue is setting in a little bit; however, I am much more faithful than other
reviewers out there. This game is not bad, but the cookie cutter is starting to wear out.
Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation, popularly referred to as Tomb Raider 4, does not
capture the same sense of adventure and suspense as the first two titles. Levels that
should be cool (i.e. motorcycle level)… are not.
The influence of "Raiders of the Lost Ark" is more noticeable than ever (to the point of
excess), with character look-alikes and desert temples. I was wondering when Lara
would start complaining about snakes.
The most surprising aspect of playing this game was how detached I found myself from
this style of control. I always loved the controls in earlier games. The controls here are
95% the same, but I found them somewhat irritating. Don't ask me why.
Perhaps I was more patient in 1997; perhaps I didn't mind fussing with the oh-so-
incremental rotating that is necessary to turn Lara effectively. The analog control is
useless as far as turning is concerned.
The save-anywhere feature is still here, thank goodness. If this feature is ever taken
away, I will boycott the franchise. Tomb Raider 4 feels incredibly long. I haven't
counted levels, but it feels like three games in one.
The cinema scenes are the rewards of any Tomb Raider game. While the FMV sound
is executed with typical Hollywood excellence, I found the scenes to be too cliché or
derivative of previous games or action films.
I was perplexed by the fact that you can skip FMV scenes but not "cut scenes," or in-
game scenes. It should be the other way around.
The tradition of cheating lives on in Tomb Raider 4. Press Select to see the compass.
When the compass is pointing north while you hold onto a ledge or something, make
sure you can see the compass, then enter one of the following three codes:
Cue up the Load Game icon. Hold all shoulder buttons plus Up, plus Triangle. You will
advance to the next level.
Cue up the Large Medical Pack. Hold all shoulder buttons plus Down, plus Triangle.
Every item appears in stock.
Cue up the Small Medical Pack. Hold all shoulder buttons plus Up, plus Triangle.
Every weapon and more appears in stock.
To purchase Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation from Amazon.com use the button below, or use the
search box at the top of the left column
|
