Tomb Raider: Legend

THE BAD:
the graphics, at times, compared to its other platform versions.

SUMMARY:
Any diehard Tomb Raider fan would be pleased to know that the second latest addition to the Tomb Raider series is a wonderful one. Tomb Raider: Legends puts players as the phenomonal Ms. Lara Croft in her latest adventure that delves into the past of our favourite femme fatal and gives us a healthy mix of both raiding tombs/locations and buildings alike. Although, this time around, Lara is armed with a good deal of high-tech gear (including a flashlight, binoculars, a magnetic grapple and grenades/flares) as she explores the legend of King Arthur and its connection to the death of her mother and a friend.

If you havent been able to tell by now, this game entry seems to do what it's previous titles failed to do; give solid information on Lara's past. But the cinematic, drama-like turn taken within this game fits well enough with its traditional gameplay; so much to the fact that one wonders why it hadnt been done before. Aside from the storyline depth addition, the movement and combat system have taken a great boost. Numerous actions can be made within the game during combat, things such as kicking your enemy(ies) to the floor or even a sliding tackle to trip of foes. The newer movement system takes about a minute to get used to, but in the end it feels alot more natural than the old grid-system movement found in previous titles.

But aside from these changes, who could possibly forget the well-praised graphical boost that this game received. Unfortunately, the graphics arent AS great on the PSP version, but they still are pretty top-notch at the moment for a PSP game. Sometimes the graphics may even hinder your process of completing a puzzle, due to the your inability to see a rope or grabbable ledge to cling to. But thankfully, the binoculars can help to cure this issue, and even give you further information of how to complete a puzzle.

If you're worried about this game's length, then you wont be too disappointed. Although the game is a bit short, there are plenty of rewards and unlockables to obtain within the game. Ontop of that, this game features Time Trials for each level (upon completion) and even the return of Croft Manor and (minus the annoying butler), which has a great deal of secrets and puzzles to solve within itself.

All in all, if you're looking for a solid action-adventure game for your PSP, you cant go wrong with getting Tomb Raider: Legend. Its sure to please any Tomb Raider fan, and even players completely new to the series. With only slightly flawed graphics and replayable gameplay, its sure to keep you entertained!