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[saelz8]

For those of you who have played it: what is music and sound effects like?

Music is awesome so far, and it is indeed used sparingly. No music until action occurs, so you only hear the environments (Water, Creaking, etc), so you get that same atmosphere as in the first game. It was great loading up the title screen and hearing the same music from the original remixed, really nostalgic. Anniversary edition indeed.

Edit. You can hear the rearranged music at the official site - http://www.tombraider.com/anniversary/

 

[nubbe]

Maybe they will put it on XBLA for 800 points.

 

[saelz8]

Some more comparison shots (from Rivendale at the TR forums)

This is how a remake is done, badass.

 

[Midna]

Just played with the demo a little. Looks great. The lack of SM3 didn't even bug me that much, but it is puzzling since it appears to be using the same gameplay engine. Oh well. Day one purchase, on PC, for me.

This is a GREAT remake.

See I knew it you wouldn't be bothered!

Midna-thanks for the PC specs.

Well I tried the demo and my graphics card chokes quite abit while playing it even on the lower settings. I was warned about getting such a great deal on this PC,mainly because the graphics card is its bad point. Eh,I can live with that since I don't game much on this machine outside of emulators.

I'll pick up the PS2 version instead.
How much is it gonna retail for?

You're welcome. The PC version is 29$ and so the PS2 version is retailed for that price as well.

For those of you who have played it: what is music and sound effects like?

One of the things that made TR1 so great was how they only used music sparingly, and when they used it, it was a very nice mood piece. Legends on the other hand had a lot of techno-ish stuff all throughout which kind of ruining the immersion in some places.

The music is absolutely beautiful. Listen to the intro and you will see. I was worried that they would go techno or something but the music is sparring and beautiful.

Here is the Anniversary menu/intro theme:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kq4X6b0CF08

Here is Peru (Does this sound familiar to you!?):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBJXRAdxpVA

 

[Powerslave]

One of the things I terribly dislike is how they apparently aren't able to recreate the eerieness of the original Tomb Raider. Look at those comparisons. TR1 just screamed "I wanna get out of this damned place" whileas the remake looks like some heavenly resort. Tomb Raider 1 is still the scariest game I've ever played.

 

[Powerslave]

One of those reasons are the vast amounts of filters and the ultra smooth/softness of the graphics. Also the over-present amount of bright lighting.

 

[Midna]

One of the things I terribly dislike is how they apparently aren't able to recreate the eerieness of the original Tomb Raider. Look at those comparisons. TR1 just screamed "I wanna get out of this damned place" whileas the remake looks like some heavenly resort. Tomb Raider 1 is still the scariest game I've ever played.

I totally agree with you. This is the same for me with Resident Evil. Resident Evil 1 was by far the scariest and I think that is in part to the primitive (by todays standards) graphics. There is just something about the graphics in Tomb Raider 1 and Resident Evil that really give it a creepy feeling. Many games today just looked so polished and clean.

P.S. You remember the part in Tomb Raider one with the Sphinx? The ceiling/sky in that was black. Talk about creepy.

P.S.S. Just because it needed to be posted:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zs2i1X_r0IA

 

[GreekWolf]

I totally agree with you. This is the same for me with Resident Evil. Resident Evil 1 was by far the scariest and I think that is in part to the primitive (by todays standards) graphics. There is just something about the graphics in Tomb Raider 1 and Resident Evil that really give it a creepy feeling. Many games today just looked so polished and clean.

P.S. You remember the part in Tomb Raider one with the Sphinx? The ceiling/sky in that was black. Talk about creepy.

Yeah I'm part of that group too. I think one reason that TR1 had such an awesome effect was that the clunky graphics (though still quite impressive for the time) left a lot of visual interpretation up to the player. It was like you could "fill in the gaps" with your imagination, and literally see that majestic ruined coliseum, or feel the screen shake as the T-Rex chased you in the lost valley. I don't really know how to explain it. It was just a visceral experience, and something that's sorely lacking from any of the sequels.

 

[Doom_Bringer]

Some more comparison shots (from Rivendale at the TR forums)

WOW

 

[RumFore]

Any chance this will ever come to 360? Man it would be an instant purchase. Didn't legends do well? Surprised to see it on PC and not PS3 or 360.

 

[Kammie]

So awesome. I haven't been this hyped up for a game in ages. Wish it were coming out on 360, but hey...

Does anyone know if the PS2 version will support widescreen or progressive scan?

 

[Creamium]

Does anyone know if the PS2 version will support widescreen or progressive scan?

Seems very likely, since Legend had 480p/widescreen.

 

[FlyinJ]

So awesome. I haven't been this hyped up for a game in ages. Wish it were coming out on 360, but hey...

Does anyone know if the PS2 version will support widescreen or progressive scan?

Yes. The PS2 version does both.

 

[EternalGamer]

Even if they just ported the PC version to the 360 with the higher resolution, I'd be happy. It already looks better than most of the 360 titles, even without enhanced textures. I just want to be able to play it w/ the 360 interface (access to friends, voice chat etc.) and achievements.

 

[Kammie]

Yes. The PS2 version does both.

Nice. Can't wait now.

 

[speculawyer]

Does it burn? :lol

Wow . . . you are a serious Ntard. Get over yourself.

It is just such a waste to not release a 360 version. I could get the Wii version but I'll take graphics over waggle for Tomb Raider. I'll probably get the PC version and eagerly await the 'proper' next-gen Lara for PS3/360. Eidos isn't stupid, they sold a ton of Tomb Raider: Legend games for the 360 . . . and the PS is Tomb Raider's traditional console home.

 

[Eteric Rice]

Wow . . . you are a serious Ntard. Get over yourself.

It is just such a waste to not release a 360 version. I could get the Wii version but I'll take graphics over waggle for Tomb Raider. I'll probably get the PC version and eagerly await the 'proper' next-gen Lara for PS3/360. Eidos isn't stupid, they sold a ton of Tomb Raider: Legend games for the 360 . . . and the PS is Tomb Raider's traditional console home.

I was joking, jeeze. Buy the PS2 version, they're pretty much going to be all a like. Heck, if you have a PS3, wouldn't it be upscaled?

 

[speculawyer]

Even if they just ported the PC version to the 360 with the higher resolution, I'd be happy. It already looks better than most of the 360 titles, even without enhanced textures. I just want to be able to play it w/ the 360 interface (access to friends, voice chat etc.) and achievements.

Do what I'll probably do . . . get the Xbox 360™ Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows® (already got one, it is only $19.99) and play it on a PC with the 360 controller.

 

[speculawyer]

I was joking, jeeze. Buy the PS2 version, they're pretty much going to be all a like. Heck, if you have a PS3, wouldn't it be upscaled?

That's actually a good point . . . I've been very impressed by 1.8 and an upscaled PS2 version may be pretty good. But the resolution & textures of the PC version will probably be better. Hmmm.

 

[Eteric Rice]

That's actually a good point . . . I've been very impressed by 1.8 and an upscaled PS2 version may be pretty good. But the resolution & textures of the PC version will probably be better. Hmmm.

*shrugs* They'll probably all look pretty similar anyway, so you really can't go wrong.

 

[Y2Kev]

I am SO HOT for this game. I pimped legend harder than anyone I know and I LOVE the new engine.

This is so sweet, and PS2 upscaling now go go

 

[eshwaaz]

One of the things I terribly dislike is how they apparently aren't able to recreate the eerieness of the original Tomb Raider. Look at those comparisons. TR1 just screamed "I wanna get out of this damned place" whileas the remake looks like some heavenly resort. Tomb Raider 1 is still the scariest game I've ever played.

I totally agree; that's exactly what I was thinking when I saw the screenshots. The fact that so much of the environment was hidden in total darkness is part of what made the original Tomb Raider feel so ominous and forboding. It's a shame that they weren't able to upgrade the graphics without losing the atmosphere.

 

[AdmiralViscen]

A comparison for anyone interested. Both are taken from the same area and the angle was reproduced in each image.

Here is the original (PSX)

Here is the new

Shit like this really makes you wonder about the leap we're getting this gen. I'd convinced myself that it was greater, but...

 

[Eteric Rice]

Shit like this really makes you wonder about the leap we're getting this gen. I'd convinced myself that it was greater, but...

It is greater, but that doesn't stop games from the PS2/X-Box/GC era from looking good either.

 

[Jcgamer60]

I've never played Tomb Raider before but i've always had a thing for indiana jones type exploration and adventure. I think i will give this game a try, especially since its widescreen and progressive .

 

[Eteric Rice]

Are you guys sure that's from the PS2 version? I mean, it could be bullshots big time.

 

[AdmiralViscen]

If you say so bro.

 

[Eteric Rice]

If you say so bro.

Hold on, I'm looking for an Ubisoft logo on the site.

 

[speculawyer]

I've never played Tomb Raider before but i've always had a thing for indiana jones type exploration and adventure. I think i will give this game a try, especially since its widescreen and progressive .

You really owe it to yourself to play some Tomb Raider then. The originals were great but they are very very dated now ( 1 & 2 are over 10 years old). And avoid 'Angel of Darkness' . . that sucked. So I'd say pick up Tomb Raider: Legend on your best platform . . . it is great. And this new anniversary game looks good, but get Legend NOW. You can get it for $29.99 or so.

 

[Jcgamer60]

You really owe it to yourself to play some Tomb Raider then. The originals were great but they are very very dated now ( 1 & 2 are over 10 years old). And avoid 'Angel of Darkness' . . that sucked. So I'd say pick up Tomb Raider: Legend on your best platform . . . it is great. And this new anniversary game looks good, but get Legend NOW. You can get it for $29.99 or so.

Thanks for the advice, i'll look into legend aswell. How long are Tomb Raider games on average? (ps2 is my best platform for now...)

 

[vilmer_]

My loins still shiver for the original, regardless of the new age graphic enhancements.

 

[Y2Kev]

You really owe it to yourself to play some Tomb Raider then. The originals were great but they are very very dated now ( 1 & 2 are over 10 years old). And avoid 'Angel of Darkness' . . that sucked. So I'd say pick up Tomb Raider: Legend on your best platform . . . it is great. And this new anniversary game looks good, but get Legend NOW. You can get it for $29.99 or so.

Seconded. Legend is great.

Do we know if they're going to be retconning any of the story to fit with Nu-Lara?

 

[Doom_Bringer]

PS2 versions looks the same as the PC version but has jaggies. I saw it on Electric Playground. Honestly it doesn't look bad at all!

 

[MidgarBlowedUp]

So, I wonder what looks better...?

PS2 Smoothing on + 480p 16:9
or
PS2 Smoothing on + 480i Upscaled 1080p 16:9

Just wondering because FFXII looks far and away better running in 480p with smoothing on than 480i upscaled. I still don't understand why you can't upscale 480p games.

 

[TrueReligion]

This looks incredible for a PS2 game. I think we made the jump to next-gen too soon.

 

[Eteric Rice]

PS2 versions looks the same as the PC version but has jaggies. I saw it on Electric Playground. Honestly it doesn't look bad at all!

Hmm, maybe the Wii version will have less jaggies then?

Hey, a guy can hope. :|

 

[fernoca]

Are you guys sure that's from the PS2 version? I mean, it could be bullshots big time.

No bulshots.
The pics are from the PC version.
The PS2 version just looks as nice..yet, less hi-res.

Can't wait for the Wii version..hehehehe..
I was dissapointed that I no longer had my other 2 consoles to play this, but happy when I learedt it was going to be ported to the Wii.

 

[Doom_Bringer]

Hmm, maybe the Wii version will have less jaggies then?

Hey, a guy can hope. :|

Yeah Crystal Dynamics is a good developer, I am sure it will be good port.

 

[Eteric Rice]

Yeah Crystal Dynamics is a good developer, I am sure it will be good port.

Well that's good. At first (for some reason) I was under the impression that Ubisoft had their hands in this some kind of way.

Kind of relieved now. I just hope the controls for the Wii version turn out well.

 

[Doom_Bringer]

Well that's good. At first (for some reason) I was under the impression that Ubisoft had their hands in this some kind of way.

Kind of relieved now. I just hope the controls for the Wii version turn out well.

No, Ubisoft only makes good looking Xbox games. Anyway pretty much all of Eidos's teams make good ports. I mean the PS2 version of Hitman Blood Money looked good compared tp the PC/360 ver...it wasn't a half assed port.

Anyway did someone check out Tomb Raider Legends on Cube? That might give you an idea of how well this will look and run on Wii. You should play that game! It's pretty damn awesome

 

[Eteric Rice]

No, Ubisoft only makes good looking Xbox games. Anyway pretty much all of Eidos's teams make good ports. I mean the PS2 version of Hitman Blood Money looked good compared tp the PC/360 ver...it wasn't a half assed port.

Anyway did someone check out Tomb Raider Legends on Cube? That might give you an idea of how well this will look and run on Wii. You should play that game! It's pretty damn awesome

I would, but I would to get Skies of Arcadia first.

So many games I have to buy.

 

[Buffy4ever]

I checked the Official Tomb Raider Anniversary web site and they said Release Date was May 2007. So is it out yet?

 

[Gribbix]

Yeah Crystal Dynamics is a good developer, I am sure it will be good port.

Crystal Dynamics typically doesn't handle the ports of their own games. The only version of Legend that Crystal Dynamics handled themselves were the PS2 and 360 versions. Nixxes did the Xbox, GC, and PC version. However, based on that interview from when the Wii version was announced, it sounds like they might be handling the Wii version themselves. Either way, it should turn out fine since Nixxes is solely a group focused on porting games. They aren't like other developers who do half-assed ports to fund their own projects. Porting games is their sole purpose.

 

[Solomon87]

Wow, i am glad i saw this thread. I had no idea a demo was coming, i hope it is good. I really want to buy this because i miss playing the first tomb raider.

 

[tale]

Class move bringing back Nathan McCree to do the music - I was going to buy it anyway but Day One purchase confirmed now.

 

[Gribbix]

Class move bringing back Nathan McCree to do the music - I was going to buy it anyway but Day One purchase confirmed now.

They didn't get McCree back but they did use his score as well as adding some music for particular enemy encounters.

 

[cicero]

Do what I'll probably do . . . get the Xbox 360™ Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows® (already got one, it is only $19.99) and play it on a PC with the 360 controller.

You had me at ™ and ®.

 

[Lord Error]

Just wondering because FFXII looks far and away better running in 480p with smoothing on than 480i upscaled. I still don't understand why you can't upscale 480p games.

I don't think smoothing works when you switch the game to 480p. When you do that, the resolution drops back to 480p, and the smoothing can't do anything then, as it relies on pixel doubling.

 

[RagnarokX]

I was a big fan of TR 1 and 2 and this game looks so nice, but after seeing what they did to the T-Rex in this remake it just really makes me sad Just have the T-Rex running around like a normal enemy like it's supposed to be, don't have an awkward transition to a crappy-looking boss arena

 

[saelz8]

IGN UK out with a review

Complaints about cameras and combat aside, Tomb Raider: Anniversary deserves some attention. The Tomb Raider series has been moving away from what it began as in 1996 with varying success and, while no one wants to see a series staying the same for ten years, Anniversary sticks to what it does best and ends up outdoing every Lara game that’s been made since. Some might consider it a bit too retro – a game stripped of multitudes of weapons and featuring no upgrades or stats, just a basic health bar – and certainly the boss battles could have done with some next-gen beefing up. But still, Lara is back on great form, and re-imagining a ten year old classic has clearly been a risk worth taking.

8.7
Great

Editors Choice

http://ps2.ign.com/articles/791/791925p1.html

Good score