Developer: Buzz Monkey Software

The Tomb Raider Trilogy (2011)

by Nish September 22, 2024

written by Nish 4 minutes read

Summary

Release Year: 2011
Genres: Adventure
Platforms: PlayStation 3
Developers: Buzz Monkey Software, Crystal Dynamics
Publishers: Eidos Interactive

The Tomb Raider Trilogy: A Nostalgic Return to Adventure

The Tomb Raider Trilogy, released in 2011 for the PlayStation 3, is a high-definition remaster of three classic Tomb Raider games: Legend, Anniversary, and Underworld. These games originally released between 2006 and 2008 and were critically acclaimed for their thrilling action, challenging puzzles, and iconic protagonist, Lara Croft.

The Tomb Raider Trilogy offers a chance for a new generation of gamers to experience these beloved classics, while also providing a nostalgic trip down memory lane for longtime fans. The games have been remastered with updated graphics and textures, making them look better than ever before. The gameplay has also been slightly tweaked to improve the controls and make the games more accessible to modern audiences.

Tomb Raider: Legend

The first game in the trilogy, Tomb Raider: Legend, was a reboot of the series that aimed to recapture the magic of the original games. It follows Lara Croft on a globetrotting adventure in search of Excalibur, the legendary sword of King Arthur. Along the way, she encounters a cast of colorful characters, solves challenging puzzles, and battles deadly enemies.

Legend was praised for its exciting action sequences, well-designed puzzles, and charismatic characters. It was a critical and commercial success, selling over 4 million copies worldwide.

Tomb Raider: Anniversary

The second game in the trilogy, Tomb Raider: Anniversary, is a remake of the original Tomb Raider game from 1996. It follows Lara Croft on her first adventure as she explores the lost ruins of Atlantis and searches for the Scion, a powerful artifact that can control time.

Anniversary faithfully recreates the levels and puzzles of the original game, while also adding new graphics, gameplay mechanics, and voice acting. It was praised for its nostalgia factor and for successfully updating a classic game for a new generation of gamers.

Tomb Raider: Underworld

The third and final game in the trilogy, Tomb Raider: Underworld, follows Lara Croft on a journey to the underworld in search of the Amulet of Thor. Along the way, she encounters mythical creatures, solves deadly puzzles, and uncovers a conspiracy that threatens the world.

Underworld was praised for its stunning graphics, challenging puzzles, and epic set pieces. It was also a critical and commercial success, selling over 2 million copies worldwide.

The Tomb Raider Trilogy: A Must-Play for Fans of Action-Adventure Games

The Tomb Raider Trilogy is a must-play for fans of action-adventure games. It offers three classic games that have been remastered for modern audiences, providing hours of thrilling gameplay and challenging puzzles. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or a newcomer to the world of Tomb Raider, the Tomb Raider Trilogy is sure to provide an unforgettable gaming experience.

Key Features of the Tomb Raider Trilogy:

Three classic Tomb Raider games remastered in stunning HD
Updated graphics and textures
Improved controls and gameplay
Nostalgic trip down memory lane for longtime fans
Exciting action sequences, challenging puzzles, and iconic characters

Review Scores:

IGN: 8.5/10
GameSpot: 8/10
Eurogamer: 9/10

System Requirements:

PlayStation 3
12GB of storage space

Conclusion

The Tomb Raider Trilogy is a fantastic collection of classic games that have been lovingly remastered for modern audiences. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or a newcomer to the world of Tomb Raider, the Tomb Raider Trilogy is sure to provide an unforgettable gaming experience.

Review Score

8.5/10

Tony Hawk: Ride (2009)

by Christopher May 4, 2024

written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Release Year: 2009
Genres: Simulator, Sport
Platforms: PlayStation 3, Wii, Xbox 360
Developers: Buzz Monkey Software, Robomodo
Publishers: Activision

Tony Hawk: Ride (2009)

Tony Hawk: Ride is a skateboarding video game developed by Robomodo and published by Activision. It was released on November 17, 2009, for the Wii, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. The game is the tenth installment in the Tony Hawk’s skateboarding video game series and the first to use the Ride skateboard controller, a motion-sensitive peripheral that allows players to control their in-game skateboard with their body movements.

Gameplay

Tony Hawk: Ride’s gameplay is similar to previous games in the Tony Hawk’s series, with players skating around levels performing tricks and completing objectives. However, the game’s unique control scheme sets it apart from other skateboarding games. The Ride skateboard controller is a full-sized skateboard deck that is placed on the floor in front of the player. The player stands on the board and uses their body weight to control the in-game skateboard. The board is sensitive to the player’s movements, so players can perform a variety of tricks by shifting their weight, leaning, and jumping.

The game features a variety of different levels, each with its own unique challenges and obstacles. Players can also create their own custom levels using the game’s level editor. Tony Hawk: Ride also features a robust online multiplayer mode, allowing players to compete against each other in a variety of game modes.

Reception

Tony Hawk: Ride received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the game’s innovative control scheme and immersive gameplay, while others criticized its technical problems and lack of content. The game was a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.

Legacy

Tony Hawk: Ride was a significant departure from the traditional Tony Hawk’s skateboarding games, and its innovative control scheme was praised by many critics. However, the game’s technical problems and lack of content prevented it from reaching its full potential. Despite its flaws, Tony Hawk: Ride remains a unique and interesting entry in the Tony Hawk’s skateboarding video game series.

Detailed Review

Graphics

Tony Hawk: Ride’s graphics are solid, but not spectacular. The game’s environments are detailed and varied, and the character models are well-animated. However, the game’s textures are sometimes muddy, and the framerate can occasionally drop during intense gameplay sequences.

Sound

Tony Hawk: Ride’s soundtrack is excellent, featuring a mix of punk, rock, and hip-hop tracks. The game’s sound effects are also well-done, and they help to create a realistic and immersive skateboarding experience.

Gameplay

Tony Hawk: Ride’s gameplay is fast-paced and exciting. The game’s unique control scheme takes some getting used to, but it ultimately provides a more immersive and realistic skateboarding experience than traditional skateboarding games. The game’s levels are well-designed and offer a variety of challenges, and the game’s online multiplayer mode is robust and fun.

Overall

Tony Hawk: Ride is a solid skateboarding game that offers a unique and immersive gameplay experience. The game’s innovative control scheme is its standout feature, but the game’s technical problems and lack of content prevent it from reaching its full potential. Despite its flaws, Tony Hawk: Ride is still a fun and rewarding game for fans of skateboarding and extreme sports games.

Score: 8/10

Pros:

Innovative control scheme
Immersive gameplay
Solid graphics and sound
Robust online multiplayer mode

Cons:

Technical problems
Lack of content
Steep learning curve

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Tomb Raider: Anniversary (2007)

by Christopher March 18, 2024

written by Christopher 7 minutes read

Summary

Celebrating a decade of Lara Croft’s adventures, Tomb Raider: Anniversary marries the essence of the original game with modern graphics and gameplay improvements. It serves as a bridge across generations, paying homage to the legacy of Tomb Raider while inviting new players to discover the origins of one of gaming’s most iconic characters.

Release Year: 2007
Genres: Adventure, Platform, Shooter, Simulator, Strategy
Platforms: Mac, OnLive Game System, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, Wii, Xbox 360
Developers: Buzz Monkey Software, Crystal Dynamics
Publishers: Eidos Interactive, Feral Interactive, Square Enix

Introduction

In 2007, the video game industry witnessed the return of an icon with the release of Tomb Raider: Anniversary. This title was not just a mere remake but a celebration of one of gaming’s most influential figures, Lara Croft. By reimagining the original Tomb Raider game with modern technological advances, developers aimed to bridge the gap between nostalgia and contemporary gaming.

Synopsis

“Tomb Raider: Anniversary” is an action-adventure video game developed by Crystal Dynamics and Buzz Monkey Software. Published by Eidos Interactive in 2007, it was released for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 2, Xbox 360, PlayStation Portable, Wii, and mobile phones. The game was later ported to OS X in 2008 and PlayStation 3 in 2011.

The game is the eighth overall entry in the Tomb Raider series and the second in the Legend trilogy. “Anniversary” is a remake of the first Tomb Raider game, originally released in 1996. The game takes place before the events of 2006’s “Tomb Raider: Legend” and follows the series protagonist, Lara Croft, on her quest for the Scion of Atlantis.

The game begins with Lara Croft being hired by a mysterious woman named Natla to find a lost and very powerful artifact known as the Scion. This artifact is said to hold immense power and is believed to be located somewhere in the lost city of Atlantis.

The gameplay features Lara navigating through fourteen levels set across four locations around the world. The player controls Lara from a third-person perspective. The game is filled with puzzles, traps, and enemies that Lara must overcome to progress. The Wii version of the game includes console-exclusive motion control elements, while the mobile adaptation features side-scrolling gameplay emulating earlier mobile Tomb Raider titles.

Throughout her journey, Lara uncovers the truth about the Scion and the dangerous individuals who seek to use its power for their own nefarious purposes. As she delves deeper into the mystery, she must confront her own past and make decisions that could alter the course of her future.

The game was generally well-received by critics, who deemed it a worthy remake of the original game. However, some criticism was aimed at the game’s graphics and occasional technical issues. The Wii version also divided opinion, with some critics praising the implementation of motion controls but others faulting them.

Despite its critical success, “Tomb Raider: Anniversary” was the worst-selling entry in the franchise, selling just 1.3 million copies worldwide. The game was followed by “Tomb Raider: Underworld” (2008), the last in the Legend trilogy that takes place directly after the events of “Legend”.

“Tomb Raider: Anniversary” is a thrilling journey through time and danger, filled with puzzles, action, and adventure. It offers players a chance to step into the shoes of the iconic Lara Croft and experience her world like never before. Despite its commercial performance, the game remains a beloved entry in the Tomb Raider series and a testament to the enduring appeal of its daring heroine.

Characters

Lara Croft – The protagonist, an intrepid archaeologist with unmatched physical prowess.
Natla – The antagonist, owner of Natla Technologies, with dark secrets and a connection to the Scion artifact.
Other characters include allies and foes Lara encounters on her journey, each adding depth to the story.

Gameplay

The gameplay of Tomb Raider: Anniversary is a blend of action, adventure, and puzzle-solving elements. Players navigate through beautifully re-designed locations from the original game, employing Lara’s acrobatics, combat skills, and new mechanics like rope swinging and the grappling hook to overcome obstacles and enemies.

Conclusion

Tomb Raider: Anniversary stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Lara Croft and her adventures. By successfully modernizing the original experience without losing its essence, the game offers both a nostalgic journey for veterans and a thrilling adventure for newcomers.