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Tomb Raider : The Lost Artifact
To purchase this game,
click the cool "Lock Ness Monster" screen shot, above.
Ever since Tomb Raider 1, Eidos/Core has distributed
a "Gold" edition of the game the following year. Tomb
Raider : The Lost Artifact is another of these types
of games, with one exception; while the game uses Tomb
Raider 3's game engine, it is sold seperately (in the
U.S., anyway). This seems like an amusing gambit when selling
a mere half dozen Tomb Raider levels by themselves. However,
at least the levels are very impressive...
The storyline
must be read elsewhere, since the game doesn't delve into it
(one of a few grumbles of this game which I'll get to later).
It seems that among all of the artifacts that give special powers
in the storyline of TR3, there was one additional artifact --The
Lost Artifact-- which Lara overlooked. As a result, the adventure
continues, on land as well as under the sea (the picture here
is of the latter, where Lara meets up with one of many dolphins).
Although
there are only a few levels (six or so), they are extremely well
made and innovative. One level has you searching ancient castle
ruins near Loch Ness (look over a bridge near the level's start,
and gatch a glimpse through the fog of the Loch Ness Monster;
a cute touch). Another level has you racing a buggy over chasms
in a broken down subway station. Secret areas are inspired as
well, including "uncovering" the secret of the Loch
Ness Monster, and a forgotten cave of flying dinosaurs.
There
are a few grumbles, however. The exclusion of Tomb Raider
3 in the U.S. enhances the feel of there not being enough
to the game, as affordable as it is. In addition, there are no
cutscenes to better explain what you're doing, where Lara's going,
and why. At least one single FMV addition would have been a good
idea, if not a whole intro and conclusion. Oh, well; at
least the levels are interesting enough, for the price paid.
Bottom Line : I know it seems odd that I'm giving Lost
Artifact the same rating as the higher-priced Tomb
Raider : The Last Revelation, and yet it's true. This
game was a lot more intriguing to play, and its mere half dozen
(or so) levels were a little more inspired, including
its secret areas. Its price of $19.95 enhances the appeal of
the purchase, for any Lara Croft fan...
| All text, Title
graphics, and pix not of reviewed product, are created by TECHtite,
copyright 2000; all rights reserved. Screen captures of program
reviewed are discrete thumbnails, used only for the purpose of
review, and by no means represent any affiliation with TECHtite
and the distributors of that product. For further "legalese"
& disclaimers, click here... |
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Burnout
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