Tomb Raider Underworld
(2008, Video Games - Action/Adventure, Rated T, Play it on: Nintendo DS, Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Windows, Xbox 360)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Platformer spoils gorgeous visuals with lackluster action.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 13 and Up
The good stuff
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Educational value:
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Tomb Raider Underworld was written by Brett Molina
Parents need to know this adventure sticks to the traditional Tomb Raider formula of platforming, puzzle solving, and straightforward shootouts. Heroine Lara Croft uses weapons like assault rifles, handguns, and grenades, as well as her fists. Sometimes, you'll see blood when Lara kills humans or wild animals. As always, Lara dresses rather provocatively, often wearing outfits that show a lot of skin. There is mild cussing.
Families Can Talk About
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- Families can talk about the Tomb Raider franchise. What has made the game so successful? Also, could Lara still be a really cool hero without an exaggerated figure and the need to wear revealing outfits?
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More on Tomb Raider Underworld
What’s the Story?
Gaming's most recognizable heroine makes her big return in TOMB RAIDER: UNDERWORLD. And while Lara Croft and the environments she explores look exquisite, the action is less impressive.
Lara's latest quest takes her on a search for the hammer of Norse god Thor, once considered a myth. She eventually finds proof of its existence in the Mediterrean Sea, and sets off on her journey to discover the item.
Tomb Raider Underworld sticks to the concepts that made the franchise so popular: platforming, puzzle solving, and acrobatic gunplay. For this adventure, Lara boasts a bevy of new moves and tools. A sonar map creates a 3-D image of the environment to better spot hidden areas. Instead of just killing enemies, Lara can opt to use tranquilizer guns to knock foes out. Lara travels all over the world in search of the Hammer, from the jungles of Thailand to the frozen landscapes of the Arctic Sea.
Tomb Raider Underworld sticks to the concepts that made the franchise so popular: platforming, puzzle solving, and acrobatic gunplay. For this adventure, Lara boasts a bevy of new moves and tools. A sonar map creates a 3-D image of the environment to better spot hidden areas. Instead of just killing enemies, Lara can opt to use tranquilizer guns to knock foes out. Lara travels all over the world in search of the Hammer, from the jungles of Thailand to the frozen landscapes of the Arctic Sea.
Is It Any Good?
Underworld
is definitely one of the most attractive Tomb Raider titles in the series. The environments are gorgeous. Ancient ruins sport fine details etched in
stone, while jungles look lush and vibrant. You'll even see Lara get dirty as she climbs walls and darts through
ruins. Unfortunately, the action doesn't match up. For a game with these epic
locales, the actual adventure feels boring. Underworld emphasizes exploration, yet the
game feels pretty linear. For newbies, the game provides a field guide that offers tips in case you're stuck on a level. However, the platforming and puzzles are pretty
basic, so most players won't need this option.
The platforming suffers because of an erractic camera. If you're moving too quickly, the camera struggles to follow, leaving you viewing the action from a bad angle. This makes executing big leaps all the more difficult. The combat is solid, but not very explosive. While Lara looks quite agile leaping away from gunfire as she shoots enemies, most opponents put forth little effort. Some even stood still while Lara picked them off with ease. Tomb Raider fans will enjoy Lara's latest quest even though it's lackluster. But if you are looking for a great platformer, you're better off exploring different options.
Publisher’s Details
Developer: Eidos Interactive
Released on: 11/18/2008, Price: $30-60, not online enabled
ESRB Rating: T for Blood, Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Violence
Released on: 11/18/2008, Price: $30-60, not online enabled
ESRB Rating: T for Blood, Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Violence
Our Members Say
See all 5 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Excessive consumerism
Not worth a buy, more of a rent
The game has good graphics but it's too hard and boring.
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I rate this title pause for age 2 and give it
Awesome Game But Hard
I have this game for pc and wii.The pc and wii are a little bit hard. This game is worth your time and money!
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I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
BEST TOMB RAIDER YET
THIS S THE BEST TOMB RAIDER TO DATE THE GAME IS THE 3RD MOST GORGOEUS SECOND ONLY TO JUST CAUSE AND STREET FIGHTER IV THE ACTION GAMEPLAY IS BRILLIANT. THE GAME REQUIRES PUZZELS THAT ARE JSUT FUN AND BRILLIANT YET REQUIRE A CHALLENGE TO SOLVE
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Ratings at a Glance
| 33% | of parents say they notice product placement |
| 33% | of parents say it has language their kids can't use |
| 33% | of parents say the sexual behavior isn't age appropriate |
| 33% | of parents say it's too violent |
Do you play it?
For Your Family
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