Game analysis # 1

Tomb Raider

For many people Tomb Raider changed the way they thought about games as in many ways it revolutionised the 3d genre. Released by Eidos interactive in 1996, it has sold over 7 million copies to date and is regarded by many as a classic. It is my opinion that Tomb Raider is a defining moment in the evolution of gaming for several significant reasons.

The main reason I chose to Analise this game is that for the first time it allowed the gamer to feel a real sense of scale when playing, drawing them in and allowing them to explore vast areas. It was described by one games reviewer as being " like throwing an extra dimension at Prince of Persia". I think this is the true reason behind its massive success, it managed to combine the elements of a platform game but extend this into the realms of 3d. By allowing the player to run, jump, roll, dive, swim and grab their way through several massive tombs around the world the player feels like they are part of the action. In short I believe it to be the first cinematic style game. With stunning graphics for the time, an involving story and several high quality cut scenes, it was a new gaming experience for those that played it and may even have helped shape games developed from that point on, raising the bar for all 3d adventures.

Of course it helped that the protagonist was, for many, pleasing to the eye (despite the ridiculously large polygons) but when the novelty of the hero being of the female persuasion wore off, we were left with a character that entered the Guiness world record as " most recognisable female video game character of all time" and has since become the unofficial spokeswoman for Eidos.

The movement system also went a long way to contributing to its success and place in the gaming history books. By keeping the controls simple ( one button for most actions such as grabbing, pulling switches ect.) it allowed the player to pull off some impressive and realistic looking maneuvers. This opened up the gameplay so much that puzzles that were previously unthinkable to implement now could be pulled off with style, e.g backfliping from one switch to another the diving through a gate. This would often take alot of trial and error but this is where most of the enjoyment would be found, when you finally get that puzzle thats had you pulling your hair out for 30 mins it gives you the rush that compels you to continue through the story.

Tomb Raider was far from perfect though as the controls didn't feel like you were controlling a nimble young woman, but more an old soviet tank. Also the sparse encounters with enemies and repetitive shooting styles combined with overly awkward puzzles could put some gamers off, but the fact remains that the totally new style of gameplay, with its ability to draw the gamer into the adventure with its looks, size and acrobatic moves was enough to change the way gamers saw action adventures and even games in general.

This was the first game I can remember being truly enthralled with, and as such I may be looking at it slightly rose tinted but for me it brought me into 3d gaming, away from the likes of Super Mario and into games which have evolved to become the games I play today.