Tomb Raider Angel of Darkness (PlayStation 2)

By JON MINIFIE

(Herald rating: * * *)

It was with some surprise when the release of the newest Tomb Raider in the series, Angel of Darkness, was announced, as the franchise was looking quite dead.

For this latest instalment, the graphics have had a much-needed rev up. Lara looks good at over 5000 polygons, 4500 more than her earlier titles. Her outfit is much the same, and this time around her ponytail actually does what it should.

The lighting is nicely done and the scenery looks pretty good. And there's plenty of it — the game is huge, and can sometimes get slightly confusing.

Along with a new lease on life, Angel of Darkness has also been given something that was lacking in earlier versions: a storyline.

Lara starts the game on the run in the back streets of Paris, having been framed for the murder of Werner von Croy.

In a series first, Lara isn't the only playable character. Kurtis Trent, a strange and mysterious chap with a weapon uncannily similar to that in the movie Krull, is also available for use.

He has different skills from those of Lara, a nice touch offering a little variation in gameplay.

Annoyingly, the early bits of the game are painfully slow. The training level is uninspiring, but endurance pays off — once you make it, the action definitely picks up and becomes more like the game we used to know and love.

Taking note of the major gripe that fans have voiced, the development team has had another look at how the controls work. And, although they have been marginally improved, they are still a bit too difficult to grasp.

While many of the elements of earlier Tomb Raiders have been included, there have been additions. In a nod to the fascination with being sneaky, elements of stealth have been included. Also added is a system of upgrades.

Find the secret place, and you will be awarded with a longer jump or a faster run.

The trouble can be if you don't find the secrets, the game can get pretty hard. On that note, you can now save wherever, whenever.

Price: $119.95

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