Last year, a little-known game producer called Eidos Interactive
released their first PlayStation effort, a game called Tomb Raider.  This
ground-breaking title sported a fully-interactive, masterfully-created 3D
world, intense action and puzzles, and a new sexy heroine named Lara
Croft.  The title was released for the PlayStation, Saturn, and PC, and
quickly rose to become one of the best selling games on those systems. In
fact it is currently the Saturn's top-selling game of all time. It was
last Christmas season's hottest title.  This holiday season Eidos hopes to
recapture that magic with its stunning sequel, Tomb Raider II. The
question on everyone's mind: Does it have what it takes to succeed?
	
	The answer is a resounding YES.  Tomb Raider II has taking the
action/puzzle genre to a new plateau in terms of innovation, game design,
and creativity.  Much of TR2's innovations and improvements over its
predecessor are due largely in part to Eidos' continued dedication to us,
the gamers. Instead of resting on their laurels, Eidos listened to
consumer's responses on how to make the TR franchise better and, used that
input to make TR2 more than just an incremental "sequel", but rather an
original game worthy of its own praise.
	The sequel follows Lara in her quest to obtain the Dagger of Xian,
an artifact that is said to grant the posessor the power of a dragon. This
dagger is currently buried underneath the Great Wall of China.  Lara is
not the only pursuer of the Dagger.  Two other groups are vying for
possession and will stop at nothing to get it. Lara will face these two
groups many times on her journey.
	In terms of graphics, TR2 has implemented several new technologies
into the TR engine, including dynamic lighting, both indoor and outdoor
levels, faster frame rates and smoother animation, and a convincing
real-time ponytail for Lara.  These enhancements produce a more polished
look.  The dynamic lighting effects are especially visible when Lara uses
a flare and lights up dark rooms.  Eidos has also added more polygons to
Lara herself, to give her a more "rounded" look.  In addition to the added
polygons, Lara has acquired three new outfits, a sleek, form-fitting
wetsuit for underwater exploration, a stylish Bomber jacket useful in
frigid temperatures, and a sexy nightgown for the last level.  In terms of
overall graphical appearance, TR2 remains faithfully similar to the
original.
	The gameplay in the sequel has also been enhanced, introducing new
moves to Lara's already impressive repertoire.  Lara now has the ability
to climb certain surfaces, wade through shallow water, and perhaps the
coolest feature is her ability to operate vehicles, such as speedboats and
snowmobiles.  Eidos' decision to retain the same control style and add a
few actions was a wise decision.  This makes it easy for new players to
learn all of Lara's basic actions, yet familiar players will still feel
right at home, utilizing her new actions effectively.  Eidos' introduction
of vehicles has been done masterfully.  The control of the boat and
snowmobile are very similar to her basic movements.  When Lara jumps into
a speedboat, players can control her with little difficulty.  The vehicles
add a new dimension to the game, as Lara can now travel on water and snow.
	One complaint about the first game was that, at times, the action
in the game was few and far between.  Eidos has fixed that.  During
Lara's adventures, she will encounter more enemies, including many human
adversaries,  such as monks and terrorists.  The increased enemy
encounters have created a more perfect balance between challenging puzzles
and blazing action.  
	To aid Lara in her confrontations with her enemies, Eidos has
equiped her with more advanced weaponry.  In addition to the standard
pistols, shotgun, and uzis from the first game, she can now use automatic
pistols, a grenade launcher, an M-16, and even a harpoon gun for dangerous
underwater encounters.  
	One of the strongest points of the first game was the outstanding
level design.  Eidos has outdone itself for the sequel.  Lara ventures
out from her tombs and travels to downtown Italy,  the Great Wall of
China, and other exotic locations. Lara's home has also had some additions
put into it.  Lara can now fine tune her skills on the obstacle course
outside her house.  She can also explore the massive hedge maze outside.
The developers even added a secret inside the house. (Hint: The answer's
in the hedge maze.)  
	The sound effects and music have remained basically the same as
the first game.  The music is absent most of the game, providing
interludes when the action heats up.  This allows the players mind to stay
clear when solving puzzles.  The sound effects, while average, could have
been more realistic. The shotgun in particular is unconvincing.  These
qualms are only minor in is what is otherwise an outstanding, high caliber
game.
	This Christmas, when you are making out your list to Santa of what
games you want, make sure Tomb Raider II is at the top of it.
Don't let the "II" fool you. This game is more than a sequel. It is
everything and more that a gamer could hope for and a worthy, must-have
addition to any serious or casual gamer's collection.