Tomb Raider: Underworld

 Xbox 360
User Score
6.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 224 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 128 out of 224
  2. Mixed: 42 out of 224
  3. Negative: 54 out of 224
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. MrSonicFan
    May 19, 2013
    8
    Tomb Raider Underworld (TRU) is a very good game, though it is the weakest of the original Crystal Dynamics trilogy, The game is beautiful, every area is rich and detailed, The soundtrack is good, The story is really well written, Though it is disappointing that there is no boss fights. And the game is the buggiest in the Crystal Dynamics trilogy. TRU is a fantastic platformer, and ITomb Raider Underworld (TRU) is a very good game, though it is the weakest of the original Crystal Dynamics trilogy, The game is beautiful, every area is rich and detailed, The soundtrack is good, The story is really well written, Though it is disappointing that there is no boss fights. And the game is the buggiest in the Crystal Dynamics trilogy. TRU is a fantastic platformer, and I recommend it to fans of the genre.… Expand
  2. G
    Dec 5, 2008
    5
    I have been looking forward to this game, I played the first TR when I was a teen for days and loved it and Underworld, although absolutly beautiful to look at is really only part of a game. And in parts it feel like you are being hand held through what are quite basic puzzles and poor enemies. And you dont even get to battle the villains at the end! everything gets wrapped up in a cut I have been looking forward to this game, I played the first TR when I was a teen for days and loved it and Underworld, although absolutly beautiful to look at is really only part of a game. And in parts it feel like you are being hand held through what are quite basic puzzles and poor enemies. And you dont even get to battle the villains at the end! everything gets wrapped up in a cut scene. It just seems like 90% of production focused on the visual (which is stunning) and 10% on making the story interesting or engadging. It could have been so much better, maybe the good part is in the DLC, pitty I have a PS3.… Expand
  3. AndrewP
    Jan 19, 2009
    5
    A game with huge potential marred by bugs and inconsistencies. Leaps of faith and random deaths are the order of the day as one tries to discover which paths are allowed and which are decorative. Clumsy and over long character animations don't help matters and neither does occasionally getting stuck in the scenery. Disappointing (and short).
  4. wpx
    Apr 4, 2011
    10
    Puzzles are great only real problem is I hate scaling the poles and doing them over and over and over again. I know it requires skill but CMON ! I don't like to take 3 hours or more to get across a room. Do they test these games on people?
  5. atorch
    Mar 8, 2014
    4
    I loved the new tombraider (2013) so I decided to go back and play some of the older games. I bought four of them and so far this is by far the worst. The controls are BAD. Your controller options often reset like whenever you save or get an xbox achievement. (I have never had this happen before in a game) so I must have turned on inverted controls 30 times. The autosave is terribleI loved the new tombraider (2013) so I decided to go back and play some of the older games. I bought four of them and so far this is by far the worst. The controls are BAD. Your controller options often reset like whenever you save or get an xbox achievement. (I have never had this happen before in a game) so I must have turned on inverted controls 30 times. The autosave is terrible and doesn't often work. I finally just quit the game after having the save fail and having to replay a long, tedious puzzle again.

    The story is decent and the puzzles are fun but the controls are an absolute gamebreaker. I also got Tomb Raider anniversary and that is a MUCH better game even though it is 3+ years older. Better look, controls and story IMO.    … Expand
  6. fallouts
    Jul 1, 2016
    9
    I'm mind blown by the mixed rating score on this one. My first Tomb Raider was the reboot and I decided to try out the previous titles in the series to see what the fuss was about and I can honestly see why many people prefer the old style of TR games. This game makes the reboot look like a child's play when it comes to level design, exploration and rewarding game play. The levels are hugeI'm mind blown by the mixed rating score on this one. My first Tomb Raider was the reboot and I decided to try out the previous titles in the series to see what the fuss was about and I can honestly see why many people prefer the old style of TR games. This game makes the reboot look like a child's play when it comes to level design, exploration and rewarding game play. The levels are huge in this, and jam packed with secrets and puzzles. The game favors meaningful exploration where you keep delving deeper into a location to find a treasure. I had forgotten the joy of pure exploration in a game until I played this game. I want to see the next TR return to its roots as I now prefer this style of old TR over the current Uncharted clones.… Expand
  7. Broyax
    Apr 13, 2017
    3
    Pas totalement mauvais ce Tomb Raider mais mauvais quand même. Ce qui en soi est une qualité (l'exploration très développée) devient un défaut lorsqu'on confie le design des niveaux à un psychopathe ! plus tortueux, plus alambiqué, plus vicieux, c'est très difficile à trouver. Et comme TR Underworld oblige à des allers et retours dans ces labyrinthes de schizophrène, on devientPas totalement mauvais ce Tomb Raider mais mauvais quand même. Ce qui en soi est une qualité (l'exploration très développée) devient un défaut lorsqu'on confie le design des niveaux à un psychopathe ! plus tortueux, plus alambiqué, plus vicieux, c'est très difficile à trouver. Et comme TR Underworld oblige à des allers et retours dans ces labyrinthes de schizophrène, on devient complètement dingue.

    La carte en 3D très mal faite n'aide pas du tout, elle donne le tournis et à force de la retourner dans tous les sens pour trouver comment revenir au début du niveau pour activer telle ou telle connerie, on a la gerbe (en plus d'être dingue). Autre problème, la caméra fait souvent n'importe quoi en combat (Tomb Raider n'a certes pas inventé la roue : seulement la caméra pourrie et cet épisode n' y échappe pas). Et ce n'est pas qu'en combat, car lors des escalades, cette caméra pourrie trouve toujours le moyen de se bloquer selon un angle prédéfini, interdisant toute vision sur 360°.

    Heureusement, le jeu n'est pas difficile par ailleurs (les ennemis se laissent dégommer avec bonne volonté) et Lara évolue avec grâce de plate-forme en plate-forme même si on lui préfère sans hésiter n'importe quel Assassin's Creed qui possède des commandes bien plus logiques et intuitives.

    A part ça, TR Underworld est très joli graphiquement et dispense une ambiance excellente mais personnellement je n'ai pas de temps à perdre à tourner là dedans en rond, non, non. Si TR 2013 est un couloir scripté, ce TR de 2008 est un Rubik's cube (ce qui signifie qu'après un certain temps perdu, on le jette dans la corbeille).    … Expand
  8. GaryW.
    Dec 21, 2008
    3
    Typical Eidos affair, 'C' rate graphics, 'C' rate camera 'C' rate gameplay. Drakes fortune on PS3 is much better than this, the poor camera and animations are enough to put you off the game without the shallow gameplay and ocmplete lack of atmosphere.
  9. darthfredy
    Jan 10, 2012
    5
    Cameras cameras cameras ! the same old TR problem not sadly solved in this episode. The end of the game is so...frustrating. To keep on existing, TR needed an HD episode and EIDOS gave us, but the franchise is breathless.If you want to discover TR, try Anniversary and wait for the reboot!
  10. twos
    Dec 5, 2013
    7
    Overall a thoroughly enjoyable game, have to say most of the issues you will run into will just be frustrating game play problems since the enemies and puzzles themselves are fairly easy, game had some great graphics and an entertaining story. It is worth playing but if you haven't played the new tomb raider that is a far far better game.
  11. thedude
    Jan 6, 2009
    8
    I'm surprised so many people aren't liking this game. There were some definite issues: for one, it is a bit surprisingly buggy. Lara would often get stuck when I'd be exploring the corners of levels. I never had to restart or anything, but I usually had to fidget with the buttons and try jumping in a couple directions to get her unstuck. Also, often in the game the ledge I'm surprised so many people aren't liking this game. There were some definite issues: for one, it is a bit surprisingly buggy. Lara would often get stuck when I'd be exploring the corners of levels. I never had to restart or anything, but I usually had to fidget with the buttons and try jumping in a couple directions to get her unstuck. Also, often in the game the ledge you needed to get to was impossible to see from the camera view. This seemed cheap, but at least it was consistent. Once I figured out that they were going to do that, I knew to consider that could be the case whenever I'd get stuck in a puzzle without a place to go. But, aside from those two issues, I really don't have any complaints. The story was good, the puzzles were challenging, but not too frustrating, and it wasn't as short as I expected considering all the talk that it is too brief(it took me 12-15 hours. I am a slower player, though, admittedly). I personally enjoyed Legend a bit more, but this one was very enjoyable. Not as much gratuitous fun and action as Legend, but great graphics, some solid puzzles, and a solid story made for another fun adventure with Lara.… Expand
  12. WinstonM.
    Nov 24, 2008
    7
    I appreciate that they have eliminated the @#*! mindless repetitive button mashing boss levels of TRL and the idiotic button matching cinematic of TRA and TRL... The environments and art are awesome... still... the tombs could be deeper and more lonely/atmospheric, the puzzles more involved, the levels longer/deeper and the music more like the original TR (adds to the mood). I like that I appreciate that they have eliminated the @#*! mindless repetitive button mashing boss levels of TRL and the idiotic button matching cinematic of TRA and TRL... The environments and art are awesome... still... the tombs could be deeper and more lonely/atmospheric, the puzzles more involved, the levels longer/deeper and the music more like the original TR (adds to the mood). I like that Lara is working mostly alone (Alistar and Zip can go take a hike; Winston was best as an old codger at a training level Croft Manor) Don't get me wrong, I love how far the graphics and stories have come... just a few tweaks in the direction of the the original TR and TR2 and it will be PERFECT! ... ps. Making us purchase game levels that should have been in the game in the first place under the guise of "extra content" is CHEAP. Fire the guy that suggested that.… Expand
  13. FredrickO
    Nov 30, 2008
    6
    I must say that after finishing this game I am thoroughly disappointed with this entry. It's by no means a bad game, it just feels unfinished. Underworld is marred by an incredible amount of technical issues and riddled with bugs. At one point Lara got stuck to a ledge and couldn't move so I had to turn off the game and restart it again as this game does not have a "Quit Game" I must say that after finishing this game I am thoroughly disappointed with this entry. It's by no means a bad game, it just feels unfinished. Underworld is marred by an incredible amount of technical issues and riddled with bugs. At one point Lara got stuck to a ledge and couldn't move so I had to turn off the game and restart it again as this game does not have a "Quit Game" option..!! Completely idiotic! In order to return to the main menu you actually have to pause the game and go to the dashboard (Xbox 360) and then from there restart the game. It's infuriating! And Underworld is probably possessed by the worst camera system ever! I have never had a problem with the camera in previous games but this is quite the nightmare. Not good. And also.. there is waaaay too much of motorcycle riding in this game, I would have loved it if only the controls were so horrendous. Remove this feature in future games please. Or improve the controls.. I loved Legend and Anniversary and the amounts of unlockables in those 2 games and it actually gave me incentive to go back and replay the game, but Underworld has no interesting extras, only boring and completely pointless artwork. And also there is no "replay level" option in Underworld, only "treasure hunt" a simple mode where you just go about finding all the missing treasures and relics with no enemies to hinder your progress and all the pussels already completed. In a word. Stupid. If I want to play the game again from the beginning with the story I have to start a "new game" and if I choose to do that it will rewrite all previous checkpoints in the game. It ticks me off. And it really makes me cry as the storyline is actually really very good and interesting.. Yes it's fun on occasion and the environments are impressive, but it's short (6 levels + 1 prologue level and 1 story level, though granted they are big) and the technical issues and bugs really hurt this game. Bad. Not even Angel of Darkness had this many faults. And yes AOD is by FAR the best in the series despite its faults. And I'm damn proud to say that! It just seems that the developers focused more on the environments and the myths/legends surrounding the storyline than actually focusing on the game as a whole. It's really sad to say. A good game, but disappointing next to Legend and Anniversary. It feels rushed and incomplete. A few more months and it would be a classic. As it is now it's another "AOD" fiasco.. And Crystal Dynamics.. if you read this, if you do not add a "Quit Game" option and a new sensible saving system in future DLC or Patches, I swear I will never buy a future Tomb Raider game again! I don't think anybody will.. hopefully. MAKE IT RIGHT NEXT TIME!!… Expand
  14. EliseP
    Apr 5, 2009
    9
    I loved Underworld, the graphics were brilliant and lara had loads of new skills. The game was a bit boring one you'd finished it because you couldn't replay a level, you "Revisited location". There wasn't many extras and the extras you could have had to be unlocked by finding the hidden relic on each level, which in some cases, is rather hard to do. But Underworld is still I loved Underworld, the graphics were brilliant and lara had loads of new skills. The game was a bit boring one you'd finished it because you couldn't replay a level, you "Revisited location". There wasn't many extras and the extras you could have had to be unlocked by finding the hidden relic on each level, which in some cases, is rather hard to do. But Underworld is still exiting and interesting and finishes of Legend perfectly. If you've played TRL, (Tomb Raider Legend) then this is the game for you.… Expand
  15. DavidD.
    May 10, 2009
    9
    Just finished Underworld and the two DLC for the 360. I have to tell ya, this was a whole lot of fun! I think they did a great job with this game! The only thing negative I have to say is that Lara was a little more difficult to control unlike Legend. But you get used to it pretty quick. The camera work is not as bad as people are making it to be. How many 3rd person games you know that Just finished Underworld and the two DLC for the 360. I have to tell ya, this was a whole lot of fun! I think they did a great job with this game! The only thing negative I have to say is that Lara was a little more difficult to control unlike Legend. But you get used to it pretty quick. The camera work is not as bad as people are making it to be. How many 3rd person games you know that the camera work is perfect? And i did not see that many cliches in the game. Maybe that is because I played it late and the downloads fixed many of the bugs. The many many pluses are all the different things she can do that she couldn't in Legend. And for people to say the graphics were bad, well, they are just crazy! The graphics were great!! I have to freaking idea what the hell they were looking at. My favorite is the story line carry over from Legend. I wish Hollywood would get writers to write stories half as good as people in the video game business. I couldn't wait to get from one cut scene to the next to see what would happen next!! The couple of twists and turns were just awesome! I think Eidos and Crystal Dynamics did a great job with these last couple of games and I hope they do more of the same.… Expand
  16. DanGammel
    Nov 19, 2008
    10
    This game looked absolutely amazing from start to finish (especially Thailand, omg)! The final battle was really cool, too. I could have done without some of the cheesy monologues towards the end, but at least the storyline was interesting enough.
    I just wish we got to use Lara's new "Toy" more; it was wayyyy too much fun. :D
  17. GM.
    Nov 21, 2008
    5
    I'll give the game a 5 out 10 because it feels like half a game. It's short, and it's all too obvious that Eidos decided to cut an amount off the end that they could offer as DLC without much effort on their part, which I'm sure we'll see in the months to come, at least, 360 owners will. PS3 owners who were unfortunate enough to buy this game will be left with the I'll give the game a 5 out 10 because it feels like half a game. It's short, and it's all too obvious that Eidos decided to cut an amount off the end that they could offer as DLC without much effort on their part, which I'm sure we'll see in the months to come, at least, 360 owners will. PS3 owners who were unfortunate enough to buy this game will be left with the poorly implemented end cutscene, nothing resembling a boss battle or satisfying ending exists here. After Anniversary, I had high hopes for Underworld, it seemed like they were finally back on track with the Tomb Raider series. Sadly, that doesn't appear to be the case. I would recommend PS3 owners not even think about buying this game, you are only half the story at best, and officially at this point you won't be getting the other half. XBox 360 owners, I will say whether or not you buy the game should depend largely on how much you're willing to pay down the line in order to get the full story. What's on the disc isn't worth $59.99, that's for sure. The camera is also pretty abysmal at times, and the game seems to assume what you were wanting to do in some cases, and even if you're off the mark, it will shift perceptibly to put you where you want to be. I guess for a casual gamer, it would be good and fine, but for a gamer who enjoys the challenge of trying to land a difficult jump, it removes the challenge while offering up more frustration in the process when you realize what it's doing on the backend to push you through an already short game (less than 6 hours in more cases) Again, not recommended, sorry Eidos, time to go back to the drawing board I suppose.… Expand
  18. EnriqueRangel
    Nov 21, 2008
    1
    I managed to get an early copy of this game, this is by far one of the worst Tomb Raiders to date, the pace is very uneven, the controls are very clunky and the graphics sucks plain and simple, do yourself a favor and avoid this turd at all cost, buy Fallout 3 instead or any other AAA game from the season...
  19. LaurenW.
    Nov 23, 2008
    9
    I really enjoyed my play through of Tomb Raider Underworld. The only thing stopping this title getting 10/10 was the fact it's short and the camera is still funny at times. Thought we still have download content coming for the 360 version :-) The environments were beautiful, Lara looks better than ever before and the game play was such a joy. A must have for Tomb Raider fans and an I really enjoyed my play through of Tomb Raider Underworld. The only thing stopping this title getting 10/10 was the fact it's short and the camera is still funny at times. Thought we still have download content coming for the 360 version :-) The environments were beautiful, Lara looks better than ever before and the game play was such a joy. A must have for Tomb Raider fans and an ideal start for those new to the franchise.… Expand
  20. MikeS
    Dec 4, 2008
    6
    After twelve years of thee franchise I would naturally expect the graphics to be much improved, and in TRU they certainly are) However, in the same timeframe I find it inexcusable that they haven't fixed the horrible camera and controls. I found TRU looked impressive but sucked big-time trying to play on the PC. From what other platform players (XBox,PS3,Wii) have to say, the PC After twelve years of thee franchise I would naturally expect the graphics to be much improved, and in TRU they certainly are) However, in the same timeframe I find it inexcusable that they haven't fixed the horrible camera and controls. I found TRU looked impressive but sucked big-time trying to play on the PC. From what other platform players (XBox,PS3,Wii) have to say, the PC version is comparatively useable! That speaks volumes as to the contempt Eidos must have for end-users. Crystal Dynamics may well have rescued the franchise but it may also contribute to its demise if it does not address fundamental gameplay issues. I played the entire game in two days without resorting to any cheats or walkthroughs...that tells you how mediocre this effort really is.… Expand
  21. SamH
    Feb 15, 2009
    9
    Fantastic game. As with Legend and Anniversary, Underworld is full of refreshing, well-designed levels with a perfect balance of combat and puzzle solving. Gorgeous graphics frame a thorough and convincing story, and although the camera occassionally goes a bit haywire in confined areas, I still think Underworld is one of 2008's best games. I think it has become too popular to bash Fantastic game. As with Legend and Anniversary, Underworld is full of refreshing, well-designed levels with a perfect balance of combat and puzzle solving. Gorgeous graphics frame a thorough and convincing story, and although the camera occassionally goes a bit haywire in confined areas, I still think Underworld is one of 2008's best games. I think it has become too popular to bash Lara since her downfall in 2003 with Angel of Darkness, and this understated sequel from Crystal Dynamics certainly proves there's still plenty more life left in the series. Long live Lara!… Expand
  22. BarryHawkey
    Nov 21, 2008
    10
    Have only tried the demo, but was blown away. Love me some Tomb Raider games, and the graphics, the minimal HUD elements, and the motion in this one blew me away. Lara has *weight* this time, as you throw her around. Most incredible looking game I've played since Mass Effect.
  23. bens
    Nov 22, 2008
    6
    What a shame. I have been playing the tomb raider games back since the original, and have loved them - sometimes over my better judgement. But come on Eidos: do you really think we do not know we are playing the same game year after year. You need to be innovative. Incase you did not notice many of the best games today are just that. It's just plain lazy, and clearly a businessWhat a shame. I have been playing the tomb raider games back since the original, and have loved them - sometimes over my better judgement. But come on Eidos: do you really think we do not know we are playing the same game year after year. You need to be innovative. Incase you did not notice many of the best games today are just that. It's just plain lazy, and clearly a business desicion not to innovate. I can no longer play the same game again. I knew every jump, every more before i even came to it. Just stop now as Lara deserves better treatment than this cut and copy gameplay over the past few years. And i like short games but 6-7 hours just does not cut it for a full priced game. I am a long time fan and you have finally lost me. I look forward to prince of persia, he mas not be as "sexy as lara" but he is a hell of allot more fun.… Expand
  24. BrandonM.
    Nov 22, 2008
    0
    If the publisher is trying to force the reviewers to keep their mouths shut until after the game is released, so they can increase sales, then it's an obvious ploy to sucker gamers into buying a low quality game. I personally will not allow myself to be cheated by shotty companies anymore. Plus, tomb raider is out dated. How much longer can they keep this franchise going? Every Tomb If the publisher is trying to force the reviewers to keep their mouths shut until after the game is released, so they can increase sales, then it's an obvious ploy to sucker gamers into buying a low quality game. I personally will not allow myself to be cheated by shotty companies anymore. Plus, tomb raider is out dated. How much longer can they keep this franchise going? Every Tomb raider game after the 2nd one, has seen decreasing game sales. It's time to come up with a new IP.… Expand
  25. ChrisD.
    Nov 28, 2008
    9
    The Tomb Raider series has gone through many changes, ups and downs and after playing through Tomb Raider: Underworld, I firmly believe the series is still on an upswing. The graphics, gameplay, story and sounds have continued to improve since Legend. I'll just cut to the chase and explain why it doesn't get a 10. As just about everyone has mentioned, the camera still has some The Tomb Raider series has gone through many changes, ups and downs and after playing through Tomb Raider: Underworld, I firmly believe the series is still on an upswing. The graphics, gameplay, story and sounds have continued to improve since Legend. I'll just cut to the chase and explain why it doesn't get a 10. As just about everyone has mentioned, the camera still has some issues. It felt like there weren't as many confining areas as in Anniversary where this really became an issue, but it's still a minor annoyance when you can't get the camera to do what you want in order to make a jump. At other times, the camera may suddenly move into a position you didn't ask for and might not want! Still, it's far from the worst ever and was only a slight annoyance on the harder levels. I've recently been playing Lego Batman and the camera in that game is FAR more terrible, in my opinion. Next, the glitches. During my playthrough I ran into a few graphical glitches, which are to be expected in most games, however, there was a point where Lara was completely invisible for the better part of a puzzle, which made jumps rather difficult! I just feel that shouldn't have slipped through the cracks and made it into the final release. So, those are really my only complaints about the game. I feel like it was a well-rounded adventure, which built in intensity and difficult without ever becoming obnoxiously difficult or insultingly easy. The customizable difficulty settings are an excellent balancing tool, as well, for those who seem to complain either way (it's too hard! it's too easy! wahhhh!!). One other thing I don't get is why other people seem to be making a big deal about the downloadable content. Even if those levels were originally going to go into the game, the fact of the matter is lots of games have features and levels that get cut. The difference would seem in this case that rather than wasting the stuff that didn't get into the game, the developers finished it up and will offer it for those who are interested. It's like the deleted scenes feature on the DVD release of a movie. You don't get to see those scenes when you see it in the theatre, but people don't complain about it not being a complete or finished story! And to the "reviewer" who gave it a 0 because of the marketing snafu, you're just as bad as they are. You're supposed to rate the game here, not the company. You said nothing about the game, probably because you didn't (and won't) even play it.… Expand
  26. TheIcemanCometh
    Jun 10, 2011
    5
    I am a fan of this type of game - exploring, climbing, navigating, puzzle solving etc. Some of my favorites in this regard are Uncharted and Enslaved. Tomb Raider: Underworld holds no candles in comparison. The two largest problems with this game are the camera angles and controls. Many times, the game expects you to be perfect in the platforming, but the controls don't allow you to be.I am a fan of this type of game - exploring, climbing, navigating, puzzle solving etc. Some of my favorites in this regard are Uncharted and Enslaved. Tomb Raider: Underworld holds no candles in comparison. The two largest problems with this game are the camera angles and controls. Many times, the game expects you to be perfect in the platforming, but the controls don't allow you to be. And if you're not perfect? You're likely dead, because you're too high off the ground. I have died likely HUNDREDS of times in my playthrough because of the problems with this game. Some of the graphics are great, and some are not. The story is OK and I have run across no glitches.… Expand
  27. TheQuietGamer
    Mar 14, 2021
    8
    This globetrotting adventure puts you in the shoes of the world's most acrobatic archeologist as she dives deep into Norse mythology in a quest to uncover what happened to her mother. You'll explore gorgeous environments with Prince of Persia style platforming and solve complex brainteasers, while occasionally fighting off local wildlife and vicious supernatural creatures with an array ofThis globetrotting adventure puts you in the shoes of the world's most acrobatic archeologist as she dives deep into Norse mythology in a quest to uncover what happened to her mother. You'll explore gorgeous environments with Prince of Persia style platforming and solve complex brainteasers, while occasionally fighting off local wildlife and vicious supernatural creatures with an array of exciting weapons. It's an all-around blast.

    What impressed me the most was the shear scale of everything. Underworld may be comprised entirely of tried-and-true gameplay mechanics we've seen for years now, but things never feel stale due to how elaborate the design is. Each level is MASSIVE with tons of little treasures awaiting those who venture off the beaten path. At one point I was literally blown away when I reached an obviously critical puzzle that I didn't know how to complete on the spot and decided to explore what appeared to be a simple side-corridor for collectibles while I mulled things over, only for it to open up into its own series of slightly smaller head-scratchers and climbing challenges that granted me the tools necessary to complete the area I had just left before it looped back around. It's impossible to not feel smart when overcoming obstacles this large and there's a genuine sense of reward that comes from discovering the next insight or object that will help you progress after combing a location.

    Unfortunately, not everything about this trip to Niflheim is perfect. The most notable issue being the camera. On top of often getting hung on the geometry or even Lara herself and obscuring your view of where you need to go next, it will occasionally just freak out entirely leaving you to witness the world from all sorts of weird angles. I'm aware that the protagonist's physical attributes are part of this franchise's appeal, but it makes no sense for the perspective to get caught in her chest and bum this much when I'm just trying to make my next jump. There are also some minor clipping issues and it's a non-stop source of frustration how you'll be able to gravitate towards whatever ledge you're trying to reach in a way that blatantly defies physics one minute, only to careen way off to the side of your target to your death for seemingly no reason the next. None of this ruins the game, but did make it so that there were moments where I wasn't completely enjoying myself.

    As far as the story goes, I was basically lost. This is the third entry the "Legends" trilogy and the brief recap video hidden in the menus does little to make the plot more accessible for newcomers. Yet, I never skipped a cutscene because of how fascinating I found Lara herself. My previous experiences with the character have portrayed her as either a cocky action hero or a naive young rookie coming into her own via trial by fire. Here though she's an angry, borderline unlikable sociopath with some serious homicidal tendencies who doesn't even react when one of her friends dies. It an interesting take on the heroine to say the least and it did get me curious about the other two games even if just to see how she ended up this way.

    While perhaps a bit more technical polish was needed and it definitely not serving as the best jumping on point narrative-wise, Underworld undoubtedly represents the best of what pre-"Survivor" reboot Tomb Raider has to offer. Crystal Dynamics said goodbye to the original formula before taking Croft in an entirely new direction in 2013 in about as grand of fashion as you can imagine. They didn't just make the classic format bigger, but deeper and more intricate as well ensuring that not a single nook or cranny of that newly added space was wasted.

    8.5/10    … Expand
  28. Guest
    Dec 29, 2010
    8
    Decent game, and a decent Tomb Raider (unlike Legend, which was wayy too casual friendly and easy). Nice visuals, nice animations, solid gameplay some of the puzzles are evry creative and fun. The game was clearly rushed though, The level design is inconsistent, ie the Thailand stage is brilliant, but the one under Croft Manor is dull.. The Thor's hammer is a crappy gimmick and theyDecent game, and a decent Tomb Raider (unlike Legend, which was wayy too casual friendly and easy). Nice visuals, nice animations, solid gameplay some of the puzzles are evry creative and fun. The game was clearly rushed though, The level design is inconsistent, ie the Thailand stage is brilliant, but the one under Croft Manor is dull.. The Thor's hammer is a crappy gimmick and they should've not included it at all.. The boat level is pointless and lame. Altogether it could've been much much better.

    Do not listen to users deliberately giving TR low scores, and comparing it to Uncharted .. The games are really different,. Drake can't perform half of the acrobatics Lara can do in this one.. The puzzles are light years ahead, and the paltfromning is uncomparable, it's as deep as TR can be. Uncharted is practically on the rails compared to this. Don't compare a shooter with platforming elements to a platformer/puzzles game.

    Note to Eidos: please do not rush your games, Lara Croft alone won't be able to save the franchise, no matter how much of an icon she is.    … Expand
  29. creptor
    Apr 20, 2011
    4
    I bought this game thinking it would be awesome like the ds version. As soon as I put it in I could tell it was a mistake buying the game. It was no fun, too hard, and terrable graphics. Aviod this game at all costs!
  30. MJaques
    Apr 12, 2011
    5
    A sub-par effort from Crystal Dynamics. Underworld does a few things right in it's next-gen leap - some well designed areas, and some nice graphical effects. Sadly, it chooses to copy and paste it's level design every few hours of gameplay. AI is functional, but very much braindead. Soldiers will stand in the open soaking up bullets, and animals will run at your in a straight line, rotate,A sub-par effort from Crystal Dynamics. Underworld does a few things right in it's next-gen leap - some well designed areas, and some nice graphical effects. Sadly, it chooses to copy and paste it's level design every few hours of gameplay. AI is functional, but very much braindead. Soldiers will stand in the open soaking up bullets, and animals will run at your in a straight line, rotate, and repeat. Puzzle elements are what you would expect - scaled up versions of the last-gens, which mostly work well, and are enjoyable, but they get brought down by glitches that sometimes make the puzzle harder, and frustration builds up quickly for most gamers who play this. Overall, a half-decent game not really worth picking up. TR fans, this might be for you, otherwise, not recommended.… Expand
  31. sinadoom
    Jul 16, 2013
    3
    This game has some nice visuals at times and some grand levels without any loading times during gameplay or graphical glitches. The achievements are very solid too. However, that's about the only praise that can be given to this game. Story is naff, combat is practically pointless and non-existent throughout most of the game and the focus is entirely on navigating the levels' puzzles andThis game has some nice visuals at times and some grand levels without any loading times during gameplay or graphical glitches. The achievements are very solid too. However, that's about the only praise that can be given to this game. Story is naff, combat is practically pointless and non-existent throughout most of the game and the focus is entirely on navigating the levels' puzzles and platforms. This wouldn't be too bad if the mechanics, camera and level design were robust. Unfortunately, they are the game's biggest problem. Most of the time when you get stuck, it's not because you couldn't work out where you're meant to go, but the game's physics and camera angle being so obscure that the ledge or platform is glitch to try and get to. Some places which should clearly be scalable aren't, and those which are where you're meant to go are awkwardly placed and will result in many deaths due to the inconsistent directional input detection relative to the camera position. The left and right sticks are almost completely unrelated. The only reason you know where to go is because the game is very linear; there is only one way to play the level and one particular ledge you have to use every time. There is literally zero scope for creativity or playing it your own way. The levels themselves offer a good variety of environments including snow, jungle, underwater and indeed, a tomb. Overall though, Underworld is a bad game with little to offer, and is quite boring to play as well as being broken.… Expand
  32. DarrkHawk
    Mar 17, 2013
    4
    The only reason I picked up this game so far in it's life is to fill the gap of the Tomb Raider series. I had played every other Tomb Raider and with the release of the latest, I thought I should fill the gap. Sadly I was extremely disappointed. The controls are awful, the camera work is some of the worst I've seen in this generation, the story is boring and there are more bugs andThe only reason I picked up this game so far in it's life is to fill the gap of the Tomb Raider series. I had played every other Tomb Raider and with the release of the latest, I thought I should fill the gap. Sadly I was extremely disappointed. The controls are awful, the camera work is some of the worst I've seen in this generation, the story is boring and there are more bugs and glitches that Skyrim. The only redeeming factor about this game are a small selection of the puzzles. However, the navigation around most puzzles and general level progressing is completely trial and error. Making blind jumps just to hope something is there. Getting stuck in walls from jumping pole, walking into walls consistently due to terrible controls and simply not grabbing on to ledges in plain reach made the game almost unbearable. My biggest issue with any game is "endurance battles" and this game does not disappointing there. The final fight is literally running around avoid attacks and killing smaller enemies. This does not make an exciting finish to a game. Especially a game as bad as this.… Expand
  33. wesker2012
    May 28, 2012
    6
    Game was decent.
  34. StevenPerry
    Sep 1, 2012
    4
    The only thing that\'s nice about this game is the graphics and underwater swimming. Everything else is a joke in my opinion. However some other people I know love this game so I guess it\'s really depending on the players preferences. Lots of running around looking for stuff and hopping from wall to wall. Pretty much a bad Prince of Persia game with better graphics.
  35. harryjc
    Oct 29, 2014
    6
    This game could've been really good, but it's held back by a few things (in no particular order):

    1. There are plain errors and bugs in the game. There are parts where you get stuck, or jitter, or you can't control yourself. They can be overcome but they detract from the experience. 2. The combat is awful. The targeting stinks, especially when there are multiple enemies. Your    This game could've been really good, but it's held back by a few things (in no particular order):

    1. There are plain errors and bugs in the game. There are parts where you get stuck, or jitter, or you can't control yourself. They can be overcome but they detract from the experience.

    2. The combat is awful. The targeting stinks, especially when there are multiple enemies. Your character doesn't know which enemy to stick to it seems. Also, what happened to the 'bullet time' that they had in the last game?

    3. Awful camera angles. This is a huge, huge annoyance. You're required to jump here and there, but sometimes you just can't see. This game doesn't even have a transparency effect so you can see properly. It's hard to hit landings a lot and it feels very unfair. This makes the game feel overly repetitive. Due to bad camera angles you die over and over again, and you have to keep trying.

    4. Your preferences don't save. Camera controls won't stay inverted. They keep going back. What the heck? First time I've encountered this in a game.

    5. Awkward menu and navigation. It's a pain to select what you want. I have no idea why they thought this wheel would be a good idea.

    6. Constant loading. Hate it. Every time you die it has to reload. Why don't they just let Lara have multiple lives, so she can get back up, and keep going?

    7. Saves don't save at a specific spot. There's really not point in having custom saves. It's identical to autosave. You just go back to a checkpoint area.

    However, it wasn't all bad! I liked the story and I liked how you could get clues to help you along. Also, it was fun to explore, even though it was sometimes a pain.    … Expand
  36. lukeparkes26
    Sep 15, 2018
    10
    ‘Tomb Raider Underworld’ concludes the main story of the Lara Croft in the Legend continuity, and it is, for me, epic and satisfying. The plot is engaging, bringing the Norse Mythology it explores to life; the graphics are so breathtakingly gorgeous; and the gameplay, though dodgy at times, is great. I thoroughly enjoyed the darker tone for this. The ending, which is satisfying, has an‘Tomb Raider Underworld’ concludes the main story of the Lara Croft in the Legend continuity, and it is, for me, epic and satisfying. The plot is engaging, bringing the Norse Mythology it explores to life; the graphics are so breathtakingly gorgeous; and the gameplay, though dodgy at times, is great. I thoroughly enjoyed the darker tone for this. The ending, which is satisfying, has an emotional quality behind with Lara’s last words before she walks away.… Expand
  37. SuperkenGaming
    Jan 29, 2018
    6
    Tomb Raider: Underworld
    Great ingredients with a poor recipe
    Tomb Raider Underworld is an action adventure game staring lara croft after thors hammer… And if youre expecting a great experience like that of Tomb Raider 2013 or Rise of the tomb raider… youre just not going to get that here.. It has all of the pieces of whats to come.. Its just that its all poorly executed… Youll notice    Tomb Raider: Underworld
    Great ingredients with a poor recipe
    Tomb Raider Underworld is an action adventure game staring lara croft after thors hammer…
    And if youre expecting a great experience like that of Tomb Raider 2013 or Rise of the tomb raider… youre just not going to get that here..
    It has all of the pieces of whats to come..
    Its just that its all poorly executed…
    Youll notice from the start that everything about this game is awakward…
    Its prince of Persia meets present day tomb raider with none of the smoothness…
    The camera is all over the place and the platforming is just extremely stiff…
    You never get a sense of where you should be climbing to or what you can and cant jump onto while traversing walls..
    That being said I still with there was much more focus on this as well as combat…
    Combat is sprinkled in here, you get unlimited ammo and some sticky bombs to take care of the rare encounter with enemies.. but theyre too rare…
    This game is entirely focused on puzzle solving and switch throwing and this is its ultimate downfall
    Tomb Raider Underworld feels like a chore…
    The gameplay and setting are mixed up so that it doesn’t feel boring..
    But the game just never gives you a break..
    every corner you turn its puzzle room after puzzle room…. Figure out how to climb to these 4 different locations, pull a switch, go forward and do this over and over for 8 hours
    It becomes an eyeroll and it feels overwhelming
    The pacing is awful and thankfully with the reboot the figured out how to pace these moments out..
    Let the player explore for 30 minutes or an hour not having to worry about switches and puzzles…
    Relax and enjoy the platforming..
    Despite again the platforming feel awkward, I would’ve taken moments like this over the constant climbing around the room like spider girl…
    Its interesting to go back and see where tomb raider used to be compared to where it is now…
    Unfortunately at least for this title.. it isn’t fun to go back though..
    I give Tomb Raider Underworld
    a 6/10    … Expand
  38. ChrisMuller1992
    Jan 4, 2016
    8
    When i first got the ps2 version i was expecting it to be the same experience as the other consoles but seen that it was awful in most ways and had to sell it.Now that i got the Xbox 360 version i was quite impressed how great it is,its thousand times better than the ps2 version,the levels are awesome to look at,especially the Thailand level whch is my favourite,love the water effects itWhen i first got the ps2 version i was expecting it to be the same experience as the other consoles but seen that it was awful in most ways and had to sell it.Now that i got the Xbox 360 version i was quite impressed how great it is,its thousand times better than the ps2 version,the levels are awesome to look at,especially the Thailand level whch is my favourite,love the water effects it looks so real,Lara also looks amazing as she moves more like a human,gameplay is good when it comes to exploration but the combat is the weakest one of the trilogy.It maybe not be as good as Legend or Anniversary when it comes to story and its so so combat but it is very entertaining with its exploration and the visuals are amazing.… Expand
  39. CathexisArcana
    Mar 27, 2018
    8
    PROS: 1) Beautiful environments and cool locations. I love the tropical and water areas. 2) Lara looks more fantastic than ever. 3) Excellent voice acting. 4) The gameplay -- when it's playing as intended -- is really fun and rewarding. 5) Thor's Hammer as a weapon. 6.) Huge and interesting puzzles.
    CONS: 1) I experienced graphical glitches on XBOX ONE, can't remember if they were there    PROS: 1) Beautiful environments and cool locations. I love the tropical and water areas. 2) Lara looks more fantastic than ever. 3) Excellent voice acting. 4) The gameplay -- when it's playing as intended -- is really fun and rewarding. 5) Thor's Hammer as a weapon. 6.) Huge and interesting puzzles.
    CONS: 1) I experienced graphical glitches on XBOX ONE, can't remember if they were there on PS3 & PC years ago. 2) Sometimes controlling Lara felt a bit wonky -- she wouldn't turn right or would jump in the wrong direction while pushing off a ledge, causing me to die many times in the later levels. 3) The motorcycle was a cool idea, but not implemented well. It felt more like a guided rocket than a proper vehicle. 4) I miss having the Croft manor as an explorable hub like it was in Legend.    … Expand
  40. Mirowave
    Aug 11, 2021
    10
    An Masterpiece on Xbox 360! Great Graphics! Great Gameplay! Very underrated!
  41. Yojimbo2015
    Jun 10, 2023
    7
    A quality platform adventure that's glossier and slicker with more fluid movement and improved combat compared to the previous game. Lara may look better in a wetsuit but Nathan Drake still rules the roost however.

Awards & Rankings

71
#71 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2008
39
#39 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2008
21
#21 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2008

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 57 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 57
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 57
  3. Negative: 0 out of 57
  1. Edge Magazine
    80
    While it’s occasionally fiddly, it has pace and spectacle and style to spare. Underworld is that rare game that manages to provide a real adventure to go along with its action. [Christmas 2008, p.95]
  2. X-ONE Magazine UK
    80
    One of the finest adventure games you're likely to find on the 360. [Issue#39]
    Read full review
  3. Official Xbox Magazine UK
    70
    We really enjoyed our time with Miss Croft, but it is more of the same and 'dependable' isn't exciting enough. When you take a look at the gaming world around her, you wonder if it isn't time for another re-invention, not of the character, but her universe.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »