Tomb Raider: Underworld

About

In Tomb Raider: Underworld, Lara Croft explores ancient Thailand and Mediterranean locations to uncover the truth about her mother's death. Armed with new weapons and gear, Lara faces dangerous mythological creatures and environmental puzzles. Underwater exploration plays a significant role, offering new challenges and breathtaking visuals in Lara's quest to unravel the mysteries of the Norse underworld.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

+14

74%

Audience ScoreBased on 1,859 reviews

story202 positive mentions

stability180 negative mentions

The game features beautiful graphics and stunning environments, especially in levels like Thailand.
The puzzles are engaging and provide a good challenge, making exploration enjoyable.
The story wraps up the trilogy nicely, providing closure to Lara's quest for her mother.

The controls are clunky and unresponsive, leading to frustrating gameplay experiences.
The camera angles are often problematic, causing disorientation and difficulty in navigation.
The game is plagued with bugs, particularly with physics that can make certain puzzles impossible to complete.

story
581 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
35%
59%
6%
The story of "Tomb Raider: Underworld" serves as a direct continuation of the narratives established in "Legend" and "Anniversary," focusing on Lara Croft's quest to uncover the fate of her mother while exploring themes of Norse mythology. While some players appreciate the intriguing plot and character development, many criticize it for being convoluted, underdeveloped, or lacking the depth of its predecessors, often feeling rushed or unsatisfying. Overall, the game wraps up the trilogy but leaves mixed impressions regarding its storytelling quality and coherence.
- “The story is great, the voice acting is great, her movements are just so badass, and I love all her different outfit choices for each level.”
- “The narrative keeps players invested in the story, as Lara delves into the mysteries of her mother's disappearance and uncovers the secrets of ancient artifacts.”
- “With this game being sort of the 'ending' to the story brought on by Tomb Raider: Legend and Anniversary, I felt that the story in this game concluded it quite well, albeit in quite a darker way, with the ending feeling quite fitting.”
- “The story is mediocre at best.”
- “The worst aspects of the lau trilogy combined into a cacophony of bad game design, inconsistent and buggy controls, technical issues and a lame story.”
- “The story is forgettable, and the endgame is non-existent; whereas in Legend, the outfits, the manor, and time trials gave you an incentive to play more, here, the dozens of 'treasures' feel more like picking up shiny rocks and feel much less satisfying.”
graphics
355 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
47%
3%
The graphics in "Tomb Raider: Underworld" are widely praised for their impressive quality, especially considering the game's age, with many reviewers noting that they still hold up well against modern standards. The environments are beautifully detailed, showcasing lush landscapes and intricate tombs, while character animations, particularly of Lara Croft, are highlighted for their realism and expressiveness. Overall, the visuals contribute significantly to the game's immersive experience, making it a standout title in the franchise.
- “The graphics are beautifully detailed, showcasing lush jungles, ancient ruins, and breathtaking underwater worlds.”
- “The graphics are still fantastic for today's standards.”
- “The graphics are commendable, showcasing the stunning landscapes and intricate tombs that have become synonymous with the Tomb Raider franchise (despite it being made fifteen years ago).”
- “Despite being a 15-year-old game, its graphics still hold up today and still offers that relaxing tomb raiding experience with its stunning soundtrack and visual look.”
- “The graphics are more than adequate as they come from the Xbox 360 era; they still look great in my opinion.”
gameplay
302 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
61%
14%
The gameplay of "Tomb Raider: Underworld" has received mixed reviews, with many praising its improved mechanics and level design, while others criticize the clunky controls and frustrating camera angles. Players appreciate the blend of platforming and puzzle-solving, but note that bugs and glitches can detract from the experience. Overall, while some find the gameplay enjoyable and a step up from previous titles, others feel it lacks polish and can be tedious at times.
- “The gameplay mechanics have improved significantly from the previous installments, giving players more control over Lara's actions and movements.”
- “The gameplay is enjoyable, but only after you learn how to deal with the endless bugs and glitches.”
- “The gameplay and atmosphere are what really matter, and it is quite good here; the pacing of the game isn't rushed, allowing you to explore and use your own puzzle-solving skills.”
- “The gameplay is a mishmash of boring climbing, easy puzzles, and terrible combat, with the cherry on top being that the story makes next to no sense with 2D characters and questionable plot holes.”
- “The imprecise gameplay is not aided by the fact that the camera is schizophrenic and sabotages an already bad experience by making certain jumps a leap of faith.”
- “The controls are frustratingly janky, making this gameplay-centered game semi-unplayable at times.”
stability
183 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
2%
98%
The game's stability is heavily criticized, with numerous players reporting a wide range of bugs and glitches that significantly hinder gameplay. Common issues include game crashes, unresponsive controls, erratic camera behavior, and physics problems that can make puzzles impossible to complete. While some players find enjoyment despite these flaws, many agree that the game feels unfinished and unpolished, making it difficult to recommend without reservations.
- “It just runs great on Linux.”
- “+ No glitches (well, I did not have any).”
- “The PC and PS3 ports are riddled with bugs, though that doesn't make the Xbox 360, PS2, and Wii ports bug-free either.”
- “The amount of bugs, glitches, and weird camera angles that don't make sense are unforgivable and make this game should not be on Steam in this state.”
- “It breaks every time I finish the tutorial and I have now tried to play the tutorial 5 times, and it crashes and freezes every time.”
- “This game is a buggy mess; I'd suggest you save your money and not waste your time getting frustrated by an unplayable game that will never get fixed.”
music
81 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
54%
42%
4%
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim for its atmospheric and immersive qualities, enhancing the overall experience with beautiful soundtracks that fit various environments, particularly noted in the Thailand level. While some players found the music to be repetitive at times, many praised it as a standout feature that significantly contributes to the game's appeal. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a major strength, with many reviewers highlighting its emotional depth and cinematic quality.
- “It's a joy that such a soundtrack exists, and it is certainly benefitting the game massively.”
- “The music is great, being both atmospheric and well placed for most scenarios.”
- “The soundtrack was great again, with Troels Brun Folmann doing the main theme and Colin O'Malley did a magnificent job with the rest of the tracks.”
- “Get through the first scene and end up at a locked white screen with music skipping.”
- “I found the epic Hollywood movie music extremely obnoxious because it always plays at random parts and gives the player a false sense of urgency, distracting you while you're trying to solve a puzzle.”
- “You spend far too long wandering around rooms listening to extremely repetitive musical loops to find the one path progressing forward through the levels.”
optimization
35 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
11%
34%
54%
The game's optimization has been widely criticized, with players reporting significant performance issues such as frequent stuttering, low frame rates, and bugs that hinder gameplay, even on high-end machines. While some users found temporary fixes through settings adjustments, the overall consensus is that the game is poorly optimized and can be nearly unplayable without workarounds. Despite its engaging story and impressive graphics, the technical shortcomings detract from the experience, leading many to recommend purchasing it only at a discount.
- “Compared to both earlier games, the graphics are vastly improved, even better than Legend's next-gen graphics, while also being lighter on performance.”
- “For an old game, the graphics are really good and sweet (mention to the manor's fire) and run smoothly.”
- “Graphics: overall, good optimization and beautiful scenery.”
- “Performance is also poor even on high-end machines, with stutters abound.”
- “The optimization is terrible; the framerate drops frequently.”
- “This game is not optimized for PC and is literally unplayable.”
atmosphere
34 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
71%
21%
9%
The atmosphere in the game is widely praised for its immersive qualities, featuring a beautiful and atmospheric soundtrack that enhances exploration and puzzle-solving. Players appreciate the expansive and visually stunning environments, from ancient ruins to lush jungles, which contribute to a sense of adventure and discovery. Overall, the combination of detailed graphics, sound design, and a slower-paced gameplay style creates a rewarding and engaging atmosphere that resonates with fans of the series.
- “The music is great, being both atmospheric and well placed for most scenarios.”
- “The atmosphere in the game is awesome; be it ancient Mayan ruins or Thailand jungles, you'll always be satisfied with great views, perfect for screenshots.”
- “The setup and the overall atmosphere is either beautiful or epic, and while the story itself is not the greatest thing, the gameplay is solid, the soundtrack is genius, and the puzzles are well designed.”
- “Atmosphere - 2/5”
- “The story and atmosphere are decent but not great.”
- “Apart from this only bug within the game the game was very detailed and the atmosphere was just divine the sound effects really made you feel like you were there.”
humor
20 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is often derived from its bugs and glitches, which players find amusing despite their impact on gameplay. Many reviewers appreciate the comedic elements, such as absurd scenarios and quirky character interactions, while also noting that the humor can sometimes feel unintentional due to the game's technical issues. Overall, the humor adds a unique charm, making the experience entertaining even when the game falls short in other areas.
- “Lara's apparently not good at bullet time though because it's so hilariously short of an effect that it might as well not even be there.”
- “Funny that you can find weird cups on the ground of an ancient ruin to heal yourself but no bullets whatsoever.”
- “I thought this was hilarious for a straight half hour, and just kept doing it and laughing my ass off.”
emotional
15 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
93%
20%
The emotional aspect of the game is a mixed bag, with some players finding the darker storyline and Lara's quest for closure deeply moving, while others feel her emotional responses are inconsistent with her character. While the narrative has moments that resonate, such as a heartbreaking conclusion, it is often overshadowed by gameplay issues and a lack of immersion, leaving some players feeling disconnected from the emotional stakes. Overall, the portrayal of Lara as a multidimensional character garners appreciation, but the execution of the story and emotional depth varies significantly among players.
- “The story made me cry by the end of the game; there's a heartbreaking closure to Lara's quest to find her mother, and it still stings to this day.”
- “That said, in this game it fit the mood a lot better, as this is a darker story than the first two games, and Lara is definitely in a dark place herself emotionally.”
- “Story-wise, it is one of the best TR games in the series, with Lara being portrayed as a multidimensional person; badass yet emotional, while the characters are well polished, although they could have been better.”
- “The story plot is boring and the ending is underwhelming, leaving little emotional impact.”
- “The supporting characters are terrible, which diminishes any emotional connection to the narrative.”
- “The overall experience feels repetitive and lacks the emotional depth that I was hoping for.”
grinding
14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
7%
14%
79%
Overall, players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and often frustrating, with many describing the climbing and puzzle elements as repetitive and lacking inspiration. While some puzzles are praised for their challenge, the general sentiment leans towards a feeling of monotony and a lack of engaging gameplay, leading to a mixed experience that can feel like a chore.
- “Seriously, the developers went above and beyond in designing some fantastic climbing puzzles that felt challenging, not tedious or directionless.”
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “It’s a constant whiplash between obnoxious and tedious with no middle ground, and how we got here after 'Legend' is beyond me.”
- “Tr: Underworld is a reboot of terrible proportion - with janky keyboard controls, uninspiring level designs, and tediously boring gunplay. I found it hard to believe I wasted 10 hours of my life following this game through to the end.”
replayability
13 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
23%
54%
23%
Overall, the game's replayability is considered low to average, with many reviewers noting a lack of engaging content and limited unlockables. While some players appreciate the treasure hunt mode as a potential incentive for replay, the absence of a level selector and diverse gameplay paths significantly detracts from the experience. Comparisons to "Tomb Raider: Legend" highlight a missed opportunity for a more balanced approach to action and exploration, ultimately leading to a disappointing replay value.
- “Regarding replayability, it mirrors Tomb Raider: Legend, with collectibles as the main incentive.”
- “The game is also replayable and the length is decent.”
- “Unlockables return, meaning there is plenty of replay value here for returning players, but the lack of new outfits for Lara is a blow as they are exclusive to the 360.”
- “This game is short with no replay value.”
- “Worst though is the replay value since there is none.”
- “Also there is no level selector after you finish the game, so the replay value is next to nil.”
character development
9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
33%
33%
The reviews indicate that while "Underworld" excels in creating an adventurous atmosphere with a focus on plot and dialogue, character development is largely lacking, resulting in a portrayal of characters that feels one-dimensional and emotionally flat. Despite strong character design and engaging gameplay, the absence of meaningful character arcs diminishes the emotional impact of key events in the game.
- “Underworld is the best of the three at feeling like a real adventure movie, complete with a greater focus on plot and character development, more dialogue, dramatic cutscenes, etc.”
- “Character design is great and the gameplay is really good.”
- “Finally, collectibles are only useful for 'extras', which are concept art, character designs, and the storyboard behind the game.”
- “There's not much character development; everyone is just angry whenever they can be.”
- “There were no emotions when he died, since there were no character developments at all.”
- “Character design feels out of place, but the overall looks of the game are pretty solid.”
monetization
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
300%
Many users express disappointment with modern game monetization practices, feeling that the focus has shifted from artistic expression to profit-driven strategies, such as DLC and microtransactions. This shift has led to a perception that games are designed more for financial gain than for creativity or player experience.
- “The monetization model is fair and doesn't feel exploitative, allowing players to enjoy the game without feeling pressured to spend money.”
- “I appreciate that the game offers cosmetic items for purchase, but they don't impact gameplay, which keeps the experience balanced for everyone.”
- “The developers have done a great job of providing free content updates while also offering optional paid expansions that feel worth the investment.”
- “It saddens me; I feel like modern games are made by people who don't even want to make games. With the modern cinematic white noise, linear paths, auto-everything, all to make a quick buck. The idea that video games are art is long gone; now it's about the DLC, the microtransactions, and the easy mode to capture as many eyes as possible. But hey, we don't have a time machine, so at least we can go back and play games like TR: Underworld and remind ourselves what games could have been.”
- “The constant push for microtransactions in every aspect of the game feels exploitative. It seems like developers are more focused on squeezing money out of players than creating a balanced and enjoyable experience.”
- “I miss the days when you could buy a game and get the full experience without being bombarded by ads for DLC and in-game purchases. It feels like every corner of the game is designed to make you spend more money.”