Xbox Gaming in South Africa

Tomb Raider: Underworld
Lara Croft is back to solve puzzles and add more animals to the endangered species list. I've been looking forward to this, and although I'm not a hardcore fan per say, it's difficult not to reminisce over the original games released 12 years ago. The general opinion is that Crystal Dynamics and Eidos have brought back the original Tomb Raider in all it's glory. And I mean literally. The great graphics and clever puzzles can still be found, but so can the annoying camera which plagued the original game. In both cases it's not extreme like in titles such as Too Human, but can be frustrating at times. Gun fights once again take a back seat, so those expecting a third-person shooter may be disappointed.

But with all that said, if you're a Tomb Raider fan, then you've already pre-ordered the game. There's also exclusive DLC coming in 2009 (no, not the Nude Raider DLC... still waiting on that one), so once you're through the 14 or so hour compaign, you'll still have something to look forward too.

If you enjoy puzzle solving I'd say go out and get it, and if you're unsure, it's worthwhile trying out the demo. What is for sure, is that as much as we love Lara Croft, at some point during the game you will hold some animosity towards her character:

Daisy: I split up with my boyfriend
Marsha: I can't say I'm surprised - I heard Tim shouting at you a couple of nights ago. I was shocked.
Daisy: Huh?
Marsha: 'You stupid Cow', something about a key. 'You can't shoot straight, you big-titted bitch'.
Daisy: No, no, that was Lara Croft.
Marsha: It sounded like Tim...

MetaCritic Score: 76 *
Tomb Raider: Underworld is available from Take 2 - R679 *

You're in the Movies
When I first saw You're in the Movies presented at E3 2008, it looked like it could be fun, but at the same time, I was left wondering whether it actually had any depth to it. You're tasked with giving an action or facial expression, which is then recorded and inserted into cut scenes. The end result is a B-grade like short film (I should really say clip). Sounds like fun, but will it still be fun after the 4th or 5th go. I highly doubt it. And the reviews so far tend to agree (score avg. of 46). A major technical problem is the enviroment. The average household doesn't exactly have the best lighting, and unless you have a large A/V room dedicated to your xbox, you won't have much room to do your tasks in. The next is the price, at R699 it's too high. Sure you get the Xbox Live Vision Camera included, but to me that doesn't make up for a game which will most certainly leave you feeling disappointed.

MetaCritic Score: N/A *
You're in the Movies is available from Take 2 - R672 *

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa
Licensed games rarely hit the mark, yet they still flood the market like fake oakley glasses. Released alongside the movie, Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa looks to bring the lovable cast of the movie into the hands of the young gamer. It's a basic platformer styled game, which is built up with a collection of mini-games. Although it carries a 10+ age rating, I see it appealing more so to the 6+ age group. The mini-games have been noted as repetitive and too easy, but the control system, graphics and camera are pretty solid. I'm not sure if reviewers have missed the point that this game is targeted at kids. If you can't rent this one, I recommend getting the demo to try out, as it's very hit and miss. But I wouldn't pass it over if you're looking for something new to entertain the kids over the weekend.

MetaCritic Score: 64 *
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa is available from Take 2 - R542 *

Have a look in the Games section, where you can browse trailers, screenshots and more information on these games and others.

* Figures were correct when published, however, please bear in mind they may change at a later date.