Hi, I thought you guys would like this detailed review by an administrator on another forum who also got the copy from Eidos, he gave me permission to post it on different TR forums:

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Overall they have done a nice job, it is an experience to remember. Crystal Dynamics has learned a lot by studying the original (cheers Core), this is obvious when playing the game, however it did have a few of the same faults as Legend. Here the pros and cons:

Pros:

- Awesome graphics, it looks realistic but still has that fantasy touch to it. Although many places are too dark to enjoy the high level, we needed flares from the start. But then again, the darkness adds to the suspense. The classic atmosphere which wasn't there in Chronicles, AoD and Legend is now back. Not as intense and engrossing as the original but still a huge accomplishment by Crystal Dynamics.

- The classic areas which made us like Tomb Raider so much, they have been changed somewhat and it doesn't have a negative effect. They left out quite some areas so the game is shorter than the original because of that, but there is still lots to explore, including new bits and pieces. Some areas are huge, you will almost get lost.

- You can just walk around, look at stuff, take it all in. The detail is really nice, they listened to the hardcore fans on this one.

- The length. Not as long as the original, but after Legend the mini-game, a relief.

- The enemies. Animals and supernatural beings, that's how it should be. Not cloned mercs everywhere, this is not James Bond.

- Some well hidden artifacts. These were really a treat to hunt after. Sometimes you can see them but how do you get there? Explore! Classic Tomb Raider stuff.

- Fluent movement. It is so easy to go from one place to another, no matter how impossible it may look.

- Music. Wow, impressive. Not exactly like the original but close.

- You go into an area and think.....now what? What am I going to do? Well done Crystal Dynamics for listening to the fans.

Cons:

- Combat is just not right. Most of the time you don't even see what you are shooting at because the camera is all over the place, especially if the enemy is near you. In the beginning levels you can cope, but later on with the mutants jumping at you from all angles the camera gets so silly, you can't enjoy the combat at all. Surely Crystal Dynamics has noticed this, it cannot be overlooked even if you try really hard.

- Sometimes Lara doen't pick up shotgun bullets, that's a major bug.

- The Artifial Intelligence needs work. The areas where the enemy is allowed to attack and not is too simple. You can sometimes stand inches in front of them and they just look at you, while they are also at the same plain.

- The swimming is exactly like Legend, so the controls are not accurate and sometimes frustrating. The original way of swimming was so much better. The amount of air you can hold in lasts about 25 seconds so the vast underwater levels of the original are left out for that reason. Major, major letdown Crystal Dynamics because that was so important.

- No long jumps. Autograb off was strange because it still makes Lara grab and hold herself. I didn't have to push any button to make her hold or grab anything, but I didn't mind either.

- Still too many hints, even in hardest mode. Too many text and colors explaining how to do what and when to do it, they just pop up and cannot be turned off. Some things you can pick up are being X-mas balls, you see them from far away.

- I personally don't know what to think of the implemented new story bits, and I will leave it at that.

Conclusion:

8 out of 10 overall. If they had fixed some of the cons and gotten rid of the faults of Legend which is still in this one, it would be a 9 for sure because they do get in the way of fully enjoying the game sometimes. This beats Legend by miles though. In fact, I would say it is at the same level as the first 4 Tomb Raiders.

I hope that with the next game they will include many things of this game. So Crystal Dynamics, keep on this road, iron out the few things mentioned and you have our full support.

I also want to cheer Core for the original, because without them, no Tomb Raider. I know 2 of them and I know they were heartbroken that Eidos stopped their Anniversary (which I was allowed to play) but they are onto very exciting things now, so watch this space!

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End of the review, I thought it was interesting so wanted to post here

Yes,it is interesting!WOW,i just can't wait to get the game

hmm im concerned about the swimming and that theyve left whole ares out. i bet it wnt take me that long to complete, the first didnt and this is shorter than the first and still gives out too many hints according to him which i hated. well il have to play and see for myself but im not so exited about it now

I was hoping they would change the swimming.

I think it's a positive review, got my hopes up so I wanted to post on other forums too.

The reviewer said it will take about 15-17 hours, so it's not short, just a bit shorter than original. And yeah, the swimming he was very negative about, like the combat. But the areas and exploring is ace and that to me is the most important part

I seriously agree and think this is a very positive review and that he may be... oh what's that word? Biased? I dunno but i will use it... He may be biased and think that TR is only the first four games and that they were the only good ones... IMO TRL was one of the best TRs and he disagrees. The swimming does take some getting used to but IMO i think it is not bad... And the combat he may be moving the camera with his right thunb on the ano-stick... Who knows... The controls for Legend were great and if they keep it the same for anniversary then i think it will be a great success. Also about the bug... All games have bugs... Its something you just have to get over!