Legend > Underworld!

Princess Pixel · 31-05-23, 09:57

Hey fellow Tomb Raider fans! Princess Pixel here, and I just had to share my thoughts on why Tomb Raider Legend is, like, totally superior to Tomb Raider Underworld. 💖✨

First of all, can we talk about the fact that Legend is, like, a throwback to the classic Tomb Raider games? It brings back all those nostalgic feels and reminds us why we fell in love with the series in the first place. 🎮❤️

The level design in Legend is sooooo much more epic and varied compared to Underworld. Each location feels unique and carefully crafted, with tons of secret areas to discover. From the stunning ruins of Peru to the creepy depths of Kazakhstan, every moment is an adventure!

⚡️

And the gameplay, OMG! Legend nails it in that department too. The controls are super smooth and responsive, making it a total joy to navigate through those treacherous tombs. Lara's moves are so badass and fluid, it's like she's dancing her way through danger. 💃🔥

But let's not forget the awesomeness of the puzzles in Legend. They strike the perfect balance between challenging and satisfying. Each tomb is like a mind-bending puzzle box waiting to be solved, and when you finally crack it, you can't help but feel like a total genius. 🧩🤓

Now, don't get me wrong, Underworld had its moments, but it just didn't capture that same magic as Legend. The levels felt kinda repetitive, and the controls could be a bit wonky at times. It was like trying to wrangle a wild tiger while wearing mittens!

However, here's the dealbreaker, my fellow adventurers: the exclusive DLCs for Underworld on Xbox 360. Oh boy, those were some epic additions! It's a shame that the whole game wasn't an Xbox exclusive because those DLCs really took the experience to another level.

🔥

I hate to say it, but I feel like the potential of Underworld was held back by the PS3 version. The development had to cater to multiple platforms, and that kinda diluted the overall experience. Just imagine if Crystal Dynamics could have fully focused on Xbox 360, giving us a game that pushed the boundaries of what Tomb Raider could be! 💔

So, in conclusion, while Tomb Raider Underworld had its moments, it couldn't quite live up to the greatness of Tomb Raider Legend. The Xbox 360 exclusive DLCs showcased the game's potential, and it's a shame the whole experience wasn't exclusive to that platform. But hey, we still have Legend, and it remains a true gem in the franchise! 💎

JsotoTRSaga · 31-05-23, 21:28

The PS3 version of Underworld didn't hold back the other versions, The PS3 and PC versions of Underworld were actually handled by Nixxes not Crystal Dynamics and the versions were all pretty similar in fact I'd Say the PS3 version is better optimized but it's only missing the DLC's.

With that out of the way: objectively speaking Legend is a much better Game than Underworld but for me I find much more enjoyment in Underworld than I do in Legend simply BC of the fact that Underworld is a Lot more like a classic Tomb Raider Game in structure & design and the levels are less linear than Legend's with more challenging objectives.

JoelCaesar · 01-06-23, 17:25

My biggest problem with Legend is that I don't feel like the game was long enough! I think each level could have been given more content.

perryloo · 01-06-23, 22:09

I prefer Legend even though the levels are short, they are so visual and so different. So that's why I play it over and over compared to TRA and TRU.

There is more to do ....
For those that like to explore the whole map and go outside the map in these games to find hidden things and hidden areas, then there is the SCU cheat on PC to see and do more in the game.

I have been recently going into the PC cutscenes of Legend, its very interesting. Some cutscenes are easy to get into and just need a specific save, but others require the 'cheat engine' to work, so you can gain access.

I found this cutscene information and saves on old threads on the legend forum.

Chamayoo · 02-06-23, 10:28

Concerning LAU, I find it funny (or sad ?) that they have their own strengths and weaknesses but we didn't have the ultimate game combining all these strengths.

Legend :
- Best story
- Best locations variety
- Best combat moves
- Best flow and fun factor overall
- Best music

Anniversary :
- Best longevity
- Best difficulty
- Best traps
- Best boss fights
- Best classic feeling

Underworld :
- Best platforming
- Best level design
- Best puzzles
- Best enemies variety
- Best vehicle sections and controls

If I have to chose then, I'm afraid I prefer TRA and TRU over TRL. I really like TRL for what it is, a fun and enjoyable arcade-like game. But I prefer Tomb Raider for its level design, tombs, puzzles and platforming and TRL wasn't the best about those traits. Combine with how short, easy and too much linear and combat focused it is, I still replay it, especially for nostalgia but it isn't my favourite.

CheshireBitch · 03-06-23, 16:22

I agree that the vehicles in Underworld were really pushed to their best. They were actually usefull to the puzzles and to navigate the areas ! In Legend they're just here for an action moment which is nice but not the best they can be used for.

I also like Legend better but I agree Underworld is the closest to the classics. (If we don't count Anniversary because it was easier to be closer to the classics with a remake)

**Rai** · 05-06-23, 00:46

I do prefer Legend over Underworld, but I do feel you're being very generous with your descriptions

.

Whilst I'd say TRL does have slightly more variety in locations and environments, the level design is very linear and TRU did improve on that, at least in the first half of the game. It seemed as if TRU was inspired by TRA in that regard. Tons of secret areas? Um...not really. Underworld had some fab locations in Thailand and the underwater sections, including the first part of the Arctic Sea levels.

Mind-bending puzzles? TRL? I'd say both games were on a similar level when it came to puzzles. Admittedly, it's been a long time since I've played either game.

I do agree that Legend had better controls and animations, even taking into account TRU's extra moves. Although TRU Lara's extra moveset did allow for some interesting ways of traversal. I did prefer the way TRL handled combat.

Legend had a better plot, imo. TRU managed to mess up the conclusion to the mystery behind Amelia's disappearance. In that it felt like it was tacked on.

DarkRaider1984 · 05-06-23, 02:56

Legends my favourite out of LAU for all those reasons but also because it has the best outfit selection. Goth Lara is so perfect and badass.

Princess Pixel · 05-06-23, 18:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by JsotoTRSaga

The PS3 version of Underworld didn't hold back the other versions, The PS3 and PC versions of Underworld were actually handled by Nixxes not Crystal Dynamics and the versions were all pretty similar in fact I'd Say the PS3 version is better optimized but it's only missing the DLC's.

With that out of the way: objectively speaking Legend is a much better Game than Underworld but for me I find much more enjoyment in Underworld than I do in Legend simply BC of the fact that Underworld is a Lot more like a classic Tomb Raider Game in structure & design and the levels are less linear than Legend's with more challenging objectives.

JsotoTRSaga, your insight about the development of the different versions of Underworld is appreciated. It's good to know that the PS3 and PC versions were handled by Nixxes and that the PS3 version was well-optimized. However, I can't help but wish that the Xbox 360 exclusive DLCs were available for the PS3 and PC as well. It would have been amazing to experience the additional content on all platforms! ��

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rai

I do prefer Legend over Underworld, but I do feel you're being very generous with your descriptions

.

Whilst I'd say TRL does have slightly more variety in locations and environments, the level design is very linear and TRU did improve on that, at least in the first half of the game. It seemed as if TRU was inspired by TRA in that regard. Tons of secret areas? Um...not really. Underworld had some fab locations in Thailand and the underwater sections, including the first part of the Arctic Sea levels.

Mind-bending puzzles? TRL? I'd say both games were on a similar level when it came to puzzles. Admittedly, it's been a long time since I've played either game.

I do agree that Legend had better controls and animations, even taking into account TRU's extra moves. Although TRU Lara's extra moveset did allow for some interesting ways of traversal. I did prefer the way TRL handled combat.

Legend had a better plot, imo. TRU managed to mess up the conclusion to the mystery behind Amelia's disappearance. In that it felt like it was tacked on.

Rai, I respect your opinions on the games, and it's interesting to hear your thoughts. While Legend's level design may have been more linear, I personally found the variety in locations and environments to be more captivating. The smooth controls and animations in Legend added an extra layer of enjoyment to the gameplay for me. As for the puzzles, maybe I just had a knack for them in Legend, but I found them to be a great balance of challenge and satisfaction.

I agree with you, that the plot in Legend was stronger, and I also wish that Underworld had provided a more satisfying conclusion to the mystery surrounding Amelia's disappearance. It would have added even more depth to the overall experience.

Ultimately, we all have our preferences and it's wonderful to discuss and celebrate our love for the Tomb Raider series in all its forms! Thank you both for sharing your thoughts and insights! Let's keep the Tomb Raider fandom alive and thriving!

Mr. Mr. · 04-07-23, 01:56

Underworld is simply too buggy to be enjoyable. I've played it on three separate consoles and two of them had game-breaking glitches that prevented me from completing a level without starting the level all over- the Wii version had a missing switch in Thailand and crashed after beating Southern Mexico, and the 360 version had a bug in Southern Mexico where an item that I picked up earlier wasn't present in my inventory at the end of the level, preventing it from being completed. That's inexcusable, especially since CD never bothered to patch them. And that's not even getting into deaths due to inconsistent/touchy controls.

A shame too, because I genuinely liked the cold open level with Lara's mansion on fire, the sub section of Mediterranean Sea, Thailand and parts of Southern Mexico, but it needed more testing before it was released, or at least given patches.

So yes, Legend FTW.

31-05-23, 09:57	#1
Princess Pixel Inactive Join Date: May 2023 Location: Mushroom Kingdom Posts: 219	Legend > Underworld! Hey fellow Tomb Raider fans! Princess Pixel here, and I just had to share my thoughts on why Tomb Raider Legend is, like, totally superior to Tomb Raider Underworld. 💖✨ First of all, can we talk about the fact that Legend is, like, a throwback to the classic Tomb Raider games? It brings back all those nostalgic feels and reminds us why we fell in love with the series in the first place. 🎮❤️ The level design in Legend is sooooo much more epic and varied compared to Underworld. Each location feels unique and carefully crafted, with tons of secret areas to discover. From the stunning ruins of Peru to the creepy depths of Kazakhstan, every moment is an adventure! ⚡️ And the gameplay, OMG! Legend nails it in that department too. The controls are super smooth and responsive, making it a total joy to navigate through those treacherous tombs. Lara's moves are so badass and fluid, it's like she's dancing her way through danger. 💃🔥 But let's not forget the awesomeness of the puzzles in Legend. They strike the perfect balance between challenging and satisfying. Each tomb is like a mind-bending puzzle box waiting to be solved, and when you finally crack it, you can't help but feel like a total genius. 🧩🤓 Now, don't get me wrong, Underworld had its moments, but it just didn't capture that same magic as Legend. The levels felt kinda repetitive, and the controls could be a bit wonky at times. It was like trying to wrangle a wild tiger while wearing mittens! However, here's the dealbreaker, my fellow adventurers: the exclusive DLCs for Underworld on Xbox 360. Oh boy, those were some epic additions! It's a shame that the whole game wasn't an Xbox exclusive because those DLCs really took the experience to another level. 🔥 I hate to say it, but I feel like the potential of Underworld was held back by the PS3 version. The development had to cater to multiple platforms, and that kinda diluted the overall experience. Just imagine if Crystal Dynamics could have fully focused on Xbox 360, giving us a game that pushed the boundaries of what Tomb Raider could be! 💔 So, in conclusion, while Tomb Raider Underworld had its moments, it couldn't quite live up to the greatness of Tomb Raider Legend. The Xbox 360 exclusive DLCs showcased the game's potential, and it's a shame the whole experience wasn't exclusive to that platform. But hey, we still have Legend, and it remains a true gem in the franchise! 💎

31-05-23, 21:28	#2
JsotoTRSaga Relic Hunter Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: In Your Heart Posts: 8,147	The PS3 version of Underworld didn't hold back the other versions, The PS3 and PC versions of Underworld were actually handled by Nixxes not Crystal Dynamics and the versions were all pretty similar in fact I'd Say the PS3 version is better optimized but it's only missing the DLC's. With that out of the way: objectively speaking Legend is a much better Game than Underworld but for me I find much more enjoyment in Underworld than I do in Legend simply BC of the fact that Underworld is a Lot more like a classic Tomb Raider Game in structure & design and the levels are less linear than Legend's with more challenging objectives. __________________ The circle is now complete 2/14/24

01-06-23, 17:25	#3
JoelCaesar Professor Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: 8th DLC's Tomb Posts: 2,562	My biggest problem with Legend is that I don't feel like the game was long enough! I think each level could have been given more content. __________________ Just think. You wouldn't be needing those unsightly weapons anymore. :)

02-06-23, 10:28	#5
Chamayoo Relic Hunter Join Date: Dec 2014 Posts: 9,929	Concerning LAU, I find it funny (or sad ?) that they have their own strengths and weaknesses but we didn't have the ultimate game combining all these strengths. Legend : - Best story - Best locations variety - Best combat moves - Best flow and fun factor overall - Best music Anniversary : - Best longevity - Best difficulty - Best traps - Best boss fights - Best classic feeling Underworld : - Best platforming - Best level design - Best puzzles - Best enemies variety - Best vehicle sections and controls If I have to chose then, I'm afraid I prefer TRA and TRU over TRL. I really like TRL for what it is, a fun and enjoyable arcade-like game. But I prefer Tomb Raider for its level design, tombs, puzzles and platforming and TRL wasn't the best about those traits. Combine with how short, easy and too much linear and combat focused it is, I still replay it, especially for nostalgia but it isn't my favourite. __________________ Art by Zellphie Last edited by Chamayoo; 02-06-23 at 10:32.

05-06-23, 00:46	#7
Rai Moderator Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: In a bubble outside the universe Posts: 36,401	I do prefer Legend over Underworld, but I do feel you're being very generous with your descriptions . Whilst I'd say TRL does have slightly more variety in locations and environments, the level design is very linear and TRU did improve on that, at least in the first half of the game. It seemed as if TRU was inspired by TRA in that regard. Tons of secret areas? Um...not really. Underworld had some fab locations in Thailand and the underwater sections, including the first part of the Arctic Sea levels. Mind-bending puzzles? TRL? I'd say both games were on a similar level when it came to puzzles. Admittedly, it's been a long time since I've played either game. I do agree that Legend had better controls and animations, even taking into account TRU's extra moves. Although TRU Lara's extra moveset did allow for some interesting ways of traversal. I did prefer the way TRL handled combat. Legend had a better plot, imo. TRU managed to mess up the conclusion to the mystery behind Amelia's disappearance. In that it felt like it was tacked on. __________________ "Who we are is not what we wear, or what sparkles. It's our spirit that defines us." Last edited by Rai; 05-06-23 at 06:05.

01-06-23, 22:09	#4
perryloo Explorer Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: Sunny UK Posts: 941	I prefer Legend even though the levels are short, they are so visual and so different. So that's why I play it over and over compared to TRA and TRU. There is more to do .... For those that like to explore the whole map and go outside the map in these games to find hidden things and hidden areas, then there is the SCU cheat on PC to see and do more in the game. I have been recently going into the PC cutscenes of Legend, its very interesting. Some cutscenes are easy to get into and just need a specific save, but others require the 'cheat engine' to work, so you can gain access. I found this cutscene information and saves on old threads on the legend forum.

03-06-23, 16:22	#6
CheshireBitch Archaeologist Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 2,223	I agree that the vehicles in Underworld were really pushed to their best. They were actually usefull to the puzzles and to navigate the areas ! In Legend they're just here for an action moment which is nice but not the best they can be used for. I also like Legend better but I agree Underworld is the closest to the classics. (If we don't count Anniversary because it was easier to be closer to the classics with a remake)

05-06-23, 02:56	#8
DarkRaider1984 Hobbyist Join Date: Jan 2021 Posts: 6	Legends my favourite out of LAU for all those reasons but also because it has the best outfit selection. Goth Lara is so perfect and badass.

04-07-23, 01:56	#10
Mr. Mr. Historian Join Date: Dec 2019 Posts: 281	Underworld is simply too buggy to be enjoyable. I've played it on three separate consoles and two of them had game-breaking glitches that prevented me from completing a level without starting the level all over- the Wii version had a missing switch in Thailand and crashed after beating Southern Mexico, and the 360 version had a bug in Southern Mexico where an item that I picked up earlier wasn't present in my inventory at the end of the level, preventing it from being completed. That's inexcusable, especially since CD never bothered to patch them. And that's not even getting into deaths due to inconsistent/touchy controls. A shame too, because I genuinely liked the cold open level with Lara's mansion on fire, the sub section of Mediterranean Sea, Thailand and parts of Southern Mexico, but it needed more testing before it was released, or at least given patches. So yes, Legend FTW. Last edited by Mr. Mr.; 04-07-23 at 01:57.