Saturn

Tomb Raider

A couple of pointers for future spelunkers: Judicious use of medikits is essential, although if you spend a little time searching for hidden goodies, you should have more than enough to keep you fit and healthy. There are plenty of save points, from which you can choose to restart on any previous level, should you so desire. It is worth remembering that Lara can grip onto the most precarious of ledges and leap onto the most unlikely of rocks, so keep your eyes peeled for possible access to gifts on high. In this, you need not rely on the intelligent camera. You have to option of making Lara (i.e. you) look around, up and down. It is always desirable to be aware of your surroundings, especially when you find yourself in a room straight out of Max Escher's doodle-book.

Take the puzzle solving of Resident Evil, the gory action of Loaded, and the 360-degree freedom most gamers only dream of, and you have Tomb Raider, the closest thing to a "Mario 64 killer" to date. The plumber assassin comes in the form of a gun-toting, acrobatic beauty by the name of Lara Croft, an archeologist in search of pieces of an ancient artifact, and the woman you guide through 12 levels. Sure, it sounds a lot like Indiana Jones - but Indy never wore short shorts.

The lack of clarity is a shame, because Tomb's like a wild cryptozoo gone bad. Lions, alligators, wolves and even velociraptors hunt you down. If exploration's your thing, then Raider is for you. Have no fear about entering this Tomb.

Everyone has at least one well-known and much sold game on his list of games that he or she detests. I knew fellows which couldn't stand the sight of Prince of Persia or Virtua Fighter, depsite their commercial and critical successes. Defunct Games' head editor Cyril slashed Myst. My personal hatred goes to Core's Tomb Raider. I never have understood the fuss about this game.