Metascore
80 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 20
  2. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. But it's the puzzles that elevate Underworld to new heights. [Jan 2009, p.54]
  2. There aren't many titles that can come close to the glory of Tomb Raider. If you're looking for some gun totting, cliff hugging action then look no further than Tomb Raider: Underworld for the PC.
  3. Lush, satisfying and thoughtful. [Jan 2009, p.92]
  4. The remarkable architectural vision, coupled with ultra-smart level design, all produced on such a huge scale, makes this as good as Tomb Raider has ever seen. [Christmas 2008, p.74]
  5. Tomb Raider: Underworld is a source of joy as long as everything works as intended and Lara follows the controls, leading the player to beautiful panoramas, seamlessly moving from gameplay to cut-scene. But at the same time, the game can be quite depressing if Lara doesn't reach moving platforms, the camera plays up and it's hard to solve a problem. It's an emotional roller coaster and great entertainment.
  6. It seems as if Lara is finally back on track. More puzzles, less action – that's tombraiding as it should be! My only complaint is the lack of guidance the game offers – standing about in clueless stupor happens too often by far. [Issue#17]
  7. Tomb Raider Underworld is a fantastic proposal for fans of puzzles and platform gaming. Sadly its camera and control issues let down its many virtues. Nevertheless the new adventure of Lara Croft is brief but intense, and is plenty of good puzzles and great environments.
  8. Tomb Raider Underworld was far more enjoyable than I ever thought it would be. The expansive environments, solid platforming sequences, challenging puzzles, and adventure-filled storyline should appeal to anyone who loved the Prince of Persia games and Uncharted: Drake's Fortune. Disappointingly, combat is fairly mediocre, and a lot of technical inconsistencies are troublesome. Nevertheless, Underworld is a very good game.
  9. A visually stunning, epic adventure that continues Crystal Dynamics' excellent run. We reckon it's the best completely original Tomb Raider (Anniversary was, of course, a remake) we've had in years, and is only let down by the odd control quirk and camera issue.
  10. Lady Archaeologist is in her top shape again. This time she's mostly interested in exploring the wonders of nature and she does it better that ever before. Pity that not everything is polished. But who will resist the temptation of putting his hands on - or rather into - the Thor's gloves that can rip the fabric of time and space? [Dec 2008]
  11. We like the way she moves – Lara excels in both body and environments visuals that are great. It's still the good old Tomb Raider cliché, but is there anything wrong with that? We don't think so. Do not underestimate the Underworld! [Dec 2008]
  12. Okay, the new Tomb Raider adventure is not really innovative. But Lara has never looked so good before. The gameplay is smooth and the puzzles are great. But the stupid motorcycle trips, the camera and the senseless gadgets are fun-killers.
  13. 80
    While the PC version has much sharper visuals and some tighter control, the camera can still hamper gameplay.
  14. At its best, it can compete with the best, offering gorgeous vistas and jaw-dropping scenery.
  15. Tomb Raider: Underword manages to impress on so many levels.
  16. If the release would have been delayed a couple of months (the time required to fix the large number of bugs (some of them being very bad), Underworld could have been labeled as a fruitful combination of Legend and Anniversary. But the impression of an unfinished product also reflects in reduced replay value, puzzle simplicity and insufficient use of the level design. And some options, like (at least partial) camera control, are yet to be seen.
  17. Excellent despite niggles. [Jan 2009, p.66]
  18. Tomb Raider: Underworld is ambiguous, offering the best and the worst elements of the series. The camera is awful and there are quite a few bugs. It lacks polish, but still manages to be a good Lara Croft adventure…. And she's as beautiful and agile as ever.
  19. A return to form with epic set-pieces. However, there are a few frustrating puzzles and camera issues. [Issue#14, p.58]
  20. Chalk this one up as another PC adaptation hemmed-in by the need to make it all work on the PlayStation 3 If Lara's got a saving grace, it's that she's the archetypal 'pub game' girl. To the sozzled, life isn't an intricate cornucopia of detail and possibility, it's a pinball machine one gets hurled through, head first; linear and idiot-proof. [January 2009, p.53]
User Score

Mixed or average reviews- based on 102 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 38
  2. Negative: 8 out of 38
  1. YannC
    10
    Very nice game, good gameplay and good story. Pc version is better than xbox 360 version !! I like this game ;)
  2. 8
    Best graphics i've ever seen in a game, ever-forget about everything else in this game, the graphics are all that matter here.The PC version is better than the PS3 or Xbox360. Uncharted exists because of Tomb Raider. Lara Croft>Nathan Drake. 'nuff said. Full Review »
  3. shaunb
    10
    this game is brilliant its much better than all the other tomb raider games. An well just as you think the would run out of idears for lara they come up with this its great. Also the graphics and control system are better than in anyother tomb raider yet. I dont get how people can rate it only a 6 or sumthin because its the best game in the franchise. Full Review »