Tomb Raider: Underworld is a multi-platform computer game in the action-adventure genre, developed by Crystal Dynamics and released by Eidos Interactive in November 2008. The publisher in Russia: "Nовый Диск". Tomb Raider: Underworld is the eighth game in the Tomb Raider series. Story-wise, Underworld continues to develop the narrative established in Legend and Anniversary.
The action of Tomb Raider: Underworld takes place in various corners of the globe, be it Thailand, Mexico, the Mediterranean Sea, the Himalayas, an island in the Norwegian Sea, or the Arctic Ocean. As before, the game boasts a vast array of puzzles and mysteries that Lara must strive to uncover. The plot of Tomb Raider: Underworld revolves around Norse mythology, a mysterious place called Avalon, and the powerful weapon of God Thor – a hammer of unimaginable power that strikes its enemies with electric shocks and lightning. Exploring ancient temples and mystically filled dungeons, Lara gradually gets closer to the essence of what is happening. It turns out that humanity faces a terrible danger, and only Lara can save the world from the advent of the so-called Seventh Age, which the Atlanteans and Natla – the ruler of Atlantis – so dream of.
During her adventures, Lara Croft encounters not only ordinary enemies but also mythical creatures, be it animated berserkers, zombie yetis, and other beings from Norse legends, who stand guard over Thor's hammer. In Tomb Raider: Underworld, Lara finally learns what happened to her mother Amelia, and along the way, she gets answers to many other troubling questions. Why did the heroine's former friend (Amanda), whom Lara thought was dead, suddenly switch sides? What is the nature of the serpent Jörmungandr? When will Ragnarök actually occur? All of this becomes known closer to the end of the game.
It cannot be said that Tomb Raider: Underworld became a groundbreaking game in the Tomb Raider series, but it received fairly high ratings from authoritative gaming publications. First of all, the authors noted the "old-school" nature of the project – in terms of dynamics, Underworld very closely resembled the early games in the Tomb Raider universe. The graphics, along with yet another redesign of Lara Croft, also earned considerable praise. However, there were drawbacks as well. The rather specific controls drew criticism, the plot was criticized, and against the backdrop of Uncharted, the eighth game in the Tomb Raider franchise looked significantly weaker. Perhaps it was at this moment that the developers at Crystal Dynamics realized that the series needed a genuine update and reboot.