Tomb Raider: Underworld Preview

You'll face massive creatures, like this Kraken.

This section set aboard the boat is just one part of a level, which can run to three hours in length and span numerous locations. We also got a chance to check out a couple of previously seen locations, including the stunning, sun-drenched Thailand and the Trap Rooms, a large underground room that links to four other rooms. We've covered Thailand before, but the Trap Rooms are worthy of a mention here as they show how the game's puzzles reward skilful players.

Underworld features combat against animals and humans, but exploration and puzzle-solving are the focus. The idea is that players should be rewarded for clever thinking and doing more than the bare minimum. This is demonstrated by one of the four trap rooms, in which a required artefact is behind a wall of moving blocks - able to crush you if you miss-time your run through. Getting through is easy enough, but getting back isn't. The solution isn't all that hard (you could use the new tips system if you're really stuck) - you can simply exit by pulling a block into the path of the crushing blocks, but by finding an alternative means of escape you gain access to a secret item that someone simply ploughing through wouldn't get to.

It's worth pointing out that the Trap Rooms, like every part of the game we've seen so far, look amazing. The environments are massive, the lighting is top class and Lara herself is one of the best character models we've ever seen - a good thing considering the outfits she wears - Lara clearly doesn't spend much money on clothes. As in the last few games in the series, ex-Spooks star Keeley Hawes voices Lara perfectly, with hours worth of dialogue included in the game - apparently there's over eight hours of audio recorded for tips alone. Dare we say it, but Underworld might even have the edge over stunning PS3 exclusive Uncharted - we'll need to see the whole game to say for sure, though. Sadly it seems as though Trophies won't make it into the PS3 game, but a patch in the future isn't out of the question.

Lara's character model is incredibly detailed

Something else Crystal Dynamics has included in order to help gamers is the Sonar map. This scans the area and gives you a 3D view of the location you're in, giving you an idea on how to access hidden locations. Giving you help if you need it seems to have been one of Crystal Dynamics' key areas of focus during the development of the game. On top of the tips system and the Sonar map, you can also send pictures to friends in order to ask them for help, and tweak four game settings (damage to Lara, enemy health, ammunition capacity and time for saving grabs) to tailor the game to you're desired experience. From what we've played we recommend you do all you can to avoid using most of these, but it's nice to know that help is always just a few button presses away.

We ended our short time with Tomb Raider Underworld keen to see more. The emphasis on exploration and puzzle solving is great and what we think the series does best, but there also appears to be enough action to keep adrenaline junkies happy. With the presentation matching the best we've seen on consoles and two locations still to be revealed, we can't wait until we get our hands on the final game.

Tomb Raider: Underworld is due out on PS3, Xbox 360, PC, PS2, DS and Wii on November 21.