Mountain CavesI really love the way CD starts Anniversary on the
outside of the mountain caves entrance, as it stays true to the original while giving the player more freedom, as well as an interesting place to learn the basics of Lara's movement (I believe in the original, you had to go through the mansion in order to get the Lara 101 lesson). One thing I wish they would have kept around was the poncho that our heroine was wearing in the first TR opening cut scene... it added a bit of authenticity, and it would have made those tiny shorts a bit more believable
No, of course you didn't bring enough rope, you sonuva... >.<
When I first played TR those many years ago, I was terrified by the fact that I would have to go forward alone in those big scary caves... I thought I was going to have someone to at least keep me company while I searched for the Scion! Alas, Sr. Guide will be missed.
When Lara steps into the cave and the door closes behind her, I was reminded of how I felt the first time I was in this situation 14 years earlier... it's super scary being alone in a big place that has no clear and easy way out!
Playing through Anniversary helped me notice things that I had missed in the original TR. Thinking back, I was probably too paranoid from the CONSTANT ONSLAUGHT of angry wolves and bears to notice the environments.
In Anniversary, CD does a wonderful job of subtly hinting that you're traveling to a strange, forgotten place. Aside from the ruins and rubble right in front of you, you notice that occasional glimpses at the sky show that it's slowly getting... warmer? Interesting...
The hallway leading up to the entrance of Vilcabamba brought my inner Art History geek much joy (I studied Art History in college for three years), and the authenticity of this area was very impressive to me.
I'm ashamed to say that no matter how many times I play TR:A, the wolves in the side hallways ALWAYS scare the crap out of me, every single time. I always move forward a little too quickly, so I don't give them a chance to prance around in their room before coming to attack Lara.
Also: how the hell did those wolves get up there?
No matter: Victory is mine!
Before leaving for Vilcabamba, I decided to grab the relic above the door. I'm ashamed to admit I had never done so before this playthrough
There you have it! I'll see if I can get through the City of Vilcabamba this weekend. I am the slowest gamer in the world