Download.it search icon
Advertisement

Tomb Raider: The Dagger of Xian, the result of fan enthusiasm

Tomb Raider: The Dagger of Xian, the result of fan enthusiasm

Vote: (4 votes)

Program license: Demo

Developer: Nicobass

Version: 1.0

Vote:

Program license

(4 votes)

Demo

Developer

Version

Nicobass

1.0

Immersive Reimagining of a Classic Adventure

Tomb Raider: The Dagger of Xian (DOX) represents an ambitious project undertaken by passionate fans of the original Tomb Raider series. Showcasing an impressive renovation of Tomb Raider 2, this fangame is not merely a remake but a lovingly crafted reconceptualization, equipped with contemporary advancements in game design and technology.

Breathtaking Visuals and Environments

Harnessing the power of Unreal Engine 4, The Dagger of Xian presents the iconic Great Wall of China level with such graphical finesse that it rivals modern AAA titles. The environment boasts meticulous attention to detail, bringing the ancient vista to life with vibrant textures and stunning lighting effects. One can expect lush landscapes and elaborate ruins that are both a homage to the original and a testament to the capabilities of modern game development.

Familiar Yet Fresh Gameplay

The gameplay remains true to the series' roots, with challenging exploration, puzzle-solving, and action. While veterans will appreciate this nod to the game's origins, newcomers will find the platforming mechanics up-to-date and more accessible than in the past. The controls are intuitive and responsive, yet they do not sacrifice the complexity and precision that fans expect from a Tomb Raider game. However, be warned that even seasoned adventurers will likely succumb to the various perils Lara faces, as the game will not hesitate to punish any lapse in attentiveness.

A Single Level That Leaves You Craving More

Tomb Raider: The Dagger of Xian currently offers only the Great Wall level, which provides approximately an hour of gameplay, extending slightly if you aim to uncover all its secrets. This limitation highlights the project's current state as a work in progress, leaving players yearning for more of this beautifully reimagined world.

The current content demonstrates a combination of familiar sequences interspersed with new challenges and scenes that could only be realized with advanced game engine capabilities. One such example is the lake section, which, despite being resource-intensive, maintains a seamless experience at 60fps on appropriate systems, underlining the technical achievement of the fan-made project.

Endorsement by Crystal Dynamics

Interestingly, the support from the professional arena comes in the form of an approval by Crystal Dynamics, the developer responsible for recent iterations of the official Tomb Raider series. Their blessing for the fan team to continue this venture is a positive step, yet it is evident that the quality of work demonstrated deserves more than just an approving nod. The demo is evidence that the team behind The Dagger of Xian possess skills akin to industry veterans.

Pros

  • Stunning visuals powered by Unreal Engine 4
  • True to the original gameplay with modern enhancements
  • Intuitive and refined control mechanics
  • Approval from Crystal Dynamics for continued development

Cons

  • Limited content availability with only one level
  • High system requirements for optimal performance
  • Unforgiving difficulty may not be appealing to all players

In conclusion, Tomb Raider: The Dagger of Xian is an exquisite tribute that delivers a potent blend of nostalgia and contemporary gaming sophistication. With only a glimpse of its potential on display, this fan-made endeavor ignites the anticipation of what could become a crowning achievement if given the chance to fully blossom.