That Lara we still love

THE Tomb Raider franchise is like the Volkswagen Beetle. The original version of the automobile was wildly popular, dependable and is still a classic generations later. After a hiatus in which the model lay low for a while, an updated, streamlined version was introduced and became popular (nostalgia, anyone?). And though the looks might have changed, it was still the same good old VW Bug.

The brand-new but familiar Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Legend is a fresh update of the classic. Welcome back, Lara.

Many consider the Tomb Raider games some of the best created for the original PlayStation. And it’s safe to say that Lara Croft was the original video game super-vixen. This installment doesn’t try to reinvent any of that. Lara still explores ancient ruins, solves complex puzzles and blasts mercenaries with her dual automatics. Only this time, the voluptuous adventurer does so with vastly improved graphics and gameplay, even if the game is far shorter than previous outings (after our first three-hour session, we had finished 23% of it). Though we may have played it before, it never looked this good.

Details: Xbox 360, Xbox and PlayStation 2 platforms; $59.99 to 49.99; rated Teen (blood and violence).

*

Endless story lines

One thing is for sure -- Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion isn’t the kind of game you can just pick up and play. A complex world has been created with characters, stories and dialogue that rival those of the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. It’s also one of the best games we’ve played in a while. Wandering the vast countryside actually made us feel as if we truly were exploring a mystical world alongside the character we created. And the spectacular graphics and lighting make full use of the Xbox 360’s capabilities. (Sunrises feel dew-covered, sunsets chilly.)

Details: Xbox 360 platform; $59.99; rated Mature (blood and gore, language, sexual themes, use of alcohol, violence).

*

A goofy sequel

The first Kingdom Hearts was a runaway success, bordering on a phenomenon. Fans embraced it so much, they created live-action stage versions of the game. Kingdom Hearts 2 tries to continue the legacy of an anime-inspired land peppered with characters from the Disney universe, but those who are unfamiliar with the story line of the first one -- like us -- will be hopelessly lost. Playing the game, where around every corner is another confusing and slowly paced cut-screen to interrupt any action, quickly gets frustrating. This one is definitely not for the uninitiated.

Details: PlayStation 2 platform; $49.99; rated Everyone 10+ (mild blood, use of alcohol and violence).

*

Pinball warriors

In Odama, multi-tasking is the key. Gamers use a microphone to bark out orders to advancing troops trying to overtake their enemies’ forts, while using giant flippers to propel a magical metal ball up the battlefield to aid in the invasion. And all this while tilting the playing field around to get a better roll from said ball. Sheesh! Who knew feudal Japanese pinball-based combat would be so hard? Remarkably original, and exciting but complicated, Odama is a good outing only for those who can do three things simultaneously. All others will feel as overwhelmed as an heiress doing long division.

Details: GameCube platform; $49.99; rated Everyone 10+ (violence).

*

Boot camp for brains

Brain Age is based on the theory that your noodle needs just as much exercise to stay sharp as your body does to stay in shape. A daily regimen of math puzzles, memory exercises, reading aloud and timed Sudoku developed by Japanese neuroscientist Dr. Ryuta Kawashima supposedly lowers your “brain age,” improving your smarts. If nothing else, playing Sudoku on the DS touch screen is worth the price.

Details: Nintendo DS platforms; $19.99; rated everyone.

*

For more video game coverage, seelatimes.com/videogames.

For previous columns, or to e-mail Pete Metzger, visit latimes.com/gotgame.