Rise of the Tomb Raider

My review is belated because I'm a ps4 owner and started playing this masterpiece just 2 days ago. Now I'm typing this review as the end credits are rolling. First things first, it's a masterpiece. Frankly speaking I wasn't a fan of the series, until a played the previous entry in 2013 and instantly fell in love with the character. I was so much impressed that even when at one point the Rise of the Tomb Raider was announced as Xbox exclusive, I had already started thinking of buying the console, because Lara had left me breathless. Then some time later I learned that they will actually release the ps4 version and sighed in relief. Being nearly a veteran gamer, this game affected me so deep I must say my heart lies with Lara Croft now. A unique gaming experience that should not be missed. If the next installment is released on Xbox only, I will definitely get that console this time.

Pros:

• Side characters are more developed as compared to the previous game (including better villains)
• Diverse gameplay
• Cool cinematic action set pieces
• Amazing graphics, voice acting, and animation
• More interesting environments and level design
• Good variety of weapons and gadgets
• Great puzzles and better tombs

Cons:

• Storyline isn't as compelling as the story from the previous game
• Can feel like abit of a retread of the first game
• Gameplay can be abit clunky

Verdict: Overall, a solid sequel that improves in many elements, but imo the story is not as compelling as Lara's origin story within the first game.

8/10

If I were to make a list of the best games in the entire Tomb Raider franchise since the first game in 1996, this one would undoubtedly make it into the top 3. What a wonderful game. It has all the modernity of the new line of the franchise added to the magic of puzzles and complex maps from the first games. For me, "Tomb Raider 2" (1997), "Tomb Raider Anniversary" (2007 remake of the original 1996 game) and this "Rise of The Tomb Raider" are the top marks of this wonderful franchise. If you love Lara Croft, puzzles and exploration at the highest level, don't miss this title.

I grew up with Tomb Raider, from Lara's pointy boobed days through to epic later adventures so when I heard that she was getting rebooted back in 2013 I was very concerned. I hate reboots, they're so unnecessary especially when it comes to video games, I went in assuming the worst and with a bit of a chip on my shoulder only to see they'd created something special. Sure the emphasis on platforming and puzzles had taken a backseat to action but it was done so well it was entirely forgivable.

2 years later and the inevitable sequel was born, Rise of the Tomb Raider! But how did it stack up against the first game, it had very big shoes to fill after all.

Is it as good? No, sadly not. But is it still a worthy entry for Lara? Absolutely. Utilizing all the best points from the first game they created another incredible adventure for the fans, one that will live on in the minds of the player long after the final credits have rolled.

The combat is near flawless, it still dominates over puzzles but somehow it works. The locations are great, sure they in places feel like a reskin of the first game but not to a frustrating level.

Puzzles are present, the cut-scenes are first rate, the story is great and Camilla Luddington once again dazzles putting a fitting voice to the near perfect character model.

Rise of the Tomb Raider is a perfect example that reboots can in fact work if handled correctly.

The Good:

Camilla Luddington

Looks stunning

Wonderfully crafted

The Bad:

A bit of a reskin in places

Not enough puzzles

I have played every game in the series and prefer the direct prequel, which i 100%ed, due to the more coherent world. Anniversary is still remains my favorite entry but a bronze medal is nice too. My biggest problem is that the narrative is even dumber and more of a focus this time around. The 2 main villains may be a step up and the gore-porn has been toned down a bit but Lara comes off as a bipolar serial killer in the end. The gameplay is the star though and i can't complaining in that regard! The landscapes and tombs are worth the price of admission alone so grab an ice pick and become a barely human stalker of men (but finish the prequel first). 8,5/10