I'm a fan of the Tomb Raider franchise but like most video game franchises as time when on, it has lost it's footing which also made the franchise lost in the darkness of the amazon. Most reboots/remakes are always a hit or miss affair to me because most of the time they fail to stand on their own, this game withstood.
Going the reboot route was a wise move because it not just breathed new life into the old franchise but also made it even better than before and personally I felt completely surpassed it's predecessor because this was exactly what it was working toward.
The story I think it great, I really like the plot line it sort of reminds me of the 1980's film "The Island". The plot line to this game is uncannily similar as it's about Lara and her crew crashing onto an island with some ancient evil cult. I really like that this game utilizes Asian mythology and spirituality which I though was really cool. I also like how both the plot and the characters develop which made both counts intriguing. But most of all I really like how dark and moody this game truly is, this isn't your typical pulp adventure your use to with the old franchise. It in a way reminds me a bit of John Carpenter's films like "Escape from New York" or "Assult on Precent 13" as you have sort of that unsettling feeling of isolation and constant danger throughout the game. Music is also The graphics are just fantastic, I really love the amount of detail to the jungle from the darkness to the grit, as well as some of those ancient ruins and temples. Really adds to the unsettling feeling that there could be danger hidden in the next shadow you come to or even pass by the corner of your eye. But also a great sense of intrigue as the jungle and ruins provide mystery, as you constantly are wondering what more is there to the ancient ruins and the history behind them or what more are we going to discover? But I really love the characters models where they don't look too much like supermodels but regular human beings as you can see the dirt and certain imperfections in physical features which really gave the game a more grounded sensibility as if Lara and the rest could exist in the real world. Speaking of Lara, her character model is excellent as usual she's fraking hot and with the persona to boot. Despite how dirty and how many scrapes she gets she still looks great, she is just one of those beauties you just can't ruin.
The voice acting is excellent, I really like the actress Camilla Luddington whose voice just fit like a glove for the role of Lara, the character model is based physically on the actress herself and she was a perfect choice on that count, she was literally born to play this role.
I really like how this version of Lara is handled it's kinda the same approach like with Bruce/Batman in Geff Johns "Batman Earth One" graphic novel mini series; Lara is not the fully confident version we know and love but is a rookie adventurer whom despite intensive training and education is inexperienced, a bit insecure and ill confidant. But despite those things she is fully determined and is willing to lay herself down the line for her friends, and most importantly the will power to survive and desire for adventure. I really like those things because it made Lara a more three dimensional character and surprisingly human. As you progress you really see her develop in character more and start to become the Lara we know her to be.
And most importantly the game play which is excellent. It does take a bit of a cue or two from the "Uncharted" games but the execution is excellent and it is multifaceted so things are never dull. I really love the shootouts, there are balanced well and there are a wide range of things you can do to win them. The platforming action is great there is the typical get from point A to B, but there are a few spots of trial and error and there are even some of those "Dragon's Lair" like moments where a situation immediately occurs and you have to react fast. There is even RPG element of upgrading your health, weapons or buying certain items and upgrades you need. They even have some stealth action which I thought was really suspenseful and cool, where you really have to take your time to figure out how to get from point A and B quietly and smoothly but also the use of your bow and arrow aiming carefully to take the opposition out, which was cool sort of like Rambo in the second film.
Only problem I have with the game is that it was kinda short, I was able to beat the game within three days. But that could just be me since I played the game for an amount of hours on each day, and same could be said for certain other games out there ride may be short but a sweet ride. Hopefully the next game will have an even longer and vast campaign.
Overall, this is a great game that any veteran fan of the franchise even rookie should play. Lara Craft is back and better than ever.
Rating: 4 stars
Going the reboot route was a wise move because it not just breathed new life into the old franchise but also made it even better than before and personally I felt completely surpassed it's predecessor because this was exactly what it was working toward.
The story I think it great, I really like the plot line it sort of reminds me of the 1980's film "The Island". The plot line to this game is uncannily similar as it's about Lara and her crew crashing onto an island with some ancient evil cult. I really like that this game utilizes Asian mythology and spirituality which I though was really cool. I also like how both the plot and the characters develop which made both counts intriguing. But most of all I really like how dark and moody this game truly is, this isn't your typical pulp adventure your use to with the old franchise. It in a way reminds me a bit of John Carpenter's films like "Escape from New York" or "Assult on Precent 13" as you have sort of that unsettling feeling of isolation and constant danger throughout the game. Music is also The graphics are just fantastic, I really love the amount of detail to the jungle from the darkness to the grit, as well as some of those ancient ruins and temples. Really adds to the unsettling feeling that there could be danger hidden in the next shadow you come to or even pass by the corner of your eye. But also a great sense of intrigue as the jungle and ruins provide mystery, as you constantly are wondering what more is there to the ancient ruins and the history behind them or what more are we going to discover? But I really love the characters models where they don't look too much like supermodels but regular human beings as you can see the dirt and certain imperfections in physical features which really gave the game a more grounded sensibility as if Lara and the rest could exist in the real world. Speaking of Lara, her character model is excellent as usual she's fraking hot and with the persona to boot. Despite how dirty and how many scrapes she gets she still looks great, she is just one of those beauties you just can't ruin.
The voice acting is excellent, I really like the actress Camilla Luddington whose voice just fit like a glove for the role of Lara, the character model is based physically on the actress herself and she was a perfect choice on that count, she was literally born to play this role.
I really like how this version of Lara is handled it's kinda the same approach like with Bruce/Batman in Geff Johns "Batman Earth One" graphic novel mini series; Lara is not the fully confident version we know and love but is a rookie adventurer whom despite intensive training and education is inexperienced, a bit insecure and ill confidant. But despite those things she is fully determined and is willing to lay herself down the line for her friends, and most importantly the will power to survive and desire for adventure. I really like those things because it made Lara a more three dimensional character and surprisingly human. As you progress you really see her develop in character more and start to become the Lara we know her to be.
And most importantly the game play which is excellent. It does take a bit of a cue or two from the "Uncharted" games but the execution is excellent and it is multifaceted so things are never dull. I really love the shootouts, there are balanced well and there are a wide range of things you can do to win them. The platforming action is great there is the typical get from point A to B, but there are a few spots of trial and error and there are even some of those "Dragon's Lair" like moments where a situation immediately occurs and you have to react fast. There is even RPG element of upgrading your health, weapons or buying certain items and upgrades you need. They even have some stealth action which I thought was really suspenseful and cool, where you really have to take your time to figure out how to get from point A and B quietly and smoothly but also the use of your bow and arrow aiming carefully to take the opposition out, which was cool sort of like Rambo in the second film.
Only problem I have with the game is that it was kinda short, I was able to beat the game within three days. But that could just be me since I played the game for an amount of hours on each day, and same could be said for certain other games out there ride may be short but a sweet ride. Hopefully the next game will have an even longer and vast campaign.
Overall, this is a great game that any veteran fan of the franchise even rookie should play. Lara Craft is back and better than ever.
Rating: 4 stars