TOMB RAIDER REVIEW

Developer: Square Enix

Release date: 5th March 2013

Type/genre: Action/Adventure

NO SPOILERS INCLUDED IN THIS REVIEW

The Tomb Raider story: 9 /10

When the first ever Tomb Raider game launched in 1996 it was a revolution. Outstanding in terms of graphics, game play and story line , it changed the way that video games were played and developed forever. Fronting the games assault on the world was the central character, Lara Croft. Lara was also to have an incredible impact, quickly becoming the most recognized and celebrated female action heroine and an icon for the video games industry. Today over 30 million Tomb Raider games have been sold, making it one of the most lucrative video games franchises while also generating movies, advertising, magazines, books and merchandise.

In this years Tomb raider you will learn how Lara Croft our favourite female heroin turns into the fearless woman gamers lust after.

Control/feel: 9 /10

Traditionally the open world style game makes for an awkward thumb-stick set of movements. Tomb Raider alleviates that by helping to direct your movements subtly. Lara does move move like a real character then any previous game I have played, simple things like her flicking her hands out when she splashes in the water the way she flinches near sharp objects. All add for a greater more realistic experience than ever before. Square Enix have done a great job and we must praise them for what I’m hearing more and more this is one of the best single player games ever.

Graphics: 9 /10

How perfect can a game really be? Well Tomb raider defines perfection. I’m sure it could be improved a little with more reactive graphics on Lara herself but the scenery and general surroundings are about at smooth and precise as you will see. Lara herself looks better than ever with more detail right down to her injuries being on view at all times. With the new Luminos engine Lara’s hair is also more realistic than before and we can only see improvements here, was this our first glimpse of next gen graphics? Everything down to the water movement and splash in the game looks amazing even signs and interactive objects have details like no other This simple cannot be missed.

Sound: 7 /10

Sound is always an awkward point and in Tomb Raider is more difficulty than most as the surroundings offer little to no substantial sounds to speak of. Other games such as FPS have action all day long and you have to get immersed in it. Tomb Raider offers a different type of sound, its surroundings are waterfalls, grass blowing across the lands and rustling in the trees. For what it offers stick a pair of Razer 5.1′s or Turtle Beach on and crank up the volume the game is taken to a whole new level. This will then give you the immersive experience you are looking for. If not and you can only have the TV on with loads of ambient noise you will not get the most out of the game.

Gameplay: 8 /10

Lara has always been the ultimate Single player experience and over the years fans have enjoyed a full but sometimes confusing story line. Tomb Raider now offers the structured upbringing of Lara Croft our favorite female heroin growing as a Lady in the Jungle, learning her traits. You choose her path and help develop her assets, turn her into the loved and fearless character we all know and love.

The game offers a very simple experience which guides you along the ever developing Lara. Upgrade your weapons in different tiers to maximise your killing potential before more difficult foes later in the game.

Or for the experienced veteran each stage of the mission offers you various collectable items from relics, to documents and onto challenges which vary with each mission. These documents help tell the games story and are worth the read or listen if your a bit lazy. If you are a fanatical fan then I strongly suggest grabbing a copy of the Brady games guide for Tomb Raider as you then have the ability to complete each level and then take a short backtrack to collect missing collectables.

Brady games guide will help enhance your experience if you let it. Don’t read it all through then go play it, play it first enjoy it then let the book guide you to the 100% completion you crave.

Conclusion:

Tomb Raider is definitely one of the best games seen in a while and it offers a great story line for gamers to learn about Lara Croft and how she came to be, that said the campaign is a bit short and although the multiplayer element is there it will not be taking away from top multiplayer titles currently on the market. Hardcore fans will have their say and whilst their main complaint will be how long it takes to complete, players that somehow are new to Tomb Raider will love the game and be drooling at the graphical superiority and be left wanting more.