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  • Writer's pictureBevan

Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition


8 years ago Crystal Dynamics had developed and released this game the same year when the new gen consoles (PS4 & Xbox One) of the time where coming out. Initially It was released for PS3, Xbox One and PC. The game was very much well received but the character model wasn't satisfactory which as far as I can remember was one of the pivotal reasons that led to the further release of the remastered game for the new PlayStation 4 and Xbox One at the time.

Original model left, remaster right

We are going to briefly comment about this remastered version of the game. We need to remember that although this is the 10th installment of the Tomb Raider franchise it is essentially a reboot of the life story of Lara i.e back to the grass roots, who Lara croft is, how she became the strong willed hero we have grown fond of.

From the onset I get this amazing feeling of a dark mystery island story unlike the other two games that follow this. You remember those teen horror movies? Well in this case Its not horror but definitely that vibe. To be honest even though I Played this initially 8 years ago when it came out, after recently revisiting it I think this is the best of the trilogy from mainly a story and dark themed aesthetic perspective. To clarify further I say its the best not in terms of visuals and gameplay mechanics but the overall story narrative which was very much engaging, rich, interesting and very mysterious because as the series/trilogy went on I felt like the story became white washed and shallow.

The visuals still hold even today. I like their menu here and I think its the best of the 3 games. The sound of it, the way if fades out as you go through the skills, weapons page, outfits etc. When it comes to the gameplay what makes it interesting is that the story throws in that element of surprise each time you traverse around the game world. You are with an immature Lara here whose certainly rising up to become the Lara we know, a fitting character for a harsh surprising island.

That essential fusion of gameplay and semi cinematic scenes is really well done here. This game has a hovering cloud of a dark gruesome environment which is very thrilling and interesting every step of the way. This Tomb Raider has more character to itself unlike any other.

If you will be playing this game as a first time player you will definitely be on the edge and shall always be in for a surprise which to me is very enjoyable. Clearly a good effort was made on the visuals and how easy and straightforward the overall feel of the gameplay is. Tomb Raider as a whole was setting up a firm foundation here.

A thing Tomb Raider always nailed is the hair physics, its really good. I love how they also make the game character alive to what's happening around them. It may not be very exceptional in todays terms but its rare in gaming to see the main character emotionally exhibiting the necessary behavioral traits (facial signs of stress, worry, fear) within a given scenario or situation. I am a fidelity person and I have always liked to pay attention to these details also bearing in mind that games will always be games it can never be perfect which is what makes it a game and enjoyable.

This certainly goes down in the gaming museum as one of the greatest ways to approach a franchise reboot with an incredible new theme. Tomb Raider is one game I really enjoy playing, not sophisticated just straightforward. While we cannot have expectations anymore after this Its a great way to go back and experience that solid foundation that was setup for the Tomb Raider series. I think what I would like to see after this trilogy is Lara in more of a modern city setup like kind of a 007 woman like some of the old classic Tomb Raiders. Your thoughts and support will be much appreciated cheers and stay safe.

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