Lara Croft could be one of the most recognizable characters in video gaming. During her PlayStation heyday, she appeared in magazines and advertising campaigns for sports a♕nd energy drinks.
Even though she isn’t quite the cultural icon in 2018 as she was over 20 years ago even the most casual fan knows who she is. 2018 saw a Hollywood blockbuster starring Oscar winner Alicia Vikander as the titular Tomb Raider. Even though the film didn’t do as well as expected by falling just short of breaking even, Vikander has express🎶ed an interest in returning for a sequel.
Whatever happens with the film franchise though it doesn’t seem like Lara Croft is going away any time soon in the gaming market. The rebooted prequel series has helped breathe new life into what was an ailing franch✨ise by making Lara a more gritty and realistic character. At the same time, giving fans an insight into what molded her into the Tomb Raider.
The Shadow of the Tomb Raider effectively brings the rebooted ♌trilogy to an end by picking up after the events of the previous entry. With a new development team behind this entry, we take a look at whether Lara has finally become the ultimate adventurer or if she needs to disappear into another crypt never to be seen again.
30 Best: The Visuals Are Beyond E🔴ye-Popping
The rebooted Tomb Raider series has always been great looking games. Rise of the Tomb Raider was a technical showpiece for what the Xbox One X and the PlayStation Pro are capable of. It’s good news that this years sequel Shadow of the Tomb Raider rais💃es the bar even higher and looks amazing whether you’re playing on base hardware or the enhanced consoles.
The level of detail is outstanding and the realistic lighting shadows really add to the jungle exploration. Additionally, hair rendering is as beautiful if not more so with this release andꦅ the water effects which was something that amazed gamers back in 1996 will astound players here.
29 Worst: It Just Doesn't Have Personality Like ♓Uncharted
The new Tomb Raider trilogy is dark in tone and far more serious affairs than previous entries and certainly more so than its nearest modern-day rival Uncharted. This absolutely fine bu🏅t considering that Lara Croft is one of the most iconic ꦦcharacters in gaming she’s significantly underdeveloped as a character.
When you compare this to characters like Nathan Drake, Chloe, and Nadine from Uncharted and its spin-off The Lost Legacy characterization is still an issue despite the rebooteღd series being created ᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚto address this.
28 🧜 Best: Tomb Raiding is A😼s Good As It's Ever Been
One of the biggest complaints from fans about the new Tomb Raider series is that there was either lack of any actual Tombs to raid or that action and puzzle solving ratio wasn’t what a Tomb Raider game should be.
With Shadow of the Tomb Raider, the balance has been corrected as the tombs, platforming, and puzzle solving take precedence over the action. In addition, the puzzles are surprisingly challenging and far more rewarding than the previous two games and Uncharted as a result.
27 W𒉰orst: The Violence May Be Too Extreme For Some
Something that may not resonate with all gamers is just how violent and meꦯrciless Lara has become. The distraught girl in the 2013 reboot is nowhere to be seen as effortlessly and coldly lays waste to enemy goons in brutal fash♛ion.
While this is as much a plot point to explain the evolution and development of Lara’s character, her lack of empathy and emotion could be quite unnerving to some. Additionally, the leap from frightened survivor to a modern day Rambo in a short space𓃲 of time could prove to be a little far-fetched.
26 Best: T♚he Story Is Leagues Better (80s Action Film Fans will Love it)
Even though the violence may prove a little too much for some, gamers who have a love for 80s action movies will absolutely lap this element of Shadow of the Tomb Raider up. As violent as they are they’re brilliantly executed and will invoke fond memories of Rambo and Predator.
This is especially true when Lara covers herself in mud to become almost invisible or blends into the ꦑfoliage of the jungle ෴to expertly and silently execute enemy soldiers. This becomes even more rewarding on a higher difficulty with improved A.I.
25 Worst: Platforming Elements Can Be S𒁏implistic And Fr🐭ustrating In Equal Measure
The platforming in Shadow of the Tomb Raider has taken a more central role in this time around. There have been minor adjustments and refinements which you will notice if you’ve played the series back to back and they’re certainly better executed than the Uncharted series.
However, Lara’s jumping 𓄧ability can be hit or miss with combinations of a superhuman ability to leap acrꦍoss huge gaps and successfully latch on to cliffs with her grappling hook. Then there will be times where she completely misses the mark for a seemingly random reason.
24 Best: The World Designꦓ Is Outstanding 𓄧
The world of Shadow of the Tomb Raider is a fantastic example of a detailed well-designed world. It is vast with explorable and interconnected areas that you unlock as your progress through the game. Its world prov🔯ides near-infinite opportunities to stalk your enemies and become the pe🐟rfect predator.
The game’s semi-open world is filled with optional tombs, side quests, and secrets for you to discover as you explore its incredibly detaiꦡled world. In addition, the game is designed to satisfy those who enjoy a more casual and linear experience too allowing players to focus on the game’s narrative.
23 Wors♑t: It Takes Itself Far Too Serio❀usly
Without going into too much detail Shadow of the Tomb Raider’s plot is quite silly on paper. The g꧋ame’s story simply boils down to Lara trying to prevent mercenary-like organization known as Trinity from bringing about a modern-day Mayan🍒 apocalypse.
Its weaknesses can be easy to ignore and there are worse video game and film plots, the game is overly serious and takes itself far too seriously. This isn’t helped by the complete lack of humor. By omitting any comedic moments Tomb Raider has succeeded in separating itself from Uncharted. However, the issues with the game's story𒈔line become more obvious and less forgivable by having less than endearing characters.
22 💎 Best: The Writing Shines🅺 In The Character Dialogue
Even though much has been said here about the lack of humor and Shadow of the Tomb Raider’s unrelenting dark tone the dialogue between the characters is excellent. The relationship between Lara and Jonah i🐟s always interesting because he acts as her center by keeping her grounded and challenging her selfish motives.
The game’s antagonist is also very well written and has convincing motivations which reveal themselves over the course of the game and in its final moments. In addition, Shadow of the Tomb Raider’s pacing🏅 is spot on and this is a testament to good writing.
21 Worst: Immersion Mode Is A Misseౠd Opportunity
Shadow of The Tomb Raider features what was intended to be an innovative option in the settings called Immersion Mode. With this feature on, the non-playable characters and background characters speak in their native language whether it’s Spanish𒀰 or Yucatan Maya. The intention was to make player𓄧s feel lost in foreign lands feeling immersed in the experience.
Unfortunately, the execution w🌃as a huge misfire leading to awkward looking convers🦩ations where Lara is able to perfectly converse with characters speaking a completely different language to her spoken English. Not implementing the language ability to speak to locals and potentially unlock more side quests seems like a huge missed opportunity.