The latest edition of Tomb Raider series is a quest full of secrets, action, adventure and spellbinding graphics, but does the gameplay live up to its predecessors? We find out.
After getting a reboot in 2013, Tomb Raider has become a mature title and not just a mindless action packed Indiana Jones version. Even though the previous game was a phenomenal hit, many gamers complained about the lack of tomb raiding and exploring hidden relics. Well, the game developer, Crystal Dynamics, noted this down and have now added this feature in the new game, Rise of the Tomb Raider.
For starters, Rise of the Tomb Raider, is an open world game, which lets you either follow the storyline or take up numerous side missions, hunting and unfolding puzzles. Lara Croft is in search of The Divine Source, which is basically the gift of eternal life, and also a lost city. To accompany her in this adventure is Jonah, who was there in the previous game. She has to make her journey through the mountains of Siberia and of course, our protagonist can’t be the only one in this quest. That’s right, a shady group, the Trinity, is also looking for the same for their own benefit.
As mentioned earlier, Lara is back to her tomb raiding ways and by discovering tombs she unlocks ancient powers that increase her skills, which enhance her strength and she gets better weapons too. So the more experience points she scores, the more capable she is. Lara’s role playing game elements can be upgraded in three categories — Brawler, Hunter and Survivor. You can also upgrade different aspects of each weapon like reload speed.
The new Tomb Raider game is not all about aim and shoot as it now gets a stealth mode. A cautious approach is needed because slight sound like from a stray arrow or disappearance of an enemy soldier colleague can trigger their attention and all hell can break loose. Therefore, going all blazing guns like Rambo might not be the best plan. But one has to keep in mind that in most games, stealth mode should be used in a limited manner because you end up avoiding fights and therefore, you won’t be able to pick up new weapons and supply.
As the game is based in Siberia, a lot of credit needs to be given to the developer as the graphics do manage to give you the chills. They have captured the unforgiving weather like the devastating avalanches, pristine clear sky and of course, bludgeoning snow storms. Like any other Tomb Raider title, Crystal Dynamics have got the surrounding spot on. It is simply breathtaking, to say the least. Even the crumbling ancient sites were realistic.
Rise of Tomb Raider gets many things correct and whatever criticism it received from its previous title, Crystal Dynamics has managed to sort them out. Tomb raiding is back and even though the storyline may sound weak, it is the gameplay which makes it a must buy game. For all Lara Croft fans, rest assure the new game remains true to its roots.
