Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition
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Critic Reviews for Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition
Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition is sadly not as Definitive as the title might imply. While Aspyr has done the work to make a title from 2013 run at a solid 60fps on a handheld, and with 1440p resolution, it seems the cost was graphical fidelity at almost every turn. Not to mention the bizarre implementation (or lack thereof) of motion controls, and unwieldy mouse options.Thankfully, this entry in the Tomb Raider mythos remains one of the very best, and clever visual design means that your trip through Yamatai is far from ugly, as long as you don't inspect too closely. Crystal Dynamics' 2013 reinvention of Lara Croft just might be the best entry in this decades-old franchise, and for the asking price, you're getting a thrilling action romp that'll keep you hooked until the credits.
Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition is another bare minimum remaster from Aspyr, which doesn't give Lara or the Switch 2 the attention they deserve.
This unexpected drop of Lara's first reboot adventure onto Switch 2 was a pleasant surprise, both from its general existence and from the inclusion of its multiplayer mode, solid performance, and low price.
Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition for Switch 2 leaves a dual, almost suspended feeling. On one hand, there is the tangible pleasure of rediscovering a game that maintains a rare narrative solidity and an engaging quality. On the other hand, however, it is impossible to ignore how time has affected the formula, making certain moments more predictable, some mechanics more rigid, and some design choices less surprising than they were a decade ago.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Tomb Raider (2013) was very much a misguided product of its time. It’s more enjoyable than any Uncharted game, thanks to the metroidvania progression, fun puzzles, and deeper combat, but its dumbed-down gameplay makes it dull compared to its predecessors. On Switch 2, you’ll enjoy a tight 60FPS and some incongruent graphics, but I think they still look pretty good.
It's time to take on Lara's first adventure, now on Nintendo Switch 2
A good third-person shooter but a bad Tomb Raider game; that’s what Crystal Dynamics’ reboot for Lara Croft boils down to. When you ignore the inconsistencies between the story and gameplay, as well as the annoying characters and poor writing, Lara’s survival adventure on Yamatai is a worthwhile distraction that plays smoothly and has plenty to do. The great price that others could learn from means this is well within impulse-buy territory too.
