Tomb Raider Reviews
The Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition features a rebuilt Lara Croft, improved textures and lighting effects, not to mention all the previously released DLC.
The upstep in visual detail from the older console versions is a nice bonus, but Tomb Raider didn't need massaging. It's the same well-realised action reboot for Lara Croft that came as such a pleasant surprise last year. It's still well-written, sympathetic, exciting, beautiful, and just incredibly well-made.
If you have already played Tomb Raider, there isn't much sense in paying $60 to play this again; just stick with the current gen version. But if you haven't played Tomb Raider and own a next-gen console, you should definitely give this version of the game a look, as it's worth every penny.
If you passed on 'Tomb Raider' when it released earlier in 2013, or opted to hold out for the Definitive Edition, now is a great time to experience this incredible franchise reboot; highly recommended on a current gen console. While I was disappointed to see a $60 price tag associated with the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions, I realized after playing it that it is much more than a simple up-rez of a game nearly a year old. The opening moments of 'Tomb Raider' on the PlayStation 4 confirmed for me that the developers at Crystal Dynamics put their heart and soul back into a game they so clearly love. While the updated visuals are quite stunning and, at times jaw-dropping, the gameplay continues to be immersive – with incredible set pieces, high action, acrophobia-inducing platforming, and an interesting story with likable characters. I said it in 2013 when I completed 'Tomb Raider' the first time, and I'll say it again here – 'Tomb Raider' has found a way to give Naughty Dog's 'Uncharted' series a real run for the money, and I can't wait to see where Lara's adventure's lead her next.
If you're a huge fan of last-gen's Tomb Raider reboot, you should probably pick this up. The same goes if you have yet to play it. If, like me, you played Tomb Raider the first time round and enjoyed it, there's not really enough here to justify another, full price purchase, however. This is for superfans and newcomers only – casual veterans need not apply. Now, where did I put my waterproof face cream?
This is a fantastic game, but for anyone who previously played it on last year's consoles, this version could go amiss. For everyone else with a next gen console wanting to take it for a spin whilst waiting for some true next-gen games, Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition will thoroughly entertain and leave you an instant fan of this re-booted series.
Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition is indeed "definitive." It's a definite step up and that's undeniable. We can argue all day long about whether or not it's "worth it.
11 months on and Tomb Raider has lost none of its initial magic. In fact, it's just walked in and took the crown for the best action game on the PS4 or Xbox One. The new experience-enhancing controller features and voice-commands on the PS4 and the often startlingly-gorgeous visuals do indeed make this the Definitive Edition of one of the all-time greats.
The different gameplay elements that comprise Tomb Raider are very well done, and they are a lot of fun. During the TPS parts, Tomb Raider is competent. During the survival horror parts, Tomb Raider is competent. During the survival crafting parts, Tomb Raider is competent. This doesn't leave the whole package as competent, though. Even if someone used the best noodles possible, the best chocolate syrup, a lavish Lamborghini steering wheel, and a $900 pair of shoes, a lasagne made out of these ingredients wouldn't be very good—even if all the different parts are high quality. Tomb Raider needed someone to stand up and tell the marketing department that disparate gameplay elements weren't going to be shoehorned in simply to increase sales by 0.025%. Lara Croft does a wonderful job of redeeming Tomb Raider, and is the only reason it's playable, but it's only marginally more fleshed out than the myriad of mini-game collections found for the Kinect and Move.
I was absolutely wowed by this game the first time I played it through because I was paying so much attention to the cut scenes and redesigned Lara Croft was a joy to behold. The Definitive Edition adds a few neat little features like alternative costumes and a comic book describing the events before the game, and I can't remember that being in the original game release. But having had a year to sit and consider the game's broader meaning, the second time around the game's flaws are all the more apparent.
If you never had the chance to experience the game a year ago, then the Definitive Edition is an absolute no-brainer. In fact, we're even slightly envious of those people that waited, because Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition is one of the Xbox One's best games.
As an action-adventure game, Tomb Raider needs to have you spend eight to ten hours shooting people in the face. That the developer at least tries to address this dissonance in earnest is perhaps commendable—so few games strive to account for the expected incongruities that even the ambition distinguishes the effort. And yet their attempt makes their failure more pronounced.
This isn't a package made for those who've already explored Yamatai, this is for those first setting foot into Lara's adventure. For them it's an essential purchase, for everyone else it really doesn't matter.
Did Tomb Raider really need a Definitive Edition? No, it didn't. Honestly, I would have been happy with a straight port, but it did allow the developers to bring an amazing game to consoles that are desperately starving for good content. At the end of the day, Tomb Raider looks better, plays better, and (for the most part, stupid controller echo) sounds better than it ever has before, and contains all the DLC that was released in one easy-to-buy package. I guess it is a Definitive Edition after all.
Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition is a tough sell for those who have already embarked on Lara's adventure, but those who have never played it will find a lot to like here, and the numerous upgrades make this the best version available to those without access to a gaming PC.
Tomb Raider was already a gorgeous game, but seeing it on one of these newer consoles is breathtaking.
Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition, is certainly not a misnomer - if you're picking up the game for the first time, this is absolutely the one to go for. It's the same brilliant game that came out last year, all polished up and looking its finest. For returning adventurers, on the other hand, there's so little in the way of new content that there's not much point buying the new version unless you had an urge to replay it anyway.
Tomb Raider remains one of the better action games to have been released in the last twelve months, and it gives the next generation consoles some life in a rather dry time. This is without doubt the definitive console edition of Tomb Raider, but the completeness and subtle visual enhancements are not enough to warrant another playthrough.
Tomb Raider is one of the games of the last generation and now it's that little bit prettier, and better for it. More realistic, more visceral as a result and an absolute delight to play through one more time. If you missed it first time around buy it now, if you loved it originally it's better the second time around and if you are still on the fence, trust us when we say you really should pick up the definitive version as soon as your wallet allows for it. A great release to fill the void before some decent games come out on both next gen platforms.
Reactive hipoints on enemies would have been a much more "definitive" way to go here, but like the core story and animations, it's delivered in the same broken (or unrealistic) fashion as the 2013 release. Combat is the least fun in the game, but it's passable regardless. What's best to take away from this is you get the full game and all content released, updated visuals that actually make the game look next-gen, and that same rewarding sense of adventure and exploration coupled with Lara's personal, traumatic ascension to true Tomb Raider. Bring on the inevitable sequel, I say.