Shadow of the Tomb Raider Reviews
After five years, Crystal Dynamics' reboot of Lara Croft's origin story has come full circle with Shadow of the Tomb Raider. The game successfully builds on the foundations left by the 2013 and 2015 releases in the rebooted trilogy, respectively, and does a wonderful job of fleshing out the final arc in Lara's 'origin' story. Although the overall narrative may not be as strong as in previous titles, it does offer enough to keep players engaged throughout.
In 2013, Crystal Dynamics presented a Lara Croft grounded in interesting psychology for the first time and setup the beginning of an arc for the character which could have taken this franchise to new heights. But now, with the final entry in this chapter, new developer Eidos Montreal have unfortunately plummeted this journey to new depths instead. In this logically inconsistent entry into the trilogy, we are presented with an unlikable Lara in a story-line which cannot meld its own premise with the actions of its characters. Though the games mechanics remain familiar and fun, the finale to this trilogy is dragged down into the mud by the failings of its narrative and the depictions of its once celebrated character.
When you have dozens of ways of taking them out, enemies become little more than fodder for your sadistic amusement. And that’s unnerving, for while this iteration of Lara Croft has always straddled the line between adventurer and mass murderer, Shadow of the Tomb Raider decidedly tips the balance into making her a true terror.
Shadow of the Tomb Raider isn't as good as the original reboot, but feels more like a complete package than Rise of the Tomb Raider offered. Peru is represented beautifully, and with some jaw dropping landscapes coupled with very detailed character models, Tomb Raider remains an immersive adventure with just a few faults keeping it from being a true great. This is a fitting end to the most recent Tomb Raider series, but I do think it's time the series got a rest before hopefully getting another fresh look at some point in the future.
Shadow of the Tomb Raider is not only the best game of the new trilogy, but also one with the best characters. The setting of the game sound bonkers most of the time but is definitely a great experience even for someone that didn't enjoyed Rise of the Tomb Raider.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
In conclusion we can say that we are facing an interesting chapter that certainly has a lot to show, but which, once again, sins in excellence. The tip that makes it special is still missing. A real shame because, this time, there were all the premises for a twist. Instead, despite the various improvements, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, he could dare a little more. The narrative moves smoothly, but leaves behind some details and sins in deepening the psychology of the characters. On the other hand, congratulations go to the technical sector, which proved to be excellent under almost all points of view, both in terms of texture and fluidity of the stock. In any case, a title to have, try and continue to play to explore each area, to be recovered if you have enjoyed previous productions.
Review in Italian | Read full review
While I'm sure that not everyone will agree, I think that Shadow of the Tomb Raider is the best one in the series. The puzzle solving/exploration/shooting ratio is spot on, so you feel that you're playing Tomb Raider.
It is by no means a bad game but due to its lineage, its problems seem much greater than they should. I, without a doubt, enjoyed my time within the game, but at the same time, I felt it could have been just that bit better, that bit more refined. As a result, I was never hooked in the way that I was with Rise of the Tomb Raider and it left me feeling a little down. Shadow of the Tomb Raider is well worth playing and it is an entertaining game, it just isn't as good as it could have been and that is a giant shame.
When it comes to adventuring, exploring the unknown, and the raiding of tombs, this is some of the finest in the series. Shadow of the Tomb Raider takes Lara Croft to the most beautiful locations of the Peruvian jungles, rewarding players that search around with well-made and challenging tombs. For a change, it actually feels like you are a treasure hunter grappling and platforming through ancient ruins. Unfortunately, this is all offset by a forgettably weak and over-dramatic story, and simple combat sequences that do little to push creativity, underutilising what is otherwise a cool stealth and camouflage mechanic. In many respects, it is the best in the trilogy - but it is also so severely lacking in other areas that it just doesn't reach its full potential.
Shadow of the Tomb Raider is an acceptable ending to a mediocre trilogy that succeeds at being entertaining but fails at offering a memorable and innovative experience
Review in Persian | Read full review
Shadow of the Tomb Raider is an excellent culmination of the modern Tomb Raider trilogy with the most famous videogame archaeologist in the lead role, cleverly combining new and old elements. Less action, but more adventure, and that's not necessarily a bad thing.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
Shadow of the Tomb Raider may be the best in the trilogy, a high action adventure against which all future entries must now be measured.
An enjoyable if by-the-numbers adventure game, whose formula is beginning to show its cracks
Lara Croft's final adventure in her revival trilogy is easily her weakest yet. Shadow of the Tomb Raider's story fails to critique the heroine in the many ways it attempts, while aging gameplay mechanics and troublesome new additions undercut deeply satisfying exploration and an exquisite visual presentation.
Overall, the game is a revelation, it's the nearest you are going to get to a perfect Tomb Raider game. It's sweat dripping environments whether in a jungle in Peru or deep in a tomb covered in blood or swimming through water filled caves filled with dead bodies made me feel like I needed to take a shower after each gaming session. Regardless of the age of the series, this game is keeping up with modern games and surpassing them in every way.
Unfortunately the trilogy didn't end with a bang, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider might disappoint you, story-wise. At the same time the gameplay is better than ever, with less shooting and more tomb raiding.
Review in Russian | Read full review
Lara’s dull characterization mixed with limited exploration and repetitive sequences makes Shadow of the Tomb Raider the weakest entry in the reboot trilogy.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
The tweaked gameplay mechanics, along with a bigger emphasis on platforming and puzzle-solving, make this a perfect ending chapter for the recent trilogy, and series fans will certainly be pleased with how Shadow turns out.
Shadow of the Tomb Raider is far away from our expectations, but i can't deny that it's still an enjoyable game for Lara Croft fans. Despite of some gun-play issues and weak combat system, it's doing great in stealth mechanics. Also With a beautiful environment and art design, you'll enjoy to explore in the world of SotTR. Finally, Shadow of the Tomb Raider is a "just fine" game for its fans and though it's not the best game of the series, it's still a worthy game.
Review in Persian | Read full review
Picking up after the events of the previous game, Lara and her best friend and long time expedition companion Jonah Maiava are in pursuit of Trinity in Shadow of the Tomb Raider. Initially searching for a relic capable of “reshaping” the world in Mexico, Lara soon discovers removing it from its resting place has triggered a Maya apocalypse. Only with a second relic can she hope to save the planet from destruction, and her mission takes her to the jungles of Peru in search of answers.