| Platform | GameSpot | Metacritic / User Score |
|---|---|---|
Carolyn Petit scavenges for survival in this video review for Tomb Raider.
I just picked this up today (Xbox version). I just put it down after a few hours of playing it. This game is insanely good! Beautiful graphics and lighting with an excellent, tense story (so far). It's also got great controls and it's FUN, although it has a serious tone, which really adds to the awesomeness.
3 Like Ignore any negative comments about Tomb Raider. This IS a good game. I just finished it and loved every minute of it. It is alot like Uncharted, but BETTER.
@godmachine0603 Aw yeah! I just started TR today. It's SO GOOD. Highly recommend it (and I'm only a few hours into it). Love it.
It is a good game. It's just not a good Tomb Raider game. The more I think about it, the more it seems to me that somehow Crystal Dynamics would rather be doing a different game, which is why they ignored the success of Underworld- itself a return to a more traditional TR type game- to come out with this, basically a 3rd person shooter. Eidos should get someone who actually likes TR to make TR games.
Oh, and I have just one more complaint. When TR1 came out, Lara was an accomplished gymnast who could shoot targets while flipping. Side to side, front and back, she always hit her target. Gymnastics is strictly for the very young, so where is that ability now? She should be in her prime as a gymnast in this game. I feel like Crystal Dynamics has neutered the poor girl. She no longer has the energy or motivation to perform a somersault.
Don't worry, I still give it an 8 for what it is. It just doesn't give me my TR fix is all.
You know what? I like the game and it really does make a nice origin story, but I really hope the next one isn't like it at all. There are too many problems I have with it.
First, I hate that they advertised this as an open world game. That made me expect something new, but it's really plays like any other TR game, and guess what? IT'S NOT AN OPEN WORLD. THEY LIED. The only open thing about it is the ability to go back to previous levels, now no longer levels but sections of the island. Maybe they borrowed ideas about leveling up from open-world games, but that's as far as it goes.
Second, even though the visuals can be pretty stunning, it upsets me that the villains have turned most of the island into a dump. Lots of games have shanty towns- towns made of rubble and garbage. I hate it, it looks awful, and I wish they stop setting games in them. The only nice thing about rubble is that texture artists seem to love it.
Finally, although the game is enjoyable from start to finish, that finish comes way too soon. Each section of the island is comparable in size and difficulty to just about any level in any TR game, though a few are pretty short. There are only 13 of them, the same as Tomb Raider Chronicles, and TRC was short enough to get complaints. Especially since the game before it had 35 levels, the most of any TR game.
That's par for the course for Crystal Dynamics. The only TR they've produced that satisfied me was Underworld, and that had 20 levels, but their others fell far short of that.
I also don't like interactive cut scenes either. I'm not a lab animal being trained to press buttons on cue.
4 Like I admit somewhere along my first thoughts, there was "this isn't TR". I got over it really quickly.
- People complain about cinematic scenes and times events. ("I dont want to watch a movie!!") well guess what...games evolved beyond solitaire. The thing looks cool and it gets you hyped.
- There is no platforming!!! ....umm, what? I spent half the game climbing and jumping and solving the eventual puzzle.
- Its a brainless ation shooter!!!!.....when my main character is known for carrying dual pistols, shooting things is the last thing on my mind. Right.....
- Don't get me started on boobs..they didn't even use her original short pants.
What else? Is it linear? yes, OMG there is only ONE entrance to the sacrificial chamber, please someone make it more interesting. OKAY, how about some open world style shoot outs and multiple approach possibilities. Good enough? moving on.
What I like about TR is the lore and feel of it while explore. What do you know? it's all there.
In the end though, this is not only a relaunch, it is also an origin story. Think about that.
4 Like well it is true TR has suffered a uncharted twist but in my opinion that isn't a bad thing, the game looks really nice and it plays good too, one cannot deny there took good attention to details, and for a game of this type i found it surprisingly longer than expected.. its a good game.
2 Like Now I'm absolutely sure that the Tomb Raider franchise has lost its' way. This latest monstrosity is a mediocre action shooter that just happens to have a main character with boobs. Boobs, that's the only thing that gives this release justification of carrying the Tomb Raider name. I can easily picture the exact same game with a male main character as yet another FarCry, or Uncharted, or at least another half a dozen titles. The things that made the early TR games great are mostly gone, instead we have more shooting and weapons along with everything weapon related then ever before. Next TR... Lara in Ass'tan, leading a delta team to save hostages from some maniac bent on nuking every civilized nation out there.
1 Like yet another example of someone who never played the game but wants to put his 2 cents in as a bitter troll
2 Like @Gravity_Slave @1wikkid1 it seems that is impossible to say the honest opinion one has about this new tomb raider. Funny how everyone is already a fanboy of this rip-off.
and @wondernova not just the puzzles, they also took away the platforming action, and the bosses for each level. in this TR you have only one boss at the end and it is a quicktime event joke..
how is this a rip-off? and why is it that tools like you always call others a fan boy for having an opinion but NOT when you or someone you agree with? That's what they call hypocrisy. Obvious fact that I called him on was not playing the game. If you never tried it, you don't get an opinion. So stfu
2 Like @1wikkid1 What more do you want from a game?! Sure the rage quitting puzzles of the originals aren't there, and there's a bit of killing, but this is a brilliant take on what made Lara..., Lara. If I'm not mistaken too, there is a greater variety of guns in the original Tomb Raider then here! Just saying.
1 Like Carolyn Petit, I'm sorry but you are wrong on this one. I'm half way through the game, and I'm constantly picking my jaw up from the ground. Having been a huge Tomb Raider fan (1,2,3, Legend, Anniversary, Underworld) I approached with caution, but there was no need. This just keeps ticking the boxes. At least worth a 9 out of 10. It's the little things that make all the difference, and the attention to detail here is astounding. Thank you Crystal Dynamics, Eidos and Sqaure Enix, for giving Tomb Raider the treatment it deserves.
1 Like @TheBruuz @wondernova No paid comment here, that's my honest opinion. I think the game is awesome.
3 Like Who can ... try the pc .. even with low quality, does a better job than the ps3 or 360 .. ..
Best single player game of 2013. I had more fun with this one title than half of my gaming library combined. I almost want to go out and get a PS3 just to play the Uncharted games.
If you haven't played the Uncharted series, go for it, you'll see they have a definite edge over this Tomb Raider game.
@TheBruuz @Gravity_Slave I bought a ps3 just for the uncharted series, when it ended I sold the console and went back to PC gaming. One of the best games on ps3
@TheBruuz @Gravity_Slave Uncharted is okay, nothign special like everyone says. The original TR games destroy this generic reboot.
That's what I'm hearing. I think when I get the funds I will invest in a PS3 and do just that.
2 Like took about 12 hours to finish the game and got 75% completion. there's a bunch of stuff to find but i was more interested in finishing the story. the game does give you the option of going back to explore, but without anyone to fight, it's not as fun. It's a gorgeous and very entertaining reboot for a franchise that desperately needed one. overall an 8.5 is exactly what i would have given this game so good call by GS.
2 Like Just finished it, And it's a bad linear game. A mix of arcade-like gameplay and button mashing, a lot of button mashing. Every single act requires to mash a button even opening doors and choking enemies...what? Every time you jump from point A to point B you see that the distance she jumps has previously been adjusted by the gameplay designers. The story has zero depth to it and the character design is... hmm... I didn't see any "character design" in the game. And most importantly is that it's another short a** game. This reviewer is not good at his job.
@max-hit
I find it amusing at how you try to critique TR like a professional but end up looking like a complete tool. How did you not see any "character design"? Did you mean "character developement"?
Not that I give you any credit as even the most novice of game reviewers but I'd honestly love to know what you think is a "good" game worthy of an 8.5
@Gravity_Slave Character design has it's own description my dear. I would explain it to you but you might just google it to save me some time.
Tomb Raider could be a good game if it didn't have the quick time events. Next time you play the game count to 10 and the game will ask you to press a button to avoid falling or to mash the button to take a s**t.
1 Like @Gravity_Slave Character design is the same as fashion design. Max is saying he doesn't like how the characters look, not that they lack detail. If you're going to complain about people not answering your question, you should reciprocate by looking up what they asked you to.
"fan boy" insults...that's all you got. Tell us...what game did you enjoy (if you're even capable of enjoyment) recently? That way we can call you a fanboy for liking it....see how stupid your logic is?
@marvelx3 @max-hit @Gravity_Slave I've already answer another fanboy comment up there, you can just read that if you want an answer.
@max-hit @Gravity_Slave Im sorry max-hit, but the fact that you have not even played this game makes you sound retarded based on all your comments. I cleared the game yesterday, even though im not a TR fan, i definitely give this game a thumbs up and max, please review your earlier comments, play the game...and see why your opinion makes no sense at all.
@max-hit
oh there it is! The ol' "you're a fanboy" insult. I basically shot down every pathetic argument you had and all you could muster was calling me a fanboy. Like I said, you really need to think about what you type before you type it. You come off as slightly retarded with a hint of stupid.
@Gravity_SlaveTomb Raider is the best game ever made. Satisfied?
That "detail" sentence is a quotation from your above comment my friend so I'm not sure if your making fun of me or yourself.
And while your looking for the definition and function of character design you might need to do the same research about "fanboyism".
@max-hit
are you stupid or just high on drugs? No detail? Seriously? You obviously haven't played TR because if you think this game lacked detail, you must hate every other game out there. This is about as high end as it comes. Everything from scars and five O'Clock shadow on ppls faces to stiching in clothes is there. You need a better argument. Kinda ironic coming from a dork with a pixelated Doom avatar.
it's obvious you're just here to argue cause you STILL never answered a direct question. Its like trying to reason with a toddler. I'm done with you.
@Gravity_Slave@max-hit'In the real world that would mean the characters lacked any looks or detail.'
hmm... you did it wrong. Google it again.
lol and what is your description of "character design" in your world "my dear"? In the real world that would mean the characters lacked any looks or detail. That's obviously not the case.
And the whole "button mashing" argument is such a cop-out for an excuse to complain. What other way could a cut scene incorporate player control?? The only interface on a video game aside from Kinect is what....Buttons! derp!
And you never did answer my question. What game out there do you think is "good" that is worthy of an 8.5?
2 Like @daviz88
If you havent even played it...how is it over hyped? Man, I think you people just like to debate and criticize for the sake of being an asshole
@Gravity_Slave @mrsqwid Bull. You're attacking anyone who criticizes the game, LIKE A FANBOY.
nope, I just root out all the bullshit artists, trolls and haters. but thanks to you, I can add smug vagina to that list....
@Gravity_Slave @daviz88 "Man, I think you people just like to debate and criticize for the sake of being an asshole" i think you just like to debate for the sake of being and asshole
lol if having an opinion makes me a fanboy...what does that make you? You're logic is off the reservation sport. You and max-hit (above) should find a basement and huff paint until the last brain cell between you finally dies...
I've only played a few of the original TR. I wish this reboot focused on more puzzles and tombs. It's a nice game so far, but nothing that Uncharted hasn't already done better. This should have been decidedly different from that series. Still a good game. Just a lot of missed opportunities. Hopefully, the sequel will see more emphasis on exploration and puzzle solving. Good review. I'm only about 6 hours into the game.
@Optimizm324 I thought there was a heap of exploration in the latest game, too much sometimes. Got a little sick of hunting in some far away place for the next relic. Really enjoyed the game though, best of the year for me. Wish it was longer.
@Optimizm324 focusing on tombs and puzzles is precisely what the reboot needed to avoid. otherwise it's EXACTLY like the other games in the series and people were getting tired of pushing boxes around and pulling switches. but i agree there could have been more exploration and i would have liked less linearity. there were plenty of open spaces to run around in, but not much to do in them. a huge island to explore all at once would be awesome for a game like that.
@Nosnitsttam @Optimizm324 Dude, it's called TOMB Raider, isn't it? For its spectacular ancient tombs, even if they had less and less of that over time- a mistake if you ask me. And I agree, in comparison this game is horribly linear for a game that once was the closest thing to open world there was.
Sure, there is a lot to explore, but with a beacon egging you on it's hard to even realize that until you're nearly done. Hate to say it, but fat guy has a point there. Especially since most sections are as linear as an FPS, little more than a twisting, one-way corridor.
@Nosnitsttam @Optimizm324 I disagree. More elaborate, intricate tombs that contained thought provoking puzzles and traversal opportunities would have added to enrich the overall experience for me. Not just putting old TR puzzles in for puzzles sake, though. My apologies if I wasn't clear in my prior post.
