not surprised... it's been getting all sorts of praises since beta. along with the likes of Dota 2 and LoL, the F2P genre is becoming a mainstay for pc gaming.
i agree with this review. in building one of gaming's most realistic and detailed settings, GTA5 is an unparalleled grand technical showpiece - but never quite as fun as its predecessors, especially San Andreas. I'm afraid i also enjoyed Just Cause 2 and Sleeping Dogs more even though they're much less sophisticated.
I'm getting a free copy of this game due to my job, and i'm not even going to touch it. i'm stating this not to gloat, but to say how glad i am to be able to rip blizzard off after the crap they've pulled.
I wouldn't say it "failed"... but yea, it wasn't a resounding success as a reboot. by itself the game is quite good - highly polished and effective in its imitation of Uncharted-esque cinematic gameplay. But as a TR, it didn't break any new ground with its characters and narrative.... in fact, the mature Lara in the original series told us more about herself - especially what it means to be a Croft, indeed, like what Reagan2791 said.
in terms of gameplay, while entertaining the game lost its franchise trademark when it went for a more action-oriented experience. A modern take on Tomb Raider shouldn't have to ditch the fun of exploration and problem solving. In this regard, Crystal Dynamics was curiously sloppy with its efforts.
well put. you know, in retrospect, it's amazing how innovative the first GW was. it broke the genre mould on so many level, since then it's been difficult for me to enjoy other mmos without yearning for the kind of freedom i had with, for example, my ranger/mesmer - when was the last time you were a debuffing nuker? exactly.
this yearning finally turn to bitter disappointment for me when I saw its sequel reverse itself on one aspect the franchise did best. :( perhaps I was partly at fault.... i shouldn't have taken it for granted that skill and class system was one thing ANet would not under-deliver.
But ultimately i wish to add that it's just a matter of personal preference (though i honestly don't see how anyone who's played and enjoyed the first game would like this one). this is a highly polished product that's easy to pick up and enjoy for a stretch, if you aren't bringing any specific expectations to this game.
Jinroh_basic's comments