I remember the Definitive Edition of "Tomb Raider" (2013) was one of the first titles that I played on my Xbox One, and while I had no knowledge of the popular franchise nor had played any of the previous games, I had an absolute blast and thoroughly enjoyed it. This game, which is technically a reboot, serves as an origin story to adventurer Lara Croft, allowing us to follow her on her dangerous adventures after she and her friends are stranded on a mysterious island that is occupied by a sadistic cult. Lara fights against deadly forces of nature as well as forces of evil in order to rescue her friends and escape the island.
"Tomb Raider" offers a thrilling and emotional story with rich, detailed environments and incredible graphics, combat mechanics and gameplay to enjoy with multiple replays. The voice work is also fantastic, especially Camilla Luddington ("Grey's Anatomy", "True Blood") as the plucky and brave heroine Lara. This can be a very difficult game, but there is a rewarding satisfaction for completing the story. In the campaign, you explore the wilderness and must scavenge for supplies in order to craft weapons to use against enemies, as well as hunt for food and other resources. On your journey, you are challenged to solve puzzles, explore hidden tombs for artifacts and clues that reveal the secrets of the island, and use your wits and survival skills to live another day. You can use the environment to your advantage and eliminate enemies with stealth or you can go out guns blazing. Your survival is in your hands. What I love most about this game is that each playthrough is unique and the story and gameplay are compelling enough to bring you back to the island even after completing Lara's adventures. The customization is a great feature, and you get to personalize your gear and weaponry that you see fit for your experience. There is even a multiplayer feature with several fun and exciting PvP games.
Overall, this is a great title to check out, especially if you love action/adventure and puzzle games! "Tomb Raider" is intense, entertaining and exhilarating, and I would highly recommend it! Check out the Definitive Edition on PS4, Xbox One and Steam/PC today!
Rating: 5/5
