Tomb Raider: Reboot Survival Edition 2013 March Review

 

Perfect! 10 / 10 ...

 

"In order to make someone a hero, you have to break them..."

 

 

For over 2 years, there was heavy debate as to: Would we see and play another Tomb Raider game again? ... Many thought the worse. Either that or a continuation of Lara Croft VS Amanda Evert storyline. Under our very noses, Crystal Dynamics worked away on a new beginning for the Tomb Raider franchise. Situated around a horror genre with early concept images of enemies of a deformed nature... this was all we knew. Indeed Lara Croft has been cherished by the gaming industry and the gamers themselves. So to just end the story there would have been very heartbreaking to say the least. The review I complete here isn't just like any other... this celebrates what I hope to be the rebirth of future Tomb Raider games.

 

 

 

So let's begin with the edition!

 

First of all, the standard is extroadinary. Contrasts of dark purples, whites and flesh tones occur through-out on the cover which defines the survival and vunerable theme of the game beautifully. When we open the lid, the first thing you will notice is the survival pouch with the cord underneath. An interesting twist to a collectors edition if you ask me. Upon examination, the top looks sturdy enough but if you intend on using this pouch, I would advice that you only use this for a map. Next came the double sided map, very nice indeed. The posture and colour palette overall is maintained very well. The only thing that would be nice if the developers could sign it. Purchasing this edition means you will get a redemption code for the soundtrack. The game ofcourse and lastly the artbook. Looking through what little pages they were displaying, brought a smile to my face as an artist. 3D was heavily involved here along side with some character and environmental concept art. The quality of work here is ... truely breaktaking. I adore the abstractism and the use of colour, textures, balance and depth shown here. This edition was well worth the £55.00 (With the £5.00 deposit.) 

 

 

This section will be about the game. Within 10 seconds of playing, my jaw dropped (literally) :D Everything I was seeing was so crisp, fresh and rewarding at the same time. You should have seen my face when I completed the game. All elements of the game complimented beautifully with each other. The music was very resfreshing; rustic, raw and tribal (being the main focus.) The voice acting along with character animations was hugely realistic and a pleasure to watch and observe. From mountain villages, rich forests, blood filled caverns, stormy coastlines, to decaying temples: the environments were stunning! So I couldn't resist exploring the surroundings even further. Infact, there have been numerous occasions where I made Lara stand still so I could gaze at the textures and depths around her. Absolutley beautiful. Combat was also a nice welcoming edition, sometimes appearing in a cinematical sense. Lara's primary weapon is the bow. A very useful and deadly tool indeed as well aquiring a shotgun, rifle, ice axe and pistol. It was interesting to look for salvage and the upgrading options were numerous, simple and nice to see. Multiplayer is here aswell... just as good as single player in terms of combat and environments. But lacking teamwork slightly.

 

 

 

The only negativity I have heard was the sexual assualt scene and the times where Lara was seriously injured. Yes I can understand what effects this would happen on a young 21 year old woman. But I must remind you all: gamers yearn for a realistic experience. And it's very difficult to capture that in most games these days. The scene was just right in my opinion, we didn't see her harmed but neither was she undereacting. If you were in her situation... what would you do? As for the next issue, in a survival situation, things like this can happen. But the message for me is clear: Keep fighting... Survive. You must place all your prejudges and beliefs behind. This message is shown clearly in the game adding realism and experience.

 

 

To some up 4 days of pleasure: I assure you; you will not be disapointed. Every inch of the game is astounding. The amount of detail in all aspects from story, environments, combat, gameplay, multiplayer, exploration, history behind the storyline, experience, cinematics etc is perfect! I would like to thank Crystal Dynamics for such hard, dedication, care and standard shown towards Tomb Raider 2013. It is my greatest hope that we see more Tomb Raider Games in the future, especially if they are to this standard!

Thank you for reading this review. I hope you guys enjoyed it and feel inspired by it. If you guys have any questions, or I missed anything don't be afraid to ask and let me know! :D