Tomb Raider series have always been able to find their fans, looking forward to a new game. The main character Lara Croft's seeking adventures throughout the world and reveals unknown mysteries, explores tombs and caves.
The series were indeed popular, so there were 2 Tomb Raider movies released in 2001 and 2003. Lara Croft was portrayed by beautiful Angelina Jolie, who was following trails left by her father. To be honest, potential of Tomb Raider franchise could have been used way better. Everything was fine, but not exciting at all. More climbing, more tombs were missing, basically we know Lara Croft in a better light.

Back to videogames. In 2013, Square Enix and Crystal Dynamics took this title into a whole different level. In collaboration with Nvidia they managed to improve the graphical side of the game. They’ve begun with a brand new story. Improved gameplay. We’re getting more detailed Lara. She’s leaving her known Dual Pistols and places more importance on a bow and stealth. Playthrough is way easier with the new Survival Instinct. Tomb Raider was definitely surprising and many of us were looking forward to continuing.

And now, here is the sequel, Rise of the Tomb Raider. It may sound a bit unbelievable, but the developers improved the already amazing graphics from 2013. The game looks insane even on lowest video settings, and Very High is a heaven for screenshoters. Characters look very realistic with sick voices and communication, the environment is breathtaking and you might stop at a view to take a screenshot so many times.

Despite the fact that the game works on the same basics as the previous one, there are few new details making the gameplay more enjoyable. One of the most important news are resources, which can be gathered throughout the world and further used for crafting arrows, equipment, upgrades etc. Of course the ammunition can be picked up directly, but you should barely run out of ammo during combat thanks to the crafting ability.

The story is quite good, although I have to say it takes after a regular FPS. From adventurous Lara Croft seeking for historical artifacts becomes a woman seeking for revenge, anyway, let’s see what the next sequel will bring us. Unlike the first game, there are more optional tombs, some of them are easier, some of them more difficult. In fact if you’re going for 100% game completion, you have to collect all relics, documents, caches and go through every single tomb and cave. Should take about 30 hours of playtime.

Back in Main Menu I recommend trying Extra Game Modes, thanks to which you’re able to replay earlier chapters of the story, or play any mission of your own volition. The game is enriched by Expedition Cards, which can be bought for credits. Credits are earned for completing challenges, exploring the world or completing Game Modes mentioned above. These Expedition Cards further modify your missions, either they become an advantage or disadvantage and in combination with high difficulty can give you a really hard time.

For current price of 50€ Rise of the Tomb Raider offers an unforgettable gaming experience. If you fell in love with 2013’s Tomb Raider, there is really nothing to wait for. The game will pay off and you’re going to wish it’d never end.

Enjoy the game!
Matezz