A survivor is born
It has been a while since the last Tomb Raider game titled Underworld. The game left players with the question: So what now? When the Tomb Raider 2013 was first announced, I must be honest that I had my doubts. The game literally promised to change the entire view point on Lara Croft. Changing the Tomb Raider franchise as we know it. This total reboot of the game hit stores on the 5th of March 2013 and the game had sold more than 1 million copies in less than forty-eight hours after its release. The game is a total reboot of the series. It explores the intense and gritty origin of Lara Croft and her ascent from a frightened young woman to a hardened survivor.
As mentioned I had my doubts at first but the second I inserted the disk into my console my mind was blown. I simply could not put down the controller. The game starts off where a young Lara Croft at the age of 20 is on a ship called the Endurance. A terrible accident happens and the ship is ripped apart. Stranded on a strange island in the middle of the Dragons triangle, Lara has to face brutal challenges in order to survive.
Lara starts off as a fragile young lady. Not as hard and cold as depicted in previous games. You can really connect to the emotion of the character as she struggles to survive. You have to collect weapons and resources in the game. The game also has an experience and skill point system where the player can choose how Lara develops. Weapons and gear is upgraded throughout the game as the player collects resources. All this happens at the base camps that are scattered throughout the island. The player also has the option of freely speed travelling to previously found base camps, so you can go back to locations where you might have missed something.
Throughout the Game Lara becomes tougher and adapts to survive. Her weapons and skills become more efficient and deadly. The traditional dual pistols were taken away but new weapons such as the bow was added. You also have one handgun, an assault rifle and a shotgun. With each new piece of equipment you gain access to new areas. This keeps the game interesting. You have to scavenge for ammunition as well. But if you run out of ammunition Lara can also perform some hand to hand combat.
The controls are simply amazing. From the start it felt natural and easy to control Lara without any hassle. As for graphics we have to say: Top notch. The story line is captivating and brilliant. With loads of emotion and brilliant voice acting, you get attached to the characters instantly.
This game is great fun for old Tomb Raider fans. The reboot is a welcome and amazing edition to the series. The game does have intense violence and strong language and is not recommended to minors as it has an age restriction of 18.
The only down side of the game is that it only has a 15 to 18 hour game play. And of course the violence and language. Some of the scenes are extremely gory and not suited for sensitive viewers. Furthermore some of the puzzles lacked that challenging element that makes the player wonder how and what to do. Most puzzles were a breeze and felt way too easy.
All in all this game is simply incredible. The story line and visual effects are breath taking and the character design will grab you and will not let you go.
General Game play: 10/10
Graphics and visual effects: 9/10
Story line: 8/10
Overall gaming experience: 9/10
We will give this game a staggering 90%. It is a reboot well done. The game is available on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC. Square Enix and Crystal Dynamics really out did themselves and they made the Tomb Raider series true survivor in the competitive gaming world.
[youtube width=”640″ height=”480″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogFzOU7frJs[/youtube]
