Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015 Video Game) User Reviews

Rise of the Tomb Raider: Solid sequel

[Platypuschow · 8/10 · 18 March 2019]

I grew up with Tomb Raider, from Lara's pointy boobed days through to epic later adventures so when I heard that she was getting rebooted back in 2013 I was very concerned. I hate reboots, they're so unnecessary especially when it comes to video games, I went in assuming the worst and with a bit of a chip on my shoulder only to see they'd created something special. Sure the emphasis on platforming and puzzles had taken a backseat to action but it was done so well it was entirely forgivable.

2 years later and the inevitable sequel was born, Rise of the Tomb Raider! But how did it stack up against the first game, it had very big shoes to fill after all.

Is it as good? No, sadly not. But is it still a worthy entry for Lara? Absolutely. Utilizing all the best points from the first game they created another incredible adventure for the fans, one that will live on in the minds of the player long after the final credits have rolled.

The combat is near flawless, it still dominates over puzzles but somehow it works. The locations are great, sure they in places feel like a reskin of the first game but not to a frustrating level.

Puzzles are present, the cut-scenes are first rate, the story is great and Camilla Luddington once again dazzles putting a fitting voice to the near perfect character model.

Rise of the Tomb Raider is a perfect example that reboots can in fact work if handled correctly.

The Good:

Camilla Luddington

Looks stunning

Wonderfully crafted

The Bad:

A bit of a reskin in places

Not enough puzzles

Rise of the Manhunter

[residentgrigo · 8/10 · 18 March 2016]

I have played every game in the series and prefer the direct prequel, which i 100%ed, due to the more coherent world. Anniversary is still remains my favorite entry but a bronze medal is nice too. My biggest problem is that the narrative is even dumber and more of a focus this time around. The 2 main villains may be a step up and the gore-porn has been toned down a bit but Lara comes off as a bipolar serial killer in the end. The gameplay is the star though and i can't complaining in that regard! The landscapes and tombs are worth the price of admission alone so grab an ice pick and become a barely human stalker of men (but finish the prequel first). 8,5/10

RiseoftheTombRaider

[pradeepcindidimple · 8/10 · 9 May 2020]

#RiseoftheTombRaider Rating : 8.5/10 Review : It's an amazing adventure game, the graphics are amazing and very detailed! One of my favorite Tomb Raider games so far. We need more story based games like this, that are as EPIC, driven and cinematic as it gets!! Cant wait to play "shadow of the tomb raider"

Lara Rising

[hellraiser7 · 10/10 · 16 January 2017]

Just when you think it can't get any better it does, as much as I liked the first game, I actually like this sequel even more. Like any good sequel it takes everything that was great about it's predecessor and improves/adds more things to make it even better.

The graphics are great as usual, once again going for some of the nit and gritty which is fine I wouldn't want it any other way. I love the new location that it takes place somewhere in the Applelation mountains I'm not totally sure. I really like the use of the mountains which make it all the more suspenseful, being up high is both exhilarating and nerve racking at the same time, and the fact that there is snow and ice just makes the stakes even higher. But I really like the graphical display of the hidden village and the accent romantic arcetectual ruins you really feel like you've just gone into another world. The character animation is great as well, most notable Lara whom is hot as usual despite all of the dirt and scrapes she gets you can never ruin her good looks. Music is also great and memorable there are some orchastraic pieces as well as some thrilling action tunes.

But what's most important are both the story and the game play. The game play is great and has improved from the game having a longer campaign, OK the game would probably take 4 or 5 days to get though but I'm fine with that as long as like any relic it retains my interest. You actually get to explore a bit more, from finding hidden items, certain clues to solving puzzles to simply figuring out where the heck you are and what to do. As well as some side missions which are another addition to the game, which you can do or not it's up to you.

Platforming action is great as it is entirely responsive. One of the editions in the game is further in the game Lara gets an air breather, not to say that anything special but at least you don't have to worry about submerging for air which is a pain in the butt. And it adds something to the stealth action sequences where you can easily go underwater and submerge somewhere else to get the drop on the guy, or even drag the guy underwater using the element to kill him. Another element added is the run grapple where like Batman you run and jump off a high ledge but then throw your pick ax attached to a rope at a grab ling ring and can swing from one far ledge to another.

And of course there is the gun play which is great as you have the usual weapons and cover and hit action. Though once again Lara doesn't have or get to duel weld her pistols which is sorely missing, not that that's a big deal but that is one of her trademarks. But when I think about it story wise it makes sense, Lara is still beginning so I won't fret cause I know we'll see her do it yet. But one other element that's added is in making grenades of different kinds in those situations. From incendiary, explosive, to smoke which I feel helps a lot in welding the odds down.

The story I think is great where not just is it an expedition based on a lost Christian relic which is cool because once again it's something different which is part of why I love the franchise. But there is a personal touch as this was a incomplete expedition of Lara's late father, it's a bit sad as we then here what this expedition has cost him and his daughter. Lara as usual is Lara a doer which is what makes her all the more beautiful, we see that throughout time she has gotten stronger and better however she not totally smooth as we see she still has a way to go.

I like that we get a little on the psychological aspect of her which makes us sympathize is seeking some sort of closure for her late father. However this is really more her personal journey, it's sort of a simple story on a sibling trying to find their own path, living their own life and not in the shadow of their parents. You can also say the story is a bit Christian as it does have the theme on rising up which is a common in most of the biblical stories on the protagonists and good people getting downtrodden but learning to get back up and rise above all that adversity to live on and get stronger than before, which is what Lara is doing.

Overall, this was a great second outing for Lara whom has came up top and it won't be her last.

Rating: 4 stars

Rise of the Tomb Raider Review

[Moviememmer · 13 February 2021]

Pros:

• Side characters are more developed as compared to the previous game (including better villains)
• Diverse gameplay
• Cool cinematic action set pieces
• Amazing graphics, voice acting, and animation
• More interesting environments and level design
• Good variety of weapons and gadgets
• Great puzzles and better tombs

Cons:

• Storyline isn't as compelling as the story from the previous game
• Can feel like abit of a retread of the first game
• Gameplay can be abit clunky

Verdict: Overall, a solid sequel that improves in many elements, but imo the story is not as compelling as Lara's origin story within the first game.

8/10

Lara Is Back!!!!!!!!!!

[JensenAckles27 · 10/10 · 6 May 2016]

This is the best tomb raider game i've ever played and i love it. Lara is back and better then ever and she is a bad ass. Rise of the tomb raider has amazing graphics on Xbox 360 and Xbox one. I have been waiting to get this game ever since it came out. You can do a lot of cool stuff with Lara like swing rope, climb on walls with the rope, change her weapons and crafting them. Lara is very pretty in the game too and i also love all her cool outfits but the only thing i can't wear while playing it is the desert tank top and she can also swim underwater with a breather. My opinion on this game is 10 stars. If you love tomb raider games you will love this one!

My heart lies with Lara Croft

[hakobyanhakob81 · 10/10 · 23 October 2016]

My review is belated because I'm a ps4 owner and started playing this masterpiece just 2 days ago. Now I'm typing this review as the end credits are rolling. First things first, it's a masterpiece. Frankly speaking I wasn't a fan of the series, until a played the previous entry in 2013 and instantly fell in love with the character. I was so much impressed that even when at one point the Rise of the Tomb Raider was announced as Xbox exclusive, I had already started thinking of buying the console, because Lara had left me breathless. Then some time later I learned that they will actually release the ps4 version and sighed in relief. Being nearly a veteran gamer, this game affected me so deep I must say my heart lies with Lara Croft now. A unique gaming experience that should not be missed. If the next installment is released on Xbox only, I will definitely get that console this time.

A delightful game for those who love the franchise

[Skipfishh · 10/10 · 15 February 2021]

If I were to make a list of the best games in the entire Tomb Raider franchise since the first game in 1996, this one would undoubtedly make it into the top 3. What a wonderful game. It has all the modernity of the new line of the franchise added to the magic of puzzles and complex maps from the first games. For me, "Tomb Raider 2" (1997), "Tomb Raider Anniversary" (2007 remake of the original 1996 game) and this "Rise of The Tomb Raider" are the top marks of this wonderful franchise. If you love Lara Croft, puzzles and exploration at the highest level, don't miss this title.

Superb game

[selenafansahin · 10/10 · 3 September 2019]

One of the best game Rise of the tomb raider.Lara croft 👌

Lara Croft, You Are Here To Stay

[851222 · 10/10 · 25 February 2017]

Greetings from Lithuania.

I really enjoyed "Rise of the Tomb Raider" (2015) on my PS4. This is a great game, far from best and not perfect but great in every category. I liked the story, it is not as "personal" as it was in 1st part, but it was involving, if sometimes predictable - this is not an original story, more like "Uncharted" (the series which i loved) type story, but it worked. Graphics were great, game looks beautiful. Controls are superb as well as presentation, sound design game play - well, everything. Enemies AI aren't stunning and the shooting as well weren't that good as in the first game, but Tomb Raider never was about shooting, it is adventure type of game with lots to discover and it delivers fully on this aspect. There are lot to discover in this game, lots of tombs and etc. Puzzles were very good - not frustrating but very clever at the same time. Setting was good, plausible and realistic and the same time entertaining. I've completed this game in Tomb Raider type of difficulty (which stands for normal) and i got to say it was pretty easy. I died like 10-12 times, but only one or two during combat so it really easy game to beat on normal difficulty so i strongly recommend to play it on hard more for the first time. There is also very involving mansion section as well as endurance mode - very involving stuff.

Overall, i totally enjoyed Rise of the Tomb Raider. It is far from perfect, but its a very good adventure and very good game overall. I loved the first game i really liked second therefore i will really will be looking for next installments. Lara Croft, you are surely here to stay.

Visual masterpiece, stereotyped story and controversial game-design

[paveld500 · 7/10 · 14 November 2017]

This game could be a masterpiece, but there's some salt in the barrel of honey which makes this experience far form perfect.

First of all, I must admit, there's an excellent graphics engine and impeccable assets. Open scenes and beauty of nature around will make your heat miss a few beats. Tomb Raider game have never been some visually perfect. Lara's model is amazing, animations are good, when you look at scene around you will not tell if it's true or if it's a video game.

Graphics is amazing.

Besides that, that's a pretty generic game by it's design and storyline.

Take Uncharted, put a Lara inside instead of Drake, voila, you got a new Tomb Raider game.

Comparing to the previous game from Crystal Dynamics, everything got better and bigger in that game. Scenes are larger, there are more caves (some of them are pretty generic and faceless) and riddles, levels are bigger, there are more enemies and et cetra et cetra.

We got system of weapons crafting (which is nothing new actually) and we have gachapon (yes, micro-transactions in a 60 dollar triple-A class game).

Plot is pretty obvious and non-compelling, it's not horrible, but it doesn't show any originality or extra-effort behind it. Take any detective story which features Masonite's or aliens and bah, you got a Tomb Raider plot. Actually it filled with anti-soviet propaganda and sometimes sounds like some trashy cold-era war movie.

Also, you would be very disappointed by the last boss.

I would recommend buying this game, just don't expect it to be a masterpiece. While visually very compelling, it follows very generic game design elements, and plot deserves some elaboration because sometimes it sounds like a story for 10-years old.

7/10.

Best Tomb Raider Game Series

[syaril-99019 · 10/10 · 10 May 2020]

Best Tomb Raider game i've played, the story is great, the graphics detail is very beautiful, the gameplay is fun you can customize lara outfit and the DLCs i think very interesting. This is pure masterpiece, very love this game.

It was okay. Just above mediocre. But not remotely great game and I'll tell you why from a PC gamers perspective.

[angiris · 6/10 · 29 January 2016]

Lets begin with what the game gets right. First of all its a true sequel to the first game. We get more of the same stuff story and gameplay wise plus some new things. New cool puzzles. Great story in caves/crypts we explore. Audio files and collectibles are awesome. For me it was the Ancient stuff that was the most cool where the audio diaries from everyone EXCEPT the psycho soldiers were mediocre. The psycho soldiers are truly entertaining to listen to.

The graphics and voice-work during the cinematics are truly Tripple A and the lib-sync is top notch. Except outside of cinematics. Combat has had a few tweaks but I didn't really enjoy it much. Felt a bit clunky still in my opinion but hey... thats my opinion.

The game is quite big for a 3rd person shooter. Took me ca 18-20 hours to complete the entire game and thats with doing every side mission. I still only have a 75 % completion rate so I'm still missing a few things. In other words. The game is big. Lot of content for your money here. No doubt about that. This is not your typical 3rd person shooter you sit down and finish in 1 sitting...well...unless you're REALLY hellbent on it. I personally go by it a steady average phase.

What's also worth mentioning is what we 2013 players requested more of. We have had our survival system upgraded. It feels more immersive now and meaningful like in 2013 that gave us a taste of it. Animations as well as much more really give you the feel that Lara is alone in the wilds. She's cold, hungry, tired and in peril. Its all awesome.

The concept and execution of a Lotta things are truly great. But... yes there is a but. Now I'm gonna discuss what the game is not doing so well in my opinion.

First of all. Lara has lost 90 % of the character progression that we saw in the first game. Lara feels like she has it all under control now and she doesn't hesitate at going from not killing... but butchering her way through 500+ soldiers?! yes she's fighting for survival but this gunning thing...is getting completely ridiculous in my opinion. 2013 one made sense because it was fanatics and otherwise monster samurai. Though she was killing we still saw a side of her that was like... Why am I here. I don't want this. Killing to escape etc.

That made the action more meaningful in a Tomb Raider kind of way. I wanna find Treasure. Not go on a rampage.

In this game however it feels more streamlined in the poorer sense of the word. I dare even go as far to say partial Uncharted clone. It's such a god damn shame.

I wish Tomb Raider could be its own thing but it seems like Crystal Dynamics or Square Enix is either favoring Nathan Drake otherwise there's pressure on its consolization and in my opinion... dumbing down on mature content. This might offend people but thats how I see it.

Compared to the older games this feels more like a running and gunning simulator than ever before and I dislike that. And what makes it worse is the fact that every cave/crypt dungeon you can explore has a BIG title infront of its name that says: OPTIONAL. Basically to tell people who just wanna gun and NOT REALLY wanna play Tomb Raider that it's totally fine. Go shoot some more. Nevermind what makes Lara Croft...Lara Croft.

My question to this is: Why? Who are you appealing to? Because it sure as hell isn't the old school fans. If you remove the dungeons and the survival you practically have a female Nathan Drake on your hands. Not an overstatement.

Is it that bad you might ask? Well yes and no. Luckily dungeons and survival and more is NOT shoe-horned in. It's good content. But I cannot deny that the 3rd person shooter genre aspect is weighing in significantly. The end boss fight is a QTE for gods sake.

Buyer Beware. If You like like Tomb Raider you might wanna give this a shot. The content you find in tombs, collectibles and more is interesting and relevant to your progression. However the perks we get from major crypts I personally find absolutely stupid and definitively consolized as hell. Its not making your gameplay experience more logically superior or improved. No. Its giving Lara superpowers where in to see through walls, and have trees, bushes and traps GLOW as if they were fully lit Christmas trees. Its absolutely ridiculous and kills immersion. I want this removed in the next game. Its stupid and makes you feel like you're a generic guy running around in some shooter game RATHER Than Lara Croft...the legendary, clever explorer.

All in all it feels increasingly like a typical console game. Which I find sad. Not surprising due to the corporate BS exclusive.

Is it a bad game? No. It's an okay game with a lot of content. Stuff for us old fans and stuff for the guys who just wanna shoot and call it a day. Its a mixed bag. And thus I rate it a 6 out of 10. Its above average. A good game. And though I feel like giving it a 7 due to its cool dungeons, (Though some are streamlined and lackluster) survival features, graphics design, super cool sections of amazing immersion plus partially relevant DLC. I just can't. Its too much gunning and senseless slaughter for a traditional Tomb Raider experience. All which hurts when the combat system isn't that appealing.

I liked it. But in regard to replay value, I think I'll stick with the survival DLC. I wont play through this entire game again. Too much gunning. Not enough Tomb Raider.

These games are not Tomb Raider

[missraziel · 1/10 · 10 July 2022]

The idea of Tomb Raider was raiding tombs and artifacts, what happened to that concept?? Lara is now a action heroine no longer searching for fabled treasures thru dangerous musty old tombs full of traps. I liked the old formula, it felt more authentic to the title. This would've been better as something and someone new, a new action adventure, not pathos.

Best of the three

[killionriot · 10/10 · 19 April 2020]

Great game hope they make a 4th game. The third was ok but too much running through town bs with no fighting.

As solid as its predecessor but lacks the technical polish

[darkphoenix-83164 · 8/10 · 18 December 2015]

I loved the Tomb Raider reboot. It was a lot more accessible and a lot less frustrating than the original series. I was dazzled by the size and scope of the island, the fast paced cinematic "escape" sequences, the simple yet captivating shooting mechanics and the boldness of delving so frankly into supernatural territory. Rise of the Tomb Raider just came out a few weeks ago here and I nabbed it as soon as I was able. It delivered everything I expected it would, a decent story with Lara's first encounter with Trinity and the race to find the "Divine source", an object that grants those that gaze upon it immortality before it falls into Trinity's fanatical hands. The combat remains fun, fast paced and somewhat easier with less need to take cover and instead allowing the run and gun approach. The traversal is more detailed this time around, with Lara having more tools at her disposal which unlocks areas previously inaccessible to her, like the Rebreather, Broadhead climbing arrows, and the ability to throw her pickaxe as a grapple hook. The crafting system has been overhauled, with Lara being able to craft bigger ammo and resource storage pouches as well as innumerous upgrades for each variant of pistol, shotgun, machine gun and bow. Most of these upgrades requires special animal hides, which Lara can acquire by finding hidden caches or through good old fashioned hunting. Bears and feral felines make an appearance this time as potential hunts for rare skins, but they won't go down without one hell of a fight... Lara can craft special ammunition on the go and accept side quests from allies who reward her with otherwise unobtainable rewards like new gear or attire. The tombs this time are more numerous and a lot more complicated to solve, at least the first time around. Completing them rewards Lara with unique skills like faster climbing, triple arrow shots and the ability to mine for rare metals required for the best weapon upgrades. There are also crypts in which Lara may find weapon parts and coin caches she can dig up to trade for weapon attachments and unique weapons. Unlike the previous game, it is highly unlikely that you will be able to acquire every skill and upgrade before the end, unless of course you enjoy grinding the same groups of enemies for hours, and so skill and upgrade choices need to be selected more thoughtfully and resources spared for the weapons you enjoy using most. The areas Lara visits are not as numerous as the previous game, but they are unquestionably larger, some maps may take hours and hours to complete while the transition areas usually take about an hour. Not every NPC is hostile towards Lara and there is one particular area that is home to a village filled with friendlies who Lara must help defend against Trinity. Some of these NPC's are quest givers, adding an RPG feel to the game. But there are unfortunately some hiccups that I need to mention (for X360). Traversal is somewhat clumsy, Lara might miss that ledge you are trying to grab, backtracking is a pain and sometimes impossible without using a campfire, and might even prove to be game-breaking if you press forward where you're not supposed to. I encountered such a glitch in Path of the Deathless where the game bugged out after I tried to fall through another previously traversed pitfall which I obviously wasn't meant to, and the game broke at this point where I got stuck, every time I tried moving past the last campfire I used the autosave would take me right back to the moment I fell in between the ice, with no way of continuing. This forced me to start from scratch all over again. The other technical problem I have heard about is during the final ascent you are forced to shake off someone who is trying to drag you to your death, then the game prompts you to shoot him repeatedly until he falls. When this happens, and you have no ammo, the game once again breaks as the autosave prevents you from going back and without ammo, you can't continue either. I have also found that some achievements don't unlock even when you have completed the requirements, especially the Compulsive achievement. One last thing I noticed is that the high diving challenge is extremely glitchy. So all in all... RotTR improves on the original by adding larger maps and more traversal methods, but ultimately lacks the polish of the original. Enjoy, but try to back up your saves...

You just can't be disappointed with this

[Mihaela123 · 8/10 · 28 August 2019]

As a huge fan of the TR series, I was very thrilled and excited to play this amazing game. It gets better in every aspect: graphics, story and the amazing open world you get to play in. The storyline sticks with the traditional myths and it doesn't disappoint. This time the story was about Jesus and his army of the "undead".

The only two negative aspects of it that the puzzles were a bit too hard at times and that we didn't get to fight an epic ancient monster and fight Trinity instead. Would've been cool if we got a monster though.

Anyway, this sequel doesn't fail to deliver Tomb raider in all it's glory.

Rise Of The Uncharted Jones.

[colorthekid · 8/10 · 2 February 2020]

There are times where I kinda felt like this game had a ton of Uncharted influences, and India Jones influences. And it does, but its Uncharted influences stem from the Indiana Jones influences present in the Uncharted series.

And there were also times where I kinda wish the game was a little bit more grounded, but then it would be more like Uncharted than it already is. So like...

Anyways, I'm finna stop making comparisons and Imma take Rise of the Tomb Raider for what it is: A great game.

Improvement on the First Game in Some Ways

[cchenders40 · 9/10 · 19 October 2022]

This game is amazing and deserves all the love. They took the combat, stakes, tomb raiding, and traversal from the first game and turned it up to 11. The story picks up and you are introduced to more of Lara's past, she gets even more development here which is awesome to see. This game also has more travel in it, instead of being in one place (like the island from the first game) you go to several locations which was also a great expansion.

The tombs in this game are so fun, way bigger and better than the last game, with much harder puzzles that are absolutely worth your time as they give you good loot.

My only critique is that if you are looking for a game that is as focused as the first, this one opens up quite a bit and does not feel as zoned in on the cinematic story as the first. Don't get me wrong, the story is great and cinematic, but there is more to be distracted by in this game than the last. If you like a more open world this won't bug you, but I have open world fatigue and loved how focused the experience was in the original game. I think the first game is better over all to me for that reason.

this is awesome

[merem1 · 8/10 · 6 March 2023]

This game is a really fun experience. The game is a thrilling action adventure that delivers a good time. I love the setting. It is a good looking game. I enjoy the combat. Lara is awesome in it. It is a good one for Tomb Raider fans. It was a satisfying adventure with Lara Croft. I like the locations in the game. They are interesting to explore and find secrets in them. The puzzles are fun. Taking down the bad guys is always fun. It is a sequel that is really solid entertainment. Rise Of The Tomb Raider is a game you should buy. You will enjoy it. There is a lot to like in this action adventure.

Nathan beats Lara

[mmuggi · 6/10 · 27 January 2021]

DISCLAIMER: This is my point of view

Rise of the Tomb Raider suffers from the fact that I completed Uncharted 4: A Thief's end before this game. These two games have a lot in common, but unfortunately for Tomb Raider, Naughty Dog with the Uncharted series makes it all a lot better. From gameplay to control and story, Uncharted does it better, and it unfortunately costs on the implementation of this game. Sorry Lara, but you're staying in Siberia.

This game is fantastic!

[scorpionissoawesome · 10/10 · 22 June 2021]

Out of all the games that came out in 2015, this game would definitely be in my top 5. I'd rank it third without a doubt after Arkham Knight being my second for me with MKX being my first favorite of that year. Rise is the best out of the 3 Squareenix Tomb Raider games and I had a wonderful experience when I first played it.

The graphics look amazing, all of the upgrades are brilliant, I really liked a lot of the locations in the story, I also really liked the scenery in some of the parts like the beginning of the game and that one scene where Lara is being chased by a bear in the wilderness, the snow in the game looked amazing, some of the soundtracks were quite cool to, some of the new characters were likable IMO like Jacob, and Lara had many awesome skins and she looks very beautiful in the game to.

As I said, Rise is a amazing ass game and I give it a 10/10.

could be better

[talllwoood13 · 6/10 · 16 May 2022]

I liked the first game more, there were times the developers absolutely listened to us such as no sliding and dodging stuff with a firearm where we drift to the left or right matters. However there are ways this game is a step back. Such as the out dated quick time events that are hardly ever used. Once with a bear at the beginning of the game that does add suspense though the developers seemed like they were too lazy to add more prompts and you'll die at least the first time or two.

What I like about these games is that it's like the super nintendo Metroid game where you are encouraged to back track with your new abilities which will make the game easier. Such as reaching new heights in a map to get a weapons part to or more gold coins. Though I feel the shop in the game is underutilized. One thing I find interesting is that Lara can talk to certain villagers to get missions to get more unlockables. Admittedly only one you do really early in the game is worth it. The rest are just there for firearm parts.

The puzzles in the tombs are for the most part very easy to figure out. Though there was 2 or 3 of them that I did have to youtube such as that annoying one in the baba yaga DLC.

The combat is the same as the game before. I wish that the aiming was fixed a bit. This and Hitman 2 I felt no matter what I did I couldn't get the controller just right as I'm really picky and avoided shoot outs. The stealth in this game is definitely a weakness. There are bushes to hide in but Lara still can't drag bodies away from being seen. There are some shoot outs that are unavoidable which sure this adds to the story but it gets annoying after a while. Especially when you back track to a cleared level when you're trying for 100% and there are certain enemies. Fun fact when you're about 80% done and revisit Russia there will always be an enemy with a flame thrower which are one of the harder enemies and a few elite enemies.

The weapons I don't feel are strong enough even fully upgraded at times. The assault rifle in particular. The shotgun is fine, i like the arrows but really the assault rifle needs to take more damage out. The only new gadget is the grappling hook and it's a gamble whether or not it feels like working. It makes the rock climbing look awkward. Especially in the lost city level where Lara clipped a few times.

The difficulty seemed a bit higher. Not unplayable but all the projectiles such as smoke grenades and gas arrows don't help as much as I'd want them to. The part I hated the most was back tracking for a relic and I was in "the chamber of souls" and there is way too much to jump over and do to trigger a checkpoint. Why there is no "return to the last campfire: is beyond me. The first bit of the game there is very little times to slow down and catch your breath. They struggle to have a story but by the time the Johnny Depp sounding wanna be who looks like Rasputen (Jacob) is introduced at least the story becomes more solid.

It's not a very long game, if you had an entire saturday off you could clear through this game in about 12 hours if you knew where to go and most of the puzzles. To 100% the game it'll take about 30-40 hours.

There is lots of small details such as walking through the snow or even Lara having snow falling on her clothing. Though I feel the clothing should have more different perks than the 3 or so they have. Another big complaint I have is that wolves are way too over powered in this game. All the aggressive animals are magnetized to Lara unless she wears the right outfit. Maybe she should switch perfumes or something?

The levels are diverse, yet some of them seem so disposable they should have just let us pass through them once as there are collectables to go back and get that you can only access a small chunk of the map such as Acropolis. They rely too heavily on bears in caves in this game. There's at least 3 or 4.

Scanning objects is boring and aimless, there should be more hints or instinct.

The maps could be improved, when you are at your campfire looking to complete collecting stuff in a level which let's face it the mine, the geothermal and a few other places going from one side of the map to the other is a chore. Not because of how large it is but how tedious it is and there's a lot of times where before choosing where to go it would be nice to know if I'm near coins or anything important.

The worst challenges in the game are the one where you've got to throw pumpkins in. It's too difficult. If I wanted to throw a ball into a hoop I'd play NBA games.

The diving is poorly described and when it comes time to do it, you'll go on youtube. I don't know why Lara doesn't do it automatically as there is one dive that the ladder is so poorly designed on the building that it becomes harder than it should.

The story is dull, the last boss fight seems a bit phoned in. Especially the helicopter without ruining anything important. Thankfully Johan is not a love interest of Lara.

The baba yaga DLC should be added much later in the game to trigger and that boss fight is like a puzzle fighting back at you. I have no idea why they cranked up the difficulty on her. I didn't enjoy it for a second minus the visuals.

Would I play this again? Sure not for at least a few months to a year as the game still has a bug where unless you do the camp sights perfectly to hear the audio diaries you won't get 208 of 208 documents but thankfully you still get 100%. Kind of sloppy on the developers end.

If the level design was less tedious where i could back track more seamlessly it would improve and all those small little things keep this from being a 10 / 10.

Not as good as it could have been,

[sbulgacs · 2/10 · 21 March 2016]

I am writing this review due to some of the other reviews being in what is my opinion too "enthusiastic". Having just completed 'Rise of the Tomb Raider' I feel very much underwhelmed.

The first thing I need to point out is that this game is not 'open world' in the format which I have become accustomed too. It is very much in the format of the typical Tomb Raider linear environment after environment. Such as castle environment first, followed by city environment then forest environment. All of which are closed worlds in themselves. None of the individual worlds themselves are particularly large and you can run around most of them in a couple of minutes. The difference in this Tomb Raider to earlier ones is that you can run around the individual worlds in a none linear manner. That is you can complete the side missions before you have to tackle the main storyline. It must be noted that I have only played through the game once (I have no intention of playing it through again). At times I found the gameplay very frustrating. That is that I could see on the map where I had to go to play the storyline mission but due to running around attempting to collect items (to level up) I could not get there easily. This became so frustrating at times that I had to turn the game off.

The story of the game also became tedious as once I had worked out the gameplay it was basically irrelevant. That is collect stuff/complete tasks so you can level up enough to complete the main storyline task at the end of the level/environment. Also what happened to the unrealistic overly sexy Lara? One of the novelties of the Tomb Raider games is that you're playing a overly sexy chic! I would recommend this game if you are a hard core fan of the Tomb Raider series but if you are more a fan of open world large sandbox games prepare to be disappointed.

Nice and memorable...Five star

[luisvallecollet · 9/10 · 4 January 2021]

Beauty. Adventure...good guideline. This is a epic game.