Since my decision in early 2023 to try out Xbox Game Pass, it has continued to impress me. It has allowed me to branch out of my usual genre and play titles I wouldn’t have tried otherwise. However, great RPGs are at the core of my gaming heart, and this instance is no different.
With a great lineup of game pass additions for December, Rise of the Tomb Raider immediately piqued my interest. And it did not disappoint.
Join me and the epic character of Lara Croft on an adventure in this Rise of the Tomb Raider Review.
Gameplay and Mechanics
Rise of the Tomb Raider impresses with its smooth gameplay and mechanics. It seamlessly blends exploration, puzzle-solving, and intense action. Lara’s movements, whether climbing sheer cliffs or engaging in combat, feel fluid and natural. The open-world style encourages exploration, and the level design is exceptional, providing scale and depth to every environment.
The crafting system adds a layer of strategy to the experience. Players can gather resources to upgrade weapons and equipment, which enhances the effectiveness of combat and survival. The game strikes a satisfying balance between empowering the player with new skills and maintaining a level of challenge. This ensures a rewarding progression throughout the game. The inclusion of stealth allows for multiple approaches to encounters, giving players the freedom to choose their playstyle.
One of the standout features is the tombs and puzzles. These areas are crafted incredibly well. They require a combination of logical thinking and platforming skills to solve. They’re challenging yet fair, rewarding players with a sense of accomplishment and valuable resources. The overall gameplay and mechanics create an immersive and enjoyable experience.
Weapons and Equipment
Rise of the Tomb Raider has a great list of weapons and equipment that cater to different playstyles. From the iconic bow to firearms and melee weapons, each tool serves a purpose in the harsh environments Lara explores. The upgrade and crafting system allow players to customize their arsenal, providing a sense of personalization and strategy.
The progression system is well-paced, ensuring that as the story unfolds, players unlock new abilities and improve their gear. Upgrading weapons not only enhances their damage but also introduces new functionalities, adding depth to the combat experience. The variety of available weapons encourages experimentation, and the animations associated with each weapon contribute to the overall visual appeal of combat sequences.
While the weapons are generally well-balanced, there are moments where certain tools may feel slightly overpowered. However, the game’s overall emphasis on exploration and puzzle-solving mitigates any potential imbalance in combat, ensuring that weapons and equipment serve as tools for survival rather than overpowering the core experience.
Side Quests
Rise of the Tomb Raider features compelling side quests that enrich the overall gaming experience. These quests, often discovered through exploration or interactions with NPCs, provide additional depth to the game world and its inhabitants. Completing side quests typically rewards players with enhancing Lara’s abilities or equipment.
The variety in side quests is commendable, offering a mix of challenges, puzzles, and narrative-driven objectives. However, there are instances where the quests feel somewhat disconnected from the main story, lacking the same level of emotional investment. While they contribute to the overall world-building, a more integrated approach could have elevated the impact of these optional missions.
Despite this, the side quests successfully add longevity to the gameplay, encouraging players to venture off the beaten path and fully immerse themselves in the rich, detailed world Crystal Dynamics has crafted.
Plot
Rise of the Tomb Raider continues Lara Croft’s journey from its 2013 predecessor, delving into her pursuit of immortality and the secrets hidden in the lost city of Kitezh. The narrative is engaging, filled with twists and turns that keep players invested in Lara’s quest. The character development is a highlight, showcasing Lara’s evolution from survivor to determined adventurer.
While the plot offers a compelling premise, there are moments where it leans on predictable tropes, and some characters lack the depth needed to make a lasting impact. The overarching theme of Lara’s internal struggle and her relationship with her late father adds emotional weight to the narrative, but certain plot elements may feel familiar to fans of the adventure genre.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the plot successfully drives the game forward, providing a solid foundation for the action, exploration, and character development that define Rise of the Tomb Raider. It’s a worthy continuation of Lara Croft’s story, offering both fans and newcomers an exciting and immersive adventure.
Overview
I was thoroughly impressed with Rise of the Tomb Raider. Its appeal was heightened by the use of the bow and its numerous upgrades and versatility. Plus, enemy engagement was quite satisfying, in addition to the AI being very intuitive, something that surprised me. I was expecting enemy-filled locales to be a breeze, but the combination of approaches became very appealing to the gameplay.
Needless to say, I would highly recommend Rise of the Tomb Raider to any action/adventure or RPG lover. Your next adventure awaits!
Happy gaming nerds!
–Read about Tomb Raider’s Original Game History in this previous TGON Article–
