Tomb Raider Definitive Edition (PS4)

Tomb Raider (2013) - now something over 12 years old - to my way of thinking still holds up as pretty much a near perfect game: there's plenty of exploration, satisfying stealth, combat and melee mechanics you can hone and tweak till your heart's content and an absolutely beat-perfect story constantly drawing you in. What more can you possibly ask for...? Already graphically stunning on the PS3, this PS4 Definitive Edition not only boasts but delivers full 1080p resolution and a constant 60fms gameplay, making an already pretty smooth experience considering the polygons being slung around even smoother and more responsive. A lot was made at the time of Uncharted's impact on the development of Tomb Raiders reboot, and it's perfectly true - exploration, cinematic story telling, fast pace action adventure - it all feels instantly familiar the second you take control of this new, inexperienced Lara Croft - but environmental design and level layout is exactly authentic to Tomb Raiders already established pattern of intricate level design requiring you to think and use the environment to cross a room - Tomb Raider pretty much nailed that before Uncharted was a glint in Naughty Dogs eye. Unlike Uncharted, I never get bored running into combat situations - encounters feel narratively natural if a little far-fetched concerning the size of Lara Croft in comparison to her hulking, brutal enemies - and that's even before you meet the undying Storm Guard or encounter the Oni - and it has to be said, Lara's transition from going from a young woman having to kill in order to save her life to someone not only nonchalant but actively proficient at not only dispatching multiple enemies using distraction and well aimed headshots - she literally goes on within just two further encounters to being able to sneak up behind a fully grown man and successfully garrote him with her bowstring without so much as a backwards glance... The transition here could have been more gradual, retaining more of the survival horror aspects the game establishes at the beginning but - this being said - up the difficulty setting and see how you get on with scarcer ammo and harder-to-kill enemies. But, these quibbles aside - Tomb Raider is a fantastic re-imaging of an already highly venerated, albeit graphically redundant franchise - and in this 2013 iteration Crystal Dynamics seriously show what - first - the PS3 could do: there's barely any comparison between 2013's Tomb Raider 2008's Tomb Raider: Underworld. This game is a completely different animal in all respects and yet stays true to the essential core elements of what made this series so great in the first place: a likeable female protagonist, plenty of action adventure, slightly less puzzle solving true and what puzzles in the form of Tombs there are wholly optional - you don't have to complete them - but irrespective it's an incredible, exhilarating, exciting experience done well. I've played through on PS3 a few times, why pick up on the PS4...? Completion - I consider these reboot games essential. Part and parcel of why I picked up a PS4 in the first place was to see how Tomb Raider carried on and concluded - and it doesn't disappoint. As said in opening, here you get the full 1080p experience with full surround sound, 60fps game play - all the additional DLC on disc as well as voice control - which is a funky, fun addition. Old stalwarts like the Tomb of The Navigator and all the additional costumes are already present - no download codes required - and Lara's game model is updated so as she remains consistent with the latter games version - and at today prices it's basically a steal. If you haven't played, do if you've put off buying because you already own the PS3 version - get it, improvements admittedly are more tweaks than radical changes - Lara's updated game model aside - some might feel the increase in resolution shows up some of the seams a little bit and, bear in mind we are dealing with a 12 year old game here, it does look something of its age on a PS4. But its smoother gameplay, better handling and just overall immersive storyline make this a must-have purchase for anyone's collection.

The original Tomb Raider was the first game I ever played and one of my favourite games of all time. So when I heard that Crystal Dynamics were working on a new Tomb Raider game, I couldn't wait to play it. The game is a reboot which takes the series in a completely new direction and I couldn't be happier with the end result. Crystal Dynamics have done a remarkable job, taking inspiration from the fantastic Uncharted games and building on them to create the best Tomb Raider game in a long time. This Definitive Edition on PS4 is THE version to own and offers just a glimpse of what we can expect in the next instalment. The story begins with a small group of survivors who are shipwrecked on a mysterious Island after their ship, the Endurance, is torn apart in a violent storm. Unfortunately, being shipwrecked is the least of their worries as the island is home to a group of savage, cold-blooded killers who don't take kindly to outsiders. Lara and the other survivors must go to extreme lengths to stay alive and discover the truth about the Island before it's too late. As the story unfolds, we see Lara transform from an inexperienced, vulnerable girl into a brave and resourceful young woman. It's a gripping, well written tale of survival and like a good book you can't put down, I couldn't stop playing. The main campaign is a decent length, taking me well over twenty hours to complete on Hard mode. Although I did take my time, finding as many collectables in each area before moving on to the next. I recommend finding the hidden diaries as you progress through the game as they explain the history of the Island and it's inhabitants and flesh out some of the supporting characters who are otherwise a little underdeveloped. The atmosphere is probably one of the most important aspects of a Tomb Raider game and I'm happy to say, Crystal Dynamics nailed it. The level of detail in the various environments is breathtaking. As you progress from one area to the next it feels completely natural, like you're on a real island with a real history. Nothing feel's out of place. It's clear that a great deal of passion has gone into this project. The combat is a huge improvement over previous Tomb Raider games and can be approached in a variety of ways. Sneak up on unsuspecting enemies and take them out from behind, pick them off from a distance with your bow and arrow or run in guns blazing, shooting anything that moves. I preferred the stealthy approach because it made the game more challenging but also because you don't last long when you have five or six henchmen firing at you with pinpoint accuracy. Especially on the Harder difficulty. I did have a few issues with the game. Mainly with that fact that there were no swimming sections. I imagined swimming through submerged sections of the Endurance, or through underwater caves to get from one area to another. This would have been fantastic and added even more variety to the game. I hope they include these elements in the next game. Also, the mini-tombs are a little disappointing because they are far too short and not particularly challenging but they were still a lot of fun to complete. Finding these tombs often meant creeping through dark, narrow passages with only the sound of the wind and the crunch of gravel under your feet. It felt great and very atmospheric. I haven't tried the Online/Multiplayer features as it doesn't interest me in the slightest. The main campaign alone was worth every penny and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a lengthy and enjoyable single player experience. The series needed a refresh and this is exactly what I expected and more. If you're expecting an old school Tomb Raider game then you'll likely feel a little disappointed. This is a fast-paced, cinematic adventure and one of the best you'll find.

I can't stress enough what an AMAZING game this is. I'd gotten to be extremely excited for it because of the great reviews the original version got. I was not dissapointed. Blood-boilingly thrilling, unbelievably immersive, magnificently crafted. All understatements of what this gae achieves. The story, characters, graphics, gameplay, atmosphere are al simply perfect. That being said, a few remarks: - Don't expect a nostalgic good-ol' Tomb Raider game, it's simply not similar to the older Tomb Raider games at all. Which doesn't mean that it doesn't do them jusice. On the contrary: As a lover of the old games as well, I can safely say this one keeps the standard high (and, in my humble opinion, raises it). The character herself is nothing like the Lara Croft we know and love, either. She's fragile and unexperienced... although that changes throughout the game obviously. - It's not much use buying this version if you owned the last-gen version. Not having played it on last-gen, I did my research on the differences, and they are few: the graphics have been enhanced, and there's one extra tomb in the game. But if you sold your PS3 or 360 and still want to enjoy this game FOREVER (like I will), obviously this version is good for you. Now, y review was raving, but of course tastes differ. I, for instance, am primarily a third-person action-adventure gamer. I can't guarantee FPS-players enjoying it as much as I did. But I cannot conceive of the idea that anyone dislikes playing this game. Conclusion: Get this game. Get it now. Like, instantly. You're missing out BIG TIME without it.

For me this has got to be one of the best games I have played. Whilst I realise not everybody has the same preferences (there will always be differences of opinion and 1 star reviews), I found not only the visuals and audio to be astoundingly good (especially on a 55" LED TV played in the dark with a dts surround system) but the game play to be very enjoyable and captivating. There seems to be just the right mix of moderately challenging puzzles alternating with gunfights/silent, assassin like kills. The cut scenes where you have some control and have to make the correct decision at the correct time works really well IMHO as, although not too difficult, it allows the player to enjoy the visual effects of the surrounding carnage without being too distracted by having to concentrate too hard to get through it. I found the weapons and skill upgrade path simple, enjoyable and rewarding and ended going back over some areas to find missed loot. The one and only criticism I could make is that the parkour could be a little smoother at times but this really is quibbling.

Fantastic game

Not bad at all. The graphics are gorgeous and if like me you liked the beauty of Farcry 4, Tomb Raider absolutely gives it a run for its money. Within the first 10 minutes of playing I was amazed to see the simple sight of shivering in a cinematic; it sounds silly but it made this game seem all the more real. The reason I dropped a star was merely for quite a few tiny errors or things I personally didn't like. I don't like the "Survival Instincts" as I think it totally ruins the game's immersion and ruins the fun of finding your own way around tombs, hunting artifacts and progressing throught the story. Granted, I don't have to use it, but because of how awesome this game was it made me want to play more and more as quickly as possible (equally I was at fault here). I would prefer if after completing the main story this feature would become available. Another complaint is that this game can crash at a point in the game and corrupt your save - which happened to me at 60% completion. I had to start over and could no longer enjoy the first part of the game because I wanted to get back to where I was to continue the story. Of course, I created a back up save to make sure it doesn't happen again... be advised! I also felt the audio was messed up when aiming and walking. It sounded like I was being followed because it was out of time with Lara's footsteps. This happens in other places however when not aiming, too. My last tiny thing is I felt the story was too short and should have been longer, as well as the landscape perhaps requiring more opportunities and not a walk from area to area. It just felt rather restrictive and once the game finished there wasn't much fun stuff to do. All of that said, the story writing is just exceptional. It's very unique and very enjoyable, and other than the faults previously discussed is remarkably immersive - to not spoil it at all; it was even emotional in a few places. The first half of the story was definitely the most fun, just because you as the player were learning how to navigate Lara at the same time the character was trying to navigate herself; it's just awesome. That said, the "Point of no return" or final mission was hella fun (I even saved the game in my last save slot so I can play it again at will). This game is excellent, and I'm glad I bought it. At £16 it feels like every penny was well spent. I feel like it's a crime to give it 4/5 stars, but unfortunately it isn't quite perfect.

Overview~: This is Tomb Raider The Definitive Edition for PS4. I played the original on PS3 recently and absolutely loved it so had to but the definitive version (bought with my own money). I must say that I have not been off it and have completed the game within 4-5 days. However, the game is quite large when you play at regular hours, unlike me who played for hours on end. Great story line (which is something I don't normally watch) and great gameplay. Love everything about it. There is also a multiplayer option which I am yet to try as some of the trophies available for this are through multiplayer campaign. I do recommend this over the PS Store digital edition which is currently selling for £35 which seems crazy to me. Only con is the lack of automatic aim when she is dodging. Packaging:~ Item is exactly as shown wrapped in cellophane. I did have an issue when first inserting the disc, it kept coming up with corrupted data so was concerned it might be the game, turned out my PS4 needed to reset. Plot (SPOILERS AHEAD) ~ The game is essentially the start of Lara Crofts story and her beginnings of her career which is great. I enjoyed the continuity found in this game. Gameplay itself is very easy to work out and control with onscreen directions throughout the game. The storyline is that basically Lara and her crewmates are on an expedition to find a lost community/island and they are shipwrecked to land on the island filled with some crazy survivors. Think Lost. One thing I would say is that I wouldn't allow youngsters to play the game, even I as a 28 year old who loves a horror movie goT freaked out at certain points because of the music and the suspense. Lot's of blood and gore which is a new twist on Tomb Raider and I thoroughly enjoyed the more realistic side to the character. How It Looks:~ Graphics were fantastic and I think these were updated from the PS3 edition with additional DLC and frame per second was increased. Graphic and animation differences between each gen are quite noticeable. Verdict:~ I am an avid gamer and I loved this game. It is not open world like Skyrim but you are on a set path with large areas to explore. Key points from previous Tomb Raiders are that there are still lots of collectibles and puzzles to solve with the added madness of crazy killers and blood. I loved the storyline and the cinematics were realistic and emotional. If you love action/puzzle RPG games then this for you. If you like the original Tomb Raiders then do give this a go to see a new take on her origins.

Amazing game, tomb raider was a series that had faded out and was in need of a reboot. This has definitly hit the spot, lara moves much more fluidly and not like a robot like in the older games, the whole "slowly walk to the edge, take a step back, run and jump, grab the ledge and pull yourself up" thing has gone. Now to cross a chasm you simply run jump and lara does the rest. The weapons are great, laras devolopment from a clueless young girl to a hardened survivor is done well, everythings just fun. The way you can climb up sheer rock faces with an axe is great and cross huge chasms while hanging upside down from a rope is exhilirating. Sliding down sheer rockfaces while a fallen helicopter smashes it way after you is just... wow. Some of the things lara can do in this game put even the great nathan drake to shame. The developers were obviously worried about being accused of copying uncharted so they made things similar but made it diffrent enough for this game to be its own thing. Incredible game and at under 20 quid for the ps4, its a steal. They need to hurry up and get the sequel out now