'This is triple-A gaming at its finest'

It has already been around for a year on Xbox One and PC but Rise of the Tomb Raider recently made the jump to PS4 with what they're calling the "20 Year Celebration'' edition.

Rise of the Tomb Raider
For:
PS4 (and Xbox One and PC)
From: Square Enix
Rating: (R16) ★★★★+

Effectively, it's another ``Game of the Year'' edition, which seems to be obligatory for most games these days, and includes the main game and all downloadable content (DLC).

Rise of the Tomb Raider is the sequel to the spectacularly good Tomb Raider reboot from a few years ago, and only builds on the foundation that game laid.

At its heart, it's an exploration game, tasking you to guide Lara Croft through wide expanses in the hunt for the Divine Source, which, like most things with names like that, grants invulnerability and naturally is sought by a sinister evil corporation.

The corporation this time is called Trinity, and is led by a charming man named Konstantin who might as well have the word ``Evil'' tattooed across his forehead.

During your exploration, Lara will stumble across the Trinity goons and the game offers you the usual stealthy or guns-blazing approach to combat. The combat is brutal, especially once you unlock more executions. The only issue I had was when wolves (curse them!) surround you; it's very difficult to aim properly at something close to you that's jumping around. Otherwise, sniping dudes from afar with the bow or a rifle never gets old.

Visually, it follows the lead of its predecessor and looks sensational in every aspect. The vistas and locations are spectacular, the fire effects and other environmental aspects are brilliant, and the character detail and animation is top class. Camilla Luddington reprises her role as Lara and does so brilliantly. Make no mistake: this is triple-A gaming at its finest.

This series gets the ``Uncharted clone tag'', which is a little unfair in my opinion. Yes, it plays similarly to Uncharted, but that by no means is a bad thing - Uncharted is one of the finest games series of recent times - and Tomb Raider is deserving of those accolades as well.

It stands on its own feet; even if it ends up being just a tiny bit shorter than that Uncharted kid.

If you've got yourself a VR headset, there's a PS-exclusive VR mode involving Croft Manor in here for you, too.

You might dismiss this as not worthy, as it's a year old effectively, but if you're a PS4 owner (or even an Xbox One or PC player that let this slip by), then consider this essential.

 - by Simon Bishop

Add a Comment

Our journalists are your neighbours

We are the South's eyes and ears in crucial council meetings, at court hearings, on the sidelines of sporting events and on the frontline of breaking news.

As our region faces uncharted waters in the wake of a global pandemic, Otago Daily Times continues to bring you local stories that matter.

We employ local journalists and photographers to tell your stories, as other outlets cut local coverage in favour of stories told out of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

You can help us continue to bring you local news you can trust by becoming a supporter.

Become a Supporter