Rise of the Tomb Raider
Lara Croft experienced a renaissance of sorts back in 2013 when the reboot to her series, titled simply Tomb Raider, released. Many were quick to draw similarities between the new release and Naughty Dog’s Uncharted Series. Much more fluid controls, fast-paced gameplay, and platforming segments that felt a lot more like those you’d expect from Nathan Drake than from classic Lara Croft.
Yet, even with the similarities, Tomb Raider forged its own path by adding a suite of survival mechanics. Having to search for supplies to upgrade your weapons, using stealth, and that lovely bow helped the game really stand out amid all the other action titles. Crystal Dynamics further defined what Tomb Raider will be going forward with Rise of the Tomb Raider.
The developers now have a better feel of who Lara is and what she is to become. A stronger focus on hunting and surviving help Rise of the Tomb Raider feel sort of like a polar opposite to Uncharted as a whole. The need to slow things down and really examine the world, plus the ability to go back and explore with new abilities and tools, makes for more of a journey than just a high-octane adventure.
Not to mention, the light RPG components provide a different feel to the genre. Having to craft upgrades for your weapons and deciding on what skills will help you most on your journey slow things down to a new type of pace. It isn’t a drag; it’s more methodical.
The series (so far) also has a heavier focus on Lara and her development. Focusing on her state of mind as she comes to terms with what it means to survive and what it is that she must do. Killing, skinning, running, and close calls with death are giving a level of gravity that make these games a much more serious ordeal.
