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.