Tomb Raider: The Definitive Edition Review

Developer: Crystal Dynamics

Publisher: Square Enix

Platform: X-Box One, PlayStation 4

Review by Nolan P. Smith

(Victorville, CA)— In March 2013, Square Enix released the relaunch of their Tomb Raider franchise, and it was met with great reception. But with the next generation of consoles upon us, Square Enix decided to release a Definite Edition of the game for the X-Box One and PlayStation 4. Is it worth the upgrade, or is it a simple new coat of paint so to speak?

So what is in the Definitive Edition? It includes all the downloadable content released for the game, but that isn’t the main draw. It also features rebuilt graphics that take advantage of the power behind the new systems. The game has never looked better, and it looks and feels like something you would only see on a next gen console. The island backdrop, the storms that beat down on you, they look simply amazing.

The game play is just as amazing, as the game follows a young Lara Croft on her first adventure. Survival is key here, and takes center stage as you maneuver through rugged terrain, underground tunnels, and unexpected enemies. I have always seen the character Lara Croft like a female Indiana Jones: however, this is a lot grittier than any of Indy’s adventure.

I had owned the X-Box 360 version, but with all the downloadable content and the upgraded graphics, this is definitely worth a look. This is the future for the Tomb Raider franchise and by looking at the Definitive Edition; it is a bright future. I give Tomb Raider: The Definitive Edition a near perfect 9 out of 10.