Gaming: Tomb Raider

I’ve done it again – played a Tomb Raider game. Since my first contact with Rise of the Tomb Raider, I took a break and did some puzzle solving with the Witness, just to return to the first game of the new Lara Croft trilogy, simply called Tomb Raider.

Published in 2013, so in computer terms an age ago, I was surprised that the graphics quality and game play wasn’t that much different from the Rise. Sure enough, not as much details, but still stunning.

Some of the action scenes are actually quite funny, like this one. The face expression when followed by an exploding airplane and some other deadly pieces is so relaxed, impressive she is, Lara!

Lots of climbing on old and broken Japanese temples, which rightly at that moment decide to disintegrate and give Lara great training parcours for her gymnastics.

Ah, and this time lots of blood. Lots and lots, and poor Lara – still not used to this – needs to wade through it, and of course add her own share.

If I had only to give a short description, it would be “Permanent Apocalypse”. With burning skies, flames, earthquakes, superstorms, flame walls and all the enemies, the challenges never end.

On one of her long rides (actually one without much killing) I was reminded of Riven, from one of my most beloved game series.

But the sunshine of the ride disappears quickly and atmosphere changes back to bleak and grey. I always wonder about whether the script writer did live here in Ishikawa with all the rain, thunderstorms, and bad weather we have here 😉

As someone living in Japan, I somehow enjoyed the story of trying to bring the old Yamato times of Japan back alive, including all the monsters and onis that have lived back then.

The finish of the game was really an adrenaline rush. The climbing up to the last tower, over broken panels and ice, strong winds rattling everything, was so well done, impressive!

And then, the bad opponent is finally dead, and Lara emerges as the Black Queen (for a moment).

A few philosphical remarks (not too overloaded), rescue of her friend, and a short break after the evil has been eradicated – for now.

Leaving the dreaded island, a great future is awaiting Lara – pity that I played already the Rise of the Tomb Raider.

I did like it. I think the riddles were a bit more difficult than the ones in the Rise of the Tomb Raider. Fighting was also more difficult, actually the most dreaded part for me. But all in all I think a great game.