Tomb Raider Review Roundup: Critics Praise Uncharted-Inspired Reboot

Tomb Raider, the famed Playstation franchise that dates back all the way to 1996, has released the long awaited new game in the series. The series was widely adored in the days of the PlayStation 1, but recently has fallen on hard times. Fortunately, the newest game, developed by Crystal Dynamics, has critics falling back in love with the trials and tribulations of Lara Croft. The reviews have been overwhelmingly positive for the game. Overall, perhaps the biggest complaint is that the game borrows heavily from the Uncharted Series. While perhaps not the most original adventure game to come out, reviewers are quick to point out that Tomb Raider stands with the games that influenced its creation. Here are a few snippets from reviewers:

VG247-"The Uncharted inspiration is clear within Tomb Raider's first minutes. Visibly, no expense has been spared in delivering mind boggling set-pieces and using every cinematography trick in the book to create a dizzying spectacle. It's not just a string of uninvolved stunts either, as there's a solid game beneath the explosions and vertigo. This is high entertainment..."

Most Interviews are quick to point out that Tomb Raider is influenced heavily by other games and movies in the action/adventure genre (Every article I've read mentions the Uncharted Series at some point). But this is not a knock against the game, as reviewers immediately also point out that the game is in no way a cheap copy.

Penny Arcade Report-"You'll also notice echoes of LOST, and even Resident Evil 5. Tomb Raider isn't shy about aping some of the sense of scope and the gigantic set pieces from the Uncharted series, but Lara Croft and company put their own stamp on every piece of this diverse pie."

Game play is smooth, and though (once again) it is borrowed from other successful games, Tomb Raider makes the game play feel distinctive and enjoyable. By making the game play familiar, it makes the smooth game play into something even more spectacular.

CVG-"Lara automatically leans down slightly whenever enemies are nearby, and when you move towards cover, you seamlessly press up against it. These smooth transitions cut down on dodgy moments, and lend combat a rampant, chaotic flow."

The story and mood of the game is very moody and grim, and though it might not have the same appeal of the game play, it is by no means a hindrance to the game. Tomb Raider successfully will introduces Lara Croft to a whole new generation of fans.

Gamespot- "But as an introduction to the legendary Lara Croft, Tomb Raider's tale is a success; she emerges as a strong, charismatic and human figure, and you're left eager to see what the future holds for her."

Overall, it seems that the Crystal Dynamics reboot of the franchise is a success. While it remains to be seen how fans will take to the game, critics have strongly voted in favor of Miss Croft. Both an epic spectacle and a quiet, introverted tale, Tomb Raider has pulled off a feat that is worthy of the franchise.