Real Talk By: Ms. Throwback

In case you’ve lived under a rock, in a box, on a boat in the ocean for the last year, you know that Tomb Raider had a pretty amazing makeover.  While ‘Definitive Edition’ is a reboot of Lara Croft’s latest successful franchise. If you didn’t play it the first time, now is your chance to experience this title in all its glory.  Released for the Xbox One, Playstation 4, and PC for a cool $60, this 2013-2014 title pulls out all the stops.  Updated visuals and added content are sure to please. If I had already played it, I wouldn’t be running out for that price-tag. But, if you missed it, this is one to pick up ASAP. Here’s our original review.

The story line is exactly the same as last years version with our hero being stranded and left for dead on a remote island.  The beginning is heavy with quick time events but as the game progresses the classic feel of Tomb Raider comes to life.  The updated visuals in this years version have never been better and honestly, I don’t know where visuals can go from here.  It seems like they have reached the pinnacle point.  The camera pans over beautiful views of the island, alive with vigor.  Lara herself has never looked better, she isn’t the hypersensitized character she used to be, her redesign, with these updated graphics breathe new life into the game.  The developers have included new technologies to the character, that create better flowing hair and realism to Lara’s facial features.  When compared next to the Xbox 360 version there is no doubt that these visuals are enhanced to the max. Dirt, blood, and sweat litter the character. You aren’t just playing the game, you are The Tomb Raider.

The PlayStation 4 version is a bit unique on its own, and if given the chance this might be the version to go for.  While both versions allow you to pull up maps or switch weapons with voice activation, it’s a bit easier just to push a button.   The PS4 allows the manipulation of objects and maps with the control touch screen and audio bits are fed through the controller microphone, a simple addition that immerses the player even more.

Unfortunately the weak parts of the game were also brought over to this new version.  While there is plenty of combat-fun to be had in campaign mode, the multiplayer aspect still lacks a bit.  The optional DLC that came packaged with the 2013 version including weapons, more multiplayer options, and new playable characters comes with this version as well which adds slightly to the re-playability. Still, this is a game to be enjoyed offline.  The developers have added a touch more this time around by giving fans a digital version of a mini art book, and developer videos.

If you missed the first one, or are a huge fan of the series, $60 brings you enough updates to warrant the price.  Visuals alone however have never been enough of a reason to spend that kind of dough.  An improve online, or more game related DLC would have made this a hands down must own.  For those of you with shallow pockets, last years version will do you just fine for about half the price.

Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition Gets:

Out of Five

What’s Legit?

+Visuals, visuals, OMG visuals

+Gameplay in campaign is still the bomb

+Controls stay smooth

What’s Perpetrating?

-No multiplayer updates

-Would’ve liked more DLC

@PlayLegit #TombRaider