Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition - PlayStation 4

This is the first tomb raider I've ever played, so I won't be comparing it to past releases in the franchise. I got the X360 version of this game as a Christmas present, so buying the PS4 version was no problem, however I do believe they should have made it $40 as most GOTY's or re-releases do. So here goes my review.Usually it takes time for me to really get engaged into a game. This game, though. It grabs you by the neck from the very first cutscene and doesn't let go. It's one of those games that you can't wait to get home to play. Really well executed and the pacing is probably the best I've ever experienced.Here are the two major points I will address, specific to the Definitive Edition:1) Graphical Upgrade:Oh my god, if you thought the first version was already smooth, you're in for a treat with the PS4 version. With a native 1080p output and a 60fps cap (meaning it will fluctuate between 45-60fps depending on what area you're at due to heavy rendering) the game is more beautiful than ever. Everything, every area, every objective, it always feels fresh and you easily get immersed into the virtual reality of this world. Even playing through for the second time, I feel like I haven't seen any of it before. The 60fps really does it for me. Combat, movement, gestures, cutscenes, smooth as butter. (Note: the X1 version runs locked 30fps, comparatively. Not saying I'm an X1 hater, after all I have one, just stating fact. I do however encourage you to get the PS4 version by all means.)2) Lara Redesign:Let's be real here. The reason many would prefer the first Lara face is because they won't be used to the new face, and that's understandable. My stance on it is that I always wondered why the in-game version of Lara looked so different compared to the cover/art versions. Her face was young but a bit disproportionate. In the DE she now looks like the cover/art versions and I love it. She looks more mature, natural, and more like... Lara Croft. The only quarrel I have is that they should have got it right the first time.Now that those major points are out of the way, I'll briefly go over some basic ones, since you've probably read countless reviews on the gameplay and story and whatnot. The story is compelling enough to be believable and keep you wanting more. The gameplay is the highlight of this game beside the graphical upgrade, reminiscent of Assassins Creed and The Last of Us but even better. Controls are perfect and it's rare for me to find a third person shooter that has perfect aiming/sensitivity like this one. The pacing, like I said, is also perfect. Nothing feels rushed. Deaths are gruesome. Lara's character development is outstanding. Oh, I'm also in love with Lara's voice haha.I will not be judging multiplayer as I haven't played it, and from the sound of it, I don't think I want to. I'm a story guy anyway so it doesn't affect me.The DE comes with all DLC on disc. This is easily one of my favorite games of all time.4.75/5 stars.

This review contains plot spoilers you have been warned.Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition follows everyone’s favorite British Archeologist Lara Croft as you experience the genesis of that turned a 21-year-old university graduated to the iconic female character that everyone loves. It’s a reboot that takes a gritty realistic approach to the character. As a result of this approach her booty shorts are replaced with pants and her voluptuous figure slimmed down to be more realistic. I love this reboot, but one of the worse things I have to complain is the story and supporting characters. The story takes a Green Arrow approach as Lara and her group of ethically diverse crew gets stranded in an Island where she must use her skills to survive and make it back home. It sounds great on paper, but you only end up liking one or two characters the rest are their just to die to improve Lara character development. Like you see a crewmember Dr. Whitman who’s character screams out I am going to betray you, I am up to something; and lone and behold he betrays you. You’re mentor/father figure Roth who is on the crew dies to save you. The characters are just plain unlikable there is one crewmember that argues with Lara’s handling of the situation and sasses you at every turn. Sam who is Lara’s best friend becomes the damsel in distress in game who you end up saving becomes the only decent supporting character. The antagonist is plain and generic; I am evil to survive blah blah blah. The reason why I am so hard on the story is it has potential to be great yet they missed a lot of opportunities. The game is still great, short comings aside this reboot takes steps in the right direction. Gameplay differs from other Tomb Raiders as it focuses more on combat and set pieces rather than exploring. This might sound disappointing to older fans of this series, but exploration is still in this game in the form of Tombs to Raid to upgrade gear and equipment. The game has skill points where you can upgrade your abilities and weapons. By the end of the game you are unstoppable. After the game ends you can explore the island to pick up collectables and finish challenges. This games gunplay is top notch and takes inspiration from Uncharted. Which is ironic seeing how Uncharted was inspired by the original Tomb Raider games. The Graphics in Tomb Raider have been improved the game now runs at 60 frames per second in 1080p, 30 frames if you play this on an Xbox One. Lara’s character has be designed to fit next gen improving her character model. Textures and lighting has also been approved to fit the power of Next Gen. The sounds and soundtrack make a return and it’s mostly the same. The soundtrack by Jason Graves fits the game perfectly. Multiplayer makes a return and its’ just as uninteresting as it was in last gen. I really tried to enjoy multiplayer but it just so basic and barebones to be any fun. Hopefully it gets improved or scrapped in the sequel. The definitive edition comes with alternative skins, concept are and a making of video a nice bonus. I would say Tomb Raider is worth a buy*. Lara’s Reboot is one of the best reboots in gaming. It is still one of the best re-release out there in the market as the game is still amazing. If you missed out on the reboot and are playing it for your first time then its’ worth your money. The game is about 14 to 15 hours long. If you already bought Tomb Raider on last gen or on PC than I would buy it on sale as the game is still pretty much the same; just prettier.Tomb Raider is a great game that can be a masterpiece if it irons out a few kinks. That said this game is a step in the right direction in the saga of Lara Croft. Well worth a second buy for fans of the series, character, and newcomers experiencing the series for the first time.