Now This Is How You Reboot A Series

Game Mechanics - 2/2

Story-line - 2/2

Graphics - 2/2

Soundtrack - 2/2

Replay Value - 1.5/2

 Total Score - 9.5/10

Guess who's back? No its not me this time its Lara croft brand new and better than ever. Welcome to another Friday video game review here on In The Mind Of My Mind with me your friendly neighborhood gamer Zalgo_Cometh. This week we got our special collectors edition copy of the new Tomb Raider game release. Boy oh boy this game did not disappoint at all. I simply could not stop playing it, there was so much to do and explore and level up. Stand up and take notice game developers; this is how a series reboot is done properly. Angry fan-boys sit your ass down and STFU cause this game truly does a superb job showcasing the origin story of Lara Croft.

Tomb Raider is an action-adventure platform video game. Published by Square Enix, Tomb Raider is the fifth title developed by Crystal Dynamics in the Tomb Raider franchise. As the first entry in a new Tomb Raider continuity, the game is a reboot that emphasizes the reconstructed origins of the culturally influential lead character Lara Croft. Tomb Raider was released on 5 March 2013 for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Microsoft Windows to universal critical acclaim. Tomb Raider uses an interconnected hub-and-spoke model that combines action-adventure, platforming, exploration, and survival mechanics. The game is presented in third person perspective, and the player takes control of the lead character, Lara Croft. Karl Stewart, Global Brand Director for Crystal Dynamics; said that the game's campaign will last between 12 and 15 hours.

What’s Good:

Game Mechanics: wonderfully crafted skill and leveling system that helps you tailor Lara to your play-style  shape your Lara to be whether a conservative gatherer or a ruthless hunter. Camera control and angles are never an issue which is a surprising feat to accomplish for a third person shooter as this is typically the number one complaint of most gamer's with this genre. QTE (Quick time Events) are present in adequate portions and as seamlessly integrated into the flow of the game while still keeping you on your toes for the next button press.

Story-line: Solid story-line with a memorable cast and solid plot progression and interaction. Great voice acting to further pull you into the story as well coupled with drama, action and suspense as you discover bits and pieces of the islanders memories and the horrors they suffered.

Graphics: So beautiful and vivid it will bring a tear to the eyes of your soul. Both on PC and on consoles the graphics this game displays is truly a technical wonder. Sometimes you just stop playing to take a look at the immense scenery and soak it all in.

Soundtrack: Great song selection and auditory range. OST (Original Soundtrack) for the game is a joy to just sit and listen to as well. The wide use and range of auditory cues better helps to submerge the player into the island of Yamatai and the role of Lara Croft.

Replay Value: The multi-player is nothing  revolutionary but it is a solid multi-player experience. The true replay value comes from replaying the game to collect all the upgrades and relics and hidden secrets all over the island as well as returning to play the game on a higher difficulty, Simple enemy fights and interactions take on a whole new feel on a higher difficulty not to mention the increased importance on building up Lara's skill trees properly.

What’s Bad:

Absolutely nothing of noteworthy importance.

What Should Have Been Added:

Possibly a multi-player mode that has you playing as wolves hunting down the island survivors.

Final Thoughts:

Why are you still reading this? Go buy the goddamn game ASAP, its worth your time, money, love and devotion. Its without a doubt the best game to be released in 2012 so far. With so many good games scheduled for release in March  the wallet is taking some really hard hits. Bioshock Infinite comes out at the end of the month and so does Grid 2  but with all that said and done ill still be playing with Lara and coming home to spend time with her every chance I get. You can check out some of my game-play with commentary in glorious 1080p below.