The Rant
So I finished playing Tomb Raider and my god... this game is definitely a huge mix of Far Cry 3 and Uncharted (as well as some parts of the Last of Us). Even moreso than the first game, but more well done. When it came to the story, it looks like they were trying to focus the story and character a little bit more, but really and truly Lara Croft isnt built to have partners. Anyone who is near her is essentially dead weight unless they can fight, opposed to the characters in Last of Us and Uncharted who balanced out companions even if they werent as potent against the antagonists in the story. Unless you're strong, do not partner with her. You only serve as excess baggage, plain and simple. Not once did I see the dual pistols, no acrobatics, no typical lara confidence. This my friends is a completely new lara. Wash away any idea of hoping for the same person you got in the past.
The Graphics in this game are amazing. The cinematics were beautiful and gripping. When you went inside the tombs, you found some truly grand places. One featured a Byzantine ship that was frozen in the ice. The CG is fantasic and shows the brilliance of Ms. Luddingtons acting.
The gameplay was very uncharted focused with over the shoulder shooting and more brutal hand to combat than the first game. They also learned from the Last of Us with bandaging techniques while in combat as well. It wasnt completely taken in its totality as certain bomb parts are strewn across the floor weirdly at bases and camps and you have to quickly Mcguyver it together to dispatch as many enemies as quickly as possible. If you're playing on a hard setting like I did, this clears out the room rather quickly. You can also perform weapn finishers like the last of Us iand distract them as well. The world scheme, hunting and crafting elements of the game were all taken from Far Cry 3, just enhanced from the first game.
What I hated:
-The Shop with byzantine coin addition is useless. They should've just gone the extra mile and just let you pick up enemy weapons like Uncharted does. Just get to the point.
-The animal activity in these lands is far to small. Some upgrades need more animal skins and it they are just more sparse than needed in balance with the crafting.
-Laras companions from home need to stay home. Sorry guys, but you suck.
The Point
After playing this game for a certain amount of time, it convinced me I was just playing an exaggerated Uncharted with the Far Cry 3 world and system, sans the Tombs are fairly distinct and stand out on their own as hallmark of Tomb Raider. If you've played Far Cry 3 you will know what I am talking about.
Score 9.0
Its a must buy if you have an Xbox One. Go get it kiddies!
FAR CRY 4 HERE I COME! (AFTER FINISHING FALLOUT 4)
