It seems that whenever a new generation of console comes out it’ll mean that video games developers have a chance to remind us of their past games. We’ve all played our share of classic titles and noticed years later we could replay these same games, sometimes in a bundle with their sequels, with HD graphics and end up forking out full price to relive what we previously enjoyed (with added achievements/trophies). Throughout the Xbox 360 and PS3 lifespan there were numerous ‘HD’ remakes and it seems that our now new generation of
consoles will be treading familiar footsteps. So what makes Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition any different and why should you go out to purchase this title which isn’t even a year old?
Graphics
If you picked up the Xbox One or the Playstation 4 I think it’s safe to say nothing from the launch line up has looked ground breaking and stunning yet. But we must forgive this as launch titles aren’t the consoles best examples of what power each generation of consoles can show. Playing through Tomb Raider last year was pretty much a visual treat for players on all formats it was available on. We experienced a beautifully textured Lara Croft, battered and bloody, embark through jaw dropping environments which wasn’t all browns and greys.
The Definitive Edition is the best looking game currently out on consoles and with the addition of the previously exclusive to PC ‘TressFX’ for Lara’s hair, graphically the game has stepped up since the previous outing. Since both new platforms are powered by AMD APUs getting perks like TressFX might excite those who look towards the intricate details in such
games. Lara’s face isn’t the same as well as her character model too going through some minor adjustments. With more attention to detail in the blood splatter on her body and clothing this truly is the most detailed Tomb Raider will be and it’s noticeable if you’ve compared both versions.
Gameplay
The difficulty settings haven’t been tweaked and players like myself who looked for a challenge in the Hard mode wouldn’t find this edition any different. That being said, nothing else gameplay-wise has been modified that was noticeable. So if you’re considering a new challenge and have previously played this setting last year expect the exact same play through. Using the Kinect you have several new ways of interacting with the game, all sadly
unnecessary. Shouting, “Go to map” as opposed to pressing the associated button on the control pad is something I found I only did once, intentionally.
Other voice commands include weapon changing which in the heat of battle you might just prefer the quicker option of using the D-pad. You can even get yourself physically moving too by leaning to the left and right to pan the camera in certain moments of the game. After picking up treasure and collectables you can rotate these objects by sticking your hand out in front of you, gripping and rotating it.
In a Game-of-the-year-like fashion you’re also given content that was previously locked from standard versions such as a pre-order bonus tomb now built in straight into this edition. The multiplayer has the ‘Hitman Absolution’ weapon pack, another bit of DLC now free straight out the box and I applaud Square for not squeezing micro transactions into this all rounded complete bundle.
Verdict
This Definitive Edition is aimed towards those that either love the game so much and want to play it again with deeper graphics and/or not minding purchasing another title towards the already limited range of games on this new gen, or just simply didn’t play it the first time round. If the former is you, picking up this game full price isn’t going to be a let down as you’ll be the proud owner of one great looking game loaded with additional content and optional Kinect features which wasn’t available before. If the latter applies to you and this is your first outing to the Tomb Raider revamp then prepare for a high octane adventure.
Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition is available now on the Xbox One and PlayStation 4.
And thanks to Xbox for the review code.
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