Sticking with the fighting elements of SOTTR, this proves to be a bit of a mixed experience. In the opening few stanzas of the game, there are a handful of encounters with a jaguar that leave you worse for wear, and swimming underwater always carries the risk of attacks from piranha or eels. While Croft is mastering the South American jungle she finds herself in, it must be said that the animals in the game can also prove quite the threat themselves. Sure, gunning down enemies in barrage of bullets may be fun, but there is something to putting an arrow through the neck of a soldier while perched undetected on a tree that an automatic rife just isn’t going to give you. This does require patience, and for the right kind of gamer should prove quite satisfying. This becomes an important part of gameplay as Croft is often outgunned by her enemies, and rather has to take out a group one by one in order to get by. There are also patches of tall grass that offer good camouflage when hiding from a group of enemies. Not only are the resources important in crafting weapons and tools (arrows for your trusty bow in particular), but it also plays a role in how effectively Croft can heal herself.Īdded to this survival-driven gameplay are interesting aspects like covering Croft in mud in order to blend into walls. Tapping into the survival element of SOTTR, exploring and collecting resources is an essential part of the game.
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As such, a bit more dynamism would have been appreciated in order to keep us engaged throughout the campaign. These changes in perspective are great in enhancing the gaming experience at first, but after a while become a bit too choreographed.
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It happens once again when swan diving into a body of water, or making you through obstacles. The same sort of unique angles are used when Croft is swimming underwater and has to use an air pocket in order to take another deep breath. In the opening chapter of the game for example, where Croft is stuck in the crevice of a cave, the camera moves in tightly as gamers help her navigate the constricting environment. It’s their use of different camera angles in particular that initially sucks you in. New perspectivesĭeveloper Crystal Dynamics has done a great job of immersing you into the action of SOTTR. That said there is still something missing to make gamers want to return to the action of SOTTR.
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This is juxtaposed nicely with her emotional conflict, as she tries to come to grips with the ramifications of her actions, as well as trying to cope with the loss of her parents and father in particular.Īll in all, Shadow of the Tomb Raider is a well-balanced title. Yes, the odds are highly stacked against her favour, with shadow organisation Trinity to take care of along with the small problem of a Mayan apocalypse, but, Croft still appears more than capable of handling the massive tasks in front of her. Whereas other titles have tried to emulate the feel of Nathan Drake and the Uncharted lineup, SOTTR tries to distinguish itself by making Croft predator instead of prey. This version, however, may be her most well-rounded to date, as Lara Croft shows just how capable she is. Shadow of the Tomb Raider (SOTTR) is the latest addition in a well storied game franchise which has seen our protagonist take on all manner of guises in the past.