This successful reboot elevates the Tomb Raider game series to a higher level with stronger emotional elements, expanded gameplay opportunities, and an extensive multiplayer mode. Game developers Crystal Dynamics continue their quality work in this game series and use actual elements as a base for the story, which retains the learning experiences (geography, history, etc.). After a quick initial setup of the PlayStation 3 game, players get three save slots and choose the difficulty (easy, normal or hard) for this Lara Croft origin experience.

Players already know this young adventurer can survive the elements, which set the tone for her expedition group as they are stranded on a mysterious island. The endless activities match very well with the tension filled plot, which is well paced and gives players a nice variety. Lara’s activities include salvaging, hunting, puzzles, traversing, climbing, exploring, zip lining, fighting, evading, archery, melee pushing, shooting, and, of course, tomb raiding. The only notable combat snafu is environmental objects occasionally block the view when using the zoom option when the objects (e.g. trees) are located well behind Lara. Players make upgrades at various base camps (only at safe times) and can thankfully travel fast through the large environments as they progress.

Developers incorporate quick time events (QTEs), action cues (hit specific button similar to “God of War” games), and even music cues plus players can always press the L2 button to analyze the environment for clues to progress. Certain challenges also give players clues (e.g. reappearing items, etc.) in addition to the environment analysis. Great rumble (controller vibrates) options, slow motion, and challenging boss fights enhance the high octane gameplay even more. The reactions are truly impressive and include special dialogue when panning to view certain environment areas. Human enemies usually approach Lara at a fast and furious pace, which can be an advantage (e.g. take note of explosive barrels, then quickly lure them to that spot). Surprises, unpredictable situations, and multiple actions create an amazing framework that engages and entertains on a high level.

The multiplayer mode features a casual or regular difficulty with up to 8 players total in entertaining skirmishes that include rescue, team deathmatch, cry for help, and free for all. Crystal Dynamics enhances familiar series gameplay while pushing the PlayStation 3 to its limit with amazing visual effects, lighting, and camerawork. Add-on content and PlayStation Home options also available. Highly recommended and also available in The Final Hours edition and Survival/Collector’s edition (****, also on PC and Xbox 360, rated M for intense violence, strong language, and blood/gore).

Tags: Michael Siebenaler, Tomb Raider, video game review, Video games

This entry was posted on Monday, March 4th, 2013 at 9:43 pm and is filed under Exclusively Online, Video Game Review.
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We live in a time when video gamers’ thoughts are beginning to focus on the next generation of  hardware, whether confirmed (Wii U) or rumored (Xbox 720, PlayStation 4, whatever Valve’s console will be called if it even exists). So it comes as a bit of a surprise that the 2012 edition of the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in California was focused almost exclusively on games for the present generation of hardware.

Sure, Nintendo had its mind on the future and spent its news conference continuing to hype games for its new system. But it presented precious few details on Wii U’s release, neither a price or when it would be in stores. The much-rumored Xbox 720 reveal didn’t happen, nor was there word about a next-gen console from Sony, either.

But that’s OK, as it put the focus of the Expo squarely where it should be, anyway — on the games. And man, were there some amazing ones demonstrated at E3 this year. Here are a few that have definitely caught my eye:

“Assassin’s Creed III” (PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360): There’s no doubt setting the new installment of Ubisoft’s popular action series during the American Revolution has an appeal all its own. But further details that have emerged about the game have only served to intensify fan anticipation. The demos shown at E3 highlighted numerous aspects of the title, from revamped combat styles and assassination scenarios to epic sea battles, a first for the franchise. Ubisoft also announced a new, exclusive spinoff adventure for PlayStation Vita. Release date: Oct. 30, 2012.

“Beyond: Two Souls” (PS3): Sony opened its news conference confirming reports of a new game by developer Quantic Dream, which last produced the stellar 2010 thriller “Heavy Rain.” The game’s premise, outlined as an exploration of the barriers between life and death, follows its lead character Jodie Holmes from childhood into her 20s. Bolstering the game’s pedigree was the announcement that Academy Award nominee Ellen Page will be playing the lead character. No release date set.

“God of War: Ascension” (PS3): Sony let this cat out of the bag well in advance of E3, revealing in April the existence of a fourth console game in its wildly popular series based on Greek mythology. What’s new this time: A multiplayer mode (a first for the series) and a single-player game which functions as a prequel to the other games. Gameplay footage was shown at Sony’s news conference, which showcased the game’s stellar graphics and gameplay that looks right in line with the rest of the franchise. Release date: March 12, 2013.

“Halo 4” (Xbox 360): Fans have anxiously awaited more news of the latest game in Microsoft’s epic space shooter series, the first in a new trilogy. The game was the centerpiece of Microsoft’s E3 news conference, showcasing its single-player story as well as an extensive new multiplayer experience that appears to be an impressive expansion of its previous modes. The quality of the footage shown has stilled any lingering doubts over the game’s new developer, 343 Industries, which inherited the franchise from previous developer Bungie. Release Date: Nov. 6, 2012.

“The Last of Us” (PS3): Ever since developer Naughty Dog revealed the existence of this new post-apocalyptic epic at the 2011 Video Game Awards, much has been made of the game’s zombie-like villains. Seemingly determined to emphasize the other threats its world contains, Naughty Dog presented a gameplay sample featuring its protagonists fighting very human scavengers in a brutal fight to survive. In basic gameplay structure, it looks a lot like the company’s classic “Uncharted” series but much bleaker and much more violent. My own personal “game of the show.” No release date set.

“Tomb Raider” (PC, PS3, Xbox 360): No more lighthearted adventures for gaming’s most popular heroine. Showcased at the Microsoft conference, the new gameplay trailer for the forthcoming reboot of Lara Croft drove home the point that this was a more primal and brutal game than all its predecessors, with an emphasis on survival over exploration. The story, essentially a reboot of the franchise, stars a young Lara marooned and fighting for her life — and growing into the adventurer we know today. Release date: March 5, 2013.

“Watch Dogs” (PC, PS3, 360): Ubisoft dropped a major bombshell (and the jaws of attendees) with the unveiling of a brand new franchise — one that ended up earning many journalists’ “game of the show” honors. Centered on the premise of the worldwide interconnected data network, the game’s trailer offered fast-paced action as gamers play as a hacker who can manipulate electronic devices almost at will. It’s been compared to “Assassin’s Creed,” but the trailer’s modern setting and hi-tech feel promise a completely different experience. No release date set.

Email Toledo Free Press Star Pop Culture Editor Jeff McGinnis at PopGoesJeff@gmail.com.

Tags: Assassin’s Creed III, Beyond: Two Souls, E3, God of War: Ascension, Halo 4, Jeff McGinnis, The Last of Us, Tomb Raider, Video games, Watch Dogs

This entry was posted on Friday, June 15th, 2012 at 2:13 pm and is filed under Arts and Life, Community, Gaming, Pop Goes the Culture, Video Game Review, Video games.
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