Given the latest news about Crystal Dynamics layoffs, it seems like a perfect moment to acknowledge the exceptional work their team did on the Tomb Raider Survivor Trilogy. These three games hold a dear spot in our hearts, despite having their imperfections. The narrative struck a chord with many, as evidenced by the trilogy receiving an anime sequel on Netflix.
With a new chapter of Tomb Raider on the horizon, it’s clear that the series now stands on the shoulders of giants. Each game in this trilogy has its own unique greatness, making it an exhilarating marathon of gaming when played consecutively.
The three games in this series have a similar playing style, making them highly bingeable. Each title also provides distinct environments, and the more recent versions introduce fresh gameplay mechanics to keep things interesting. Having played all three on Valve’s Steam Deck, I found the trilogy to be enjoyable.
The initial installment of Crystal Dynamics’ Tomb Raider Survivor Trilogy, titled just Tomb Raider, served as an engaging introduction to the new phase of Lara Croft’s adventures. Although its gameplay bore similarities to Sony’s Uncharted series, which was inspired by Lara’s early escapades, it managed to create a seamless experience. Blending cover-based shooting from the shoulder with crafting and minor exploration resulted in an enjoyable mix that set this series on a promising path.
In this new series, Croft’s initial escapade might not be as strong as the subsequent ones in the trilogy due to their elaborate expansions of a familiar format. Visually, it may appear less polished compared to the other two games in the trilogy since it was released on PS3 and Xbox 360. However, when considered independently, the third-person shooter gameplay looks satisfactory. Regarding its narrative, there’s nothing particularly innovative presented here, a trend that persists throughout the trilogy, alas.
In this updated version of Tomb Raider, the graphics were greatly enhanced, resulting in an exceptionally lifelike Lara Croft. The gameplay underwent notable adjustments too, introducing increased opportunities for climbing and exploration, making the experience incredibly enjoyable for many players. Numerous fans consider it the top-notch installment, and rightfully so, as it surpasses its predecessor in numerous ways.
Though this story may not be exceptional, it stands out as the finest in the trilogy due to its personal impact on Lara and intriguing disclosures. Regrettably, many game zones are covered with snowy mountains, which can lead to monotonous visuals. Despite this, playing Rise isn’t a problem, but prolonged exposure to snowy landscapes might cause fans to feel weary.
In the concluding chapter of the Survival Trilogy, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, you’ll find a blend of elements that make it an exceptional game despite some minor drawbacks. The game boasts stunning environments and amped-up action compared to its predecessors. However, around midway through the adventure, Lara Croft is saddled with culturally sensitive clothing that can’t be replaced by alternate outfits, leaving players in this attire for extended periods. Fortunately, New Game Plus offers the option to customize her wardrobe, but unfortunately, this feature arrives too late for some gamers.
From a story standpoint, Shadow of the Tomb Raider appears less climactic in Crystal Dynamics’ Survival Trilogy compared to its predecessors. It seems that it may not have been intended as the concluding chapter, because there’s less of an emotional bond between Lara and the player that was present in Rise of the Tomb Raider. However, gameplay-wise, it was still enjoyable.
Each of these three games is enjoyable to play consecutively, as many offer around 10 hours or so of gameplay. Enthusiasts can extend this duration by exploring the various optional tombs available. Additionally, Rise features intriguing storyline DLC, while Shadow primarily offers additional tombs for exploration.
The Tomb Raider Survival Trilogy games can be found on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and personal computers. Fingers crossed for a Switch 2 rerelease too!
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2025-04-02 14:15