Shadow of the Tomb Raider

 PlayStation 4
User Score
7.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 1696 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 997 out of 1696
  2. Mixed: 475 out of 1696
  3. Negative: 224 out of 1696
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  1. ForbiddenSun
    Sep 15, 2018
    9
    I am surprised by the mixed reviews, I thought this was way better than Rise of the Tomb Raider. If you love exploring, gorgeous environments, and tons of amazing tombs, you'll love this game. I am glad they went back to exploration instead of mindless gun fights every 5 minutes like Rise. The added stealth skills made for more deeper gameplay, and the water environments and swimming wasI am surprised by the mixed reviews, I thought this was way better than Rise of the Tomb Raider. If you love exploring, gorgeous environments, and tons of amazing tombs, you'll love this game. I am glad they went back to exploration instead of mindless gun fights every 5 minutes like Rise. The added stealth skills made for more deeper gameplay, and the water environments and swimming was an awesome add.… Expand
  2. Toxic_Boy
    Sep 14, 2018
    9
    Wow. What a game. It's clear that Eidos Montreal have a knack for designing intriguing and rewarding puzzles, as the ones found in Shadow of the Tomb Raider feature variety and rewarding gameplay. There's a noticeable shift from the previous two entries in terms of pulling back on run and gun gameplay in favour of stealth and tactical strategy when tackling the encounters that happenWow. What a game. It's clear that Eidos Montreal have a knack for designing intriguing and rewarding puzzles, as the ones found in Shadow of the Tomb Raider feature variety and rewarding gameplay. There's a noticeable shift from the previous two entries in terms of pulling back on run and gun gameplay in favour of stealth and tactical strategy when tackling the encounters that happen occasionally. This is good news if you recall and enjoyed the more solitary exploration of the series 20 years ago. The story and character development is layered and reveals meaning to Lara's mindset as the game progresses past the first act. To me, it's clear that Eidos Montreal are more than cometent in handling our favourite 90s heroine.… Expand
  3. AVALON85
    Sep 14, 2018
    10
    SOTR is a big step in the right direction.
    Big exploration and traversal; lots of challenging puzzles and tombs and amazing locations.
    What is best also is they have made combat very much less compared to the previous 2 games, because this is what TR has always been about. TR is not a shooter/ combat game; its main goal is to explore and solve puzzles. I do have some issues (mainly    SOTR is a big step in the right direction.
    Big exploration and traversal; lots of challenging puzzles and tombs and amazing locations.
    What is best also is they have made combat very much less compared to the previous 2 games, because this is what TR has always been about.

    TR is not a shooter/ combat game; its main goal is to explore and solve puzzles.

    I do have some issues (mainly Lara's voice I don't like it), but it has got nothing to do with the game and how it functions :)

    I would however, hope dual pistols and her athletic moves return in the future games    … Expand
  4. TrueGamer88
    Sep 14, 2018
    10
    Dont believe any negative reviews, clearly their haters. this is the best tomb raider game to date. the best one in the trilogy and the best Lara Croft ive ever seen. her personality is amazing. if you loved her emotions in the 2013 reboot then you will love her here. btw you can play as 2013 Lara as well. awesome. this is a game for fans and newcomers alike, but especially for fans. youDont believe any negative reviews, clearly their haters. this is the best tomb raider game to date. the best one in the trilogy and the best Lara Croft ive ever seen. her personality is amazing. if you loved her emotions in the 2013 reboot then you will love her here. btw you can play as 2013 Lara as well. awesome. this is a game for fans and newcomers alike, but especially for fans. you have tombs, underwater exploration, vicious wildlife, beautiful and deadly jungle exploration. there is even a hard mode for exploration which allows classic fans to get lost and frustrated with exploration and puzzles like we love to do with Lara Croft lol. amazing Tomb raider game. DONT MISS OUT ON THIS. If you're a tomb raider fan this is a dream come true.… Expand
  5. Pawlikowski
    Sep 14, 2018
    10
    Most underated game I played. Graphics looks 2018, mechanics too, Lara has nice character, story is good and this is the best TR I played. The best money spent in my life.
  6. Rwmfilm85
    Sep 12, 2018
    10
    Not sure why the critics are giving this game lower scores. The gameplay and story is what you have come to expect in this reboot origins trilogy. It finishes this story told across 3 games in a solid satisfying manner. If you liked the gameplay/mechanics of the first two, you'll be satisfied with them in this one. I don't think this game will win over any converts, but I don't thinkNot sure why the critics are giving this game lower scores. The gameplay and story is what you have come to expect in this reboot origins trilogy. It finishes this story told across 3 games in a solid satisfying manner. If you liked the gameplay/mechanics of the first two, you'll be satisfied with them in this one. I don't think this game will win over any converts, but I don't think that's the point by now. So I'd say if you enjoyed the first two, you'll enjoy this one, regardless of the critics' metecritic score.… Expand
  7. LordSerjio
    Sep 12, 2018
    10
    The best one of the Reboot Trilogy! Thank you Eidos! Beautiful Lara, amazing tombs (finally a lot of tombs). The best final for the trilogy
  8. renanwiser
    Jul 21, 2019
    9
    That's the best game of the rebooted serie in terms of gameplay and mechanics, but it lacks quality in screenplay and storytelling.
  9. Warrior_of_Doom
    Jul 19, 2023
    8
    The overall score is based on how much fun I personally had with every component of the game
    and the overall experience.
  10. Rossol87
    Mar 24, 2019
    10
    From my perspective the best of the new trilogy. Perhaps the story is just "ok" the game offers plenty of new scenarios and more action and the option of not listening to Lara every single time she finds a relic.
  11. lukeparkes26
    Sep 15, 2018
    10
    For me, ‘Shadow of the Tomb Raider’ takes everything from its predecessors and improves it all; gameplay is refined, and there’s additions that make it better; graphics are fantastic, the environment gorgeous, Lara stunning. Some of it took me back to Tomb Raider: Underworld, one of my favourite games of all-time, and much like TRU, Shadow ends on a satisfying note. Although it is the endFor me, ‘Shadow of the Tomb Raider’ takes everything from its predecessors and improves it all; gameplay is refined, and there’s additions that make it better; graphics are fantastic, the environment gorgeous, Lara stunning. Some of it took me back to Tomb Raider: Underworld, one of my favourite games of all-time, and much like TRU, Shadow ends on a satisfying note. Although it is the end of Lara’s origin story, I can see many more adventures with her — and until then, we can just play the games, including Shadow, which has high replayability.… Expand
  12. Vovanella
    Oct 19, 2018
    10
    This game gives you feeling of adventure. A lot of cut scenes, a lot of interesting situations. Actually one of best adventure games I've played. Also I want mention that jungle has been made incredibly nice, every tree, every animal looks and feels alive. It's amazing, It's really game I wanted to see about Tomb Raider

    P.S. Please don't listen people who gives 0 or 1 points. It's just    This game gives you feeling of adventure. A lot of cut scenes, a lot of interesting situations. Actually one of best adventure games I've played. Also I want mention that jungle has been made incredibly nice, every tree, every animal looks and feels alive. It's amazing, It's really game I wanted to see about Tomb Raider

    P.S. Please don't listen people who gives 0 or 1 points. It's just abusing game. I never understand such people :(    … Expand
  13. Micke
    Sep 25, 2018
    10
    it is very nice game i got all trophy just one! i cant because there is bug i should complete game 100% i know where artifact is but it is not on my map. im so sad
  14. Nipe
    Sep 15, 2018
    10
    My actual score would be 9.5. This is finally THE modern type Tomb Raider I've been waiting for such a long time. I've been a hardcore fan since the firsts classics. I love the environment so much and the feeling that you are an adventurer. I just finished my first play trough and there were many moments I just thought that this is the tomb raider. I played the game on regular PS4.My actual score would be 9.5. This is finally THE modern type Tomb Raider I've been waiting for such a long time. I've been a hardcore fan since the firsts classics. I love the environment so much and the feeling that you are an adventurer. I just finished my first play trough and there were many moments I just thought that this is the tomb raider. I played the game on regular PS4.

    Pros:
    - vibrant colors of the environment and the jungle overall
    - finally lot of tombs
    - isolated feeling
    - less combat more adventure
    - options for more difficult exploration and puzzles
    - more bad ass Lara

    Cons:
    - graphics: some textures are quite lowres
    - story of ending the trilogy is kind of anticlimax
    - mandatory clothing in some areas even after the story
    - using of same animations since the Underworld    … Expand
  15. tnfsnobelxp
    Sep 15, 2018
    9
    This a very good game but not up to the level of the previous 2 entries in the reboot, also the campaign is short for story focused game. but the game play, visuals and sound are all top notch.
  16. bbtothe
    May 18, 2019
    9
    Fantastic game enjoying it soo much. New additions to the challenge of the game are amazing its so good not having white paint directing you everywhere and the puzzles so far have actually been probably the best I have played in a video game.. really good stuff. I imagine only RD2 and GoW may beat this for my favourite AAA title this year
  17. StepAhead
    Sep 25, 2018
    10
    Amazing graphics, atmosphere and gameplay. The end of a great triology! After this amazing game, we are waiting for the "reburn" of Lara in the next generations console.
  18. dyinginbeauty
    Oct 15, 2018
    9
    I dont get the mediocre/negative reviews for this game!

    I have played the original tomb raider games as a teenager, and enjoyed the first 2 origin games by square-enix (the first being the best) Play shadow of the tomb raider with hard exploration difficulty and you will have a genuinely satisfying tomb raiding experience, wherein in this final instalment tombs and crypts appear for    I dont get the mediocre/negative reviews for this game!

    I have played the original tomb raider games as a teenager, and enjoyed the first 2 origin games by square-enix (the first being the best)

    Play shadow of the tomb raider with hard exploration difficulty and you will have a genuinely satisfying tomb raiding experience, wherein in this final instalment tombs and crypts appear for a change well concealed and isolated from the rest of the map - sometimes also guarded by enemies. On hard exploration setting any clues and obvious white trail marks are switched off, meaning you will have to genuinely explore your surroundings in order to progress.

    The puzzles are also satisfying - they will take you by and large a few minutes to work out - not as obvious and patronisingly simple as say "uncharted" game puzzles. On hard puzzle difficulty verbal hints will not be given at all, adding a challenge on first playthrough.

    Combat is a bit annoying as enemies will spot you easily and have very good aim - to counter this set the combat difficulty to easy if you get frustrated. The other downside to combat is that due to the newly introduced stealth mechanic the game unfortunately forces you to play in this style, not really allowing you to go about a combat section in your own preferred way.

    I agree with some commentators on the lacklustre story presentation - for example indigenous, non-contacted people speaking perfect english + merchants in their village selling modern weapons (makes no sense whatsoever...)

    Despite its shortcomings in some areas this is still a great game... not perfect, but very good.    … Expand
  19. CSG
    Oct 7, 2018
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I have attained 100% completion in the Deadly Obsession difficulty.
    https://youtu.be/Y_xXKn-g-cE
    And with that I want to give my take on the game.

    Generally I think it is a good game. I enjoyed playing it. I feel there are certain aspects that can be improved. I would recommend the game but I also have suggestions on approaching the game.

    I don’t have any problems with the storyline. It’s not cluttered, not confusing and not too lengthy. It was well thought out. I did not have to play the first two games to figure out what is going on. Generally satisfying storyline with good buildup, good flow and good ending.

    The characters complement the storyline. Lara is not straight up full of conviction. She doubts herself and is somewhat conflicted. Those traits do make her more relatable and endearing. We also see multi-dimension in the antagonist Dominguez. He has Paititi’s interest at heart, just his methods are too extreme. It was saddening when Unuratu died. It was particularly heartbreaking when Jonah was supposedly killed.

    The character animation is top notch. Lara is beautiful. Jonah wouldn’t be as lovable if he doesn’t look the way he does. Characters aside, the environments depicted are also breathtaking. From the lush jungles to the lively towns and cities to the dark and appropriately claustrophobic caves and tombs, everything was meticulously detailed. I love it.

    Exploration in the game is really fun. Lara has the skill set befitting of a tomb raider. What spoils the fun is how inconsistent the game behaves when Lara is executing these moves. One moment she can do it. Reload the game, do the exact same thing and this time she falls to her demise. The inconsistencies and luck factor have to be removed. Apart from all that, I think the game excels in allowing me to live out my fantasy of venturing into caves and tombs; something I consider too dangerous to do in real life.

    I generally dread combat in the game. In the Deadly Obsession difficulty, the best, if not the only approach towards combat is stealth. Sadly, stealth, like exploration, is inconsistent and therefore unreliable. It is not broken because you can eventually stealth your way to victory. For the number of tries you need to succeed, you could actually be doing the same things. Just the outcomes are different and you would be wondering why. Stealth could be improved to be more robust to improve the overall combat experience. As for the fights that provide no option to go stealth, I would say I am not a big fan of the idea of Rambo Lara singlehandedly going up against military trained Trinity soldiers or even the Yaaxil.

    With how dreadful combat is, I do enjoy the missions and tombs where no combat is involved. The challenge tombs are so fun and challenging. The puzzles are very well thought out and executed.

    I do not recommend the Deadly Obsession difficulty. What makes the difficulty broken is the fact that the game only saves at base camps. I wasted a lot of time getting to the hard parts rather than dealing with the hard parts. Using time wastage to achieve a certain level of difficult is a terrible idea. I don’t understand how game developers can confuse challenging with time consuming.

    That’s my review. Let me know what you think. I welcome different perspectives.    … Expand
  20. Snyx
    Jan 4, 2019
    8
    A good game, but it has its flaws. Combat is clunky, with a clear focus on stealth, which isn't a bad thing per se, but once you've been spotted fights become very chaotic and unbalanced. The story is mediocre and generic, many of the environments are depressing and dark with a soundtrack that matches this tone. Often times I got frustrated because I simply couldn't see the ledge I wasA good game, but it has its flaws. Combat is clunky, with a clear focus on stealth, which isn't a bad thing per se, but once you've been spotted fights become very chaotic and unbalanced. The story is mediocre and generic, many of the environments are depressing and dark with a soundtrack that matches this tone. Often times I got frustrated because I simply couldn't see the ledge I was supposed to jump to etc.

    Despite all that the game can be a lot fun, especially the challenge tombs. While not really a challenge or hard to figure out, they still give the TR series a unique element that similar games are missing.    … Expand
  21. p1menta
    Jul 26, 2019
    9
    this is the first tomb raider game i play since ps2. maybe that's the reason i loved this so much?
    or maybe its because of the magnificent graphics, or the over the top music and sound design, or the fact that you really see that they (at least) tried to be respectful with people and history, and genres etc.
  22. chr1so
    Oct 21, 2019
    10
    Similar to RotTR (which was a 10 itself) but this one encourages a bit more exploring, and this one is a clear 10 as well. Graphics are superb, as is the gameplay and story. Loved it
  23. bersi84
    Aug 11, 2019
    8
    I want this to be a 10 but some flaws and unpolished mechanics makes the perfect fit a little bit suffering. Read on for more.

    First of all I am by no means a hardcore fan or played many of the games so far, so this review is as honest as it can be. I was thinking about buying this franchise title for a while and did recently. The journey was very worthwhile. World // Engine //    I want this to be a 10 but some flaws and unpolished mechanics makes the perfect fit a little bit suffering. Read on for more.

    First of all I am by no means a hardcore fan or played many of the games so far, so this review is as honest as it can be. I was thinking about buying this franchise title for a while and did recently. The journey was very worthwhile.

    World // Engine // Graphics // Sound // Atmosphere : 10/10
    I love the semi-open the open world. It gives guidance without being plain useless. It still brings comfort options such as fast traveling and the engine seems solid. My PS4 Pro with SSD had no hiccups at all. The engine looks amazing wiht much love to detail. The animals are beautiful, weapons and items are reflected seamless on the character. Hair is still an optimization factor but did not bother me much.

    The sound arena is spectacular and brings an intense atmosphere to the ground. Crawling thorugh dark tombs, shadows casting to the walls, vast seas, beautiful waterfalls, lava caverns and nice towns. The stage is set and game makes a lot out of it. I was stunned by the scenery and took more then one amazing screenshot.

    Controls // Mechanics: 6/10
    One of my personal negative spots are the mechanics. Yes, the game has indicators on the surroundings much similar to genre titles such as Uncharted but it still feels sometimes that things are not in the proper place. Some jumps land into the void which should not. Some grapple spots are so unforgiving that even due to the very solid auto save feature, sometimes it just killed my nerves. I think they should have used one or two mechanics less to make it more simplistic because stuff as the over-head grapple wasnt used much either. There are some few passages that could ve been shortened and some challenge tombs are a little bit too irritating when it comes to pathing.

    Story // Puzzles: 9/10 - 6/10
    The story feels very generic. At some point I had a though of an 2019 Indiana Jones classic remake which made me laugh for a second. After all the story is still fun and well made with love to details and characters. Of course some stuff is pretty much head over heals hollywood. Having a girl climbing mountains, jumping over small pikes etc. etc. but in one scene she gets hand to drop down a 2 meter deep hole... had to laugh again but its okay. Laras sidekick is a nice addition to the game but they could ve made more out of that. Some passages made me slap my forehead hard. Like rescue someone to get someone else captured to capture this person to get another one captured really pissed me off at a point.

    The puzzles are okay-ish to awkward. Some are simple, some are more complex. I cannot say that they were all bad but some were unnecessary time consuming.

    Combat // Weaponry 9/10:
    Combat in general feels pretty fluent. I was a little bit irritated about the gun heavy bits at the end because for a while I was pretty sure that I would be able to finish it 100% stealth. Ducking, running, covering, jumping from trees, shooting guns, arrows, poison, flares. Lara got it all and it is fun although for a normal playthorugh you will need not much to finish it.

    Normal wildlife and special wildlife can be killed very easily even without use of special stuff or weaponry. Soldiers can be a little more persistent but then it is still not much to overcome at normal difficulty, which still feels rewarding. The final boss is little bit more of a challenge still more of a long drawn battle then really complex.

    The weapon set is exciting. Multiple bows, handguns, shotguns, rifles and a knife complete the arsenal together with normal and specialized ammo. Most of them can be upgraded with ressources that respawn indefinitely in the game. Ontop of that you can skill Lara within three different categories, most of which I never really needed.

    Summary:
    Shadow of the Tomb Raider on sale is worth the bucks it takes. A solid playthrough with some trophy catching will take you around 15-30 hrs for a full clean you will need more time and at least two playthroughs. The world is semi open with much love for detail and atmosphere. The mechanics are decent but overloaded at times. Lara itself is displayed in a positive and adventurous way. Puzzles are a bit of a let down but the game overall provides solid fun.

    Would buy again on sale.    … Expand
  24. Bitek
    Jan 31, 2019
    10
    The best Tomb Raider in the series. PS4 Pro version shines with beautiful details and crisp graphics. If you enjoy Indian Jones movies and games like Uncharted and never had opportuinty to play Tomb Raider then now is the time to do it. The game sets dark , sinister tone right from the beginning. I really enjoy the game being set in south America. Mayan culture is exciting and it isThe best Tomb Raider in the series. PS4 Pro version shines with beautiful details and crisp graphics. If you enjoy Indian Jones movies and games like Uncharted and never had opportuinty to play Tomb Raider then now is the time to do it. The game sets dark , sinister tone right from the beginning. I really enjoy the game being set in south America. Mayan culture is exciting and it is beautifully depicted through out the game. Many puzzles, great combat , interesting story. This is really good game....by the way the game looks stunning on 4K TV in HDR mode.… Expand
  25. Braixsun
    Sep 17, 2018
    9
    Shadow of the Tomb Raider is still the fun, exciting game just like it predecessors. The action moments that defined the last two games takes much of a slower pace here in this installment, making the game at times a little less exciting. However, SOTTR's biggest strength is the game's exploration aspects. It is one of the few games out today that exploring the environment is a rewardingShadow of the Tomb Raider is still the fun, exciting game just like it predecessors. The action moments that defined the last two games takes much of a slower pace here in this installment, making the game at times a little less exciting. However, SOTTR's biggest strength is the game's exploration aspects. It is one of the few games out today that exploring the environment is a rewarding treat. The game's visuals and scenery is so beautiful that it blows its predecessors looks away. The game also displays it's cultural appreciation with its Maya influence throughout the game, and plays respect to religion. Difficulty wise, this is one of the harder Tomb Raider games. Enemies are more alert now and stay constantly on their toes, which is why stealth is the biggest part of the game's gameplay. The addition fo rappelling and wall running makes the game more interesting. The tombs and puzzles plays a pivotal part of the game. Some are difficult, yet fun and worth the time. It may not be the exciting action packed game that Tomb Raider and Rise of the Tomb Raider was, but Shadow of the Tomb Raider is still worth playing.… Expand
  26. Bucket303
    Sep 18, 2018
    9
    Great game, more exploration and stealth involved this time but it is implemented well. It has a slow start, so get into it and give it a chance. You won't be disappointed .
  27. IchigoTargaryen
    Sep 28, 2018
    10
    This is a definite game of the year contender. While it's story isn't as good as the previous entry, it's smooth combat, more focus on puzzles and tomb raiding, and huge and intricate hub areas make it the superior game of the reboot trilogy. The design of the challenge tombs and crypts was simply gorgeous and each one was more difficult and detailed than the last constantly challengingThis is a definite game of the year contender. While it's story isn't as good as the previous entry, it's smooth combat, more focus on puzzles and tomb raiding, and huge and intricate hub areas make it the superior game of the reboot trilogy. The design of the challenge tombs and crypts was simply gorgeous and each one was more difficult and detailed than the last constantly challenging you throughout the game if you choose to explore them, and since they reward the player with gear and skills that help Lara especially in harder difficulties I'd strongly recommend them, hell even if you don't care about the skills and gear the design of each makes it well worth the visit. This game added a new difficulty setting where you could customize how hard you wanted combat, exploration, and the puzzles to be, for example, if you wanted easy combat but difficult puzzles you can adjust accordingly which is an amazing feature for a variety of players. It also has an option to localize language so that everyone speaks in the language you do or they speak in their native tongues which helps make the experience that much more realistic. I personally loved that it wasn't as combat focused as the previous two entries in the reboot trilogy and focused more on the puzzles and exploration making it more like the PS1 originals. The story is not as good as Rise of the Tomb Raider's but it is still very interesting and will have you sticking around to the very end to see where Lara ends up and how it sets the character up to be the titular Tomb Raider from the originals. It is an amazing end to a great trilogy for one of gaming's greatest icons.… Expand
  28. Rimon97
    Sep 24, 2018
    10
    10/10 easy. A masterpiece and anything a Tomb Raider fan could have ask for. Old Tomb Raider fans will be very happy with this one.
  29. TheSnitchfather
    Sep 14, 2018
    10
    10/10 easily.
    Best one out of the reboot trilogy, simple as that. Rottr was also great, but this is even better. Got the Croft Edition and wasn't disappointed at all. Let's be honest, most people who cry about graphics are people who should be watching movies instead of playing video games. It's about experience and fun, not about how "real" a game looks. This game sacrifices    10/10 easily.
    Best one out of the reboot trilogy, simple as that. Rottr was also great, but this is even better. Got the Croft Edition and wasn't disappointed at all. Let's be honest, most people who cry about graphics are people who should be watching movies instead of playing video games. It's about experience and fun, not about how "real" a game looks. This game sacrifices Uncharted-style graphics for gameplay, while Uncharted did the exact opposite.    … Expand
  30. phoeniix23
    Oct 2, 2018
    10
    Wow what a journey! I just finished this on Oct 1 at 100% completion and 95% trophies earned, which took about 30-40 hours with slow-medium gameplay.

    As a massive fanboy of Tomb Raider since 1996, this game gets a 10/10 from me. The gamer in me will give it an 8.5/10. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND PLAYING THIS AT HIGH DIFFICULTY THE FIRST TIME, AND EXPLORE EXPLORE EXPLORE!! Pros: 1.    Wow what a journey! I just finished this on Oct 1 at 100% completion and 95% trophies earned, which took about 30-40 hours with slow-medium gameplay.

    As a massive fanboy of Tomb Raider since 1996, this game gets a 10/10 from me.

    The gamer in me will give it an 8.5/10.

    I HIGHLY RECOMMEND PLAYING THIS AT HIGH DIFFICULTY THE FIRST TIME, AND EXPLORE EXPLORE EXPLORE!!

    Pros:
    1. Stunning, beautiful graphics with excellent cutscenes.
    2. Fun puzzles to solve in Challenge Tombs.
    3. Immersive exploration, with open hubs instead of open world.
    4. Brilliant level designs. Tombs really feel oppressive and authentic.
    5. Shadow really captures the feel of Mayan/Incan/Aztec art and culture. I've always been enthralled by their history, with my favorite Mayan based movie being Apocalypto.
    6. This time round, the devs toned down on combat and focused more on exploration and puzzles instead which I really feel captured the essence of the original Tomb Raider in the 90s. Those games were hard!!
    7. Climbing and controlling Lara is intuitive. Feels natural and I actually enjoyed traversing/spelunking around the tombs. It doesn't feel as boring or mundane as the climbing in Uncharted for example. You'll really feel like an expert wall climber.
    8. I love the music used especially in the young Lara sequence and the credits.
    9. Story is engaging, especially if you collect all the lore items and read the notes in sequence.
    10. With the end of this trilogy, I cannot wait for the devs to bring Lara out of origins and into a full blown Tomb Raider dual pistol wielding mode. I hope they will hire talent to improve on writing, story flow and pacing to get to the levels of Uncharted/The Last of Us/Hellblade.

    Cons:
    1. They recommend turning on native language for immersion but I feel it's the opposite because Lara will be talking in English while NPCs will be talking in their native languages. I ended up turning it off so everyone's dialogue is in English accept for background conversations.
    2. They still haven't fixed examining objects for hidden clues. I need to turn on controller vibration each time because that's how the game allows you to detect the clues. Finding clues visually is an exercise in frustration.
    3. Background audio sometimes overlaps, cuts off or loops in the most immersion breaking manner.
    4. I cannot stand Jonah in this. STFU already with your, "Are you OK, Lara?". She's the friggin TOMB RAIDER. YES SHE'S OK JONAH. SHE KNOWS WHAT SHE SIGNED UP FOR. GET ON WITH THE PROGRAM. I feel that his character is redundant and useless. And how on earth is he always able to catch up to Lara?? He's no tomb raider obviously, yet somehow is able to find his way to Lara who had to go through climbing hell to get to places. Some writer out there must love his character so much to give him the spotligh in Rise, Shadow and even the comics. I would've preferred if they developed Sam Nishimura as a secondary character. That would've made more sense what with them being best friends in college and surviving a traumatic experience in Yamatai. I still don't know what happened between Lara and Sam. What a wasted narrative opportunity.
    5. Side missions MUST be improved the next time. It's very basic. To be fair, this is not a dedicated RPG like The Witcher/Skyrim/Fallout but if you're gonna include side quests, either go all in or remove them. Shallow fetch quests just spoil the whole experience. The gains in plot points did not justify the blandness of the side missions.
    6. Super long loading times, making fast travel a chore. I guess they'll patch this in the future. I hope.
    7. End of the world/save the world plot is getting stale. I really hope they improve their writing and narrative design for the next one.

    In conclusion, despite it's flaws, I absolutely enjoyed Shadow, and I really felt like a Tomb Raider.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

12
#12 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2018
25
#25 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2018

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 63 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 63
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 63
  3. Negative: 2 out of 63
  1. PLAY! Zine
    Mar 11, 2019
    60
    Shallow story aside, Shadow of the Tomb Raider has the best tomb exploration in the series, and that’s what it’s all about.
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  2. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Dec 31, 2018
    60
    Still very good, but in some ways weaker than the previous game. Still, fans shouldn’t miss it, just because it is the conclusion of the trilogy. [Issue#289]
  3. Gaming Nexus
    Oct 22, 2018
    74
    Shadow of the Tomb Raider should leave us wanting more from the rebooted Lara Croft game, but with some clunky controls and a lazy combat system, what saves the game from being below average are beautiful visuals, fantastic puzzles and tomb layouts along with true adventuring. It’s as mixed up of a bag as one can get.
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