POSTED 9/11/15


RISE OF THE TOMB RAIDER

Crystal Dynamics/Square Enix

Anger is an energy...

Shit is everywhere in this sequel to Tomb Raider’s much needed – and much lauded - 2013 reboot. From our plucky protagonist wading through numerous examples of it (more figuratively than literally, although some of those waterways do look a tad sus) to saying it with the regularity of a sailor with Tourette’s. Thankfully, however, this new adventure is anything but shit.

While that last release established the new template, this one refines it. Seamless transitions from elongated (but captivating) cinematics into full-on fight-for-life interactive dramas (BEAR!!!), which – just when you’re receiving signals from your heart that it’s gonna go all arresty on your arse (and every other bodily bit) - will break into exploratory areas where you can take a breath, do a spot of scavenging, puzzling, waggle a glow stick about or just chill by the campfire crafting tools for your increasingly deadlier arsenal. We wouldn’t want to be a baddie in Lara Croft’s orbit.

There are plenty of those, naturally, however proceedings feel broader – you don’t just kill, repeat, kill, repeat, kill, repeat. The dodgy types in question are weaponised modern day members of a sect they call Trinity. They’re pursuing the same thing that Lara’s father was, and now, of course, our heroine is – even though things didn’t turn out so peachy for her dad. It’s known as the ‘Divine Source’, and it’s not-so-conveniently secreted within the mountainous terrain of Siberia.

Obsessive types who just have to collect will dig hunting out everything from artefacts to language lessons (inspired words from a woman who knows how to ski...) There are also game modifier cards for non-campaign antics, some of which you earn along the way, others of which you can buy with real life money. Bleah. Still nobody’s holding a gun to your head...

The reboot was great, this sequel’s greater. Ms Croft, may the road rise with you.

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