Game of the Year - Tomb Raider (2013)

I've played 7 out of the 10 Tomb Raider games that have come out since 1996, and across platforms (PC, Wii, and now, Xbox) - I only skipped 5, 6, and Anniversary. And before I played the new reboot of Tomb Raider that came out last month, I was one of those people that pined for the good old days of Tomb Raider 2's tigers and Venetian canals.

That has changed. Crystal Dynamics have made a reboot that rivals any reboot in any media (yes, including Batman Begins), and not only is it my favorite Tomb Raider ever, it is also my favorite game this year (so far), and it works as a remix of Indiana Jones, Lost, and your favorite FPS...

To me, this beats Assassin's Creed III at its own.... uh... game. It features better storytelling, equally good combat/ free-running, and amazing puzzles and exploration elements, all in a somewhat smaller world-size. AC better watch out, because Lara even has her own Eagle Vision now!

I started writing this post on Google+ and switched over to the blog as my raving grew in length. I now realize this is the first game I'm actually blogging about. How about that? Well it is a deserving one, that easily deserves a 9 on a scale of 10. Here's why...

As origin stories go, this one is deftly told. The writing, while obviously limited by the medium (no soliloquies!) succeeds and impresses by giving proper motivation and a solid character arc to the protagonist. This is the "birth" of Lara Croft, icon. The writing and plot also works in capturing the sense of wonder and mystery that has been the hallmark of the series, with just a tinge of the paranormal. 

There are times when the story takes over game-play with QTE type interactions to further the tale, but this is very well used. There's quite a lot of it in hindsight, but it isn't irritating, and is quite fun while it happens. I haven't seen better acting in a video game cut-scene before... Camilla Luddington should go to Hollywood based on this performance! There are some high points in the game that are a judicious mix of QTE and full player control that make the pulse race. Here are some of them (I think they missed a few, and I don't agree with the sequence, but still)...

This is a game though, and story isn't enough. Even for a sucker-for-a-good-story like me! Never fear though, the game-play is addictive and engrossing. Completing the main quest and side missions (and being able to play no more than a few hours a week) required at least 40 hours for me (likely more). Still I did nothing else in my spare time at home while this game was unfinished. My reading goals for the year are shot as a result : )

The side/ optional missions (including finding baubles) are interesting, besides the juggernaut that is the main story. Documents are strewn all over the map and can be read (or heard) such that they add depth to the story and reveal back-story and nuance. The good old "tombs" are now optional, and not frustratingly hard to my relief; puzzles here and there on the map. Relics reveal the depth of research that has gone into the game, as it explores a period and region (feudal Japan) that the series hasn't done before. Some of these are really tricky to find, and if you are a completion-ist this game will prove a time suck. I did get 100% completion.

Combat is visceral and just difficult enough (I played on Normal, not Easy). You pick it up almost in tune with the character's growth from damsel in distress (very briefly) to bad-ass killer. Yes - the first kill hits hard, and killing becomes far too casual far too quickly after that, but that is a forgivable offense as they've made the killing very fun indeed. (bonuses and style points are awarded for head-shots or using the environment to kill enemies).

First kill aftermath - clearly, this is above PG on the ratings scale...

The RPG like system of earning XP to upgrade skills and finding 'salvage' that lets you upgrade weaponry means that your abilities and weaponry keep pace with the progressively tougher enemies you face. The weapons are well designed and balanced - bow and arrows, handgun, shotgun, rifle, and grenades. Enough upgrades and variations are around, and you have to think hard about what upgrade path is best - both for the weapons, and for the protagonist, as she (you) earns skill points and gains hunting, exploring, and combat abilities.

The Punch

Listen, I'm an out and out Assassin's Creed fan - and that was a game inspired by the Tomb Raider franchise. I'd thought I'd finish ACIII and blog about the whole series and wax eloquent about the genius behind it. Alas, AC III let me down in the story and characterization department and my enthusiasm to blog about it evaporated.

Lara Croft - The Evolution 1996 - 2013 (From bigsushi.fm; click image to read their review)

Tomb Raider, on this background feels like the first game in a long time that has lived up to the hype surrounding it - and exceeded it! I'd highly recommend it for any fan of the franchise or newcomer alike, and for any noob as well as hardcore gamer. Fans - you know, the ones who even liked the abysmally bad Angelina Jolie movies, just because they were Tomb Raider - will be delighted, as I was, and excited about where the franchise heads next. Did I hear you say reboot movie?