Home Gaming Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition review round-up

Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition review round-up

3 min read
14

tr dEF EDITION

What’s new is old again, amirite? Tomb Raider hit shelves last year on various consoles and PC to widespread acclaim. Nearly a year later, and the game is back in action, with some new-gen shine. Here’s what the critics have to say.

Currently sitting with a Metacritic score of 83, Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition is once again snapping up all the praise. General consensus is that the PS4 version is far superior to the Xbox One version, but you already knew all that.

On the hyperbole side, ImpulseGamer gave the game a perfect score:

Tomb Raider Definitive Edition really showcases the capabilities of the PlayStation 4 console and even though in essence it’s the same game as the PC, PS3 and XBox 360, the amazing high definitive graphics and tweaked controls really makes this title its own game.

Back in reality, Game Informer gave TR: DE a score of 93, praising how it took advantage of the new-gen hardware to create a great game for both consoles:

It’s undeniably the best version of Tomb Raider yet – and the best game currently available for Xbox One and PlayStation 4. If you haven’t played it, I don’t know what you’re waiting for.

And that’s a trend that continued with several other publications as well actually, as everyone once again fell in love with Lara and her newer, more realistic hair:

IGN

It’s still well-written, sympathetic, exciting, beautiful, and just incredibly well-made.

GamesRadar

One of the best adventure games on console, with a fantastic blend of action and exploration. The Definitive Edition really is definitive, but isn’t worth a repeat buy for those who’ve already experienced Lara’s story.

US Gamer

You can tell Crystal Dynamics pulled out all of the stops to make this the best version of Tomb Raider. If you’ve played it before, it may worth a rent. If you haven’t, the Definitive Edition is great purchase that outclasses the PC edition. Unfortunately, the potential price gulf between this version and the PC version can make it a hard sell.

The game isn’t without critics though, as numerous other reviews pointed out that the only reason to play the game would be because you never got your hands on it when it released the first time.

Slant Magazine

Even ignoring its gussied-up next-gen clothes, though, Tomb Raider’s strengths outshine its weaknesses as an experience, though its flaws outside of the visual realm remain impossible to ignore.

PlayStation Official Magazine UK

Prettier and choked with superfluous PS4 control additions, yet still the same brilliant game underneath. Never played it? Buy this. Want to re-play it? Stick to the PS3 version.

The Escapist

Tomb Raider is a terrific game, and the Definitive Edition is a gorgeous looking version of it. It’s the same game it was in 2013, though, with no further improvements justifying its “definitive” status.

I played over 50 games last year, and unfortunately Tomb Raider wasn’t one of them. So naturally, I’m pretty damn excited for this Tressed-up update. It’s hitting shelves in a  few days actually, on January 31. And right now, it’s making me thankful that I went with a PlayStation 4 first.

Last Updated: January 28, 2014

14 Comments

  1. I also missed out on Tomb Raider. 2013 was a crazy gaming year. There were so many awesome titles to choose from, and I’m still wading through my backlog.

    My only problem with the Definitive edition is the price. In fact, the price of all the PS4 games. I might just get the PS3 version instead, and save up for Infamous SS.

    :/ (and this is the dilemma we all face with higher than usual game prices)

    Reply

    • oVg 60fps > 30fps

      January 28, 2014 at 11:50

      It was my GOTY 2013. Those who never played and are on the PS4 then the $60 price tag is well worth it. In fact I will buy this again for my lovely PS4
      (The XBOX 360 games will be sold at BT games to add to the PS4 price Tag) Thanks Microsoft, it was fun while it lasted. #Butthurtfanboy

      Reply

      • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

        January 28, 2014 at 11:56

        Wait, you have a PS4? Why do I only find this out now? Comeon man, add me to PSN!

        Reply

        • oVg 60fps > 30fps

          January 28, 2014 at 12:00

          I have a PS4 in the future. A couple of months from now when I go to England. But after spending 1 year deciding what console to drop my hard earned cash on I have come to the conclusion that the PS4 seem to be doing everything right and resonates more with the game centric gamer.

          I sai a year ago that the better version of The Withcer 3 would be my deciding factor. Well now I do not need to wait for it to come out after seeing how piss poor the more expensive console cant match the competition on an old HD remake.

          PSFOURLIFE

          Reply

  2. Rock789

    January 28, 2014 at 11:52

    I’m definitely in! After ACIV on PS4, looking forward to another great action/adventure game to get stuck into. 🙂

    Reply

    • RinceThis2014

      January 28, 2014 at 11:59

      Gah! Any opportunity to rub that in! #PS4jealousy

      Reply

      • Rock789

        January 28, 2014 at 12:05

        Maybe… 😉

        **innocent face**

        Reply

  3. Sageville

    January 28, 2014 at 11:55

    SOLD!

    Reply

  4. Hammersteyn

    January 28, 2014 at 12:01

    The XBOX version should be half the price of the PS4 version because it has half the FPS.

    Reply

    • Jonah Cash

      January 28, 2014 at 12:04

      Pieter Kruger isn’t going to like this comment……. Oooooooo……

      Reply

      • oVg 60fps > 30fps

        January 28, 2014 at 12:15

        lol

        Reply

  5. Jonah Cash

    January 28, 2014 at 12:02

    Hell yeah!!! I am so buying Lara again!!! Already pre ordered!!!! (At least I know what I am getting by pre ordering)

    Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      January 28, 2014 at 12:17

      Buying it my first time, now I can’t wait

      Reply

      • Jonah Cash

        January 28, 2014 at 14:11

        Dude you are in for a serious treat!!! My best game of 2013 by a country mile!!!!!

        Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Check Also

Guilty Gear Strive Review – Better call Sol

Guilty Gear's latest chapter is its most accessible one yet, a righteous display of power …