Stripping itself of cliché, Lara’s latest adventure is a dark, suppressive tale of character punishment that is truly rich with both content and intrigue.

The initial hour of proceedings is an apt microcosm for the game as a whole. Set in motion with a grand shipwreck scene, Lara is dragged into a gruesome blood-lined cave to die, but fortunately, for the sake of narrative interest, she doesn’t. The name of the game from this point onwards is simply survival by any means.

A masterstroke of narrative that Crystal Dynamics have played is in the relationship between both protagonist and gameplay. Despite the contextually removed scenario, Lara Croft is a totally relatable character due to the nature of her plight, for anyone can relate to the most basic of human instincts: fight or flight.

For those of the fluffy predisposition, Tomb Raider is likely a no-go. It’s a harrowing tale of basic instinct (not the film) from start to finish. Like Bruce Wayne in his last cinematic outing, Lara Croft is subjected to endless punishment throughout, but like the proverbial phoenix rising from the ashes, she rebuilds in a fashion that is all the more satisfying as a result of such tortures.

Nothing is more indicative of this darkness than the first kill of the game. Games are often guilty of diminishing the significance of the taking of life, which is certainly not the case here. Lara’s first kill, is a tortuous tussle with a brutal assailant. After attempting to assault her on multiple levels, the imperious thug is within inches of killing the protagonist, before Lara pulls the trigger and witnesses the essence of a man seep from his very skull. It’s truly compelling and upsetting in equal measure. As it clearly is for Lara, who cannot help but throw-up shortly after.

Tomb Raider is consistently excellent throughout, thanks in no small part to influences from around the industry, most notably of which is the Uncharted series.

Similar to Nathan Drake’s plundering adventures in many ways, the game is easy on the eye and bombastically cinematic. Lara’s similarities to the wisecracking descendant of Sir Francis end there however, as Tomb Raider is a distinctly more mature flavour of the action/adventure dish.

Tomb Raider is very pretty this much must be said. From the flowering green forests of the island itself, to the animation of the crazed inhabitants, it all looks very eye-popping indeed. There were a few notable glitches and issues with sluggish frame-rate, but nothing that was consistent enough to detract from the games’ overall aesthetic, which is generally fantastic, not least of which were the glistening water effects.

Gameplay is varied enough to keep things gripping, whilst being true to a key set of fundamentals and therefore avoids becoming overwhelming. Lara starts with a very basic set of equipment, building the entourage as she goes, with each addition adding its own functional advantage. With torches, bows and axes all becoming absolutely vital for survival in a means that feels grounded and real. Furthermore, the game is host to a number of side quests such as tomb raiding (rather appropriately) and also hunting, which is both tactically interesting and fun.

Another fine piece of development in this reboot of the classic series depicts Miss Croft in a more modern and appropriate fashion. With constant shifts in popular culture dictating any number of changes in what is perceived as an engaging character, it is the difficult responsibility of developers to stay current in the architecture of their cast. Crystal Dynamics absolutely do justice in this department, by tossing out the over-sexualised, air-bag chested Lara of the 90’s, and hauling in an articulate, multi-dimensional Croft for a new generation, who experiences a fascinating personal triumph in her narrative arc.

Trailing from one end of this tale to the other, plenty of shots are fired, as is to be expected. But it never feels like the happy-go-lucky genocide of Uncharted, it is in actuality a much grittier, more morally heavy enactment of a fight for survival, which is a very intelligent weave of narrative and gameplay hand-in-hand.

The over-the-shoulder shooting is very solid, with a notable edition of the bow and arrow stealing the show. In addition to this, a well integrated upgrade system; collectibles and a solid multiplayer mode will keep many coming back for more in weeks to come.

This harrowing tale of fight or flight is emotionally grazing from start to finish. A dramatic example demonstrating the antithesis of happy-go-lucky, Tomb Raider is a tightly choreographed exhibition of quality story telling alongside solid mechanics. Which alone is very good indeed, however, Lara’s latest adventure is far more than the sum of its’ parts. Illustrating that mechanical and narrative unity is by all means possible; this iteration of the classic series has a crescendo of both that ascend in perfect harmony, resulting in an utterly enthralling tale throughout. Everyone’s favourite archaeologist is back, teasing all manner of treasures just waiting to be discovered.

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