Rise of the Tomb Raider

The majority of critics praised Rise of the Tomb Raider as a strong, polished sequel that builds on its predecessor’s foundation while offering engaging gameplay and immersive exploration. Many highlighted its refined mechanics, such as improved level design, fluid platforming, and a more compelling narrative structure. GameSpot commended its seamless integration of story and gameplay, noting the “stunning world” and “variety of options in any given firefight,” while PC Gamer described it as a “peak sequel design” with expanded systems that extend player engagement. The game’s visuals and art direction were frequently lauded, with We Got This Covered and Worth Playing praising its attention to detail and “stunning graphics.” Critics like Game Informer and Twinfinite emphasized its role as a standout entry in the action-adventure genre, with Game Informer noting that it “captures the thrill of being an adventurer” and leaves players excited for Lara’s future. The PC port also received acclaim, with Hardcore Gamer calling it “phenomenal” and IGN Spain praising its accessibility on lower-end systems. However, several critics pointed to notable flaws that tempered their enthusiasm. Issues like frustrating shooting mechanics, repetitive design choices, and a lack of innovation were recurring critiques. games(TM) called the game “frustrating” due to conflicting mechanics, while TrueAchievements criticized the “uninspired story” and unnecessary replayability features. GameCritics and Eurogamer Italy noted that it felt risk-averse, failing to match the predecessor’s ambition, and Ragequit.gr highlighted a weak narrative and lack of innovation. Some critics, like Arcade Sushi, felt it “doesn’t bring much innovation,” while Metro GameCentral pointed to excessive hand-holding and shallow elements. Despite these criticisms, many acknowledged that these issues were minor compared to the game’s strengths, with Vandal calling it a “well-executed sequel” and SpazioGames noting its “visually appealing experience despite technical flaws.” Overall, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with most viewing Rise of the Tomb Raider as a significant improvement over its predecessor and a strong entry in the franchise. While some critiques about narrative depth and innovation persisted, they were largely overshadowed by praise for its gameplay, exploration, and technical execution. GameSpot and X-ONE Magazine UK called it one of the best games on Xbox One, while Brash Games and Gamers’ Temple highlighted its respect for Lara Croft’s legacy and engaging protagonist. Even critics with reservations, like TrueAchievements and GameCritics, acknowledged its solid foundation and redeeming qualities, such as the Expedition mode or improved mechanics. The game’s ability to balance action, exploration, and storytelling—despite minor flaws—earned it a place as a “must-play” for fans, with many agreeing that it successfully elevated the series while remaining true to its roots.