Search for games

Type three or more characters to search...

Links

Amazon

Steam

Twitch

MONSTER

Shadow of the Tomb Raider

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Shadow of the Tomb Raider
Item: Shadow of the Tomb Raider
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2018

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Shooter, RPG, Stealth, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableSep 12, 2018

PlatformPlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

DeveloperEidos Montreal, Nixxes Software

Overview

As Lara Croft races to save the world from a Maya apocalypse, she must become the Tomb Raider she is destined to be.

Elsewhere

8.0

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

57%

Mixed (50-79)

39%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The Story of Shadow of the Tomb Raider has received mixed reviews from critics. Some positive aspects highlighted by reviewers include the exploration of Lara Croft's character development and internal struggles. Critics like God is a Geek and Worth Playing appreciate the darker and more mature narrative that delves into Lara's descent into a hardened survivalist, showcasing her evolution and obsession with stopping Trinity. The game is praised for its emotional moments, character-based interactions, and themes of consequences and redemption, adding depth to the overall narrative. On the other hand, several critics, including Guardian, Cubed3, and GameGrin, criticize the story for being weak, forgettable, and lacking in coherence. They point out narrative inconsistencies, thin character motivations, and a lackluster plot progression. The reuse of plotlines and action set-pieces from previous games is also mentioned as a drawback, with some questioning the need for a whole trilogy of games to tell Lara Croft's story. Additionally, issues with pacing, lack of character development, and unfulfilled potential in the storyline are highlighted by reviewers like Push Square and Digital Spy. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a somewhat disappointing reception of the Story in Shadow of the Tomb Raider. While some appreciate the character-driven moments and exploration of Lara's evolution, others feel let down by the narrative's execution, pacing, and lack of depth in character arcs. The game's attempt to conclude Lara's character arc and provide closure to the reboot trilogy is acknowledged positively by some, such as Wccftech and AusGamers, but the overall sentiment suggests that the Story falls short of fully engaging and satisfying the expectations of the critics. The varying opinions indicate a divisive reception to the narrative, with some finding merit in its exploration of themes and character growth, while others critique its execution and lack of originality.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed feelings about the Story of Shadow of the Tomb Raider. Some praise its exploration of Lara Croft's character evolution and emotional depth, while others criticize it for being weak, forgettable, and lacking coherence. The game's attempt to conclude Lara's story receives some positive feedback, but overall, opinions are divided on its execution and originality.

Gameplay Mechanics

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

71%

Mixed (50-79)

29%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Shadow of the Tomb Raider for its engaging elements. Game Informer highlighted the tense escape sequences, challenging tombs, and the addition of rappelling and wall-running that added complexity to climbing. COGconnected appreciated the exploration opportunities, vertical traversal mechanics, and RPG-like interactions, while GameSpace mentioned fluid movement and flexible combat as positives. IGN Spain also commended the focus on exploration, stealth, and combat, with new abilities and crafting mechanics enhancing the overall experience. The gameplay was lauded for offering a mix of classic Tomb Raider elements with new mechanics, providing players with a satisfying and immersive adventure. On the downside, some critics pointed out areas where Shadow of the Tomb Raider fell short in terms of gameplay. USgamer and Digital Spy both mentioned unsatisfying gun combat that felt at odds with the stealth focus, indicating a lack of balance in gameplay mechanics. GameSpace highlighted frustrating platforming issues and the lack of impact from gear loss as drawbacks, while Cheat Code Central criticized platforming sections for feeling too much like Uncharted and being unstable. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment was that while the game had its rough edges and shortcomings, the positives outweighed the negatives for most critics. Overall, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Shadow of the Tomb Raider. The game was praised for its emphasis on exploration, challenging puzzles, stealth mechanics, and engaging combat elements. Critics like The Sydney Morning Herald and TheSixthAxis appreciated the improved combat techniques, customizable difficulty options, and deeper challenge tombs, which added depth to the gameplay experience. While some critics highlighted specific issues such as repetitive puzzles or clunky controls, the general sentiment was that the game successfully built upon the strengths of its predecessors and delivered a compelling and immersive gameplay experience. Critics' feedback collectively suggests that Shadow of the Tomb Raider offers a well-rounded and enjoyable gameplay experience that resonated positively with the majority of reviewers.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics lauded Shadow of the Tomb Raider's gameplay for its engaging elements like tense escape sequences, challenging tombs, and new mechanics like rappelling and wall-running. The game received praise for its mix of classic Tomb Raider elements with new features, providing a satisfying and immersive adventure. However, some critics noted issues like unsatisfying gun combat and platforming problems. Overall, the consensus was overwhelmingly positive, with emphasis on exploration, challenging puzzles, stealth mechanics, and engaging combat elements, making it a well-rounded and enjoyable experience for most reviewers.

Graphics and Visual Design

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

86%

Mixed (50-79)

14%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics overwhelmingly praised the Graphics and Visual Design of Shadow of the Tomb Raider, highlighting its stunning visuals, immersive environments, and attention to detail. CGMagazine described the game as "lovely" with "lush green forests" and "crumbling architecture," while COGconnected and Cubed3 also commended the game for its gorgeous jungle settings and vibrant environments, even on standard consoles like the PS4. Digital Spy and GameGrin mentioned the stunning locations and beautiful world design, with Digital Spy specifically noting the game's photo mode, enhancing the visual experience. Additionally, GameSpew and God is a Geek praised the game for its gorgeous settings, characters, and environments, with GameSpew mentioning smooth stealth gameplay and challenging side quests. However, some critics did point out a few negatives regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Shadow of the Tomb Raider. Digital Trends mentioned some less advanced animations in hub areas, while GamesRadar++ expressed slight disappointment in the variety of foes encountered. Press Start Australia criticized the character models as "uninspired and lifeless," and The Sydney Morning Herald noted some issues with darkness in certain areas of the game. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment among the critics is that the game's visual presentation is top-notch, with minor flaws not significantly impacting the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Shadow of the Tomb Raider. Critics like PlayStation LifeStyle, Push Square, and TheXboxHub praised the game for its polished visuals, detailed environments, and stunning lighting effects. IGN Italia and Worth Playing highlighted the atmospheric and cohesive visuals, while ZTGD and GameWatcher commended the breathtaking environments and choice between high resolution and high framerate modes. The game's ability to immerse players in its visually captivating world was a common theme among the critics, with many acknowledging Shadow of the Tomb Raider as one of the best-looking games in the series. The Graphics and Visual Design of the game were a standout feature, contributing significantly to the overall enjoyment and immersion of the gaming experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Shadow of the Tomb Raider's stunning graphics and immersive environments, praising its attention to detail and lush jungle settings. Some minor flaws were noted, such as less advanced animations and uninspired character models, but overall, the visual presentation is top-notch. The game's polished visuals, detailed environments, and stunning lighting effects received overwhelming praise, with critics hailing it as one of the best-looking games in the series. Visual design contributes significantly to the game's enjoyment and immersion, making it a standout feature for players.

Music and Sound Design

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

79%

Mixed (50-79)

21%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers on the Sound Design and Music of Shadow of the Tomb Raider, it is evident that there is a consensus among critics regarding the positive aspects of the game's audio elements. Critics such as COGconnected and InsideGamer.nl praise the immersive sound effects that enhance the atmosphere of the game. The use of jungle sounds, wildlife noises, and ambient sounds effectively transport players into the game world, creating a rich and engaging experience. Additionally, the haunting and somber soundtrack by Brian D'Oliveira, as highlighted by Push Square, adds depth to the game's theme of descent and contributes significantly to the overall tone of the game. On the other hand, some critics point out certain negatives in the sound design and music of Shadow of the Tomb Raider. God is a Geek mentions that the game breaks immersion at times with cutscene-specific outfits and disappearing weaponry, which can detract from the overall experience. The SixthAxis notes that while the voice acting shines in dramatic situations, interactions with NPCs, especially children, can feel detached, impacting the emotional engagement of players. Press Start Australia also highlights infrequent audio hitches that may disrupt the player's immersion in the game world. Overall, the majority of critics agree that Shadow of the Tomb Raider excels in its sound design and music, contributing significantly to the immersive experience of the game. The game effectively creates a tense and eerie atmosphere through its unnerving score, aggressive enemy types, and dynamic music, as noted by IGN and Impulsegamer. The detailed sound design, multilingual dialogues, and immersive ambiance praised by MMORPG.com and Metro Montreal further enhance the player's immersion in the game world. Despite some minor drawbacks mentioned by a few critics, the overall consensus is that the sound design and music of Shadow of the Tomb Raider play a crucial role in elevating the gaming experience and immersing players in Lara Croft's epic adventure.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics praise Shadow of the Tomb Raider's immersive sound design and music, with jungle sounds and Brian D'Oliveira's soundtrack enhancing the game's atmosphere. While some note immersion-breaking elements and detached voice acting, the majority agree that the game excels in creating a tense and engaging experience through its audio. Overall, the sound design and music play a crucial role in immersing players in Lara Croft's epic adventure.

Voice Acting

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

64%

Mixed (50-79)

27%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Shadow of the Tomb Raider receives a mix of positive feedback from critics, with many highlighting the standout performance of Camilla Luddington as Lara Croft. Critics like COGconnected and God is a Geek praise Luddington for bringing depth and humanity to Lara's character, adding emotional weight to the narrative. Additionally, App Trigger and MMORPG.com commend the chemistry between Lara and Jonah, with Jonah's warm and funny demeanor grounding Lara and setting the tone for many scenes. IGN on XBOX ONE also appreciates Luddington's ability to balance vulnerability and ridiculousness effectively, enhancing the character dynamics. On the other hand, some critics express concerns regarding the voice acting in Shadow of the Tomb Raider. Cubed3 criticizes Lara Croft's accent and mispronunciations, finding them abnormal and jarring, which they feel is disrespectful to the character and creators. The Escapist criticizes the characters' voices and dialogues for muddying the game's clarity and not fully realizing the story's potential. TheSixthAxis notes that while Camilla Luddington's voice acting shines in dramatic moments, Lara can sometimes come across as detached and overly morose in conversations with NPCs, affecting the overall immersion for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards positive feedback on the voice acting in Shadow of the Tomb Raider. The performances, particularly by Camilla Luddington as Lara Croft, are widely praised for adding depth and emotional impact to the characters and story. Critics like GameGrin and Worth Playing highlight the genuine care and concern behind the voices, contributing to an immersive experience for players. While there are criticisms regarding accent issues and inconsistencies in character portrayal, the majority of reviewers appreciate the voice acting for enhancing the relationships, emotional weight, and overall storytelling in the game.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics praise Camilla Luddington's standout performance as Lara Croft in Shadow of the Tomb Raider, citing depth and emotion she brings to the character. Some critics find issues with accent and character portrayal, but overall, the voice acting adds emotional weight and enhances storytelling in the game.

Technical Performance

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

43%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on different gaming platforms, Shadow of the Tomb Raider received mixed feedback from critics. On the PS4, while PlayStation LifeStyle did not mention any technical issues, CGMagazine and God is a Geek noted occasional graphical glitches and immersion-breaking elements like disappearing weapons during cutscenes. However, GameGrin highlighted the lack of major game-breaking bugs in combat mechanics, showcasing a positive aspect of the game's technical performance on the PS4. Moving to the Xbox One platform, critics had varying experiences with technical performance. Worth Playing and Wccftech praised the game for running smoothly, offering stable gameplay experiences with occasional minor issues like frame drops in busier scenes. On the other hand, Press Start Australia and The Sydney Morning Herald mentioned performance hang-ups, buffering issues, glitched enemies, and occasional freezes, indicating some technical shortcomings that affected the gameplay experience negatively for some players on the Xbox One. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the technical performance of Shadow of the Tomb Raider is somewhat divided. While some reviewers like Softpedia appreciated the smooth performance on PC at 60FPS with beautiful visuals, others like PC Invasion encountered graphics issues that required adjustments to settings. The planned Day 1 patch mentioned by PC Invasion also indicates that there were initial technical issues that needed addressing. The varying experiences across different platforms suggest that while the game generally runs smoothly on all platforms, there are occasional technical hiccups and inconsistencies that may impact the overall gameplay experience for some players.

TL;DR

technical performance

Shadow of the Tomb Raider's technical performance divided critics. PS4 saw minor glitches, Xbox One had more issues like freezes. PC had mixed feedback with some praising smooth performance, others facing graphics problems. Overall, while the game generally runs smoothly, occasional technical hiccups may affect gameplay experience.

Replay Value

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

27%

Mixed (50-79)

73%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of various critics regarding the Replay Value of Shadow of the Tomb Raider highlight several positive aspects. Critics like PlayStation LifeStyle and Cubed3 appreciate the game's offering of exploration, challenge tombs, side quests, and collectibles, providing players with ample content to engage with beyond the main story. The inclusion of New Game Plus modes, customizable difficulty levels, and unlockable outfits, as mentioned by Digital Spy and TheXboxHub, further enhance the replayability by allowing players to approach the game in different ways and continue their journey with added challenges and rewards. On the other hand, some critics express concerns about the Replay Value of Shadow of the Tomb Raider. GameSpew and Guardian point out issues such as limited innovation, poorly incorporated optional content, and meaningless rewards, which may hinder the game's overall replayability. Additionally, GameSpace highlights the lack of significant side quests, while IGN Spain mentions that the story may not be highly inspiring, potentially impacting players' motivation to revisit the game for multiple playthroughs. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the Replay Value of Shadow of the Tomb Raider is mixed. While the game offers a diverse range of content such as challenge tombs, collectibles, and customization options that contribute to its replayability, there are concerns about the lack of innovation, pacing issues, and uninspiring rewards that may deter some players from engaging with the game beyond the main campaign. Critics like COGconnected and GameSpew acknowledge the potential for replay value through exploration and New Game Plus modes, while others like ZTGD and Metro GameCentral point out specific areas where the game falls short in maintaining player interest over multiple playthroughs. Ultimately, the Replay Value of Shadow of the Tomb Raider seems to depend on individual preferences and how much players enjoy the core gameplay loop and additional content offered by the game.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics are divided on the Replay Value of Shadow of the Tomb Raider. Some praise its exploration, challenge tombs, and customization options for enhancing replayability, while others criticize its lack of innovation and uninspiring rewards. The game offers diverse content for multiple playthroughs, but concerns about pacing and optional content may deter some players. Ultimately, replay value depends on individual preferences and engagement with the game's core features.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

68%

Mixed (50-79)

30%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of the critics, it is evident that Shadow of the Tomb Raider received praise for various positive aspects. Gaming Nexus highlighted the game's potential, while Game Informer found it to be a high-stakes adventure worth experiencing. Cubed3 commended the strong exploration and tomb raiding elements, and Cheat Code Central considered it a compelling conclusion to the trilogy. Softpedia and God is a Geek both praised the impressive visuals, engaging gameplay, and compelling story. Worth Playing also lauded the outstanding gameplay mechanics and compelling narrative, while Press Start Australia described it as a truly excellent action-adventure trilogy. On the other hand, several critics pointed out the negative aspects of Shadow of the Tomb Raider. Gaming Nexus criticized the clunky controls and lazy combat system, while Cubed3 and The Escapist highlighted the weak story, simple combat, and underdeveloped stealth mechanics. GameSpew and GameGrin mentioned the lack of innovation and feeling of similarity to previous titles, with GameWatcher noting flaws in the storyline and combat. DualShockers felt that the game lacked its own identity and was too reminiscent of its predecessor, while COGconnected mentioned pacing issues, lack of combat, and a weak ending as potential drawbacks. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding Shadow of the Tomb Raider is mixed. While some, like Game Informer and Worth Playing, found it to be a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy with engaging gameplay and compelling narratives, others, such as Cubed3 and The Escapist, felt that it fell short in terms of storytelling and gameplay mechanics. Despite the criticisms, the majority of critics appreciated the game's visuals, gameplay mechanics, and overall experience, making it a recommended choice for fans of the series or action-adventure games in general. The diverse opinions reflect the subjective nature of gaming preferences, with some critics finding it to be a standout title in 2018, while others suggested waiting for a sale before purchasing.

TL;DR

Shadow of the Tomb Raider receives mixed reviews: Critics praise its visuals and gameplay, but criticize clunky controls and weak story. While some see it as a compelling conclusion to the trilogy, others find it lacking in innovation. Overall, opinions vary but it's recommended for fans of action-adventure games.

MONSTER

Reviews

229 reviews found

100

TheXboxHub

Xbox One

Sep 19, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Highly recommended for fans of the series, excelling in tomb exploration, puzzle interactions, storytelling, and action, making it the best of the trilogy.

Read full review

100

GameSpew

Xbox One

Sep 10, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Shadow of the Tomb Raider ends the reboot trilogy on a high note, giving fans what they want and leaving them wanting more. The game is perfectly paced and pitched, with no major frustrations.

Read full review

100

Impulsegamer

Xbox One

Sep 10, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Shadow of the Tomb Raider delivers a perfect blend of narrative, gameplay, and visuals, offering an interactive film experience that is highly recommended for players

Read full review

App Trigger

Xbox One

Sep 10, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Shadow of the Tomb Raider concludes Lara Croft's origin story in a mesmerizing way. The game receives a score of 9.5 out of 10.

Read full review

GameSpace

PlayStation 4

Sep 10, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Masterpiece with some minor issues, best game in the trilogy, highly recommended

Read full review

Video Chums

Xbox One

Sep 10, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Shadow of the Tomb Raider is a darker and suspenseful game with awe-inspiring visuals, fun stealthy combat, and rewarding gameplay

Read full review

We Got This Covered

Xbox One

Sep 10, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that Shadow of the Tomb Raider is a fantastic game that serves as a wonderful final chapter in the series reboot. It brings back the elements that made the franchise a hit and adds even more.

Read full review

The Digital Fix

PlayStation 4

Sep 23, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is a revelation and the nearest you are going to get to a perfect Tomb Raider game. It keeps up with modern games and surpasses them in every way.

Hardcore Gamer

Xbox One

Sep 10, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Shadow of the Tomb Raider is a must-play for action-adventure and Tomb Raider fans, despite some decisions that may not sit well with long-time fans.

IGN

PlayStation 4

Sep 10, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Shadow of the Tomb Raider wraps up Lara's journey effectively, offering a mix of high-concept fun and character exploration. Despite some missed opportunities in exploration incentives, the game is filled with challenging puzzles and engaging gameplay elements.

Read full review