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MONSTER

Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition
Item: Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2014

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Platformer, Shooter, Puzzle and Logic, Stealth, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableJan 28, 2014

PlatformPlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

DeveloperNixxes Software

Overview

Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition is a re-release of Tomb Raider, developed by Crystal Dynamics and published by Square-Enix for the Playstation 4 and the Xbox One. The game is optimized for next-gen consoles, with the help of outside developers including United Front Games and Nixxes Software. Definitive Edition includes several visual and game play enhancements, and is packaged with all available downloadable content for the game. The game was released on January 28th, 2014.

Elsewhere

8.7

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition humanizes Lara through emotional depth and transformative storytelling but falters under clichés, uneven character arcs, and clunky execution, delivering a flawed yet compelling origin tale.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

40%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

56%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The story of Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition receives praise for its emotional depth, character development, and narrative structure, particularly in showcasing Lara Croft’s transformation from an inexperienced archaeologist to a resilient survivor. Critics like SpazioGames highlight its exploration of themes such as humanity versus animality and moral decay under stress, while 3DJuegos lauds the emotional resonance and immersive storytelling that emphasizes Lara’s vulnerability and growth. The Globe and Mail notes the game’s ability to give Lara depth, leaving players invested in her journey, and GamesRadar+ appreciates the dark, consistent tone that underscores her evolution. Additionally, Nintendo Life praises the gritty portrayal of Lara’s trials, framing her as a relatable protagonist shaped by hardship. These reviews underscore the narrative’s strengths in humanizing Lara and delivering an engaging, character-driven experience. However, the story faces significant criticism for its reliance on clichés, inconsistent character development, and narrative flaws. COGconnected and Cubed3 highlight issues such as emotional detachment, cringey dialogue, and a lack of growth for Lara compared to earlier games, while VideoGamer criticizes the plot’s predictability and unconvincing dialogue reminiscent of “GCSE plays.” GameSpot and Slant Magazine point to underdeveloped characters, tired tropes, and conflicting portrayals of Lara (e.g., damsel in distress vs. bloodthirsty hunter), which undermine cohesion. GameCritics and Digitally Downloaded note thin storytelling, ludonarrative dissonance, and a reliance on exposition over subtlety, while Vooks and Starbit acknowledge Lara’s unrealistic progression from squeamish to aggressive. These critiques collectively paint a picture of a narrative that struggles with originality and emotional consistency despite its ambitions. The overall consensus among critics is mixed, reflecting both appreciation for the story’s emotional core and frustration with its execution. While some, like 3DJuegos and NowGamer, celebrate its “deceptively dark” and “flawless” character development, others, including COGconnected and Cubed3, find it lacking in depth and originality. The Definitive Edition is often viewed as a solid origin tale that retains the core of Lara’s journey but fails to innovate or address its narrative shortcomings. Despite this, many acknowledge its role in establishing Lara as a compelling protagonist, even if the story feels dated or uneven at times. Ultimately, the reviews suggest that while Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition succeeds in humanizing Lara, its storytelling falls short of the emotional and thematic richness seen in other modern narratives.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Praise for its engaging action-adventure gameplay, effective blend of exploration, puzzles, and combat, with strong progression systems. However, critics panned overused QTEs, simplistic platforming, shallow features, and dated design, calling it a "pre-2013" experience that fails to evolve beyond its roots.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

40%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

60%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition receives widespread praise for its engaging action-adventure structure, varied mechanics, and immersive exploration. Critics like IGN (PS4) highlight fast-paced combat, environmental puzzles in tombs, and the game’s emphasis on climbing and lateral thinking, while Gameblog.fr commends the balance between combat and survival, noting dynamic encounters and player progression. NowGamer praises the "flawlessly balanced" progression system, where skill acquisition and combat mechanics improve as players advance, and Starbit appreciates the game’s effective blend of exploration, puzzles, and combat, with customizable weapons and skill trees. The Definitive Edition’s additions, such as voice commands and touchpad controls (as noted by GameInformers), are seen as clever enhancements, though not transformative. Many reviewers, including IGN (XBOX ONE) and GamesRadar+, acknowledge the game’s ability to keep players engaged through its mix of action set-pieces, side quests, and varied combat mechanics, drawing comparisons to Uncharted for its polished execution. However, several critics highlight significant flaws that detract from the experience. The reliance on quick-time events (QTEs) is a recurring criticism, with Vooks and Cubed3 noting they feel outdated and frustrating, while USgamer and Eurogamer Germany criticize their overuse and repetitive nature. Slant Magazine points to the game’s fragmented design and Lara’s inconsistent character portrayal, and GameSpot mentions that multiplayer feels "uninspired" and repetitive compared to single-player. Metro GameCentral and GameCritics critique the simplified platforming challenges and shallow new features like challenge tombs, while Eurogamer Portugal and TheSixthAxis note inconsistent puzzle design and dated mechanics. Additionally, Official Xbox Magazine criticizes the lack of new side areas and over-guided collectibles, suggesting the game feels "pre-2013" in its approach to exploration and progression. Overall, critics agree that Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition is a solid, enjoyable action-adventure with strong core mechanics but suffers from dated elements and unremarkable updates. While IGN (PS4) and Gameblog.fr praise its responsiveness and variety of gameplay styles, the consensus leans toward it being a "faithful" but not groundbreaking iteration of the original. The game’s strengths—such as its exploration-driven design, skill progression, and combat variety—are often overshadowed by criticisms of QTEs, simplistic puzzles, and a lack of innovation. SpazioGames and TheSixthAxis acknowledge its playability despite its age, while GameCritics and Eurogamer Germany emphasize that it feels "pre-2013" in both design and polish. Despite these issues, many reviewers, including NowGamer and COGconnected (Switch), find the game fun and engaging, suggesting it remains a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre, even if it doesn’t fully evolve beyond its 2013 roots.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Critics hailed Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition’s jaw-dropping visuals on next-gen consoles, but Nintendo Switch 2’s subpar port and minor glitches marred an otherwise stellar presentation—proving it as a graphics benchmark despite flaws.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

72%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

25%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The majority of critics praised the graphics and visual design of Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition, highlighting significant upgrades that elevated the game’s aesthetic appeal. On next-gen consoles like the PS4 and Xbox One, reviewers lauded enhanced textures, 1080p resolution, and improved lighting effects, with many noting the game’s immersive environments. For instance, Game Informer called the visuals “stunning,” praising detailed character models, lush landscapes, and realistic water reflections. IGN highlighted the “beautiful” island environments, while Vandal and LaPS4 emphasized advancements like TressFX hair simulation, dynamic lighting, and smoother animations. The PS4 version, in particular, was celebrated for its 60fps performance and refined character models, with Push Square noting it as one of the “best-looking games” on console. Even critics who acknowledged limitations, such as GameCritics, praised the game’s “stunning vistas” and next-gen visual showcase. However, several critics pointed to technical shortcomings and platform-specific issues that tempered the experience. On the Nintendo Switch 2, The Jimquisition and Vooks criticized low-res textures, blurry motions, and outdated Lara models, calling the port a “disappointment” despite its 60fps performance. X-ONE Magazine UK and Cubed3 noted that cosmetic upgrades like TressFX hair were subtle or absent, with the latter lamenting “dark visuals” and “noticeable dithering.” Some reviewers, like Nintendo Life, acknowledged the Switch version’s “polished but lower-fidelity” presentation, while Eurogamer Germany observed that PC versions could achieve more with settings adjustments. On PS4 and Xbox One, issues like framerate dips in cutscenes (Playstation Official Magazine UK) and unrealistic water effects (Gamereactor Sweden) were mentioned, though these were often framed as minor flaws in an otherwise strong visual package. Overall, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with most agreeing that Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition delivered a visually impressive experience, particularly on next-gen hardware. While platform-specific limitations and technical hiccups were noted, the enhancements to character models, environments, and lighting were widely celebrated. GameSpot and ZTGD highlighted the game’s “stunning visuals” and “exceptionally pretty” presentation, while Official Xbox Magazine praised the gory textures and detailed effects. Even critics who critiqued certain aspects, like The SixthsAxis, acknowledged the Switch 2 version’s “crisp and sleek” performance. The Definitive Edition was seen as a strong visual upgrade that, despite minor flaws, solidified Tomb Raider as a benchmark for console graphics at the time.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Immersive sound design and atmospheric soundtrack praised in Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition, with critics highlighting ambient details and impactful audio—though minor issues like balancing and uneven voice acting tempered the experience, which remains broadly effective.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

50%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

50%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment toward the sound design and music of Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition is largely positive, with multiple critics highlighting its immersive qualities. SpazioGames praised the "immersive audio experience on PS4," particularly noting ambient sounds like rain and weapon vibrations, as well as an "excellent" soundtrack that enhances the game’s atmosphere. Similarly, Gameplanet commended the "fantastic" soundtrack for contributing positively to the game’s mood, while Multiplayer.it emphasized how retained ambient sounds and effects fostered immersion. XGN also acknowledged the music’s role in building tension through environmental audio, and PlayStation LifeStyle noted high sound quality with impactful effects. Even critics like Gaming Nexus and GRYOnline.pl, who provided minimal details, indirectly acknowledged the DualShock 4’s speaker for delivering clear audio cues, suggesting a baseline level of satisfaction with the technical execution. However, several critiques pointed to specific shortcomings. PSX Extreme mentioned "audio balancing issues on next-gen consoles," though this was framed as a minor flaw that didn’t detract from the overall experience. Multiplayer.it criticized the Italian voice acting for being less expressive than its English counterpart, while Gameblog.fr and Game Over Online noted uneven voice acting quality, particularly for secondary characters. Additionally, some reviews overlooked music entirely or provided only brief mentions—such as PlayStation LifeStyle and Gaming Nexus—raising questions about the depth of coverage. The lack of detailed analysis on musical composition in several critiques suggests that while the sound design was effective, its musical elements were not universally scrutinized or celebrated. Despite these mixed elements, the consensus among critics leans toward appreciation for the game’s audio direction. Most reviewers acknowledged the immersive ambient sounds and the soundtrack’s contribution to atmosphere, even if some aspects like voice acting or technical balancing fell short. SpazioGames and Gameplanet stood out for their explicit praise of the music, while others like Multiplayer.it and PSX Extreme balanced their critiques with recognition of the overall quality. The lack of extensive discussion on musical composition in certain reviews doesn’t overshadow the general acclaim for the sound design’s role in enhancing immersion, indicating that Definitive Edition’s audio work was broadly effective, even if not flawless.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Camilla Luddington’s Lara Croft soars with emotional authenticity, but uneven voice work, clunky animations, and flawed commands undermine the audio experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

25%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

63%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

13%

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

The voice acting in Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition receives generally positive acclaim, particularly for Camilla Luddington’s portrayal of Lara Croft. Critics like 3DJuegos and Metro GameCentral highlight her performance as exceptional, noting that it adds emotional depth and humanity to the character, with Luddington’s voice work and motion capture making Lara feel authentic and relatable. GameSpot (PS4) praises her ability to convey emotions through anxious cries and exhausted reactions, while Digital Spy and Game8 commend the cast for delivering "pleasing performances" that enhance the game’s cinematic quality. These reviews emphasize that Lara’s voice acting is a standout element, effectively grounding the narrative in emotional resonance. However, several critics point out notable flaws. GameCritics criticizes Mathias’ voice work as awkward and outdated, likening it to 1990s-era performances, while Cubed3 argues that Luddington’s American accent feels overused and detracts from Lara’s iconic persona. Multiplayer.it notes the Italian dub lacks expressiveness compared to the English version, and Gamereactor Sweden mentions that Luddington’s performance is undermined by stiff facial animations in key emotional scenes. Additionally, Official Xbox Magazine UK critiques voice commands as poorly implemented, calling them a "great labour-saving device" that fails to impress. These criticisms highlight inconsistencies in supporting characters’ performances and technical execution, which some reviewers feel diminish the overall audio experience. Despite these drawbacks, the consensus among critics is that Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition’s voice acting is largely strong, particularly for Lara Croft. While GameCritics and Cubed3 raise valid concerns about specific performances and accents, the majority of reviews—such as those from 3DJuegos, Metro GameCentral, and Game8—celebrate the emotional depth and quality of the vocal work. The mixed feedback suggests that while the voice acting contributes significantly to the game’s immersion and storytelling, it is not without its flaws, particularly in supporting roles and technical implementation. Overall, the reviews reflect a balanced view where Lara’s performance shines, but other elements occasionally fall short of expectations.

TL;DR

voice acting

Camilla Luddington’s Lara Croft soars with emotional authenticity, but uneven voice work, clunky animations, and flawed commands undermine the audio experience.

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

PS4 shines with 60fps smoothness, but Switch stumbles on controls, Xbox lags at 30fps—only PS4 hits technical sweet spot.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

42%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

58%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The technical performance of Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition varies across platforms, with PlayStation 4 (PS4) generally receiving the most praise. Critics like Slant Magazine and Critical Hit highlighted the PS4 version’s smooth 60fps gameplay with minimal frame drops, while Post Arcade noted improved controller response and graphical fidelity over PC. The PS4 also saw enhancements in physics and animation, as mentioned by SpazioGames, though some critics like PlayStation LifeStyle observed occasional stuttering during cutscenes. For the Nintendo Switch (and its newer iteration, Switch 2), Finger Guns and Impulsegamer praised its stable 60fps performance in both docked and handheld modes, with Starbit acknowledging graphical optimizations despite compromises. On Xbox One, while GameSpot and Digital Spy noted smooth visuals, the lack of 60fps (running at 30fps) was a recurring point of discussion, as highlighted by 3DJuegos and JeuxActu, though AusGamers praised its visual consistency with PS4. Negatives were more pronounced on specific platforms. The PS4 faced criticism for occasional technical hiccups, such as Playstation Official Magazine UK’s mention of framerate dips in cutscenes and SpazioGames’ complaints about unrealistic physics. On Xbox One, the 30fps cap (compared to PS4’s 60fps) was a consistent drawback, with The Digital Fix and IGN noting it as a minor but notable issue. The Nintendo Switch version struggled with control mechanics: Cubed3 criticized Joy-Con mouse aiming and unresponsive QTEs, while ComicBook mentioned motion sickness from gyro controls. CGMagazine and COGconnected also highlighted glitches and gimmicky multiplayer features, though Pocket Tactics praised its stability in both modes. Xbox One’s Kinect voice controls were deemed unreliable by Pure Xbox, further detracting from the experience. Overall, critics agreed that the PS4 version offered the most polished technical performance, with Slant Magazine and Critical Hit emphasizing its smooth 60fps and minimal bugs. The Xbox One’s 30fps limitation was a point of contention but not a deal-breaker for many, as noted by Gameblog.fr and Eurogamer Germany, who acknowledged its stability. The Nintendo Switch version, while playable, faced criticism for control issues and lack of optimization, with Starbit and Cubed3 pointing out compromises that failed to leverage newer hardware. Despite platform-specific flaws, the Definitive Edition was generally seen as a stable and visually improved release, with Vandal and Eurogamer Italy highlighting its near-flawless execution on PS4. The consensus leaned toward the PS4 as the optimal choice for technical performance, while Switch and Xbox One versions had notable trade-offs.

TL;DR

technical performance

PS4 shines with 60fps smoothness, but Switch stumbles on controls, Xbox lags at 30fps—only PS4 hits technical sweet spot.

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition offers a polished, visually enhanced experience with exploration-driven rewards and collectibles, but its lack of meaningful new content—minimal DLC, unimpressive "new tomb," and unchanged core gameplay—leaves returning players unimpressed. While some praise its replayability through hidden details and side quests, most see it as a rehash, ideal only for newcomers or fans prioritizing graphics over innovation.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

13%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

79%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The positives surrounding the replay value of Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition center on its exploration-driven mechanics and minor additions that encourage revisiting the game world. Critics like GameSpot and IGN highlight optional tombs, hidden items, and environmental details that invite players to explore Yamatai Island multiple times, while The Digital Fix praises the graphical enhancements and immersive experience as a "delight to play through one more time." Others, such as Gaming Nexus and 3DJuegos, note collectibles, challenges, and side missions that add longevity, with The Globe and Mail even suggesting the single-player campaign is so strong it becomes more enjoyable on a second playthrough. These elements, combined with the game’s polished core mechanics, provide some incentive for completionists or fans of the series to revisit the title. However, the negatives dominate the discourse, as most critics agree that the Definitive Edition lacks substantial new content to justify repeated playthroughs for returning players. NZGamer, USgamer, and Playstation Official Magazine UK all criticize the minimal DLC (e.g., concept art, costumes) and unimpressive "new tomb" as insufficient upgrades. Slant Magazine and Game Informer argue that the game fails to entice players who were already unimpressed by the original, while Digital Spy and Eurogamer Germany note that multiplayer modes and DLC lose appeal after initial novelty. Even Gamer.nl and Vandal emphasize that the lack of narrative depth and gameplay changes makes the experience feel like a rehash, with GameSpot acknowledging that "the core experience remains largely unchanged" for those who’ve already played it. The overall consensus is that Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition offers limited replay value for returning players, though it retains some appeal for newcomers or fans seeking graphical upgrades. While a few critics, like The Digital Fix and Gaming Nexus, find enough merit in exploration and collectibles to justify revisiting the game, the majority view it as a minor iteration of the original. IGN and GameSpot acknowledge its replayability through environmental details and hidden content but stress that these elements are not enough to overcome the lack of meaningful new material. Ultimately, the Definitive Edition is seen as a worthwhile purchase for those who missed the original or prioritize visuals, but not an essential experience for players looking for substantial post-launch engagement.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

85%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

14%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The positives surrounding Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition highlight its visual upgrades, refined gameplay, and accessibility for new players. Critics like GameSpot and IGN praised its cinematic quality, strong character development, and immersive environments, comparing it favorably to Uncharted and calling it a "must-have" for newcomers or those revisiting Lara Croft’s origin story. The PS4 version saw acclaim for improved visuals and smoother performance, with Eurogamer Germany noting its appeal for console players with high-end displays. On the Nintendo Switch 2, Vooks and Impulsegamer acknowledged its portability and nostalgic value, while Game8 and Nintendo Life highlighted its solid gameplay despite technical compromises. Even Digital Spy called it a "fabulous game" with enhanced graphics, emphasizing its appeal as the best way to experience the adventure for many. However, the negatives revolve around perceived lack of substantial improvements and value concerns. X-ONE Magazine UK and Multiplayer.it criticized the high price point and minimal changes from the original, calling it a "poor value proposition" for existing owners. Slant Magazine and Metro GameCentral pointed to narrative flaws, inconsistent storytelling, and overambitious design as key drawbacks, while NZGamer and SpazioGames noted that returning players would find little new content beyond bundled DLC. On the Switch 2, The Jimquisition and Game8 lamented unmet visual promises and technical shortcomings, with Impulsegamer acknowledging "visual compromises" despite a "perfectly decent port." Many critics, including GameOver Online and USgamer, questioned the $60 price tag for a re-release that lacks major innovations, framing it as more of a polished relic than a transformative experience. The overall consensus is mixed but leans toward acknowledging Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition as a worthwhile, if not revolutionary, re-release. While GameSpot, IGN, and Eurogamer Italy celebrated its technical refinements and emotional depth, others like X-ONE Magazine UK and Slant Magazine emphasized its limitations for existing fans. The game is broadly recommended for newcomers or those seeking a polished version of the original, as noted by NZGamer, NowGamer, and 3DJuegos, but criticized for its lack of value for returning players. Critics like The Digital Fix and Pure Xbox called it a "great release" for filling gaps before next-gen titles, while GameOver Online and USgamer cautioned against paying full price without substantial additions. Ultimately, the Definitive Edition is seen as a nostalgic, visually enhanced port that succeeds in its modest goals but falls short of justifying its cost for those already familiar with the original.

TL;DR

A visually enhanced, accessible re-release praised for its cinematic polish and newcomer-friendly refinements, but criticized as overpriced and lacking innovation for returning players, offering nostalgic value rather than substantial upgrades.

MONSTER

Reviews

91 reviews found

100

Digital Spy

Xbox One

Jan 31, 2014