Shadow of the Tomb Raider (PC, PS4, Xbox One) is the latest entry to the rebooted franchise. Does it live up to the name? Let's talk. Subscribe for more: / gameranxtv *Jake's twitter: / jakebaldino *Instagram: goo.gl/HH6mTW
Me, I probably have to watch someone play the whole trilogy. Should’ve downloaded the Rise of the Tomb Raider when it was free on PS Plus a few months ago.
You forgot one of the biggest changes. This game has new game+ so you can start the game over while keeping all of the skills, gear, weapons, and equipment you have unlocked.
@@rodrigoarruda4204 Rise doesn't have New Game+. It has "Chapter Select Elite" which lets you replay certain sections with all of your gear and upgrades though.
Claudiu Ralea i think the first in this trilogy is the best. it's a bit darker and the enemies and their motives are far more unique and interesting than trinity, who are just like any group of mercenaries in any other game, just there so lara can have people to kill.
Man, for real. Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Spider-Man, Valkyria 4, Red Dead 2, AC Odyssey, Spyro Collection, Xenoblade 2 DLC, Dragon Quest XI, Darksiders 3, Fist of the North Star and effimg Smash Bros. By the end of the year I will probably be in debt for all the games I want to buy
His face isn't that different it's bus haircut that gives you the illusion for a different face, and he's mire of the Jonah version in the 2013 game :-)
This kind of conversations like the one seeing here is what I like, you don't have to be an asshole, you can enjoy both games without throwing shit at the other one. Both are great franchises, each one stronger in their own way.
FYI for anyone that's curious: you can find different articles of clothing and mix and match them. You can also choose from some older character models like Angel of Darkness and 2013 Lara.
From a single player game's perspective...this is an amazing game. The game is not all hardcore and action packed as the previous games were...but this game does have some real special special moments. Loved it.
+Its HAYl3yy!!!!!! I see you sexualize Nathan drake. Stop being sexist a pig he's an independent man!!!!! 😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠
Huge fan of the last 2, so it looks like im getting this one. The next installment of this however, I agree, it has to be big and new. And I'm sure it will be
@@takoshihitsamaru4675 theyre advertising this as an end to her origin story. So my guess is that they'll finally give the dual pistols every game after this one because she'll be in her prime. Sounds like our patience will be rewarded eventually
+ChrisTheCreed yeah thats exactly what i thought too. probably this game ends somehow she getting the dual pistols or something like that. would be a cool reference and end to an "origin story" and beginning of the old lara.
@@marcelestengre3332 ....Can't tell if serious or trolling.... But just in case, here's October: Forza Horizon 4 Super Mario Party CoD Black Ops 4 (I don't care but a lot of people do) Dark Souls on Switch Red Dead Redemption 2 And that's just the bigger games.
I was never really into the Tomb Raider franchise, though my uncle loved playing it. Just bought the entire trilogy as a last minute Steam grab. Can't wait to try.
just bought the game, end of the year promo, there is definitive edition written, but i dont know what that mean, anyway, is the game good? im still downloading
it's called objective opininon, unlike other youtubers/websites they give you an "subjective" opinion, this is what i like about jake he goes straight to the point, whether you like the game or not the choice is yours !
Been playing it for 4 hours so far. Loving it! Good story, stealth combat is nice, nice zones, and good voice acting. Only bad thing would be some of the animation at parts. The game also runs better than Rise imo
reviews don't change your gaming taste... if you like third person action games, then a bad review of this game, will not stop you from playing uncharted for example... but you might mean something else ;)
If you blindly follow one review your a dummy. However, it's good to find 2 or 3 reviewers you can trust which make good content and then form an opinion based on that. It would be better though if all games had like a demo of the first hour or section of the game. Unfortunately that doesn't happen often so listening to reviews is the best way to see if a game is possibly for you.
Just finished playing shadows. I love this series of games, and the third installment. I also agree that their next game (if at all) needs to bring something fresh to the formula, but I don't know what that would be. One thing I have always wanted was more boss fights. Kinda like the witch in Rise where you get the wraithskin from. That was a very cleverly designed boss and I think the game would benefit from more, "puzzle bosses".
Madden and call of duty get praised while being damn near the exact same as the year prior but everyone saying tomb raider needs a refreshing (it doesn’t)
Big facts. I don't think that tomb raider needs a refreshing, as if it's stale or something, but I think it would benefit from some new gameplay ideas. As an example, I think shadows could have leaned more into its camouflage mechanic more (hiding in the mud and such) since the trailers led me to believe that this was going to be a big element of the gameplay. From a gameplay standpoint shadows felt like more of rise, rather than a progression (which is not bad, because rise was great.)
Easily my favorite game of the reboot series, the gameplay is still the strong point just like in the other two but I found the story so much better, so compelling. Especially when you compare it to the mediocre story of Rise. There were various memorable moments and setpieces in this one aswell (that I won't spoil for who hasn't played the game). For me as a trophy hunter, the platinum is also pretty straightforward (and no multiplayer trophies in this one which is a huge yes for me). Overall one of the best experience I had in gaming this year, it's a shame the lack of marketing for this one. That being said, for me it's an easy 8.5-9/10
Got the Croft Edition for Xbox One X. Been playing it since midnight. Great game so far. The tone is REALLY dark! Everything I wanted it to be so far. Hope you guys enjoy it! It won't let me share any screenshots or Achievements, yet. Must be a day one patch that we have to wait for..
I like the stealth and puzzle aspects to the game. Two big negatives to the game thus far. One is that they could have ease of controls by toning down on excessive use of different buttons for different features. I play PC and this is what I've experienced, can't speak on behalf of consoles. Just assigning for example "E" for more features, instead of "E" being applied to one function where you can't use it for other functions. Why not use brevity in the pragmatics of the gameplay's controls. I am near a ledge with a body of water under me, I jump, and press "E" to dive, since "E" is used for many other interactive features. This would make climbing much easier, and other features more fun in the gameplay, not to mention you would be toning down on all the controls explanations in the large portion to the beginning of the game. The second thing I don't like is the climbing physics and concepts. You see Lara as a kid jump down 25 feet onto the ground and get up and brush herself off. Yet there are unnecessary/ excessive climbing parts where I can easily jump down 10 feet and yet she ends up dying like she jumped off a 250 foot building - all for the sake of making you climb more. This I don't like, this part I may be more opinionated on, however I know from what I have read the excess in the different controls for different features is something widely voiced by the gaming community. I'm not against the climbing, there are just things they should have cleaned up with this. Great features with the resources and skills sections. The cut scenes and overall adventure is well done. Quixotic at times, but overall pretty great game
This guy said if you're a fan of the other games you'd like this one...well, it was a let down I'm still not over like a year later, but I guess compared to other games it's still a level above. The Tomb Raider reboot games were maybe my favorite of all time, fun wise.
2013 Tomb Raider was unique it was about survival, you lost communication to the outside world, but in rise, it felt like you could literally call for some help from the outside world, this one feels the same too.... but i will try it for the sake of 2013 Tomb Rider
Lol Tomb Raider copies Uncharted’s “formula” the franchise wasn’t doing that good until they saw Uncharted and thought “when in Rome...” lol geez gonna buy it anyway just wanted something that didn’t scream Uncharted 4 😂🤣
One of my favorite games to come out of this generation... Also, it is DEFINITELY one of the best looking games as well... When played on Resolution mode, the graphics are just INSANE.. One of the top 5 best looking games on the PS4 Pro...
Playing through it now for the first time, almost 100% (second last mission now I gather). Yeah, I have to admit, as much as I'm an old-school Tomb Raider fan, these games do have a satisfying gameplay loop, and Shadow is no different, it's very samey in comparison to Rise, but it definitely takes on a darker tone at times, story is decent enough with some fantastic moments (Croft Manor being a highlight), and although there's less combat, the game is better for it. Definitely getting closer to Tomb Raider gold with all the crypts and tombs in this one, the biggest issue though is that none of the puzzles really had me scratching my head.
My wife never played many of the old TR games (unlike me) and the reboot was her first foray not just into the series, but 'gaming' in general. I bought her the definitive edition of the 2013 game and more recently, the 20th anniversary edition of Rise. She absolutely loves these games and when we heard about Shadow, we were pretty on-board. I very, very recently finished up Rise with 100% completion and so I have an extremely fresh comparison between Shadow and Rise, I am seeing a lot of re-used elements, but also some great looking new ones. I'm aware that this new entry is likely just more of the same, but that's what I am expecting and don't mind it. I am impressed to see more emphasis on stealth. I tried ghosting Rise, but some areas just do not make it possible. Less combat would also be incredible, always felt alienated by how much combat is in this rebooted series.
I love it! Spent several hours exploring the first area of the game, and still got stuff to find! Nicely paced and campsites are evenly spaced out and fast travel soon opens so you can go back to other areas. It looks absolutely beautiful too!! ❤️
Really dig and love the amazon jungle setting. It's breath taking with its sounds and visual of the environment. Super relaxing if you just want to listen to birds and critters ect. Also love the Aztec themed stuff. I'm still playing through the game and haven't seem a crocodile yet. XD
I got the game on Tuesday and I absolutely love it so far. I'm taking my time with it but it's been an amazing experience throughout. Great story, bad ass combat, and beautiful sequences and scenery, even the devastating ones. I also really enjoy how they brought more of a puzzle element back into the games. Reminds me of the classic ones. And the voice acting for Lara and Jonah, especially in the emotional moments, is just incredible. I have felt so many chills already throughout the game. This is definitely a must buy for Tomb Raider fans. And if you're not a fan of the franchise yet, make sure you play the first 2 in the reboot. The game is heavy on the story so it wouldn't make sense to play it without the first 2. And heck, I'd take it a step further and look into the older games. But that's all up to you. I love Lara and the Tomb Raider series and I can't wait to finish this chapter and see what happens next for her.
Puzzle-wise, I find this entry to be the best in the trilogy too, and in this regard it vastly outperforms Rise. But it bugs me though how the combat has worsened ever since TR9 in 2013. And in Shadow the combat moves seem rather glitchy I would say. However, I don't feel averse to the shift to fewer combat sequences but more puzzles at all. Actually I'm very keen on this new take, which as you said, reminds me of classic ones too. I just wish that for the combat sections that there are, the mechanics and animation could've been as good as in TR9.
I got this game recently and started playing it, haven't played the first 2 in the trilogy. I love this game already, but am a bit confused on the story, so I would also recommend other people play the ones before this before playing this. I'm sitting here like "who tf is Trinity" (I imagine they play a big role in the previous ones as well)
Croft edition here, playing from the moment it was open to croft edition owners, and having immediately 2 days off from work; Without even working on 'completionism' yet, I'm still only 74% through - not finished the story yet. The game is amazing. I really hope Crystal Dynamics is allowed to go on with the series. I loved the reboot, more than I did the old ones, but they really nailed it with this last game. The labor of love really shows and they managed to make everything good there was about the previous installments better. Although on a personal note, I wouldn't mind a little bit more action. But that's me.
Love it so far, I did notice that the maps are vastly bigger & have more of an emphasis on exploration. The first 2 tombs & crypts are amazing, playing on a huge 4k TV it just looks amazing. If your not into action adventure games, obviously tomb raider has never been for you plain & simple. If u can hold off for a black Friday sale just wait, it's always smarter to pay less for games. My rule of thumb is pay the 60 for 1 game to tide u over until black Friday, its just satisfying. But shadow of the tomb raider happened to fall into the perfect time frame, early Sept to FH4 game pass October, to black Friday November
Same... My brother had the first TR on playstation, back in the day... It looked fun, but I couldn’t really get into it like others... This new series is pretty awesome, though, and I will most likely get the next TR game...
24 years old series, one from the best graphics that everyone on RU-vid uses to benchmark hardware, great modern physics,great story and voice acting, optimized for all GPUs, what else does a Lara fan needs?
I think Lara Croft is a great example of how a strong female protagonist can be done well and doesn't have to be annoying. I love Laras character, and i think a lot of people can agree, and she's a perfect example of how a female protagonist can be strong and independent but not annoying
dude she has no defining character traits other than "smart"/"dedicated" name one joke she makes, or one time she talks on personal interests(favorite music/food) personally i need to have something to relate to. Also hearing "JOOOOOOOHAAAAAAAAAUUUUHHHHHHHHHH" for the 50th time does drag a little lol.
@@whenallelsfails21 Yeah, i agree they should humanize her more, but at least her entire character isn't hating men and being a woman *cough Charlies Angels cough *
I think it's the best one of the 3. Also the music in this game is amazing. I didn't super notice the music in the other ones, but this one. Damn the music was good
this is one of the best games ive played all year its absolutely mind blowing how good the mechanics, the story, the boss fights and everything about it like omg and this is coming from a person who dosntg really like campaign games
Purchased all the three tomb raider games : 1)Tomb Raider 2013 2)Rise of Tomb Raider 3)Shadow of Tomb Raider Completed Tomb Raider 2013 and I loved it.BEEN A BIG FAN SINCE DAY 1 I was introduced to Lara Croft and I will forever love this game
@@dhilan. hey there ok so far personally speaking, I loved Tomb Raider 2013 and now I am almost completing Rise of Tomb Raider and it’s amazing as well.If you want to start afresh and prefer to follow storyline I would recommend you to start Tomb Raider 2013
I desperately want to buy the game but I seriously want to play Tomb Raider 2013 and Rise of the Tomb Raider, but fuck that. I am not spending $140+ right now! for all three. I'm waiting for a sale on steam then I'll buy Shadow of the Tomb Raider at full price.
This is the first Tomb Raider game since a long time, that has the same feeling as the old Tomb Raiders from the 90's. It feels fucking good to play. The challenges are real, it takes lots of thinking, the cutscences with Johnas are awesome and give a lot personality wise of both characters, the sidequests are nice to have and actual are rewarding (guns, bows, outfits and skilltree points and unlocking options), the story is well written and it's not just click and shoot. I also like the part that depending on your outfit, you'll enable or disable certain sidequests. Since long I've looked for a game that can straight up caught me multiple days in a row.
Ive been playing it the past two days....absolutely worth it imo Like literally is the closest thing to anniversary you can get And i dont like the remakes that much so its not like im biased
I remember forever ago when I first started watching this channel and this series and I thought Jake Baldino and the narrator were two separate people and always wondered when Jake would talk
More games ought to be like this. There is the main story missions, then there are the challenge tomb side missions, the additional challenge tomb side missions, the crypt side missions, the side missions, the side side missions & the side side side missions which are all as good as the main story.
I thought this game was awesome until you get to the hidden city, then the story kinda got dull. The tombs are definitely my favorite of the origin trilogy.
This game has without a doubt - the worst writing I have ever seen in a videogame. All dialogues in this game look like 1st draft of text that were never worked on. Cut scenes are Embarrassingly bad sometimes. It's on the level of cheap TV soap-opera. Gameplay is great. Crafting, puzzles, all nice. But sometimes I stopped playing because of the Cringe I felt in some scenes. Never have I seen writing this bad.
Great review, just started this coming off of Rise and your review is dead on. The graphics are spectacular and as an older gamer, my wife and I are just mesmerized with how beautiful it is. The tomb and puzzle elements are definitely our favorite and they are amazing. Can't wait to keep playing. Thanks for the awesome review! Love your channel!
Tomb Raider 2013 - Best story Rise Of The Tomb Raider - Amazing Graphics Shadow Of The Tomb Raider - Amazing puzzles Imagine a new game with all of those features...
Huge tomb raider fan here since 1996 and this game for me was the best of the trilogy. The most beautiful landscapes, best tombs, better puzzles, better stealth options. The story is meh but if you like the feeling of isolation/nature/lost civilization then this game is 🔥 people complaining about lack of action: go and play call of duty 16
No matter what anyone says.. I loved this game.. Though it was a bit weak when compared to Tomb Raider 2013 or ROTR, but it had the Lara Croft feel we missed in the previous 2 games plus a bit of Rambo feel as well.. If they ever make a Rambo Game again I want them to tale inspiration from SOTR gameplay
Without too many spoilers, but does this game still have supernatural elements like the previous 2 games as they really added to the mystery and exploration in my opinion.
Also, when it comes to bugs and glitches, I would imagine that's to be expected from a game that wasn't technically "out" yet when you were playing it. Day one patches are pretty much a guarantee in today's gaming world.
Thanks for the great review Jake! I've been playing since the first TR released, on both PS1 and PC. The series has come a long way. And now I feel old, just telling you about it! LOL!
Loved it!!!!!! Haven't played the tomb raider in over 10 years, decided to check this one out! Loved it from day one, she's badass, plus I love the puzzle solving!
Tomb Raider 2 on the PS1 was the first game I ever played so I owe a lot to Lara for lot allowing me to put the controller down as her stories just keep getting better and better! I can't wait until tomorrow!
This game looks absolutely stunning on my Xbox One X.. It’s one of the best looking games I’ve ever seen IMO. This is one of my most anticipated games of the year. I’m glad that the focus is more on exploration and traversal rather than combat. Also, if anyone is interested, you can buy the standard edition on 9/12 instead of 9/14. The Croft $80 edition was the only one supposed to be available but GameStop will still let you pick up the standard version.
Just finished it. I agree with you for the most part. I am kind of concerned that the game hasn't changed alot. While in fairness the pace has slowed a bit and the emphasis is not so action heavy, but I am kind of worried especially in the way Lara looks/plays is playing it a little too safe. Especially in regards to how I really want to see an updated take on classic Lara, but the tounge in cheek, "here's blocky classic Lara instead", is almost a slap in the face. (Maybe it really is.) I realize it's challenging to certain sensibilities, and I respect that, but then again, I miss the gadgets, the flips and the ridiculous awesome stuff Lara did in the old days. The game is so grounded, it feels like they're afraid of taking any risks to as to not upset anyone. I don't know if I'm wrong, and I hope I am. But that's my two cents. Irregardless, I'm giving it the benefit of the doubt for a third, and final, time. They got one last prequel before I stop buying them. Haha
Liked TR2013 a lot & that was the first TR game I had played. Just finished Rise & although it had flaws, really got into it. This vid is placing Shadow on my list to check out.
Ethan R These games are very different. Play the Uncharted series first, if you like the sort of creative direction those games go, then you will probably like the rebooted TR games.
Before you buy - play the free trial! I did, and discovered the game wouldn't play properly (polygon issues) on my laptop, that I played the last 2 Tomb Raider games on. BUT, it played perfectly on my once hot, now so-so desktopper! So I ended up getting it (on sale for half-price), and been loving it!!! Wish I could play it on my laptop, but I acknowledge it's time for a new portabox! Killer game, IMO! Just the right amount of difficulty in all areas (so far), looks amazing, seems well-optimized, fun tombs and puzzles, etc. My only complaint is a bit too many chatty, snoozy cut-scenes - but then that's what the Skip button is for!
