This sequel to the gritty 2013 reboot is a rare case of bigger and better. Like "Uncharted 2: Among Thieves", it's an improvement over its predecessor in not only story, but in action as well. And just like in "Thieves", it's a visual feast mainly set in a snowy landscape. In this entry, Lara is no longer green, but is a few steps closer to being the strong iconic character we've all come to know. This time, she's on the hunt for a mythical Holy Grail-type object hidden somewhere in the wilderness of Mongolia. Unfortunately, it's also being sought out by an evil paramilitary army that descend from an ancient order of knights. The premise recalls "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" which is fitting since "Tomb Raider" has always been a female take on the Indy series.
The gameplay is a refinement of the formula established in the first game and there’s just more of everything this time out. There are more tombs and caverns to explore, more puzzles to solve, more firearms to equip and more upgrades to use. Additionally, developer Crystal Dynamics has made this TR even more cinematic with huge, dazzling action sequences reminiscent of those featured in "Uncharted 2". Beyond the excellent 20 hour campaign is "Expeditions", an arcade-style spin on each level that players can modify to be more difficult or easier with RPG-like cards. The cards can be purchased with real money or with earned in-game currency. You can also tackle user-created Expeditions and /or create your own which you can share with others online. However, unlike the first game, there are no multiplayer modes included.
The game is also graphically gorgeous. There is very little screen tear and framerate issues are virtually non-existent. In the audio side, the musical score, voice acting and sound effects are all top notch. The overall presentation is nothing short of amazing. In the end, “Rise of the Tomb Raider” turned out to be one of the best action games of 2015. If you were a fan of the ‘M’ rated reboot, then you’ll be a fan of this more explosive follow-up. I’d rank it with a 9 out of 10.