A much needed Improvement.
Bad: Way too short and easy, Lara's too remorseful
GAMEPLAY - 9
From the very simplistic gunplay to the very addictive adventuring you will find this game to be entertaining. A nice touch was the interactive cutscenes (also known as QTE to us Shenmue fans) are a very nice touch to the game and fit in perfectly, although they could have had been more challenging. The motorcycle levels are one of the few bad things about this game. They're are not bad, but they're not good either. CD could have worked on this a bit more. GRAPHICS - 8
The graphics are a huge step up from Tomb Raiders texturless predecessors. Lara now has knees and elbows. When you go for a swim Lara's clothes will actually look wet and she will look shiny for a few minutes. She will also get dirt on her as you raid the tombs. A small problem I have with the graphics is the enemys. While the main characters look great the normal enemy's look very smudgy. I feel sorry for their mother since she gave birth to 200 sets of twins (for those of you who don't get it, the enemys look the same). The environments are gorgeous and involve realistic shading and great physics, the snowy levels are a blast to play thanks to the graphics. SOUND - 10
Where do I start? The best feature of the game and barely anybody will even notice it. The sound is so detailed you can hear Lara's heel hit the ground before the rest of her foot. The guns sound awesome, the voice acting is the best I've heard in years, the soundtracks perfect, hell, even the menu selection sounds great!
VALUE - 7
This game is not the longest game around but it is enjoyable. It has a few extra features to unlock by re-playing the levels in time trial mode or by finding treasures scattered throughout the levels which will earn you concept art, character profiles, at least 20 costumes, and more. Crystal Dynamics even brought back the mansion which will take you a good hour to explore its offerings. If you manage to get 100% completion you will get two very cool rewards. TILT - 9
This game is presented very well with great graphics, a compelling story, franchise redeeming gameplay, and a volley of extras which non-fans and fans alike will enjoy.
Bottom line: For fans who have lost faith in the Tomb Raider games, or people who have never played the series, this is a great way to enter or come back to the beloved series. This game is a good investment, If you still have doubts at least rent it.