Prepare to fall in love with this new Lara and go on an adventure of a lifetime.
The story is interesting, if a bit cliched at places. But the way it is presented to you is what makes it special. Its one of the few games that made me feel for the protagonist, you feel her pain when she gets impaled by an iron rod, feel her fear when she is about to be molested and feel her joy and sense of victory when she climbs atop the radio tower and contacts the outside world. She is a charming little girl you'd want to do everything possible to keep her safe. Its this personal factor that sets it apart from other similar games in recent times. The pacing of the story keeps you on the edge of your seat, and the brilliant level design ensures there is not a single dull moment in the game, with a few surprises on the way.
The multiplayer is forgettable and a grand waste of resources that could have been spent on making a co-op mode instead. Imagine something like an additional co-op mode that unlocks after you finish the game. Maybe you take control of Mathias and one of his cronies and experience the story from his eyes, his descent into madness. Or one of those WW2 Japanese soldiers, or even the Hoshi. Wasted opportunity. Still, the single player is so superb that it scores without even taking the mp into account.
All in all a brilliant game. Lara Croft comes roaring back and reclaims her position as the queen of action-adventure games. :D