2013.15: Tomb Raider

Time took to complete: 10 hours (77%) on NORMAL

I've started this game in an anti-AAA mode where 'fixed' platforming, enemy waves, repeat kind of game play stopped me from seeing the other parts of the game.

I then got over it and my eyes opened to how great this game really was. The island is broken into 'regions' and the game, with a well presented and told story finds a smart way to make you travel to each region on the island. And gameplay wise each of these regions have specific challenges and collectibles to do. This is a completion's heaven as the game keeps tracks of each collectible and has power ups you can get to help you track them easier.

The story has my favourite aspect of LOST in it (well, one of my favourites) well you land on a mysterious island with mysterious past, present and people. The wonderment you used to get by discovering tombs from previous games, which is absent here due to simplified tombs, gets replaces by the wonderment you get discovering the island's story and inhabitant's activities and culture. And honestly, they are both as exciting to me. For this, make sure to at least skim through any documents you pick up! Though main story alone will probably be enough anyway but documents and what tidbits Lara finds throughout the journey definitely added to that sense of discovery.

The gameplay has a very satisfying bow. This was by far my most favourite weapon and one I used primarily. I loved the fire and later on the explosive upgrade which just made the weapon so much more fun to use. We saw bows in a lot of games during #yearofthebow but this one was my favourite to use.
Along with that they mix up platforming by allowing you to shoot ropes to pull stuff top open new paths or make a rope line you can descend or ascend from and some other mechanics. This easily eliminates the "hold direction and tap action to climb" feel. Especially when the game opens up a bit and you have to navigate medium-sized areas to make your way.

Add all to this what I thought was a great ending that worked amazing as a prologue, especially the bit where in the end,

 spoiler, highlight to read

you get your double pistols and get to shoot them for the first time. I grinned with joy and definitely felt Lara becoming alive as a legendary tomb raider.

And voila, you get an EXCELLENT game!

9/10.