Putting The Tombs Back Into The Raider

Shadow of the Tomb Raider

- Salehuddin Husin

Shadow of the Tomb Raider continues Lara’s quest of vengeance against Trinity, building up to this direct confrontation between Lara and the organization.

Taken by itself, Shadow’s pretty self-contained plot is a pretty good Tomb Raider adventure, with Lara going to multiple countries and locations to stop the coming apocalypse, which she inadvertently triggered by recklessly removing an artifact from a tomb.

The plot’s never going to win any awards for being deep or complex, but that’s ok, since it’s just an excuse to toss Lara into some incredible set-pieces. You’re regularly given the chance to venture off the beaten path and explore and that’s where the game shines. You’ll miss a lot of the game if you simply rush through it.

You’ll find challenge tombs, animals to hunt and even side quests to complete. Every tomb is unique and some of the puzzles are ingenious, especially if you turn off the hints. The game incorporates elements of a Metroidvania title, as the locations you’ll encounter will regularly have places you can’t access unless you return later, with new gear. It’s certainly not a requirement to backtrack but you’ll find a ton of optional secrets if you do.