Despite some unnecessary multiplayer, no one can stop Lara Croft's first-class comeback.
Lara expands her skill set as the game goes on, eventually getting introduced to an axe that helps her climb walls, new firearms that make it easier to face off against well-armed enemies, and even vicious melee combat that could leave her foe wrecked. There are some sensational chase sequences as well, including a parachute dive with plenty of unpredictability. (You've probably seen bits and pieces of it by now – it lives up to the hype.)
There are some small segments of the story that are weak, like the secondary characters (especially villains) not living up to Lara's stature and some twists that were a little too easy to spot. But still, this is her show, and she lives up to it every step of the way. It's worth seeing through all the way to the end, and then re-experiencing again to find all the hidden documents and goods throughout.
For this reboot of the series, Crystal Dynamics has done an unbelievable job with the graphics. Though there are very slight frame rate stutters, the animation is impeccable, especially with melee kills, and the level design is tight, though still leaving a little room for exploration. The lighting effects also deserve notation, especially in the beginning of the game, where Lara relies on a torch to see where she needs to go next, with the flickering of it shining off the walls. It's truly something else.
Likewise, the sound comes through too. Jason Graves did a splendid job with the game's soundtrack, keeping the intensity just right throughout; and Camilla Luddington is an ideal choice as Lara, demonstrating that certain sense of fear while also retaining what makes her such a great character to begin with.
