The gaming world was abuzz with excitement when Aspyr unexpectedly released the 2013 Tomb Raider reboot on Switch 1 & 2, with the latter version showcasing the impressive capabilities of Nintendo's handheld device. This surprise move ignited speculation about potential ports of the subsequent games in the Survivor Trilogy. While a Shadow of the Tomb Raider port remains uncertain, the recent shadow drop of Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration during the Nintendo Direct has increased the likelihood of its arrival.
Rise of the Tomb Raider is a remarkable entry in the trilogy, building upon the strengths of its predecessor. It seamlessly blends adrenaline-pumping action sequences with thought-provoking puzzle-solving, all set within the atmospheric tombs. The game truly shines with its Metroidvania-inspired exploration, stunning visuals, and a wealth of content, including all the original DLC. It's a testament to the power of the Switch 2, offering a near-complete home console experience on a handheld device.
The game's narrative takes place a year after the events of Tomb Raider (2013), as Lara embarks on a quest in Siberia to find the Divine Source, an ancient artifact believed to hold the secret to immortality. Lara's pursuit is not without competition, as the enigmatic organization Trinity seeks the same artifact for their own nefarious purposes. What I find intriguing is how the story, while not groundbreaking, excels at capturing the essence of a summer blockbuster. It's a thrilling adventure, filled with impossible odds and breathtaking moments, even if Lara herself isn't the most captivating protagonist.
The standout character, in my opinion, is the villain, Constantine. He's a cruel and relentless leader of Trinity, stealing the spotlight in every scene he appears in. His cold demeanor and unwavering commitment to his goals make him a truly detestable yet captivating antagonist. It's a testament to the writing that such a straightforward villain can serve as the perfect counterpoint to Lara's character.
Gameplay-wise, Rise of the Tomb Raider leans heavily on exploration, with combat encounters sprinkled in to add variety and tension. It's not a fully open-world game, but it offers expansive hubs filled with secrets and collectibles, encouraging players to thoroughly explore every nook and cranny. The game rewards curiosity, with hidden relics, treasure maps, and huntable animals seemingly around every corner. This dense content design ensures that players are constantly engaged without feeling overwhelmed by meaningless tasks or content bloat.
The optional challenge tombs are the true stars of the game, offering more variety and intrigue than those in the previous installment. These tombs are cleverly designed, each with its own unique puzzle or gimmick, reminiscent of the classic Zelda dungeons. Solving these puzzles provides a sense of accomplishment, especially when you're rewarded with new skills or abilities. It's a delicate balance between challenge and accessibility, ensuring that players feel satisfied without becoming frustrated.
While exploration is the game's forte, combat could have been better executed. Stealth sections are tense and engaging, offering various strategies to outwit enemies, but the shooting mechanics fall short. The stiff shooting controls, especially when using the Joy-Con, detract from the overall experience. The addition of gyro controls is a welcome feature, but it's puzzling that they're limited to relic examination and not extended to shooting sections. Despite these control issues, combat encounters are relatively brief and don't overshadow the game's strengths.
The 'complete edition' of Rise of the Tomb Raider includes additional content from DLC, seamlessly integrated into the main game. The standout additions are the story-focused quest chains, which expand the game's lore and provide new challenges. Exploring the iconic Croft Manor and hunting down the Baba Yaga witch in a new tomb are experiences that enhance the core gameplay without feeling tacked on. These additions, along with arcade-style modes like roguelite and zombie survival, offer players more variety and replay value.
Visually, the game is a showcase for the Switch 2's capabilities. The environments are meticulously crafted, with crumbling ruins and intricate details like cobwebs and soft lighting adding to the immersive atmosphere. Character models are equally impressive, with the TressFX hair technology bringing Lara's ponytail to life. Running at a smooth 1080p and 30fps, both docked and handheld, the game strikes a balance between performance and visual fidelity. While 60fps would have been ideal, the stable 30fps is a reasonable compromise for the portability and overall experience.
In conclusion, Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration is a must-have for Switch 2 owners. It's a stellar example of how the platform can deliver an immersive, console-like gaming experience on the go. Despite minor shortcomings in the story and controls, the game excels in exploration, visuals, and content. It's a testament to the power of the Switch 2 and a great addition to any gaming library, especially for those who appreciate handheld gaming.
