Rise of the Tomb Raider

92%
Game Brain Score Based on 26,233 reviews
  • story
  • graphics
  • gameplay
Rise of the Tomb Raider Game Cover
Rise of the Tomb Raider is a brilliant game on the XBox One but it’s familiarity with the previous game prevents it from being its natural successor
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"Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration" is the sequel to Tomb Raider, where Lara Croft seeks to uncover the secret of immortality during her first great expedition. The game includes DLCs like Blood Ties, Baba Yaga: The Temple of the Witch, Cold Darkness, Lara’s Nightmare, and Endurance Mode. Experience Lara’s journey across sun-baked ruins and frozen mountains to conquer tombs, outpace rivals and establish her legend.

  • iPad
  • iPhone
  • Mac OS
  • PC
  • Phone
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Virtual Reality
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Cloud
  • Linux
  • Mobile Platform
  • Play​Station
  • Play​Station VR
  • Tablet
  • Xbox
  • Xbox 360
  • Xbox Game Pass
  • x_box_cloud_gaming
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

92%
Audience ScoreBased on 26,233 reviews
story5,137 positive mentions
stability329 negative mentions
  • story11,752 mentions

    The story of "Rise of the Tomb Raider" is generally regarded as engaging and well-crafted, continuing Lara Croft's journey with a focus on her personal motivations and family legacy. While many players appreciate the depth and emotional weight of the narrative, some criticize it for being predictable and formulaic, with a few plot twists that are easily anticipated. Overall, the game successfully combines action, exploration, and storytelling, though opinions vary on its originality and character development compared to its predecessor.

    • “Amazing, story-rich game with fascinating twists!!”
    • “The game’s narrative is more intimate than previous entries, focusing less on global stakes and more on Lara’s personal quest, lending the story a level of emotional depth that keeps players invested.”
    • “Rise of the Tomb Raider elevates the franchise’s modern direction by merging rich exploration, refined combat, and a deeply personal story arc.”
    • “While the visuals are very good, gameplay is boring and the story is very predictable and shallow.”
    • “The story is kind of dumb... but the game is a perfect mix of exploration and action, and keeps giving you more tools to keep the game fun.”
    • “The story feels predictable and uninspired.”
  • graphics5,680 mentions

    The graphics of "Rise of the Tomb Raider" have received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers praising the stunning visuals, detailed environments, and impressive character models. Players noted the game's ability to create immersive atmospheres through realistic lighting and weather effects, making the Siberian wilderness and ancient ruins come to life. While some experienced minor graphical glitches and performance issues, the overall consensus is that the game sets a high standard for graphical fidelity in video games, even years after its release.

    • “The visuals and technical performance of 'Rise of the Tomb Raider' are stunning, showcasing detailed character models, realistic weather effects, and impressive lighting that brings the Siberian wilderness to life.”
    • “The graphics are stunning, and the environments are beautifully designed.”
    • “With its breathtaking visuals, refined gameplay, and captivating storytelling, it's a worthy successor to its predecessor and a testament to the enduring appeal of the Tomb Raider franchise.”
    • “While the game is undeniably beautiful, with its stunning snowy landscapes and ancient ruins, it lacks the substance to back up its visuals.”
    • “The graphics are very depressing.”
    • “The graphics are low quality.”
  • gameplay5,317 mentions

    The gameplay in "Rise of the Tomb Raider" has received a mix of praise and criticism. Many players appreciate the refined mechanics, improved combat, and the addition of crafting and survival elements, which enhance exploration and player engagement. However, some reviews highlight issues with repetitive gameplay, clunky controls, and a lack of innovation compared to its predecessor, leading to a feeling of predictability and boredom in certain sections. Overall, while the game excels in graphics and offers a solid gameplay experience, it may not fully satisfy those seeking a compelling narrative or significant gameplay evolution.

    • “I especially liked the stealth combat mechanics.”
    • “The gameplay in 'Rise of the Tomb Raider' is a seamless blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and action-packed combat.”
    • “The combat mechanics are smooth and exhilarating, allowing you to tackle enemies with a variety of strategies.”
    • “Gameplay unfortunately becomes repetitive very quickly.”
    • “The crafting mechanics also feel forced, as though they were added to the game without much thought or purpose.”
    • “The gameplay is very one-directional and if you're all story obsessed like me, the story just dwindles and the gameplay gets boring, just becomes about knowing what to do next and not in a puzzle-mastering kind of way.”
  • optimization781 mentions

    The optimization of "Rise of the Tomb Raider" has received mixed reviews from players. While many praise its stunning visuals and smooth performance on higher-end systems, numerous reports highlight significant performance issues, particularly in larger open-world areas, leading to stuttering and frame rate drops. Players have noted that switching between DirectX 11 and 12 can impact performance, with some experiencing better results on DirectX 11, indicating that the game's optimization may not be consistent across all hardware configurations.

    • “On top of its strong visual presentation, Rise of the Tomb Raider runs smoothly on most platforms, with minimal bugs or frame rate issues.”
    • “The attention to optimization is clear, making it a technically polished experience.”
    • “The graphics are beautiful, the game is well optimized.”
    • “The game is not optimized well enough for the PC, which is another issue I'll take note of.”
    • “Despite the bad performance on Linux, I still recommend buying this awesome game.”
    • “The optimization of this game is just awful; there are some bugs too in this game.”
  • music399 mentions

    The music in the game is generally well-received, with many players praising its atmospheric quality that enhances immersion and complements gameplay. While some find the soundtrack memorable and evocative, others describe it as forgettable or lacking in standout themes, with a few noting that it effectively builds tension during critical moments. Overall, the sound design, including voice acting and environmental sounds, is considered top-notch, contributing positively to the game's experience.

    • “The atmospheric soundtrack perfectly complements the gameplay, enhancing the sense of adventure and danger.”
    • “The music compositions like 'Atlas' and especially 'Challenge Tomb Theme' are so mesmerizing that you'll find yourself putting the controls down to soak in the music.”
    • “The soundtrack is very well crafted, builds great tension, and responds dynamically to the level of danger in-game with multiple levels of intensity.”
    • “The music of the game generally blends into the background.”
    • “The soundtrack is unimaginative and most of the 'new' ideas to the game are not fleshed out at all.”
    • “The music is also very repetitive.”
  • stability383 mentions

    The game's stability has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting a variety of bugs and glitches, particularly during late-game sequences and boss fights. While some users experienced minor technical issues that did not significantly detract from their enjoyment, others faced game-breaking glitches that required reloading checkpoints or restarting the game. Overall, while the game is visually impressive and runs well on certain systems, it suffers from stability issues that can frustrate players.

    • “Runs great on Steam Deck.”
    • “No glitches or bugs encountered either, which is amazing compared to more modern games.”
    • “The PC version of the game runs great as well, which is always nice to see with the steady stream of shoddy PC ports we've become accustomed to.”
    • “The game is very buggy, and on top of that it's very janky.”
    • “Persistent glitches like enemies shooting in T-pose, your weapon vanishing and being unable to shoot anything, and teleporting straight up only to die as you hit the ground really destroyed the experience for me.”
    • “The game is really fun and beautiful, but it's full of stupid glitches, like enemies T-posing, and sometimes glitches that undermine the gameplay and won't allow you to progress, unless you die or reload the checkpoint, which is really annoying.”
  • grinding292 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many players describing it as tedious and requiring excessive time investment, often likening it to a "second life" commitment. While some appreciate the depth of crafting and resource gathering, the overall sentiment is that the game is padded with unnecessary grindy elements that detract from the enjoyment of the core gameplay and story. Completionists, in particular, may find the pursuit of collectibles and upgrades to be a frustrating and monotonous experience.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “Not very tedious to 100% the game, but still takes some time.”
    • “Good balance of story and gameplay, no grinding or difficult tasks that disrupt progress to the point of frustration.”
    • “What ROTTR adds is a lot of bland side content that dilutes the overall experience, such as new grindy survival elements, larger areas with filler side quests, and a lot of padding.”
    • “The 100% grind was absurdly tedious, but the game's story was fun (if ridiculously over-the-top).”
    • “The main storyline of the game is about 10 hours long, with the rest of the game length padded out by a grindy crafting system and a lot of pointless side quests.”
  • replayability275 mentions

    The replayability of "Rise of the Tomb Raider" is a mixed bag among reviewers. While many appreciate the additional modes, collectibles, and challenges that enhance replay value, others feel that the game lacks significant replayability after completing the main story. Overall, players who enjoy exploration and completionist challenges will find ample content to revisit, but those seeking a more dynamic replay experience may be disappointed.

    • “In addition to the main campaign, Rise of the Tomb Raider also offers additional modes, such as expeditions, which allow players to replay levels with different challenges and modifiers, adding to the replayability and longevity of the game.”
    • “The various game modes and weapon upgrades offer plenty of replayability, and the card system for challenge modes creates a marvel of a single-player experience.”
    • “The extra challenge modes add a lot of replay value, and the endurance mode provides quite a bit of replayability, but is locked behind the DLC paywall.”
    • “Replayability, I feel that maybe you can play it once and it doesn't feel interesting in replaying it, so there is not much replayability in this game.”
    • “Good gameplay, story, and visuals, but not a lot of replay value.”
    • “The game is too short with no replayable value.”
  • atmosphere236 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its stunning graphics, rich environmental detail, and immersive sound design, which together create a captivating sense of adventure and exploration. While some reviewers noted a decline in tension compared to previous installments, many highlighted the breathtaking landscapes and atmospheric soundtrack that enhance the overall experience. Overall, the game successfully delivers a visually impressive and engaging atmosphere that draws players into its world.

    • “The game's environments are rich with detail, creating a sense of immersion that is complemented by an atmospheric soundtrack.”
    • “The atmosphere remains immersive, but now with even more breathtaking landscapes and environments that make exploration a joy.”
    • “The graphical fidelity and art direction combine to create a world brimming with atmospheric realism and visual splendor.”
    • “This shift toward spectacle comes at the cost of atmosphere and tension, which were key to the success of the reboot.”
    • “The atmosphere is repetitive, and the story acted like it had a bigger twist/complexity than it does.”
    • “Gone is the classic Tomb Raider's atmosphere of lonesomeness in the tombs, and any sense of fear, challenge or frustration.”
  • emotional191 mentions

    The emotional aspect of "Rise of the Tomb Raider" is characterized by a mix of powerful storytelling and character development, particularly focusing on Lara Croft's personal journey and her relationship with her father, which adds depth to the narrative. While many players found the emotional moments relatable and impactful, some criticized the writing and character development as lacking, leading to a disconnect in emotional investment. Overall, the game successfully evokes a range of feelings, from joy to sadness, though opinions vary on the effectiveness of its emotional engagement compared to its predecessor.

    • “The game's narrative is more intimate than previous entries, focusing less on global stakes and more on Lara's personal quest, lending the story a level of emotional depth that keeps players invested.”
    • “Lara Croft's personal journey and purpose draw players into the events, while emphasizing the emotional experience of the character.”
    • “The emotional journey she undergoes is both relatable and powerful.”
    • “Even ignoring the boring story, boring puzzles, predictability & horrendous AI, this game just feels so soulless & average.”
    • “But because 2/3 of the game was just boring story, it really lets the game down.”
    • “Uninspiring combat, character upgrades that do not matter in the slightest, boring story, maps littered with absolute trash as collectibles in the name of padding.”
  • character development165 mentions

    Character development in "Rise of the Tomb Raider" is a focal point, particularly for Lara Croft, who evolves from a vulnerable survivor to a confident adventurer, showcasing her inner struggles and motivations. While many reviews praise the depth of Lara's character arc, some critics note a lack of development for supporting characters and express disappointment that the sequel does not build as effectively on the character growth established in the previous game. Overall, the game is recognized for its strong character design and immersive storytelling, despite some inconsistencies in character development across the narrative.

    • “Lara Croft’s character development is a highlight, showcasing her growth from a driven survivor to a formidable adventurer.”
    • “The character development is compelling, with Lara grappling with themes of loss, identity, and the pursuit of knowledge.”
    • “This game focuses more on gameplay at the expense of character development, but that is not necessarily a negative.”
    • “Run of the mill action game that undid a lot of Lara's character development from TR2013.”
    • “Unlike the two other entries, there’s no character development, just a generic good vs evil third person shooter, so messy it got retconned later by SOTTR.”
    • “Lara herself showed little to no character development.”
  • humor135 mentions

    The humor in the game is a mixed bag, with many players finding it both intentional and unintentional. While some appreciate the witty dialogues and comedic moments, such as Lara's interactions with enemies and humorous glitches, others criticize the lack of charm compared to classic adventure films like Indiana Jones. Overall, the game's exaggerated action and quirky character dynamics provide a lighthearted contrast to its more serious themes, making it enjoyable for those with a sense of humor.

    • “Funny UK lady running around desecrating ancient ruins, tombs, and crypts with no regard for historical significance.”
    • “In terms of funny points, one of the most memorable moments for me is when Lara encountered a group of Soviet soldiers, who mistook her for a spy and proceeded to interrogate her in broken English.”
    • “I found myself laughing as I mindlessly took out henchmen after henchmen, throwing cocktails at them and watching them burn to a crisp before callously looting their bodies for ammo.”
    • “Insignificant or contains humorous glitches.”
    • “Could be a great game, but it has so many game-breaking bugs it's not funny.”
  • monetization47 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has received significant criticism, with many players finding the presence of microtransactions and DLC intrusive and unnecessary. While some noted that these elements do not heavily impact gameplay, the frequent advertisements and push for additional purchases detracted from the overall experience, leading to perceptions of the game as a cash grab. Overall, the implementation of microtransactions has been viewed as a weak point, with calls for a more consumer-friendly approach akin to other successful titles.

    • “The microtransactions in this game are probably the weakest point, but fortunately, after buying the season pass and opening all the loot boxes at the very beginning, you completely forget about them.”
    • “I should also mention that I haven't seen any microtransactions begging for my cash, which lately is a huge plus.”
    • “Please, stop with the microtransactions - at least they made them fairly unintrusive, but if there were none it would've been even better.”
    • “I can't help but wonder if the publisher messed with this game; there are now broken microtransactions that have been disabled due to no one buying them, and a weird difficulty spike at the very end of the game. This game feels like it needed another 18 months to flesh out but got shoved out the door with very questionable design decisions and DLC it does not need at all.”
    • “Would be nice if every time I loaded the game, it didn't throw ads and email signups in my face.”
    • “The miserable attempt of putting microtransactions in the game does not help.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

84% average critic score

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Play time

18hMedian play time
20hAverage play time
13hMain story
35hCompletionist
10-27hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 135 analyzed playthroughs

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