🎮 Rise of the Tomb Raider – Review
If Tomb Raider (2013) was Lara’s origin story, then Rise of the Tomb Raider is where she steps into the role of the adventurer we always knew she could be. Released in 2015, this sequel expands on everything the reboot did well—more exploration, bigger environments, and a deeper story.
🌍 Story & Setting
This time, Lara is drawn to Siberia in search of the lost city of Kitezh and the secret of immortality. Unlike the first game, where she was simply trying to survive, here she actively chooses the adventure, chasing her father’s legacy.
The main villain faction, Trinity, plays a bigger role, giving the story a more global conspiracy feel. The plot mixes grounded survival with myth and legend, creating a strong balance of realism and mystery.
🕹 Gameplay
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Exploration First: The game puts a bigger focus on tombs and puzzle-solving than the 2013 reboot. Optional challenge tombs are larger, more creative, and very rewarding.
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Combat & Stealth: Lara has a wider arsenal—bows, rifles, pistols, explosives—and stealth options are better, letting you play more tactically.
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Crafting & Survival: Hunting and scavenging return, but now crafting mid-combat (arrows, bombs, healing) adds intensity.
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Progression: Skill trees (Brawler, Hunter, Survivor) and weapon upgrades make character growth satisfying.
🎨 Graphics & Atmosphere
Siberia looks breathtaking: snowy mountains, frozen caves, hidden ruins, and lush valleys. The game takes you through a variety of environments that are both beautiful and deadly. Compared to 2013, the world feels more open and alive, inviting exploration.
🔊 Sound & Music
Camilla Luddington again shines as Lara, delivering a more confident but still emotionally grounded performance. The soundtrack is grander, fitting the epic adventure tone, while sound design keeps every arrow shot and crumbling ruin immersive.
✅ What Works Well
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Larger, more open environments encourage exploration.
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Challenge tombs are much better designed and satisfying.
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Strong mix of stealth, combat, and crafting.
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Lara feels more like the seasoned adventurer she’s meant to be.
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Gorgeous graphics and atmosphere.
⚠️ Where It Falls Short
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Story can feel predictable at times (classic “immortality secret” trope).
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Some combat sequences still lean into “too much action”, which breaks pacing.
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The open-world style areas may feel overwhelming if you prefer linear adventure.
⭐ Final Verdict
Rise of the Tomb Raider builds on the reboot perfectly—it’s bigger, smarter, and more adventurous. It finally gives fans the sense of discovery and tomb-raiding they craved, while keeping Lara grounded as a believable character.
Rating: 9/10
An excellent sequel and one of the best modern action-adventure games.
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