Recently I had a chance to sit down at an E3 press event for Square Enix to get more information about the latest entry into the Tomb Raider franchise: Shadow of the Tomb Raider. Lara is back in this latest installment of the series and this time the game promises to delivers a darker experience. Lara must master a deadly jungle, overcome terrifying tombs, and persevere through her darkest hour.
In Shadow of the Tomb Raider, the main story revolves around an end fo the world Mayan apocalypse that will ultimately forge Lara into the Tomb Raider she is destined to be. The jungles are a dark and dangerous place that is filled with enemies both human and feral. Learn how to use the environment to your advantage by hiding in the trees and jumping down to take out opponents or hiding in the shadows covered in mud waiting for that perfect moment to strike. While the jungle is more dense and shadowy than before, you can also dive deep into the water and explore the world below as you try to find secret paths into tombs. If you’ve played any of the previous games, you know that the tombs could be the centerpiece of the game in all their glory and shining brightness, but this time they are filled with darkness and horror. You will have traps to evade and puzzles to solve in typical fashion, but the environment has changed feeling you with horror and suspense.
Overall Shadow of the Tomb Raider feels like the maturation of the series. Bringing Lara Croft closer to the Tomb Raider we’ve known before. The story is a strong driving aspect of the game which pairs very well with the gameplay that flows fluidly as you seek to stop the end of the world.
Shadow of Tomb Raider launches September 14th on Xbox One, PS4 and PC.