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This reboot of the very famous Lara Croft – Tomb Raider series was something I was looking forward to play. The character is no longer a scantily clad hottie with loads of oomph, but a meaningful and more likeable character in many ways.

Premise –

A stealth-based first person shooter. Your character is marooned on an island where previous survivors and a mystical force don’t allow you to leave. This game shows the growth of Lara Croft into a survivor.

The Best Bits –

An open and interactive environment made map exploration actually enjoyable.
The gradual but palpable change in the protagonist, who goes from “Please. Why are you doing this?” to “That’s right, run. I am coming for you.” over the course of the game.
The survivor instinct is extremely helpful in navigation, which otherwise can be frustrating if you get stuck.
The point where Lara had to cauterize her wounds in the helicopter and the fight that followed.
The final scene where she dual-wields the pistols in the traditional Lara Croft way.

What could have been better –

Your character gets so much experience, that you have the ability to get more perks than the total perks available. Was this not calculated in the alpha phase?
The mini-puzzles of the secret tombs and wall climbs near the climax remind you strongly of Prince of Persia-Warrior Within, but fail to come even in the horizon of its complexity or fun.

My takeaway –

Another definite recommend. This game also sets a good premise for future games in the franchise which I look forward to. 8/10.

Game Review – Deus Ex: Human Revolution

Human Revolution is a long awaited prequel to the critically acclaimed Deus Ex, this is a worthy part of the series and definitely surpasses its previous games.

Premise –

A stealth-based First Person Shooter based in a futuristic, technologically advanced world. Your character is surgically modified for extreme performance and caught between two powerful powerhouses.

The Best Bits –

The social enhancer perk gives you significant power to alter the outcomes of several scenarios by just talking. Hell, I wish I had that in real life!
The gameplay lets you choose your style from complete stealth to complete violence. It is possible to complete the game without killing anyone except in the boss fights.
Your character is vulnerable to bullets and can die almost immediately if caught in cross-fire. This is good because it makes it realistic at all playing levels – easy or hard.
A reasonably good, if not outstanding, storyline.
The stealth mechanism is outstanding.

What could have been better –

The dark environment throughout the game makes you wonder at times if the developers forgot that the sun exists.
Even if you opt for a stealth based approach, there is no way around the bosses. You have to fight them.

My takeaway –

It’s a definite wow. It is a definite benchmark setter for upcoming stealth based games. 9/10.