Rise of the Tomb Raider (Nov. 10th) - Xbox version discussion

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No before that. Oh and this is the same site that just gave COD a recommend stamp.

Because that's a game that brings so much new stuff to the table...
 
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Nothing that sticks out. I didn't notice any, but I'm sure if you timed it or something, lol. It feels plenty responsive to me. I forced myself to stop at Siberia last night. If That first tomb is a taste of what's to come, I will be very happy :) I'm playing on the second hardest setting. I've died a few times to traps or mistiming (no automatic platforming here). I also like that when you have to run, you have to RUN. If you take the time to smell the roses, you're getting a rock to the head, lol, and crumbling ledges will take you with them (I'm looking at YOU, Uncharted). It's nice to have that sense of urgency back.

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I wonder if they are sneaking some pre-rendered stuff in there because some of that physics destruction is damn impressive. Of course, it happens during game-play as well. The end of the Syria tomb was pretty amazing. I love that they have lots of physical objects lying around. I was just randomly shooting stuff to see how static it was, and was pleased that objects stuffed into little crevices would break or go flying with the appropriate sounds (a metal cup clangs against stone). Shooting down those hanging incense canisters is satisfying as they look properly heavy as they fall.

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It really looks Next-Gen, regardless of whether the 360 can run a pared down version. The Geometry alone is very impressive. Tons of tiny details and moving foliage makes it feel alive. That first scene on the top of the mountain (and the beginning of the Siberia level) actually FELT cold, lol. They captured it perfectly. The wind, particles, and volumetric effects come together convincingly.

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The dynamic snow is the best I've ever seen. Even their hands leave their own impressions. I killed a deer (which is handled much better than 2013) at the top of a hill, and as it slid down the hill it made a drag mark the whole way :D There are a lot of things to find and collect (Wood, shoot down nests for feathers), and I really like the animations they made for them (like lara stripping the branches off the trees).

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Lara herself is one of the best In-game models as well. Her hair has more weight and friction than before, and even moves differently when wet. She even squints when aiming the bow :) Textures are high res. She makes lots of appropriate facial expressions. The only issue I have is that the game occasionally hits the uncanny valley very hard. He face can definitely be over-animated at times. Small price to pay though, and Lara seems even more like a real person than ever before.

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I even find the story more interesting this time. It has a more Indiana Jones vibe than the Reboot. I really like Jona, lol. I'm sorta rooting for him to be a love interest for Lara. He'd certainly be a break from the norm, and he's so loyal and likable. Overall, the pacing has been very well handled and though the enemy is a bit cliche, It's been handled well so far. I've only killed 2 or 3 enemies so far. The beginning is pretty much all exploration and navigation.

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This is a Top Game. Top. Game...

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Top. Game.

Agreed with everything you said. I had to force myself to stop last night at this level as well. Have played a couple of hours this morning and am loving every minute of it. And speaking of her wet hair made me remember that even her pants looks slightly saggy when she gets out of the water. Little details like that make this even more realistic. As for her face seeming too animated at times, I disagree with that. The actress that plays Lara is on Grey's Anatomy and she looks just like her and that's her facial animations. It was a little jarring at first to get used to her looking so much like her real life self because I find the character whiny and a bit obnoxious on Grey's and here is Lara this smart, strong girl.

I played around in the snow in Siberia, just marveling at the details of trudging through deep snow and the way it left the tracks. So very realistic to how it is here in New England when we get a couple feet of snow. Lara shivering and reacting to the big gusts of wind was great as well. And, lol, it did make me feel cold watching her. One thing I do wish they did is let it take a little longer for her to dry off when she gets out of the water.
 
Another thing worth mentioning is the HUD, or rather, lack of HUD. It only shows you what you need when you need it. Every game should be taking notes!
 
The first hour of this game is absolutely fantastic. However, I am not enjoying the first hub area. Visually it's a very dull and dreary place.
 
Another thing worth mentioning is the HUD, or rather, lack of HUD. It only shows you what you need when you need it. Every game should be taking notes!
Get posting some screenshots, you silly little man!
 
Phenomenal game. This past year I've been disappointed by a great many "AAA" games. Part of me was beginning to think that I was just growing tired of video games. This and a few other releases have made me fall right back into "gamer mode". I also purchased Fall out but that will wait until I complete this. I
 
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I want to support this title. It looks great but I've got bills to pay and that comes first.

I will purchase new to support more games. I hope you guys have a blast with it!
 
If your internet is bad I advise you to close this page asap cause I want to share some gifs and they are huge.

F U BEAR !

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The way she warms up her hands as soon as she's around that fire

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Love the way her feet get heavy in deep snow

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Enjoying the view

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And now the slightly funny/weird gifs

Dat cleavage tho

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Sit yo ass down

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Probably my fav weird/funny one (it's even more funnier in context)

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Great reaction gif

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I watched the Digital Foundry video and didn't really see or hear anything questionable.

They said it was beautiful but inconsistent. As are most console games.

They might be a touch more critical of Xbox games overall. But they sounded generally pleased with Crystal Dynamics work here.
 
Been playing most of the day, probably 2/3 of the way through, and overall I think it's a great game. I'd probably rate it an 8.5. Graphically it's amazing, the character models and cutscenes especially are amazing. I'm also enjoying the freedom of exploration, the tombs have been fun, and the story is good enough. The combat is also an improvement from the first game, and feels pretty satisfying.

Without mentioning spoilers or specifics though, I did not care for the environments all that much. I actually liked the island from the first game better than any of this games hub areas. The first hour of the game really wow's you, and I haven't encountered anything in the rest of the game that matches or surpasses that. Overall though, great game, but I liked the first better.
 
It's interesting to contrast Gametrailers review to Gamespot's. One says the story is a let down and the other says it's a strength and seemlessly woven into gameplay.

To me story's in video games are usually kind of just there. The only story that's ever stuck with me in any meaningful way was The Last of Us.

Uncharted has great characters and writing but I'll be damned if I remember anything about an overall story. Drake has information about artifacts, goes to explore, meets bad guys that are also after said artifacts.
 
Yeah don't know what UC stories are but 2 was so damn funny at times. Great script.
I remember some of TR's story but its never been important.

I tend to go for games like Shenmue, Mass Effect, KOTOR, Halo and so on for stories I really enjoy.
 
It's interesting to contrast Gametrailers review to Gamespot's. One says the story is a let down and the other says it's a strength and seemlessly woven into gameplay.

To me story's in video games are usually kind of just there. The only story that's ever stuck with me in any meaningful way was The Last of Us.

Uncharted has great characters and writing but I'll be damned if I remember anything about an overall story. Drake has information about artifacts, goes to explore, meets bad guys that are also after said artifacts.

I loved the story in Eternal Darkness; still one of my favorite video game stories of all time.

One of my favorite scenes:



I loved that the truth essentially drove him crazy. He was both telling the truth and a bit crazy at the same time. The best part was that it was a bit up in the air whether his servants were possessed or not when he killed them. Such a great game.
 
JESUS FCKNG CHRIST. I just had my scariest most beautiful encounter in gaming ever.
If you haven't played the game I really advice you to skip this post because I really want you to experience this for yourself without knowing a single thing about it.

I was playing with my little niece and just strolling around and there was this cave so I just was looking to explore the area and suddenly from the dark there was this animalistic sound I thought oh a wolf cool let's hunt him then something was moving towards me I shot it with my bow 3 times now usually wolfs die in 1 shot but this wouldn't so I was just looking at it WTF then as it neared us I almost s*** my pants haha my poor little niece was screaming but it was mostly joy and a bit of fear we had a good laugh afterwards but man that was my most fun, exhilirating and scary encounter in gaming maybe ever.

Sadly I forgot to record that exact moment because I was in panic mode for the most of it running around hiding but still you can catch a glimpse of this beautiful animal and how badass I was with no fear whatsoever and total control...not like I was jumping around like a little :)

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Wow.

I just feel... Wow...

I love this game. I'm savoring every second.

As disgusting as it sounds, I think I find Lara attractive.

Not entirely sold on some of the bloke voice actors...
 
Wow.

I just feel... Wow...

I love this game. I'm savoring every second.

As disgusting as it sounds, I think I find Lara attractive.

Not entirely sold on some of the bloke voice actors...
Dude, that tremor you feel ain't the Force when Lara Croft is around!
 
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