Just when you think it can't get any better it does, as much as I liked the first game, I actually like this sequel even more. Like any good sequel it takes everything that was great about it's predecessor and improves/adds more things to make it even better.
The graphics are great as usual, once again going for some of the nit and gritty which is fine I wouldn't want it any other way. I love the new location that it takes place somewhere in the Applelation mountains I'm not totally sure. I really like the use of the mountains which make it all the more suspenseful, being up high is both exhilarating and nerve racking at the same time, and the fact that there is snow and ice just makes the stakes even higher. But I really like the graphical display of the hidden village and the accent romantic arcetectual ruins you really feel like you've just gone into another world. The character animation is great as well, most notable Lara whom is hot as usual despite all of the dirt and scrapes she gets you can never ruin her good looks. Music is also great and memorable there are some orchastraic pieces as well as some thrilling action tunes.
But what's most important are both the story and the game play. The game play is great and has improved from the game having a longer campaign, OK the game would probably take 4 or 5 days to get though but I'm fine with that as long as like any relic it retains my interest. You actually get to explore a bit more, from finding hidden items, certain clues to solving puzzles to simply figuring out where the heck you are and what to do. As well as some side missions which are another addition to the game, which you can do or not it's up to you.
Platforming action is great as it is entirely responsive. One of the editions in the game is further in the game Lara gets an air breather, not to say that anything special but at least you don't have to worry about submerging for air which is a pain in the butt. And it adds something to the stealth action sequences where you can easily go underwater and submerge somewhere else to get the drop on the guy, or even drag the guy underwater using the element to kill him. Another element added is the run grapple where like Batman you run and jump off a high ledge but then throw your pick ax attached to a rope at a grab ling ring and can swing from one far ledge to another.
And of course there is the gun play which is great as you have the usual weapons and cover and hit action. Though once again Lara doesn't have or get to duel weld her pistols which is sorely missing, not that that's a big deal but that is one of her trademarks. But when I think about it story wise it makes sense, Lara is still beginning so I won't fret cause I know we'll see her do it yet. But one other element that's added is in making grenades of different kinds in those situations. From incendiary, explosive, to smoke which I feel helps a lot in welding the odds down.
The story I think is great where not just is it an expedition based on a lost Christian relic which is cool because once again it's something different which is part of why I love the franchise. But there is a personal touch as this was a incomplete expedition of Lara's late father, it's a bit sad as we then here what this expedition has cost him and his daughter. Lara as usual is Lara a doer which is what makes her all the more beautiful, we see that throughout time she has gotten stronger and better however she not totally smooth as we see she still has a way to go.
I like that we get a little on the psychological aspect of her which makes us sympathize is seeking some sort of closure for her late father. However this is really more her personal journey, it's sort of a simple story on a sibling trying to find their own path, living their own life and not in the shadow of their parents. You can also say the story is a bit Christian as it does have the theme on rising up which is a common in most of the biblical stories on the protagonists and good people getting downtrodden but learning to get back up and rise above all that adversity to live on and get stronger than before, which is what Lara is doing.
Overall, this was a great second outing for Lara whom has came up top and it won't be her last.
Rating: 4 stars
