In short, Lara looks like she's applied to work for Third Echelon and the Assassin Brotherhood at the same time. Pretty much taking an amalgamation of Blacklist and the more recent Assassin's Creed games, which isn't such a terrible thing in principle. But it's just not Tomb Raider. I'm not sure what else to say really. The franchise has reached the point, now, that it has officially metamorphosed into a new entity. One which you will either embrace for what it is, or be left pining for what used to be.

There are some nitpicks to be addressed first of all. The way Lara holds her weapons, everything except the bow, just looks weird. It's like she's aiming 45 degrees to the right of what she's intending to shoot at. It just slooks silly. And more importantly, how come the sound of a tiny can, clattering in the distance, can alert a guard, but loud spashes and someone jumping off a roof to murder their mate don't?

Anyway, besides all that, Rise of the Tomb Raider is shaping up to be a decent action game. Leaving the only real question, is that what you want from Tomb Raider? And, considering the first in the reimagined series was the most successful in the franchise, the answer would be yes. So here we have more of the same, with some apparent, and quite nifty improvements. So if you liked it, chances are you're going to love this.

I just miss the original games personally.

Le sigh.