Shadow of the Tomb Raider is the second of a series of three Tomb Raider games released for the 20th anniversary of Lara Croft, Tomb Raider. The three chapters, or releases, are Rise of the Tomb Raider, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, and finally Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition. The same game engine is being used across the 3 20th anniversary releases so once you’ve got the mechanics and key sequences down for one of the games, you’ll be using that same experience for the other games, which is a nice thing. The games do however feature completely different and unique worldly locations and there’s much to discover as you explore exotic, and sometimes, not so exotic locations. Both games also feature side quests as well as intriguing and downright fun structure and environmental puzzles which don’t necessarily have to be completed to get through the main storyline. However should one choose to take on these additional challenges, additional perks and faster skill building options open up to augment the gameplay and allow Lara Croft to get powerfully skilled via additional weapons, health upgrades, and of course the skill building.

I wrote an article on Rise if the Tomb Raider some time back and that may be found here. I’m actually still playing that game as well but I am at the end of that particular game and only need to beat the final ‘boss’. The final boss is a giant helicopter which Lara Croft needs to defeat before I officially complete/beat Rise if the Tomb Raider. I will try to do that before I finish Shadow of the Tomb Raider as I’m kind of playing the two games somewhat concurrently at the moment.

Shadow of the Tomb Raider is another adventure Lara Croft finds herself involved in and once again the stakes are high. The evil Trinity Corporation is hell bent on getting to some ancient Mayan artifacts rumored to be able bring great power to the possessor. In a cruel twist of fate Lara Croft manages to recover the artifact only to have it snatched from her grip during an intense battle. The Trinity Corporation (or whatever they’re called) advises Lara Croft that the artifact obtained has in fact only one purpose, that being the destruction of the world as we know it. They pin the blame on her for the coming apocalypse due to her irresponsibility in retrieving the world ending loot and not having done her research putting the Earth at risk. Lara initially doesn’t believe them until a massive flood seems to spring up out of nowhere and hundreds if not thousands of people die. Understanding the power of the artifact she sets off on a mission of revenge and recovery and that is where I am in the game right now.

Shadow of the Tomb Raider of course has its own storyline and features many cut scene drama scenes as one progresses which are laid out in truly grand cinematic fashion. Much more so than the first game in the series. It’s all part of the world building and seems to be a little more narrative driven than Rise of the Tomb Raider. The graphics are beautiful but most importantly to me, it’s a fun game to play.

So if you enjoyed Rise of the Tomb Raider, let Shadow of the Tomb Raider be the next game you play in the series. I will write another article on Tomb Raider: The Definitive Edition once I get to that. Not sure how the three games are ordered, but I’m having so much fun playing them I don’t think it really matters. So if you’re a long time Tomb Raider fan, or are just getting introduced to the series, these would be a great set of games for introduction to the world of Lara Croft, Tomb Raider.

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