Video Game Tourism E05: Rise of the Tomb Raider’s astounding beauty

Having played Uncharted 4 (Naughty Dog, 2016), it is hard to dive into an action-adventure game without expecting too much from it. But Rise of the Tomb Raider (Crystal Dynamics, 2016), surprisingly, gets the job done—though with a different focus. The game involves the player in the role of Lara Croft venturing on a most torturous journey to obtain the “Divine Source”, an ancient artefact that is supposed to grant immortality to those who possess it.

Whereas Uncharted 4 seemingly seduced the player with its comedic charm, Rise of the Tomb Raider sets out to involve us in a bitter struggle for survival, the scavenging for supplies and, of course, the raiding of tombs. Combined with spectacular visuals and vistas, and a charming lead character, the game amazes in nearly every aspect.

But see for yourself!

Where it all Begins.
Where it all begins.
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Rise of the Tomb Raider
Already gotten into trouble …
Shining the light ...
Shining the light …
Underwater sections are simply spectacular ...
Underwater sections are simply spectacular …
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... again ...
… again …
Ice Caves abound and
Ice caves abound and include various underwater sections …
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nastrovje
nastrovje
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the shimmering of the Environment adds considerable to the experience
the shimmering of the environment and rays of sunlight add considerably to the experience …
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… another blocked doorway … damn you unicursal labyrinth …
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The vistas easily live up to those of Uncharted 4
The vistas easily live up to those of Uncharted 4
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And some of The last of Us
And some of The Last of Us
... don't look down ...
… don’t look down …
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Keeping the focus ...
Keeping the focus …
... and balance ...
… and balance …
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... a city in flames ...
… a city in flames …
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... and some hallucinations ...
… and some hallucinations …
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... cold but wow ...
… cold but wow …
... now don't trip ...
… now don’t trip …
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... some final ice climbing (Nintendo style;)
… some final ice climbing (Nintendo style;)
... and the journey ...
… and the journey …
... comes to a close.
… comes to a close.