The Crystal Dynamics title already proved to be a highly spectacular product in March 2013, both in terms of action and for the graphics sector itself, which already boasted excellent polygonal modeling, appreciable textures and scenographies with a great emotional impact. With the Definitive Edition, the team's work focused on making elements like these even more spectacular, and we can say with certainty that the goal has been achieved. The improvements are visible from the earliest stages of the game. After passing the first cave that serves as a prologue to the adventure, it is possible to immediately observe Lara's new appearance with a splendid backlit view. We paused to observe the textures and the polygonal modeling of the protagonist, which although they were already of high quality in the past, with this Definitive Edition are even more realistic. From the blood shed on her body, which can be removed simply in contact with water, to the sheen of the eyes, to the details of the skin, everything appears extremely well cared for. The performance of the hair has also been significantly improved, something that is always difficult to replicate in the videogame world and which has seen the team particularly committed to their new performance, which while not completely breaking down the barrier of credulity, prove to be sufficiently realistic and much more inclined to react. with credibility to Lara's movements and to the wind, as well as to lighting in terms of reflections.
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Although we had already completed Tomb Raider in its previous incarnation, revisiting the remote and scary island has entertained us, and we particularly enjoyed moving around in the nocturnal phases and in the caves, appreciating engaging lighting, meticulous details such as water, more and more natural, and the fire effects which, although on close analysis, always show two-dimensional flames, are able to make themselves perfectly credible thanks to flashes and a detailed smoke effect. These and others are elements that directly benefit from the PC version of Tomb Raider, which compared to the old gen console versions was already able to break away qualitatively thanks to technologies such as StressFX, and which is now seen superseded by this Definitive Edition also because, and there sorry, the PC version does not seem to be destined to get any updates. Considering the computing capacity of the recent PC hardware, applying the same qualitative updates received by the next-gen console version, we could have enjoyed a further qualitative overtaking, while on the contrary, the admirers of the game on PC, equipped with extremely performing hardware, unfortunately they will have to be satisfied, seeing the console players rejoice for a decidedly exciting reinterpretation on a visual level.
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Although we approached the Crystal Dynamics production with skepticism, in the face of a maneuver that seemed too commercial to us designed to take advantage of the launch of the new consoles rather than a sincere desire for research in the graphic and technological field, we were recaptured by the interesting storyline and by the intense rhythm of the on-screen action, made even more engaging by an improved audio sector. On the PS4 version we tested, the speaker placed on the controller also becomes an important part of the updates of this definitive edition: radio transmissions, menus and gun noises, are all sounds that are also reproduced by the controller, giving excellent feedback. The greatest satisfactions come from weapons, since by firing, reloading and changing weapon, an audio response is obtained that is complementary to that coming from the TV or surround sound systems, with an excellent three-dimensional sensation. At present, considering the scarce competition in terms of PS4 lineup in this sense, the Crystal Dynamics title proves to be the one that best has been able to exploit this possibility in a simple, intelligent and engaging way.
By analyzing the technical sector with statistical data, the title brings to the screen moments of relaxation where you can appreciate static scenarios with breathtaking views, as well as minutes of incessant daring action, all at 1080p and 60 FPS in the case of PS4, while it stops at 30 that Xbox One. There is also some slight drop in framerate, perceptible only to a particularly attentive eye, but as regards the PS4 version we tested, we are talking about events at the limit of perception. More disappointing is the rendering of physics, which seems to have been completely transposed from the past edition. Except for the hair, which as we said are actually more truthful, the elements of the scenario keep the pros and cons of the old gen edition unchanged, with fluctuating results that see perfect dynamics alternating with even funny events such as heavy speakers that roll when hit. for meters, or enemies that in an attempt to interact with the environment are thrown over the distance.
To the test of the facts, we would like to recommend Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition without any hesitation, to any player who has not yet faced the latest adventure of Lara Croft, taking into account that the same is playable, with the same contents but with a lower visual quality, on old-gen consoles now at half price. For those who have already lived the last chapter of the saga, the second round could be completely accessory, both for the poor replayability of the title itself, and for the lack of novelty, aesthetic improvements aside, which justify a second purchase at full price, such a short time after the original release.
