When comparing Gears of War: Ultimate Edition vs Rise of the Tomb Raider, the Slant community recommends Rise of the Tomb Raider for most people. In the question“What are the best digital AAA PC games available on the Windows Store?” Rise of the Tomb Raider is ranked 2nd while Gears of War: Ultimate Edition is ranked 5th. The most important reason people chose Rise of the Tomb Raider is:
In Rise of the Tomb Raider there are 9 optional tombs that serve as large scale environmental puzzles. They all rely on you reading the environment carefully. For example, one of them is a wooden ship frozen vertically on the wall of an ice cavern. The puzzle is reaching the treasure at the top of the ship. It might seem really hard at first, but if you carefully look at the environment you'll find a path. Solving one of these puzzles is really fun, especially because you get an upgrade from them.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Nice improvement in graphics over original console release
The game has been cleaned up for PC and optimized. It can be played at 1080p at 30fps, all while performing smoother than it did on s=console. So for those that have not played the game before this would be the definitive version, and for those that have, if they would like to experience the game again in a way that improves over the original, the PC version is a good choice.
Pro Fun cover system thanks to smart AI
The cover system is the main mechanic in this game, and it is something that needs to be used often thanks to the smart AI of enemies. Some will flank you while others may come running straight at you, which means you need to balance where and when to use the system in order to outsmart the enemies surrounding you.
Pro Additional content over original PC release
There are 5 extra levels added to the game (that were not in the original PC release) as well as the addition of two new multiplayer modes (Team Deathmatch, King of the Hill). The 5 campaigns add to the story of the game and have one of the best action sequences to be found. The two new multiplayer modes add to the replayability, as these modes will mot likely feature many players for now to go up against being that they are new to anyone on PC.
Pro Fun multiplayer
One of the best aspects of the game has always been the multiplayer modes. Players will have a lot to experience here, especially when considering there are two new modes. The gameplay in multiplayer plays at 60fps and features some of the most fun arcade third person shooting out there thanks to the great cover mechanics and overly powerful and over the top guns.
Pro Well told story
Every aspect of the game helps to flesh out the story being told in Gear of War. Objectives and environment plays a big role here as the player learns more and more as they progress, but not though overly explanation based cut-scenes but through the game itself. Each objective the player needs to complete brings them a bit further in the story and in understanding why what is happening. This helps to make the player feel more involved, especially when expanded upon through well crafted environments. While the world in the game may be outlandish, it feel believable because it has all been presented well to the player.
Pro Challenging but fair optional puzzles
In Rise of the Tomb Raider there are 9 optional tombs that serve as large scale environmental puzzles. They all rely on you reading the environment carefully.
For example, one of them is a wooden ship frozen vertically on the wall of an ice cavern. The puzzle is reaching the treasure at the top of the ship.
It might seem really hard at first, but if you carefully look at the environment you'll find a path. Solving one of these puzzles is really fun, especially because you get an upgrade from them.
Pro Jaw dropping graphics
Rise of the Tomb Raider has phenomenal graphics and a very great attention to detail. Simple things like the snow moving as you step into it or how Lara's hair moves in the wind. This gives it a feeling a of polish most games don't have.
The character models and animations are also phenomenal. Each of their movements and facial expressions look real, creating a movie like experience.
Pro Rewarding exploration
Each level is large, so there is quite a lot to see and do in each one. You'll be rewarded for exploring as there are many hidden items, weapons, and beautiful views to be found. This gives you an incentive to fully explore each location.
Pro A variety of weapons to keep the gameplay fun
There are over 20 weapons to choose from, including handguns, shotguns, assault rifles, and bows. You can also craft special ammo or explosives such as nail bombs. This keeps the gunfights interesting since you can switch to a new weapon whenever it gets dull.
Pro Replayability through unlockables
Once a level is competed, you can to complete unfinished or new objectives. These will unlock new outfits or other items. This gives you plenty of goals to strive for outside the main story. Trying to complete all the optional objectives can be quite addictive.
Cons
Con Unbalanced multiplayer weapons
most people will be playing with a shotgun as it is too powerful when compared to other weapons and offers the best range and power for the type of cover gameplay this game offers. Sniper rifles often are overpowered as well, which can make for mismatched gameplay in multiplayer for those that like to use different weapons over a shotgun or sniper rifle.
Con Singular button for multiple moves causes some issue
There is one button that is assigned many different moves in the game such as rolling, running, vaulting or just moving from one cover to the next. The way this is designed means that the player needs to be close to an area where this button will do a certain move, the trouble being that the game may not be precise in this as one move may happen that was not the intended. This can easily cause trouble when in the middle of a hectic firefight, which can be very frustrating.
Con Overused and overly familiar plot
The gist of the plot is that Lara is searching for the key to eternal life. This plot has been used in other franchises such as Indiana Jones and Uncharted. It seems kinda lazy, especially because both of these franchises are also about treasure hunters. You won't be able to shake the feeling that you already know the story, which somewhat ruins the enjoyment.
Con Very linear
Most of the time you'll be forced to move along a single path. There are occasional quick-time events and simple puzzles, but every situation only has a single solution. This makes it feel more like an interactive movie than a game since you're never really given any freedom of choice.
Con Focuses on action too much
Rise of the Tomb Raider doesn't have many puzzles or slow-paced sections, so you never really feel like a treasure hunter looking for artifacts. There are just way too many gunfights and high intensity moments one after another. It would have been nice to see more puzzles to balance out the action.
Con Stealth seems pointless
While there are stealth takedowns and you can be stealthy in many areas, there is no real incentive to be stealthy. You can easily take out most enemies in an open confrontation and you won't ever feel like you're truly in danger.
Con Difficulty spikes late game
During the latter half of the game the gunfights will suddenly become a lot harder. While they're not impossible to beat, the sudden difficulty spike will take time to get used to. This may cause some frustration and worsen your overall experience.