| Main centres: | 1-3 business days |
| Regional areas: | 3-4 business days |
| Remote areas: | 3-5 business days |
Status:
Complete and Play Tested
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**Review of Tomb Raider Essentials (PS3)**
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### Gameplay & Mechanics
*Tomb Raider Essentials* on PS3 is a re-release of the 2013 *Tomb Raider* reboot, part of the Essentials line that highlights standout PlayStation titles. This version contains the same core game that redefined the franchise a gritty, cinematic origin story for Lara Croft that balances exploration, survival, and action in an emotionally charged adventure.
The game reimagines Lara as a young archaeologist stranded on the mysterious island of Yamatai after a shipwreck. Stripped of her former confidence and resources, she must adapt to survive against nature, supernatural forces, and a violent cult.
Gameplay blends **third-person shooting, platforming, and light puzzle-solving**, all tied together with smooth, modern controls. The bow becomes Laras signature weapon, used not just for combat but also for hunting and navigating the environment. Gunplay is tight and responsive, with a cover system that feels natural and fluid.
Progression comes through scavenging materials, earning XP, and upgrading weapons and survival skills at campfires. This survival-lite system adds meaningful depth, encouraging exploration to gather resources and uncover hidden relics.
The pacing is excellent, balancing intense firefights with quieter moments of exploration and discovery. Quick-time events and cinematic sequences are integrated smoothly, giving the experience a film-like quality without sacrificing player control.
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### Story & Character Development
This reboot serves as **Lara Crofts origin story**, depicting her transformation from an inexperienced explorer into the battle-hardened adventurer fans recognize. The writing humanizes her shes vulnerable, frightened, and determined, making her triumphs feel genuinely earned.
The narrative follows Laras investigation into the islands secrets and her struggle to save her crew. The story mixes survival drama with supernatural mystery, maintaining tension throughout. While some supporting characters are underdeveloped, Laras emotional journey carries the game.
Cutscenes are cinematic and well-acted, helping to immerse players in the story. The pacing builds perfectly toward the finale, culminating in Laras evolution into a true survivor and hero.
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### Graphics & Presentation
On the PS3, *Tomb Raider* remains visually impressive. The environments are lush and detailed dense jungles, crumbling temples, and storm-battered cliffs create a world that feels alive and dangerous. The lighting and weather effects add a cinematic atmosphere, particularly during storms and torch-lit caves.
Character models are expressive, especially Laras, with subtle facial animations that convey emotion and exhaustion. The games physics system from environmental destruction to dynamic hair movement helps make the world feel tangible and reactive.
Although later versions on PS4 and PC feature higher resolution and textures, the PS3 edition still delivers strong performance and beautiful visuals that hold up remarkably well.
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### Exploration & Tombs
While the reboot leans more into action than traditional puzzle-solving, the **optional tombs** scattered across the island are highlights. Each features a self-contained puzzle or platforming chall
