The gaming world was abuzz when Aspyr's surprise release of the Tomb Raider reboot on Switch 1 & 2 in 2025 sparked discussions about the future of the Survivor Trilogy. And now, with the stealth launch of Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration during the June Nintendo Direct, it seems like the wait for the next installment might not be as long as we thought.
This port showcases the power of the Switch 2, delivering a visually stunning and immersive experience that is a testament to the console's capabilities. While the graphics take a slight hit, the overall performance is solid, and the game offers an incredible package with all the original DLC included.
Set a year after the events of Tomb Raider (2013), Rise of the Tomb Raider continues Lara's journey in Siberia, where she embarks on a quest for the Divine Source, a mysterious MacGuffin that holds the promise of eternal life. This time, she's not alone; an ancient organization called Trinity is hot on her trail, determined to claim the Divine Source for their own purposes.
The narrative, while not particularly memorable, does an excellent job of capturing the summer blockbuster feel. Lara, though not the most charismatic, undergoes a satisfying character arc as she becomes the adventurous icon we know. The main villain, Constantine, is a standout, with his cold and relentless nature making him a perfect antagonist for Lara.
Gameplay and Exploration
The gameplay loop focuses on heavy exploration, with combat encounters providing a welcome change of pace. It's not an open-world game per se, but the expansive hubs offer a dense and rewarding experience. The highlight is undoubtedly the optional challenge tombs, which are more frequent and interesting than the previous game. Each tomb is like a miniature Zelda dungeon, with unique puzzles and a satisfying sense of accomplishment when solved.
Even outside the tombs, exploration is rewarding, with a wealth of secrets and collectibles to discover. Side quests add to the replay value, encouraging players to revisit areas and collect any missed items. The game strikes a perfect balance, offering a wealth of content without overwhelming the player.
Combat and Controls
Combat, however, is where the game falters. While stealth sections are tense and engaging, the shooting controls feel stiff and unsatisfying, especially when using the Joy-Con. The newly added gyro controls, unfortunately, only work when examining relics, leaving shooting sections untouched. Enabling mouse mode helps, but the Joy-Con's design makes it an awkward experience.
Despite these control issues, combat encounters are relatively short, and the game's focus on exploration means they don't dominate the experience.
Additional Content and Visuals
As a complete edition, Rise of the Tomb Raider includes a decent amount of DLC, seamlessly integrated into the core game. The story-focused quests, such as exploring Croft Manor and tracking down Baba Yaga, feel like natural extensions of the main campaign. The roguelite and zombie survival modes add an arcade-like twist, providing extra replay value.
Graphically, the game is a showcase of the Switch 2's capabilities. The tombs are grim and detailed, with impressive visuals and immersive lighting effects. Character models are well-animated, and the TressFX hair adds a realistic touch to Lara's ponytail. The game runs smoothly at 1080p and 30fps, a trade-off for the ability to play on the go without sacrificing content.
Final Thoughts
Rise of the Tomb Raider is a must-have for Switch 2 owners, offering a full-fledged console gaming experience on the go. Despite some control issues and a forgettable story, the game's strengths lie in its exploration, visuals, and vast amount of content. It's a game that truly shines in handheld mode and will keep players engaged for a long time. Personally, I think it's a fantastic addition to the Switch 2 library and a testament to the platform's potential.
