Should You Play Rise of the Tomb Raider before Shadow?
The Tomb Raider trilogy has been a beloved series of gamers around the world, with each game offering a unique and thrilling experience. One question that has been on many minds is whether to play Rise of the Tomb Raider before Shadow of the Tomb Raider. In this article, we will delve into the details of both games and help you decide which order is best for you.
Storylines
Before we dive into the details, let’s take a brief look at the storylines of both games.
Rise of the Tomb Raider picks up where the 2013 game left off, with Lara Croft struggling to come to terms with her recent experiences. The game follows Lara’s quest to uncover the secrets of the Mayan civilization and prevent a catastrophic apocalypse. Shadow of the Tomb Raider serves as a direct sequel, following Lara as she attempts to stop an impending disaster and face off against her nemesis, Trinity.
Story Flow
Now that we have an understanding of the storylines, let’s look at how the games were designed to be played. Rise of the Tomb Raider has been crafted to be a standalone experience, with its own unique story and gameplay elements. However, Shadow of the Tomb Raider is designed to be a more definitive conclusion to the trilogy, with many gameplay and storytelling elements building upon the previous two games.
Why Play Rise of the Tomb Raider before Shadow of the Tomb Raider?
Here are some reasons why playing Rise of the Tomb Raider before Shadow of the Tomb Raider might be the best decision for you:
- Immersive Experience: Playing Rise of the Tomb Raider first will allow you to experience the game’s story and gameplay mechanics in a more immersive way. Shadow of the Tomb Raider is designed to be a more intense, fast-paced experience, and playing it without the context of the previous games may make it feel less satisfying.
- Character Development: By playing Rise of the Tomb Raider first, you will gain a deeper understanding of Lara Croft’s character and her motivations. This will make Shadow of the Tomb Raider‘s story more impactful and emotionally resonant.
- Gameplay Elements: Rise of the Tomb Raider introduces many gameplay mechanics and systems that are refined and improved upon in Shadow of the Tomb Raider. Playing the first game will help you understand these mechanics and how to use them effectively.
Why Not Play Rise of the Tomb Raider before Shadow of the Tomb Raider?
Here are some reasons why playing Rise of the Tomb Raider after Shadow of the Tomb Raider might be the better decision for you:
- Convenience: Shadow of the Tomb Raider was designed to be a more accessible game for those who didn’t play the previous two. By playing it first, you can experience the entire trilogy without having to go back to previous games.
- More Intensive Gameplay: Shadow of the Tomb Raider is a more intense and action-packed game than Rise of the Tomb Raider. Playing it first may be more appealing to those who prefer faster-paced gameplay.
- New Graphics and Gameplay Mechanics: Shadow of the Tomb Raider introduces new graphics and gameplay mechanics that may not have been available in Rise of the Tomb Raider. By playing it first, you can experience these innovations in a more straightforward way.
Table of Comparison
Here is a table summarizing the key differences between the two games:
| Rise of the Tomb Raider | Shadow of the Tomb Raider | |
|---|---|---|
| Story | Original story, standalone experience | Conclusion to the trilogy, builds upon previous games |
| Gameplay | More focused on exploration, puzzle-solving | More focused on combat, action |
| Graphics | Smoother, more detailed graphics | Enhanced graphics, new mechanics |
| Gameplay Mechanics | Introduces new mechanics, building blocks for future games | Refines mechanics, introduces new systems |
Conclusion
Ultimately, whether to play Rise of the Tomb Raider before Shadow of the Tomb Raider is up to personal preference. If you want a more immersive, story-driven experience, playing the first game first may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a faster-paced, action-packed experience, playing Shadow of the Tomb Raider first may be the better way to go.
Regardless of the order in which you play the games, one thing is certain: both Rise of the Tomb Raider and Shadow of the Tomb Raider offer incredible gaming experiences that will keep you hooked until the very end.