Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition May Be One of the Best Action-Adventure Games on Switch 2 (Review)

by

As a huge fan, I’ve always loved the Tomb Raider series – it’s one of the most famous gaming franchises ever! Lara Croft is instantly recognizable, and it’s amazing how she’s become a pop culture icon, appearing in movies and more. What’s really cool is that, unlike a lot of games from the 90s, Tomb Raider is still being made! I was so excited when they rebooted the series back in 2013 with the Survivor trilogy, starting with Tomb Raider. And now, finally, we can experience those remastered adventures on the Nintendo Switch – it’s a dream come true!

Nintendo surprised fans on November 18th with the unexpected release of the first Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition on both Nintendo Switch and the new Switch 2. This version is a remastered update of the 2013 game, complete with all previously released downloadable content and bonus features. It’s the first time this reimagining of Tomb Raider has been available on Nintendo consoles, and it runs so smoothly on the Switch 2 that it felt like I wasn’t even playing on a Nintendo system!

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Pros Cons
Engaging, well-balanced gameplay that unfolds over time Camera angles can make certain puzzles frustrating to navigate
Satisfying, fast-paced combat that’s easy to learn, hard to master
A compelling origin story for Lara Croft and a solid start to the Survivor trilogy
Graphics and gameplay work great on Switch 2

Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition Reboots Lara’s Origin Story, And It’s About Time It Came to Switch

The Survivor trilogy reimagines the origins of Lara Croft, acting as both a prequel and a fresh start to her story. This first game introduces a young and untested Lara who quickly finds herself stranded on a dangerous, mysterious island, forcing her to rely on her courage and resourcefulness. Originally released in 2013, it’s taken a while for this version of Lara’s adventure to arrive on Nintendo Switch.

This version of the game is excellent and plays very well on the Switch 2. Originally released on PS4 and Xbox One in 2014, it’s understandable if you’d expect the graphics to look a bit old. However, I was surprised by how good it actually looks! While it definitely shows its age, it avoids the visual issues that plague many action games on the Switch. The Switch 2 version has a higher resolution, which helps, but overall, I was really impressed with how the game looks.

This game closely follows the 2014 release. If you haven’t played Lara Croft’s origin story yet, it’s well worth checking out – it’s a strong introduction to her character with some genuinely moving moments. The story itself hasn’t changed from the Definitive Edition, though it does include all the extra content. The biggest improvements on the Switch and Switch 2 are in the gameplay, with a few added features. Overall, this is one of the best game ports I’ve seen on these consoles.

Streamlined and Diverse Gameplay Makes Tomb Raider One Of The Best Games I’ve Played on Switch 2 

I’m a big fan of action-adventure games, and usually I grab them for my PS5 because, let’s be real, it’s the better experience. But I was seriously impressed playing Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition on the Switch 2! It actually runs really smoothly – I didn’t notice any lag or glitches at all. I mostly used my Switch 2 Pro Controller, but it’s cool that you can also use the touchscreen or Joy-Cons. Plus, aiming with the Joy-Con’s motion controls added a whole new level of immersion that I haven’t found in other versions of the game.

The game feels like a classic Lara Croft adventure, demanding quick reflexes to get around the island. It steadily introduces new tools that open up fresh exploration options throughout the story. The game ran well on the Switch 2, allowing for smooth navigation of its challenges. Being able to see clearly and react fast is often key, and the remaster’s visuals are sharp enough to avoid frustrating players during action-packed moments. However, some puzzles can be quite difficult due to awkward camera angles.

One odd design choice is tying the in-game menus to the motion controls. Even when using a standard controller, the menus would drift around as I moved it. While this might sound cool, it made navigating the menus for weapon and skill upgrades difficult, especially for anyone prone to motion sickness. It’s not a major problem, but I think the game would have been better with traditional, stationary menus and reserved the motion controls for gameplay.

I really enjoyed playing Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition. It’s an excellent port for the Switch 2, and one of the best action games available on the console. Even though it’s a game from 2013, the graphics still look good, and it runs smoothly. It’s classic Lara Croft gameplay, with optional motion controls for added fun. At only $20, it’s a fantastic deal for anyone who loves action-adventure games with puzzles – definitely worth checking out on Switch or Switch 2!

I’m so excited! Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition is finally here on both the Switch and the new Switch 2! They’ve actually made separate versions for each console, which is cool, and both are only $19.99. If you get it for the Switch 2, you’ll get a better looking game with a smoother frame rate than on the original Switch.

We received a copy of Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition for the Nintendo Switch from the publisher so we could review the game.

https://comicbook.com/gaming/list/3-first-party-nintendo-games-that-still-need-switch-2-editions-why-we-dont-have-them-yet/embed/#

Read More

2025-11-26 21:12