Survivor Trilogy Platinum A Completionist's In-Depth Review Of Tomb Raider

As a completionist gamer, achieving the platinum trophy in a game is the ultimate badge of honor. Recently, I undertook the monumental task of platinum-trophying the Survivor Trilogy: Tomb Raider (2013), Rise of the Tomb Raider, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider. This in-depth review will delve into my experience, exploring the challenges, the triumphs, and the overall commitment required to conquer these three iconic titles. If you're a fellow trophy hunter or simply a fan of the Tomb Raider series, this comprehensive review will provide valuable insights into the platinum journey.

Tomb Raider (2013): A Foundation of Grit and Determination

My journey began with Tomb Raider (2013), the game that rebooted Lara Croft's origins and set the stage for the Survivor Trilogy. This installment is a thrilling blend of action, exploration, and puzzle-solving, with a compelling narrative that showcases Lara's transformation from a frightened young woman to a resilient survivor. Platinum-trophying this game requires a significant time investment, but it's a rewarding experience that truly tests your skills and dedication. In Tomb Raider (2013), one key aspect of achieving the platinum trophy is the meticulous collection of every single item scattered across the sprawling Yamatai island. This island, a character in its own right, is brimming with hidden relics, documents, and GPS caches. Each of these items contributes to the overall narrative, providing deeper insights into the island's history and its mysterious inhabitants. The challenge lies not only in finding these items, which often require solving intricate puzzles and navigating treacherous terrain but also in completing specific challenges within each area. These challenges range from lighting a certain number of signal fires to dispatching enemies with particular weapons, adding a layer of strategic gameplay to the exploration. Beyond the collectibles and challenges, Tomb Raider (2013) also demands mastery of its combat mechanics. Achieving the platinum trophy necessitates completing all combat encounters with finesse and efficiency. This involves utilizing Lara's diverse arsenal of weapons, from her trusty bow and arrow to shotguns and rifles, and mastering stealth tactics to eliminate enemies silently. The game's upgrade system further enhances the combat experience, allowing players to tailor Lara's skills and abilities to their playstyle. This element of customization is crucial for tackling the higher difficulty levels, which are required for certain trophies. Furthermore, the multiplayer component of Tomb Raider (2013) presents another hurdle for platinum trophy hunters. Several trophies are tied to online play, requiring players to reach a certain level, win matches in various game modes, and complete specific team-based objectives. While the multiplayer is not as integral to the overall experience as the single-player campaign, it adds a different dimension to the game and requires players to adapt their skills to a competitive environment. This is why Tomb Raider (2013) is one of the more challenging platinum trophies in the Survivor Trilogy, it requires a comprehensive understanding of the game's mechanics, a keen eye for detail, and the perseverance to overcome its various challenges. For those willing to invest the time and effort, the platinum trophy serves as a testament to their dedication and mastery of the game.

Rise of the Tomb Raider: A Step Up in Scale and Challenge

Following the success of the reboot, Rise of the Tomb Raider elevated the Survivor Trilogy to new heights. Set in the frigid landscapes of Siberia, this installment expands on the gameplay mechanics of its predecessor while introducing new challenges and a captivating story. Earning the platinum trophy in Rise of the Tomb Raider demands even more dedication and skill than the first game. One of the most significant aspects of Rise of the Tomb Raider's platinum trophy journey is the emphasis on exploration and puzzle-solving. The game's world is vast and intricately designed, filled with hidden tombs, crypts, and challenges that require players to think critically and use their environment to their advantage. These optional tombs are a highlight of the game, offering a unique blend of environmental puzzles and platforming challenges. Each tomb presents a distinct set of obstacles, requiring players to decipher ancient mechanisms, manipulate water levels, and navigate treacherous traps. The reward for completing these tombs is not only a sense of accomplishment but also valuable skills and equipment that enhance Lara's abilities. Furthermore, Rise of the Tomb Raider introduces a crafting system that adds another layer of depth to the gameplay. Players can gather resources from the environment to craft ammunition, healing items, and upgrades for their weapons and gear. Mastering the crafting system is crucial for survival, especially on higher difficulty levels. The game also features a day-night cycle, which affects enemy behavior and the availability of certain resources. This dynamic element adds a sense of realism to the game world and forces players to adapt their strategies accordingly. The combat in Rise of the Tomb Raider is more refined and challenging than in the previous game. Enemies are more intelligent and aggressive, requiring players to use a combination of stealth tactics and direct combat to survive. Lara's arsenal of weapons and skills has also been expanded, allowing for a more diverse range of combat options. The game encourages players to experiment with different playstyles, from silently dispatching enemies with the bow and arrow to engaging in intense firefights with shotguns and rifles. In addition to the main campaign, Rise of the Tomb Raider features several optional challenges and side quests that contribute to the platinum trophy. These challenges range from completing specific combat scenarios to collecting hidden artifacts and documents. The game also includes a score attack mode, which challenges players to complete levels as quickly as possible while earning points for skillful gameplay. This mode adds a competitive element to the game and encourages players to replay levels to improve their scores. Obtaining the platinum trophy in Rise of the Tomb Raider requires a comprehensive understanding of the game's mechanics, a keen eye for detail, and the determination to overcome its numerous challenges. For those who are willing to put in the effort, the platinum trophy serves as a testament to their skill and dedication. The sense of accomplishment that comes from mastering the game's intricate systems and conquering its challenges is truly rewarding.

Shadow of the Tomb Raider: A Dark and Intense Climax

The final chapter of the Survivor Trilogy, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, takes Lara to the jungles of Peru as she races to stop a Mayan apocalypse. This game delves into Lara's darker side, exploring the consequences of her actions and the sacrifices she must make. Platinum-trophying Shadow of the Tomb Raider presents a unique set of challenges, pushing players to their limits in terms of both skill and patience. Shadow of the Tomb Raider distinguishes itself within the Survivor Trilogy through its emphasis on stealth and environmental puzzles. The game world is denser and more intricate than its predecessors, filled with hidden pathways, treacherous traps, and challenging climbing sections. Navigating these environments requires a keen eye for detail and a mastery of Lara's movement abilities. The game encourages players to use stealth tactics to their advantage, allowing them to silently eliminate enemies and avoid detection. Lara can blend into the environment by covering herself in mud or hiding in dense foliage, adding a new layer of strategy to combat encounters. Environmental puzzles are also a major focus in Shadow of the Tomb Raider. The game features a variety of intricate puzzles that require players to manipulate the environment, decipher ancient mechanisms, and use their wits to progress. These puzzles are often challenging but rewarding, offering a sense of accomplishment when solved. Shadow of the Tomb Raider introduces a new difficulty system that affects both combat and puzzle difficulty. The game allows players to customize their experience by adjusting the difficulty of each aspect separately. This allows players to tailor the game to their skill level and preferences. For platinum trophy hunters, this system adds an extra layer of complexity, as certain trophies require completing the game on the highest difficulty settings. Combat in Shadow of the Tomb Raider is more brutal and intense than in previous installments. Enemies are more aggressive and resilient, requiring players to use a combination of stealth, melee combat, and ranged attacks to survive. Lara's arsenal of weapons and skills has been further expanded, allowing for a wider range of combat options. The game also introduces new enemy types, such as the Yaaxil, fierce warriors who stalk Lara in the shadows. Shadow of the Tomb Raider features a variety of optional tombs, crypts, and challenges that contribute to the platinum trophy. These optional areas are often more challenging than the main campaign, requiring players to master the game's mechanics and use their wits to overcome obstacles. The game also includes a New Game Plus mode, which allows players to replay the game with all of their skills and equipment intact. This mode is essential for completing certain trophies, as it allows players to focus on specific challenges without having to worry about the main story. Securing the platinum trophy in Shadow of the Tomb Raider demands a comprehensive grasp of the game's systems, acute attention to detail, and unwavering resolve to conquer its myriad obstacles. For those who rise to the occasion, the platinum trophy stands as a testament to their prowess and dedication. The satisfaction derived from mastering the game's intricate mechanics and surmounting its daunting challenges is truly unparalleled.

The Completionist's Verdict: Is the Survivor Trilogy Platinum Worth It?

So, after countless hours spent raiding tombs, battling enemies, and deciphering puzzles, is the Survivor Trilogy platinum trophy worth the effort? My answer is a resounding yes. While each game presents its own unique challenges, the overall experience is incredibly rewarding. The journey through Lara Croft's origin story is captivating, and the sense of accomplishment you feel after earning each platinum trophy is immense. For dedicated trophy hunters and fans of the Tomb Raider series, this is a platinum pursuit that should not be missed. However, it is important to acknowledge that this undertaking is not for the faint of heart. The Survivor Trilogy platinum trophy requires a significant time commitment, ranging from 60 to 80 hours per game, depending on your skill level and playstyle. There are numerous collectibles to find, puzzles to solve, and challenges to overcome. Some trophies may require multiple playthroughs, while others demand mastery of specific combat techniques or puzzle-solving skills. Despite the challenges, the Survivor Trilogy platinum trophy is ultimately an achievable goal for dedicated players. The key is to break down the task into smaller, more manageable steps. Start by focusing on completing the main story, then move on to exploring the game world and collecting items. Utilize online resources and guides if you get stuck, and don't be afraid to experiment with different strategies. The satisfaction of hearing that platinum trophy ping is well worth the effort, solidifying your status as a true Tomb Raider completionist. Beyond the personal satisfaction of achieving platinum, there is also a sense of community and camaraderie among trophy hunters. Sharing tips and strategies, celebrating each other's accomplishments, and comparing trophy counts are all part of the experience. The Survivor Trilogy platinum trophy is not just a symbol of personal achievement; it is also a badge of honor within the gaming community. It signifies a dedication to excellence, a willingness to overcome challenges, and a passion for the games we love. For me, platinum-trophying the Survivor Trilogy was more than just a completionist endeavor; it was a journey of self-discovery, a test of my skills, and a celebration of one of the most iconic characters in gaming history. If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding platinum trophy pursuit, the Survivor Trilogy is an excellent choice. Just be prepared to invest the time and effort required to conquer these epic adventures.

Tips and Tricks for Platinum Trophy Success

To make your journey to Survivor Trilogy platinum a bit smoother, here are some valuable tips and tricks:

• Plan your playthroughs: Before diving in, research the trophy list and plan your playthroughs accordingly. Some trophies may require specific actions or choices during the story, so knowing what to expect can save you time and effort.
• Utilize guides and resources: Don't hesitate to use online guides, forums, and videos to help you find collectibles, solve puzzles, or overcome challenging combat encounters. There are countless resources available to assist you on your platinum journey.
• Master the combat mechanics: Each game in the Survivor Trilogy has its own unique combat system, so take the time to learn the ropes and master Lara's abilities. Practice stealth tactics, experiment with different weapons, and learn enemy patterns to maximize your effectiveness in combat.
• Explore every nook and cranny: The game worlds in the Survivor Trilogy are filled with hidden secrets, collectibles, and challenges. Be thorough in your exploration, and don't be afraid to venture off the beaten path. You never know what treasures you might find.
• Don't give up: The platinum journey can be challenging at times, but don't get discouraged. If you're struggling with a particular trophy, take a break, consult a guide, or ask for help from other players. Perseverance is key to achieving platinum success.

By following these tips and tricks, you'll be well on your way to adding the Survivor Trilogy platinum trophy to your collection. Good luck, and happy tomb raiding!

Conclusion

Platinum-trophying the Survivor Trilogy is a challenging but ultimately rewarding experience. The games offer a compelling blend of action, exploration, and puzzle-solving, and the platinum trophies serve as a testament to your dedication and skill. If you're a completionist gamer or a fan of the Tomb Raider series, this is a platinum pursuit that is well worth the effort. So, grab your DualShock controller, embark on Lara Croft's epic journey, and prepare to conquer the Survivor Trilogy platinum challenge!