The U.S. PlayStation Blog has gotten its grubby mitts on the PlayStation 4 version of Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition, offering an in-depth look at what developer Crystal Dynamics has added to the critically-acclaimed action-adventure title for its next-generation debut.
Writing on the blog, Ryan Clements notes that the Definitive Edition of Lara Croft’s seminal reboot is a “colossal effort, soaked in visual enhancements and technical optimizations,” noting it isn’t just an “upscaled version” of the original release.
Chief among the improvements include a brand new Lara Croft model, which features a completely revamped face and head for our iconic heroine. Swanky new effects include more realistic hair and realistic lightning, which is able to pierce Lara’s skin and diffuse resulting in a realistic glow.
Even Croft’s equipment has been scrutinized in the Definitive Edition. Now, our heroine’s bow and pickaxe sway and clatter as Lara runs, leaps and climbs her way through the mysterious Island that makes up the game’s setting.
Of course, Crystal Dynamics hasn’t committed all of its attention to just Lara. Tomb Raider’s environments have also benefited from a PS4 facelift. Locations are complemented by extra foliage, debris and other features, while dynamic weather has also been added, with storms peppering the environments with heavy rain and fog sweeping realistically throughout the game’s locations.
Naturally, Definitive Edition runs at a silky smooth 1080p, while the PS4’s DualShock 4 allows gamers to light a torch and adjust in the in-game map via the touchpad.
Hit the link for the full preview, and read our review of the original game here. Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition hits PS4 and Xbox One in late January