7 Reasons Why Lara Croft Is Our Video Game Heroine Of 2013

2. She's As Resourceful As Ever (And So Is The Gameplay!)

As refreshing as the writing is on the new Tomb Raider game, it would all be worth nothing if the game play didn't live up to what we have come to expect from the Tomb Raider franchise. So we breathed a great sigh of relief when it honoured the very methodical and adventurous style of play we seek in our Tomb Raider games. Yes, they have made the actual tomb raiding entirely optional but who cares? Those of us who love solving the puzzles and exploring the beautifully designed island can do that. And if you want to race to the end of the main story and deal with cut scene after cut scene, go for it. The combat style is brilliantly thought out. As Lara makes her way through the island, she slowly acquires various weapons and skill points that build her into a hardened warrior. You're not restricted to a couple of pistols. Using her characteristic resourcefulness, she hangs on to anything she finds including a longbow (for you stealth types), an assault rifle, a pistol and a climbing axe. The producers have also built in expert hand-to-hand combat options as well, leaving us with a wholly inclusive fighting style that fits completely with the realistic and gritty style the game producers have created.