After a Decade-Long Wait, Lara Croft Hits the Microsoft Store in Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition

For PC gamers who’ve been desire to experience the definitive version of the Tomb Raider reboot, the wait is finally over… with a caveat.

Crystal Dynamics’ Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition has materialized on PC after a decade, but unlike most releases, it’s chosen a rather exclusive storefront: the Microsoft Store.

A Definitive Experience, Ten Years Later

Originally gracing the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in 2014, Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition offered a comprehensive package for players. This remastered version bundled the critically acclaimed 2013 reboot with all its downloadable content (DLC), including additional outfits for Lara, tombs to explore, and a boost in graphical reliability.

PC players, however, were left out of this definitive experience, stuck with the base game’s “Game of the Year” edition that included DLC but lacked the visual enhancements.

What’s Included in the Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition?

So, what exactly does the Definitive Edition bring to the table? Here’s a breakdown:

The Core Experience: Dive into the gripping narrative that sees a young and inexperienced Lara Croft evolve into a hardened survivor on a treacherous island.

All Previously Released DLC: Embark on additional adventures with the included DLC, like the “Tomb of the Lost Adventurer” and various single-player outfits for Lara.

Multiplayer Goodies: For those who enjoy competitive play, the Definitive Edition throws in a collection of multiplayer content to expand the experience.

Graphical Enhancements: Witness Lara Croft and the world around her rendered in stunning detail, thanks to the graphical improvements exclusive to the Definitive Edition.

The Microsoft Store Mystery

The biggest question mark surrounding this release is the platform exclusivity. Popular storefronts like Steam and the Epic Games Store remain devoid of the Definitive Edition, leaving PC gamers with the Microsoft Store as their sole option. The reasons behind this decision haven’t been officially revealed by Crystal Dynamics.

A Look Back at the Original Reboot

The original Tomb Raider reboot, released in 2013, marked a turning point for the franchise. It launched on PC alongside PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, garnering praise for its action-adventure gameplay, compelling story, and the origin tale of a young Lara Croft. However, the following year, PC players were left out when the Definitive Edition arrived solely on the newer consoles.

Is the Definitive Edition Worth It (and Where to Get It)?

For PC gamers who haven’t played the 2013 Tomb Raider reboot or haven’t experienced the upgraded visuals and additional content, the Definitive Edition presents a tempting option. However, the Microsoft Store exclusivity throws a twist into accessibility. If you’re comfortable using the Microsoft Store and are eager for the definitive Tomb Raider experience, it’s finally available.

Here are some additional points to consider:

Price: Check the current pricing of Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition on the Microsoft Store to see if it fits your budget.

Alternatives: If the Microsoft Store exclusivity is a deal-breaker, you can still experience the base game (with DLC) on various PC storefronts.

Reviews: Read reviews of the Definitive Edition to get a better sense of the graphical improvements and additional content’s impact on the overall experience.

With the arrival of Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition, PC gamers finally have a chance to experience the most complete version of the critically acclaimed reboot. However, the Microsoft Store exclusivity might leave some players searching for the hidden tomb entrance on other platforms.

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