Tomb Raider Reloaded NETFLIX 12+

From someone who has taken a break from gaming, I really enjoyed playing this game. It’s a survival/ action game with some puzzles and really cool character building. I really enjoyed the abilities you can choose as you level up during the tomb runs and how they can combine to deal heavy damage and AOE. The first chapter/ Tomb was a bit easy for me but the next few were definitely challenging. You can even build manuals (to improve your gear) and craft higher rarity gear, which I liked since it reminded me of past MMORPG games I’ve played. Two drawbacks of the game; there is no dedicated button for your special ability (you have to remember you have it and keep in mind if it’s been recharged) and during stages with lots of enemies, the screen gets very busy with both friendly and enemy projectiles. Despite those, it is definitely a fun game to check out if you have a little bit of time to kill (as a previous reviewer pointed out)

This Archero clone appears to be a mirror copy of the IAP version released by Square Enix. The problem with that is that, like most mobile games with predatory IAPs, the game is designed mostly around getting people to spend money rather than the core gameplay. The IAPs were removed from this version, which is certainly nice, though the original IAP structure of the game lingers in an obvious and awkward way. For example, everything is designed for that initial boost followed by the slower and slower grind until the game becomes less and less enjoyable over time (which was originally designed to squeeze out purchases). Despite the purchases being removed, that shallow structure remains. Ultimately my impression is that this a game that could be played until it becomes boring, and then you move on.

With respect to bugs, in roughly 15 minutes of playing I experienced (i) the random disappearance of my equipped weapon (completely gone from my inventory), and (ii) a run attempt get completely stuck midway through, twice. All monsters were dead, but the doors wouldn't open to be able to continue. If you force close the app, you have the option to resume the same challenge, which makes you restart that same level (though your health does not reset each time), and you ultimately have to just quit the run and return home, losing the limited energy spent (another side effect of the game being originally made for predatory IAPs).

How is this game still available on the App Store? This game is riddled with bugs that make it completely unplayable. I haven’t been able to play the game in over three months despite all the recent updates. The game always crashes at the loading screen. This is not a good look for Netflix or the developer. If this game weren’t free; I’d reckon there might be a legitimate case for legal action. Again, how this game is allowed to stay on the App Store is crazy. Just look at the recent reviews over the last few months. This isn’t a small isolated occurrence. It’s happening to a lot of other people. It’s a real shame because it was really fun for quick, casual gaming.