Zero Punctuation Season 12 Episode 38 Shadow of the Tomb Raider

Zero Punctuation is a video game review show revolving around the quick-witted and often scathing commentary of its host, Yahtzee Croshaw. Each episode is dedicated to a specific game, with Croshaw giving his thoughts on various aspects of the game, from the gameplay mechanics to the graphics to the overall story.

In this particular episode, Croshaw takes a look at Shadow of the Tomb Raider, the third installment of the rebooted Tomb Raider series. The game follows Lara Croft as she embarks on a quest to stop a Mayan apocalypse, all while navigating the dangers of the Peruvian jungle.

Croshaw starts off by discussing the game's story, praising it for its darker tone and more complex themes than previous Tomb Raider games. He notes that Lara's struggle with her own morality and the consequences of her actions is a refreshing change from the typical video game hero archetype.

Moving on to the gameplay, Croshaw is quick to point out the improvements made to the stealth mechanics from previous Tomb Raider games. He notes that the dense jungle environment and the numerous hiding spots make for a more challenging and engaging stealth experience. He also praises the game's puzzles, which he says strike a good balance between being challenging but not overly frustrating.

Croshaw does have a few criticisms, however. He notes that the game's combat can feel repetitive, with the same small group of enemies popping up in various areas throughout the game. He also takes issue with the game's use of quick time events, which he deems unnecessary and detrimental to the overall experience.

In terms of graphics and sound, Croshaw is mostly positive. He praises the game's stunning visuals and attention to detail in terms of the environment and character models. However, he notes that the game's soundtrack can be forgettable at times, and some of the sound effects can be overly loud and distracting.

Overall, Croshaw seems to enjoy Shadow of the Tomb Raider, noting that it's a solid addition to the series and a good example of how to improve upon a franchise without straying too far from what made it successful in the first place. While he does have some criticisms, he ultimately deems the game worth playing for fans of action-adventure games.

In typical Zero Punctuation fashion, the episode is filled with Croshaw's signature blend of rapid-fire humor and biting critiques. It's an entertaining and informative look at one of the biggest games of the year, and a must-watch for fans of the series or anyone looking for an honest and hilarious review of one of the year's biggest releases.