Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition comparison video shows off next-gen graphics

Tomb Raider was already a mighty pretty game when it launched last year on last-gen consoles. But, how does the Definitive Edition fare on PS4 and Xbox One? Will the generation jump really affect the visuals in a noticeable way?

Andrew Yoon

January 13, 2014 11:55 PM

You can judge for yourself in a new comparison video released by IGN. On one hand, it's impressive to see how well the last-gen version fares. On the other hand, some of the updated lighting effects sure do look pretty.

Andrew Yoon

Andrew Yoon was previously a games journalist creating content at Shacknews.

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January 13, 2014 11:55 PM

Andrew Yoon posted a new article, Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition comparison video shows off next-gen graphics.

Tomb Raider was already a mighty pretty game when it launched last year on last-gen consoles. But, how does the Definitive Edition fare on PS4 and Xbox One? Will the generation jump really affect the visuals in a noticeable way?
- nwillard
  
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  January 14, 2014 12:14 AM
  
  This IGN video brought to you by Square Enix.
- Kolzig73
  
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  January 14, 2014 1:48 AM
  
  So they remade the 3d model of Lara to look a little different and changed the skintone?
  - Kolzig73
    
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    January 14, 2014 1:52 AM
    
    I hope they have the balls to give this to PC either as a free upgrade or at most a 5 dollar/euro/pound "dlc" since dlc is the popular choice for publishers these days.
    - [deleted] 711354446
      
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      January 14, 2014 1:09 PM
      
      [deleted]
      - Kolzig73
        
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        January 15, 2014 3:27 AM
        
        Yes, I suspect that's most likely the case. Considering this is just a worthless "update" to sell an old game for full price to the two new consoles.
  - phate81
    
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    January 14, 2014 1:22 PM
    
    Now she looks like a model rather than a grad student. It's like they don't understand what made the game great.
- jimvolk
  
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  January 14, 2014 3:39 AM
  
  You can see her boobies more clearly. I'm sold!
- The Average Hero
  
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  January 14, 2014 3:47 AM
  
  Why is it that I don't really care about the lighting on the back of the jacket of a random NPC I have to kill in this game? Is there something wrong with me?
  - Entity
    
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    January 14, 2014 1:58 PM
    
    You don't care in a single example. It's when it all comes together that it really shines.
    
    I don't care if a plant can sway in the breeze in Assassin's Creed 4, but when the entire jungle starts doing it in a storm, it's a sight to behold.
- rtricoche
  
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  January 14, 2014 7:11 AM
  
  and im still NOT paying you $65
  - jonin
    
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    January 14, 2014 9:21 AM
    
    yeah no shit, maybe 20 to 25$
- soundcreepy
  
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  January 14, 2014 8:53 AM
  
  I like the particle effects, not sure if I'm crazy about the new Laura model....won't matter anyway....highly doubt these changes will make it to pc.
- daggot
  
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  January 14, 2014 9:07 AM
  
  It's difficult to attribute all of the enhanced visual fidelity to just the more power GPU vs the team having extra time to refine details since the time they would have had to freeze development on the last gen versions. Or, the marketing aspect of the higher detail version being made first, and then paired down on the last gen to upsell the new gen. That's not out of the question either, and I don't think Shacker would put it past any publisher to do just that.
- sleepytea
  
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  January 14, 2014 9:41 AM
  
  the spaghetti hair is weird
  - FirstPersonCooter
    
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    January 14, 2014 10:42 AM
    
    Yeah. Needs more sauce.
- Frraksurred
  
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  January 14, 2014 11:54 AM
  
  So basically they are just bringing the original PC version to Console and changing the name... which would explain why they are not offering the new version on PC.
  - soundcreepy
    
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    January 14, 2014 1:01 PM
    
    I see quite a few differences between the pc and the "next gen" version. Not enough to warrant a full price though.
  - jcupitt
    
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    January 14, 2014 1:22 PM
    
    However, the PS4 and Xbox One versions will also feature upgraded character models, and an upgraded physics system that now affects the items that are rendered on Lara's character model. There's also a new particle system, new lighting, enhanced shadows, and additional graphical details, like added wall detail and more environmental vegetation.
    
    https://www.shacknews.com/article/82394/tomb-raider-definitive-edition-will-have-better-graphics-than-pc
    - IHATEDUST
      
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      January 14, 2014 1:55 PM
      
      So, does that include the hair effects? That was the coolest part of the game.
      - jcupitt
        
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        January 15, 2014 12:38 AM
        
        yes, it has all the tress stuff