Tomb Raider Reloaded is a fun mobile game that's incredibly easy to approach, with simple gameplay mechanics that become as challenging as they are fun. However, the enjoyment that fans of the Tomb Raider franchise can get while playing the game is sure to be spoiled by the fact that the game is loaded with advertisements and microtransactions. As a result, it just becomes another example of a game that has been completely ruined by the predatory monetization techniques of free-to-play mobile games.
Tomb Raider Reloaded is the newest game in the long-running series, but instead of being a standard addition to the successful franchise started by Crystal Dynamics, it takes a more casual turn. The game features various stages which contain an array of puzzles, monsters, and traps. Players will also encounter several mini-bosses and bosses as they play that are genuinely challenging as well as various upgrades and weapons to keep things fresh. However, all of these enjoyable elements get bogged down by the obviously predatory nature of the game. Yet, there may be a brighter future for gamers with regard to such titles via streaming services like Netflix.
Tomb Raider Reloaded Is Loaded With Microtransaction
Unsavory microtransactions are quite typical in today's world of gaming, but especially in mobile games. These titles are almost always offered as free-to-play games but lock things such as upgrades, additional lives, and in-game currency behind paywalls. Many games also lock players behind a paywall even just to play the game, offering a limited number of free plays a day before players must pay to play more. These games are incredibly predatory as they are often designed and play-tested in such a way that they make gamers feel extremely satisfied with the gameplay and want to play more. At this point, that's when monetization sets in.
Tomb Raider Reloaded weaves its monetization system into a complicated web of upgrades, level-ups, and loot that are meant to distract the player from noticing just how many different ways there are to spend money. As mentioned, it isn't the first mobile game to offer players a fun time in exchange for a ridiculous amount of advertisements and microtransactions, and it certainly won't be the last. However, just because there are a plethora of other mobile games using these same techniques, this game shouldn't be excused. There should be a sense of balance when playing these titles so that they don't feel like they're preying on fan enjoyment.
Subscription Services Could Change the World of Mobile Gaming
One element that may yet save Tomb Raider Reloaded from completely being written off as a scam is its inclusion as one of the various games offered via Netflix's growing game catalog. Since it's only available for people who have a Netflix subscription and are thus already shelling out good money, accessing the game through Netflix removes the rampant advertising and microtransactions. Without all of these predatory features, the game becomes fun to play again, offering a healthy challenge, enjoyable gameplay, and easy-to-learn mechanics. In this way, subscription services can offer a great way to relieve mobile games of their predatory elements.
Such services have their own problems, though, such as the fact that the amount of subscription services may grow to a point where players will have to subscribe to a ridiculous amount of services to access various games. Then again, the opposite may happen -- these platforms can quickly go defunct, leaving players without their in-game progress. However, there's no doubt that Netflix and other streaming services can offer a great way to experience games without the advertisements and microtransactions that otherwise ruin them.