Shadow of the Tomb Raider: The Pillar (PlayStation 4) Review

Speaking to new NPC Q'orianka in the hidden city of Paititi's Skull Cave, Lara learns of the Shield of the Age Maker, which supposedly proves that Urunatu is the rightful ruler to lead Paititi forward. Since this DLC plays out as if the final mission of the game has not yet been completed, main antagonist Dominguez is also keen to get his hands on this artefact. Lara ventures to the Path of Hurucan to retrieve it before his lackies do.

Things start out pretty positively when compared to the last DLC. There is no messing about with fetch quests this time, and it's straight into the ruins and challenges themselves once you make it to the path's location. The Pillar is immediately a better puzzle, as Lara does battle against the wind elements, utilising rope pulls on barriers to block strong gusts from blowing her off of thin platforms. A bit of wall climbing and rope swinging is required as she makes it to where the shield is supposed to be located.

After reaching the summit, it turns out Dominguez's forces have taken it further into the tomb itself. This sets up the idea that an actual tomb challenge awaits Lara after having made it across the treacherous pitfalls and cliffs prior. Not so. Turns out that was the tomb challenge. Oh.

The redeeming factor at this point is that there is a little bit of combat and some chances to use the camouflage mechanic that was underused in the main adventure. Given the cramped and enclosed areas dealt here, though, the chance to silently take everyone down is somewhat limited. One wrong move, and most of the enemies are onto you, rendering stealth moot, and Lara just proceeding to mow them all down. Since it's a one-shot situation (unless you die), it feels like a waste to not be able to put the range of stealth tactics to use in a mission you've paid for.

No co-op this time, although that's no big deal. Like the last DLC quest, Lara is rewarded with some new gear: a costume, a bow, and a skill that allows her to use Survival Instincts while traversing tree canopies and when hiding along concealment walls.