Snow, a climbing axe, and Lara hauling herself toward a secret she maybe shouldn't find.

First thing that stings: when the community picks on pure gut, Rise of the Tomb Raider only edges out a handful of games, right near the bottom. And yet, look closer. For a desert island, it lands ahead of the vast majority of titles, the sign of a game you'd happily tuck under your arm, though that's on few votes, to confirm. But the art style drops almost to the very bottom, which surprises for a game this polished. Fun and connection stay shy. The soundtrack does a bit better, just above average. There's the tension: a game you'd grab without hesitation, yet one that doesn't quite win instant devotion.

In the cinematic action-adventure genre, this is the classic profile of a game you admire without cherishing it. Think Uncharted, spectacular and generous, but marking the eyes more than the soul.

So, who is it for? For you if you love climbing, scavenging, surviving in scenery that flexes, an adventure that won't let go. Much less if you're after the game that grips your heart and gets recommended without a second thought.