Tomb Raider Reloaded is simultaneously a rock-solid mobile experience and everything that’s wrong with smartphone games.
Instead of being a curated premium title like the excellent Lara Croft Go, Reloaded is a free-to-play top-down action roguelike. This means that Lara will clear out procedurally-generated areas while avoiding traps and collecting loot.
That all works surprisingly well — which isn’t too surprising, considering it hails from Burnaby, B.C.’s Emerald City Games and Montreal’s Onoma (formerly Square Enix Montreal), in partnership with main Tomb Raider studio Crystal Dynamics. Now, I’m not normally someone who enjoys the “start over each time you die” nature of roguelikes, but it actually fits in Reloaded. Here, Lara will always start out with her signature dual handguns, and you’ll collect upgrades after each stage to affect everything from their rate of fire and damage to one-time health-replenishing bonuses and permanent gear upgrades.
And at the centre of that gameplay loop is a simple Vampire Survivors-esque one-button control scheme in which you control Lara’s movement while she shoots automatically. In this way, it feels natural and well-optimized for mobile. At times, Lara’s auto-targeting can frustratingly snap to an unintended enemy, but ultimately, it’s a smart way to streamline the action. There’s an undeniable thrill in avoiding incoming attacks in bullet-hell-like action.
The game also uses the Tomb Raider license in subtler but nonetheless effective ways. Keeley Hawes (Tomb Raider: Anniversary) returns to voice Lara, while series familiars like Winston and Werner Von Croy and the City of Vilcabamba and Lost Valley make appearances. I could do without the Chibi-style aesthetic, though, which feels like an odd fit for Tomb Raider.
The biggest issue with Tomb Raider Reloaded, however, is its monetization. This is a problem for many mobile games, to be sure, but it’s especially troublesome here. In particular, Reloaded has an egregious ‘energy’ system that limits how much you can play unless, you guessed it, you spend real money. It feels extremely dated in a 2023 game, creating needless friction to an otherwise fine experience.
In fact, there are over 10 types of currencies (including Coins, Gems, Tokens and Manuals) that are used for miscellaneous upgrades, gear unlocks, bonuses and more. Considering the appealing approachability of the core gameplay, it’s frustrating that everything surrounding it has become so muddled by monetization.
That said, there is a workaround. The entire experience, sans all of these in-app purchases, is available through Netflix Games. In other words, anyone with a Netflix subscription can download Reloaded at no additional cost. If you haven’t been planning to cancel the service due to its recent password-sharing crackdown, it’s far easier to recommend. That way, you can enjoy the simple-yet-engaging gameplay without the annoying monetization.
Tomb Raider Reloaded can be downloaded for free on Android and iOS or through Netflix Games.
Image credit: CDE Entertainment
The ActionSleeve is another unique accessory created by the team at Twelve South. Not all workouts accommodate items on your wrist, and some of us may just not like the feel. However, many of us may be used to having an iPhone strapped to an arm. The Twelve South ActionSleeve brings that same concept to your Apple Watch, moving your fitness tracker from your wrist to your bicep.
Want a compact way to charge your Apple Watch via your MacBook or iPad? Look no further than the Satechi USB-C Magnetic charging dock. This small Apple Watch charger is made of space grey-coloured aluminum and is MFi certified by Apple. Because of its compactness, this is a great travel or workbag accessory to charge your Apple Watch.
This next accessory is simple but stylish. Every time I walk into an Apple Store, I think of how nice it would be to have a tray for my Apple Watch bands. While this tray isn’t identical to the sleek-looking ones at the Apple Store, it does hold six bands and is quite affordable. The wooden band tray is made of bamboo and accommodates any size of Apple Watch strap.
Cool fact, your Apple Watch actually has a cute nightstand mode! This nightstand mode shows the time and the Apple Watch’s battery percentage in green text when connected to a charger. Elago made this feature fun by creating some Apple and Nintendo-inspired Apple Watch stands.
It’s safe to say that any pair of AirPods is an excellent pair of AirPods. However, the 
We’re all used to putting a case on our iPhones to protect them. While the Apple Watch is meant to be a fashion piece in many situations, in others, such as on an adventurous hike, it may be at risk of being damaged. Luckily, North America’s number-one-selling smartphone case manufacturer has you covered.
Continuing on the protective side of things, screen protectors are another common accessory many of us purchase to protect our iPhones from scratches and cracks. Apple Watches are no different. Many may not realize that the stainless steel Apple Watch models and the Apple Watch Ultra feature stronger crystal sapphire glass. In contrast, regular aluminum Apple Watches feature ion-x glass, which is far more susceptible to scratches.
Like any good traveller, you strive only to pack the essentials to avoid that frustrating baggage fee airlines charge. Yet, you still want to bring along several watch straps to match your outfit on any given day. Well, an Apple Watch strap travel storage bag is perfect for you.
Suppose you’re an Apple Watch Series 7 or above owner and need to charge your Apple Watch quickly. Good news: Apple Watch 
This accessory is small and inexpensive but a fantastic choice for those who may have a favourite watch strap from a traditional watch and want to wear it with their Apple Watch. These Apple Watch strap adapters from Iitee replace the links on your classic watch band with Apple Watch clasps. It’s that simple. Every kit comes with two connectors and a tool. Adapters are available for both the smaller 41mm Watch Face, and the larger 45/49mm Watch Faces. 
Another neat accessory from Twelve South is its ActionBand, a more comfortable way to wear your Apple Watch during a workout. Made of soft fabric, the ActionBand stays firm on your wrist while absorbing sweat and keeping your hands dry. The ActionBand is designed for all Apple Watches, 40mm and above, except for the Apple Watch Ultra.
I’ve written about the Belkin Boost Up 3-in-1 wireless charger a few times here on MobileSyrup, and that’s because the product is just so handy in my life. There are two versions; a tree-style stand and a flat mat. They’re both the same price and come in black or white. Deciding between the two depends on your style preference and whether you like your iPhone vertical or horizontal while charging.
The AURA Strap 2 is a smart strap designed for Apple Watch. What does a smart strap do, you ask? Well, the AURA Strap 2 connects to your Apple Watch like any other band, except it uses low-energy Bluetooth and metal electrodes to share your body composition and hydration with your Apple Watch.
Apple Fitness+ debuted in late 2020 and has massively impacted my fitness journey. Apple Fitness+ offers a series of workouts, including strength, core, treadmill, yoga, kickboxing, and much more. Workouts range from 5 minutes to 45 minutes. For people who aren’t huge fans of the gym, Apple Fitness+ makes for an excellent way to get high-quality, guided workouts right at home.
