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GAMES Tomb Raider (Series)
Tomb Raider ReviewTomb Raider (2015) is a longstanding series that has been rebooted in recent years. This means it not only gets a fresh coat of paint like a re-release but is built from the ground up. All the games feature Lara Croft as the titular hero. She shoots, runs, jumps and fights her way to tombs that offer a calmer puzzle challenge.
Our examiner, Andy Robertson, first checked Tomb Raider 3 years ago. It was re-examined by Jo Robertson and updated 8 weeks ago.
Our examiner, Andy Robertson, first checked Tomb Raider 3 years ago. It was re-examined by Jo Robertson and updated 8 weeks ago.
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Play Overview
Tomb Raider is a longstanding series that has been rebooted in recent years. This means it not only gets a fresh coat of paint like a re-release but is built from the ground up. All the games feature Lara Croft as the titular hero. She shoots, runs, jumps and fights her way to tombs that offer a calmer puzzle challenge.
This combination of exploration, puzzles and combat (along with an attractive powerful female protagonist) is what the game was originally known for. Although this continues into modern games, Lara is now a more vulnerable and believable person in her own right. She is motivated not only by adrenaline but also empathy with other characters and a conflicted relationship with her father.
The most modern games add in huge open worlds to explore and survive in. This ups the need to collect items and upgrade Lara as you do in a role-playing game. The puzzle-solving persists here too, both in main tomb complexes and smaller side-tomb quests although there is a focus on archaeological importance rather than hoarding valuable artefacts.
The original series:
The second series added more cinematic production and quick-time events where you have to press the right buttons quick enough to progress the filmic action sequences:
The third series brought Lara to an open world and re-imagined her character and visual style for more modern audiences:
There are also spin-off portable games:
There are smaller action spin-off games:
This combination of exploration, puzzles and combat (along with an attractive powerful female protagonist) is what the game was originally known for. Although this continues into modern games, Lara is now a more vulnerable and believable person in her own right. She is motivated not only by adrenaline but also empathy with other characters and a conflicted relationship with her father.
The most modern games add in huge open worlds to explore and survive in. This ups the need to collect items and upgrade Lara as you do in a role-playing game. The puzzle-solving persists here too, both in main tomb complexes and smaller side-tomb quests although there is a focus on archaeological importance rather than hoarding valuable artefacts.
The original series:
- Tomb Raider (1996) available on PC, PlayStation, Mac, iOS, Android
- Tomb Raider II (1997) available on PC, PlayStation, Mac, iOS, Android
- Tomb Raider III (1998) available on PC, PlayStation, Mac
- The Last Revelation (1999) available on PC, PlayStation, Mac
- Chronicles (2000) available on PC, PlayStation, Mac
- The Angel of Darkness (2003) available on PC, PlayStation, Mac
The second series added more cinematic production and quick-time events where you have to press the right buttons quick enough to progress the filmic action sequences:
- Legend (2006) available on PC, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, GameCube, Xbox, Xbox 360
- Anniversary (2006) available on PC, PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, Xbox 360, Wii, Mac, PlayStation 3
- Underworld (2008) Mac, PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Wii, Xbox 360
The third series brought Lara to an open world and re-imagined her character and visual style for more modern audiences:
- Tomb Raider (2013) available on PC, Mac, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One
- Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015) available on PC, Mac, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2019) available on PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
There are also spin-off portable games:
- Tomb Raider on Gameboy Colour
- Curse of the Sword on Gameboy Colour
- The Prophecy on Gameboy Advance
- Relic Run (2015) available on iOS and Android
- Go (2016) available on iOS, Android, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita,Mac
There are smaller action spin-off games:
- Guardian of Light (2010) available on Android, iOS, PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
- Temple of Osiris (2014) available on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Benefits
This game is good if you want to:
- Find your way more easily
- Listen to the controller in your hands
- Practice photography
- Walk in someone else's shoes
This game has been the inspiration for the following activities:
Horrible Histories
FILMS AND SERIES
James Bond
FILMS AND SERIES
The Narnia Series
READING
Tomb Raider Prima Guide
READING
Play Style
Duration
Play Time: This game will take between 12 hours and 22 hours to complete. It will take around 12 hours to get through Tomb Raider (2013) on Xbox One or PlayStation 4. But to fully explore the open world can take 40 or 50 hours.
Age Ratings
Content Rating
Skill Level
14+ year-olds usually have the required skill to enjoy this game. Still, it's important for parents and guardians to consider the maturity required to process the game content.
Our Game Pathways reveal how 6 - 8 year-olds play this game:
- 6-year-old: Inspired By Mum's Games
- 8-year-old: First Steps In Tombs
- 8-year-old: From Bond to Croft
Costs
Tomb Raider usually costs £5.99 to £49.99.
Shadow of the Tomb Raider offers in-game purchases for seven challenge tombs, weapons, outfits, and skills. You can get these together via the Shadow of the Tomb Raider Definitive Edition.
It's important to set up your accounts and devices appropriately. More information is on our Financial Resources page.
Shadow of the Tomb Raider
Tomb Raider
Tomb Raider (VI): The Angel of Darkness
Tomb Raider I
Tomb Raider II
Tomb Raider III: Adventures of Lara Croft
Tomb Raider Underworld
Tomb Raider: Anniversary
Tomb Raider: Chronicles
Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition
Tomb Raider: Definitive Survivor Trilogy
Tomb Raider: Legend
Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation
Tomb Raider: Underworld
There are the following additional costs associated with this game:- In-Game Purchases: Additional in-game purchases are offered for items that enhance the experience.
Shadow of the Tomb Raider offers in-game purchases for seven challenge tombs, weapons, outfits, and skills. You can get these together via the Shadow of the Tomb Raider Definitive Edition.
It's important to set up your accounts and devices appropriately. More information is on our Financial Resources page.
Game Details
Release Date: 09/11/2015, updated in 2019
Price: 72% off
Out Now: GameCube, Mac, PC, PS1, PS2, PS3, PS4, PSP, Wii, Xbox 360 and Xbox One
Content Rating: PEGI 18
Skill Rating: 14+ year-olds
Players: 1
Genres: Adventure, Traversal (Action, Collecting, Fighting, Narrative, Puzzle, Role-Play and Shooting)
Accessibility: 1 feature
Components: 3D Third-Person, Day and Night, Open World and Weather
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