- The Tomb Raider saga is organized into three major stages: the classic era of Core Design, the intermediate trilogy of Crystal Dynamics, and the modern survival trilogy.
- The worst-rated titles, such as The Angel of Darkness and Chronicles, show the decline of the original formula and led to the studio's change of direction.
- Reboots, remakes, and remasters have updated the gameplay and graphics, keeping classics like the 1996 Tomb Raider alive.
- The best installments combine exploration, puzzles, and cinematic storytelling, solidifying Lara Croft as one of the most important icons in video games.
The history of the Tomb Raider games It is, basically, the modern history of archaeological adventures in the video gamesSince Lara Croft rose to fame in the 90s, the saga has experienced masterpieces, monumental failures, reboots, remakes, and even mobile experiments. Today we're going to review... all the main Tomb Raider games and the most relevant spin-offs, ordered from worst to best, mixing critical reviews, community feedback and the franchise's overall trajectory.
Over almost three decades, the series has changed hands (from Core Design to Crystal DynamicsThe Lara Croft franchise has gone through several trilogies, attempts at modernization, and clearly distinct phases. We'll see which installments are considered a blot that almost buried Lara Croft, which are simply adequate, and which have remained as... true icons of the genre, not forgetting remasters, isometric titles and forays into the mobile realm.
The biggest setback: the worst Tomb Raider games in the series
Within a franchise with over a dozen main installments, it's to be expected that there will be some serious missteps. In Lara's case, there's one game that most fans and media outlets point to without hesitation as the lowest point of the saga.
Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness He wanted to be the great revolution of the series in PlayStation 2, but it ended up being an example of what not to do. The shift to a darker, more conspiratorial atmosphere, with Lara moving around Paris and Prague like a spy, was accompanied by a Clunky controls, chaotic cameras, and a barrage of bugsThe level design mixed poorly executed stealth phases with uninspired puzzles, and the limited skill and jump system ended up frustrating many players.
To make matters worse, the introduction of Kurtis Trent as a co-star was a failed experimentThe character failed to convince, and his segments further disrupted the pacing. The plan was to launch a new trilogy, but the result was so weak that The sequels were cancelled And Core Design definitively lost control of the franchise. Even with the improvements it received in Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered, it still looks far below the series' standard.
Another game that usually occupies very low positions in the rankings is Tomb Raider: ChroniclesThis fifth main title is essentially a collection of short adventures that recount supposedly unreleased missions for Lara Croft while her loved ones believe her to be dead after the events of The Last Revelation. The problem is that it's all too obvious that it was a... filler product to stretch the classic formula, reusing the same engine as the previous PS1 games and rescuing discarded ideas.
Chronicles It offers locations as diverse as Rome, a Russian submarine, and Ireland, but despite this variety, the whole thing feels uneven, brief, and uninspired. It barely introduces any gameplay innovations (beyond a timid stealth system), reverts to a more linear structure, and gives the impression of being made simply to fill a quota while the main team focused on The Angel of Darkness. Many fans remember it as a Tomb Raider is decent but completely unnecessary.
Irregular spin-offs and first mobile forays
Beyond the main saga, Tomb Raider has tried its luck on consoles portable and mobile phones with uneven resultsSome of those experiments clearly fall at the bottom of any list.
In mobile terrain, Lara Croft: Relic Run It's the clearest example. It's an endless runner that shamelessly borrows the formula of Temple RunIt adds some shooting and climbing sections to give it a Tomb Raider feel. While it's entertaining at times as a mobile game, its lack of depth and repetitive mechanics leave it as a rather bland product. functional but derivative, far from the adventurous essence of the series.
Tomb Raider: The ProphecyReleased on Game Boy Advance and developed by Ubisoft Milan, the game attempted to bring Lara Croft to a top-down perspective with action and puzzle elements. The plot revolves around three mystical stones capable of triggering the end of the world, with a tour through Sweden, Cambodia, Italy, and Romania. However, compared to other handheld attempts like Curse of the SwordThis title falls somewhat short in design and pacing, resulting in a discreet and little-remembered spin-off.
We also find it on GBA and Game Boy Tomb Raider: Curse of the SwordA sequel that clearly improved upon the first Tomb Raider port for Nintendo's handheld. Here, Lara boasts smoother gameplay, with more precise controls and better-utilized scenariosEven so, its weight within the franchise is limited and it rarely makes top lists, especially when talking about the "big" series.
The case is different Lara Croft GoAlthough it also originated on mobile devices, it opted for a very particular formula: turn-based puzzles in an isometric view, with a grid-based movement system that blends logic, traps, and enemies. This title, developed by Square Enix Montreal, He adapted the same concept to Tomb Raider, Hitman, and Deus Ex.Lara's version focuses on solving the mystery of the Poison Queen, with meticulous design and well-paced progression. It's a small game, but far more solid and polished than other mobile experiments, so much so that it eventually made its way to consoles and PC.
A breath of fresh, isometric air: Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light and Temple of Osiris
Between Underworld and the 2013 reboot, Crystal Dynamics pulled a small independent sub-series out of its hat: the games with names “Lara Croft and…”, with isometric camera, arcade focus and strong support for local and online co-op.
Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light It was the first and caught many by surprise. Initially released as a digital title in Xbox Live Arcade, opted for a design with Twin-stick action, puzzles, and light platformingAll of this is seen from a top-down perspective. Lara shares the spotlight with Totec, a Mayan warrior, and together they must combine their skills to overcome traps and bosses. While not technically groundbreaking, it was a welcome change of pace, especially after years of traditional installments. For many players, it's a A well-rounded and highly recommended spin-off.
The formula was refined (or at least an attempt was made to refine it) with Lara Croft and the Temple of OsirisHere, cooperative play is expanded to four players, with Lara accompanied by Carter, Isis, and Horus, and competitive modes and more emphasis on gameplay are added. multiplayerThe Egyptian environments look good, the puzzles are still there, and the boss fights maintain the arcade feel. Even so, although it's a Good game and fun co-opMost agree that it does not reach the freshness of the first one and that it falls a step below even within its own sub-saga.
The second classic trilogy and its remasters
The final stage of the Core Design era focused on a second trilogy for the "classic" Lara: Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation, Chronicles y The Angel of DarknessAlthough two of them have aged poorly, they remain key pieces for understanding the evolution of the franchise.
Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation It marked a turning point in the late 90s. Set mostly in Egypt, it presented an adventure more cohesive, with an emphasis on complex puzzles and explorationand a somewhat less linear structure, connecting areas more organically. Core Design even considered it as the definitive end of the saga and the end of Lara, but its success was such (exceeding five million copies) that the company felt "obliged" to continue exploiting the brand.
In terms of gameplay, The Last Revelation introduced interesting innovations in movement and level design, but it also already showed the The wear and tear of releasing a game almost every yearSome sections are repetitive, and the pacing suffers. Even so, for many fans it's the last great Tomb Raider of the PS1 era and a title that shines especially if you like challenging puzzles.
Over the years, Aspyr has revived this second trilogy with Tomb Raider IV-VI RemasteredThis compilation updates the graphics, improves the controls (including more modern camera and movement options), and attempts to polish problematic elements, especially in The Angel of Darkness. As an overall product, it is a very careful remastering And, without a doubt, it's the best way to play these three installments today, but it still suffers from the fact that two of the original games are quite controversial. That's why many rankings place this pack below the compilation of the first trilogy.
On the opposite side, Tomb Raider I-III Remastered It offers an updated version of Lara's first three adventures, with improved textures, revamped models, and modernized control options. It's a great way to Relive the original trilogy without suffering so much from the 90s graphics and with added accessibility features. However, since these are very faithful versions, some fans miss extra help for particularly tricky levels, so many still prefer the original editions for their historical value.
The intermediate rebirth: the trilogy of “legends”
After the flop of The Angel of Darkness, Eidos put Crystal Dynamics in charge of the series to relaunch it at the height of the PS2 era, Xbox and PC. From that movement was born the so-called trilogy of “legends”: Legend, Anniversary y Underworld, three installments that blend respect for the classic legacy with mechanics more in line with the times.
Tomb Raider: Legend It was the first step in this soft reboot. It recaptures the adventurous spirit of the original, with Lara traveling halfway around the world in pursuit of the legendary Excalibur sword and reuniting with her friend-rival Amanda. Toby Gard, Lara's creator, was involved in the development, and it shows in how the character is presented. The gameplay combines platforming, simple puzzles, and more agilely choreographed gunfights, all with cinematic cutscenes very much of its time.
Legend had a great commercial and critical acclaimAnd it helped to clean up the saga's image. Even so, part of the community sees it as too short and linear, with excessive radio chatter (Zip and Alister commenting on everything) and a somewhat lightweight tone that strays from the sense of solitude and mystery of the early Tomb Raider games. Ultimately, it's a remarkable title, but one that could have aspired to more.
Between Legend and Underworld, Crystal launched Tomb Raider: AnniversaryA complete remake of the 1996 Tomb Raider using the Legend engine and gameplay system. More than just a graphical update, this version reinterprets the original levels, reorders some events, It revises history and introduces modern mechanics. Features like the grappling hook, advanced acrobatics, and fully analog controls. For many fans, it's the ideal way to experience the first adventure without sacrificing modern comforts.
Anniversary received very positive reviews for its respect for the original material and its design contributionsCommercially, however, it sold less than expected (around 1,3 million copies), which hampered the possibility of further full remakes of the main classic installments. ThereIt has gained cult status and often occupies very high positions in personal top lists, precisely because of that balance between nostalgia and modernization.
The trilogy concluded with Tomb Raider: UnderworldA more ambitious adventure that takes Lara from Thailand and Mexico to the Arctic Ocean, delving into Norse mythology and subterranean locations associated with Helheim. It was the last Tomb Raider before the big 2013 reboot and also the debut of the main series on PlayStation 3. In terms of gameplay, it refines many mechanics from Legend and Anniversary, with larger environments, a much-improved camera system, and a greater emphasis on exploration and acrobatics.
Underworld is a game beloved by a large part of the community, who value its level design, its atmosphere, and some particularly inspired puzzlesHowever, it was released during a somewhat turbulent period, suffering from certain technical polishing issues and bugs that marred its launch. Despite this, with the benefit of hindsight, many consider it one of the best examples of Lara Croft's "mid-career" run, a love letter to the series that went more unnoticed than it deserved.
The modern trilogy: from survivor to ultimate icon
With the rise of film productions and sagas like Uncharted, Crystal Dynamics decided to make a firm shift with a total reboot in 2013Thus was born the modern trilogy, focused on the origins of Lara Croft as a survivor who gradually transforms into the legendary adventurer we all know.
Tomb Raider (2013) It presents a much younger, more vulnerable, and humanized Lara, trapped on the island of Yamatai after a shipwreck. Narratively, it opts for a A very cinematic story, full of spectacular scenes and moments of high emotional impact, reinforced by Camilla Luddington's performance. Gameplay-wise, it blends exploration, platforming, weapon combat (especially with the bow), and a progression system with skill and equipment upgrades, very much in line with modern action-adventure games.
The result was a resounding success: this reboot is, to date, the best-selling game in the entire sagaWith over 14,5 million copies sold, critics and players alike praised its pacing, well-measured structure, and ability to redefine Lara without sacrificing her exploration essence. Some criticize it for an excess of gunfights and scripted sequences, but it still consistently ranks in the top 3 of almost any Tomb Raider list.
The sequel, Rise of the Tomb RaiderIt was initially released as a timed Xbox exclusive and later came to other platforms with a special 20th-anniversary edition. Here we see Lara embark on an expedition to Siberia after a stop in London, obsessed with unraveling the secrets of immortality and continuing her father's work. The game expands upon almost everything seen in the reboot: Larger maps, better-designed optional tombs, improved puzzles, and a more polished combat and stealth system.
Rise offers spectacular landscapes, extreme weather, more enemy types and wild creatures, and a generously sized campaign. It has sold over 11,8 million copies and, for many gamers, is the Best installment of the modern trilogy in terms of pure gameplayCriticisms often focus on the abundance of collectibles and some less inspired narrative twists, but its balance between action and exploration is hard to beat.
The closing of this arc comes with Shadow of the Tomb RaiderDeveloped primarily by Eidos Montreal with support from Crystal Dynamics, and set in regions of Mexico and Peru, it shows a much more experienced Lara, facing the consequences of her actions and, symbolically, finally becoming the classic adventurer from the seriesThe campaign offers elaborate tombs, jungle stealth sections, diving, new customization options, and features like photo mode and gold trading.
Shadow is a remarkable game, visually stunning and featuring some of the best puzzle challenges in the trilogy. However, its story receives criticism for becoming increasingly exaggerated and less coherentAnd its overall difficulty feels somewhat low to veteran players. Even so, it ranks high in any classification, especially because of how it thematically connects with the Lara Croft we knew in the 90s.
The founding trilogy: Tomb Raider, Tomb Raider II and Tomb Raider III
Before the reboots, remasters, and experiments, there was a trilogy that changed everything. The first three Tomb Raider games, developed by Core DesignThey defined what it meant to explore tombs in 3D and turned Lara Croft into a global icon, to the point of winning an Guinness World Record holder as the most famous video game heroine.
Tomb Raider (1996) It wasn't just the debut of the saga: it was a true earthquake in the industry. Released first on Sega Saturn and shortly after on PC and the first PlayStation, it presented a 3D adventure with Ingeniously designed cubic environments, challenging puzzles, and an atmosphere of solitude and mystery which captivated millions of players. Nathan McCree's soundtrack, Lara's acrobatic movements, and the use of three-dimensional space made the game a true benchmark.
At a commercial level, the impact was enormous: more than 7 million copies soldmaking it one of the flagship titles in the PlayStation catalog and a starting point for movies, comics, and all kinds of merchandise. To this day, many still consider it not only the best Tomb Raider, but a masterpiece of video games in general, key in the consolidation of 3D graphics and the main heroines.
Tomb Raider II It arrived just a year later, and for many, it's one of the best sequels ever made. Instead of reinventing the wheel, Core focused on improve everything that was workingMore varied levels, greater emphasis on action, new weapons (like the M16), and iconic vehicles such as the speedboat in Venice or the snowmobile in icy environments. It retains the puzzle essence of the original but adds more enemy elimination objectives and a slightly faster pace.
Commercially, it was another smash hit, selling nearly 7 million copies including its expansion, The Golden Mask. Over time, some fans have criticized it for boosting the image of a Lara is ultra-aggressive and excessively sexualized as well as having increased the number of shootouts too much. However, its level design and the number of memorable moments make it one of the absolute pillars of the series.
The trilogy concluded with Tomb Raider IIIA game that sought to recapture some of the adventurous and exploratory spirit of the first title, better balancing action and puzzles. Technically, it represented a step forward, with More detailed models, better textures, and smoother performanceHe also introduced a more complex route architecture, with some freedom to choose the order of some regions, giving it a more modern feel.
However, Tomb Raider III also gained a reputation for extremely difficult gameWith its ruthless traps and rather cryptic puzzle solutions, it alienated some players, although with the benefit of hindsight, many appreciate precisely that challenge and believe it has aged better than other classic installments. In terms of sales, it once again topped the charts, selling around six million copies and solidifying the global Lara Croft phenomenon.
Arcs, trilogies, and the best order to play Tomb Raider
Looking at the series with some perspective, the main Tomb Raider franchise can be divided quite clearly into three big blocks, not counting remasters or spin-offs like the Lara Croft isometric games.
On one side is the era Core DesignThe Tomb Raider series consists of six main installments: Tomb Raider II, III, The Last Revelation, Chronicles, and The Angel of Darkness. Broadly speaking, they are two trilogies with their own distinct personalities. The first (I-III) fully exploits the pioneering 3D adventure format, while the second (IV-VI) attempts to expand upon the formula, experimenting with more open structures and, ultimately, with an unsuccessful leap to the PS2.
In the next generation comes the Crystal Dynamics' "Legends" trilogyLegend, Anniversary, and Underworld. Here we see a somewhat more stylized Lara, more cinematic stories, and a greater focus on spectacle, but still with one foot in the classic DNA: tombs, challenging platforms, and puzzles are part of the equation.
The third major stage is the modern survival trilogyTomb Raider (2013), Rise of the Tomb Raider, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider. These titles clearly focus on progression systems, semi-open worlds, stealth, more fluid combat, and a highly developed narrative in terms of cinematics and voice acting, adapting to the trends of current blockbuster productions.
If you want to immerse yourself in the saga, you have several possible routes. The most purist is to start with the Core Design classics, taking advantage of the remastered compilations I-III and IV-VI for current platforms, including Nintendo SwitchAnother option is to start with the Legend trilogy, which bridges the gap between classic and modern games. And if the 90s graphics are too much for you, an excellent entry point is to start directly with the modern trilogywhich works very well on its own and then can awaken your curiosity to revisit the origins.
With over one hundred million games sold, film adaptations (such as the movies starring Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander), comics, and a new project underway with Amazon Games and Crystal Dynamics, Tomb Raider remains a living history of video gamesFrom the rough polygons of 1996 to the overwhelming landscapes of the latest trilogy, each installment, even the weakest, has helped to forge the myth of Lara Croft and keep her in the conversation almost thirty years after her debut.
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