Top 10 Tomb Raider Games
Conquering mighty beasts, travelling the globe, collecting artifacts - Lara Croft has quite the extensive resume. Join http://www.WatchMojo.com as we countdown our picks for the Top 10 Tomb Raider Games. These are the games starring Lara that best combine their pulp adventure stories with clever, puzzling, and often intense gameplay. Two conditions before we move on: first, we will not be including any non-platforming games from the franchise, with apologies to Puzzle Paradox. Second, we are permitting the Lara Croft games, as they fit with the atmosphere and tone of the central Tomb Raider franchise.
Special Thanks to our users "TombraiderxXx12" "Jordan Brown" "mac121mr0" & "CJ Winchester" for suggesting this topic on our Interactive Suggestion Tool http://www.WatchMojo.comsuggest
Script written by Kurt Hvorup
#10: “Tomb Raider Chronicles” (2000)
Tomb Raider (1996) vs Tomb Raider (2007) vs Tomb Raider (2013) Retro Review
Nostalgia defines this title, more than anything. “Tomb Raider Chronicles” picks up where its predecessor left off, as a memorial is held in Lara's honour. Those closest to Miss Croft tell of her various exploits, which make up the varied vignette-like levels of the game. More of a 'best-of' compilation than a grand innovator, the game is still a fun, if poignant reminder that our beloved heroine will never be forgotten – she's just gone for a while.
#9: “Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation” (1999)
10 Games To Play If You LOVE Tomb Raider
Not a bad note to end on, if this was to be Lara's final hour. Pitted against her former mentor Werner Von Croy, Lara is soon forced by her own error to reseal the Egyptian god Set in his tomb. As per series tradition, this means venturing across Egypt and collecting the various pieces of the god Horus's armour. “The Last Revelation” returns Lara to tomb raiding and makes small but valuable tweaks to the series – smoother visuals, new abilities like rope climbing, even the freedom to replay levels.
#8: “Tomb Raider III: Adventures of Lara Croft” (1998)
Top 10 Tomb Raider Levels
Lara's third outing proved the franchise still had charm to spare. While on an expedition to India, Miss Croft is drafted into a quest to locate and gather four Polynesian artifacts by Dr. Mark Willard, head of a mining company with personal interest in these affairs. The game's strength lies partially in its outlandishness, shifting from adventure to science-fiction to horror and back again at the drop of a hat. Something can also be said for refining the experience, as “Adventures of Lara Croft” adds new hazards and a sprint ability.
#7: “Tomb Raider: Underworld” (2008)
Shadow of the Tomb Raider - Review
Even in the darkest of times, greatness can shine through. Picking up after a substantial development in her personal life, Lara begins an expedition to find the realm of Avalon, while her old foe Natla returns to cause her grief. “Tomb Raider: Underworld” encapsulates payoff more than anything, as its story serves as the closure to setup by “Legend” and “Anniversary”. That being said, the vibrancy of its jungles and temples, the increase in non-linear levels and the quiet addition of melee combat deserves celebration.
#6: “Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris” (2014)
Why Do They Beat The Shit Out of Lara Croft?
Though different in appearance, this is still a classic Lara Croft adventure. Lara is forced to cooperate with her rival Carter Bell, as well as the freed gods Osiris and Isis, in order to prevent the more malevolent god Set's rise to power. “Temple of Osiris” uses the top-down platforming template to great effect, filling its world with fun puzzles that inspire player cooperation and explorable temples that feel lively enough to be characters in their own right.
#5: “Tomb Raider: Legend” (2006)
Tomb Raider: Everything You Should Know
As the curtain closes on one story, it opens on the next. “Legend” takes Lara back to basics with a globe-trotting search for the pieces of Excalibur, slowly peeling back the cover to reveal a more personal mystery at the story's core. This series reboot also continues the tradition of introducing new mechanics, such as the grappling hook and quick-time events, while drawing in newcomers with a kinder, more lively Lara Croft.
#4: “Tomb Raider” (1996)
Every Tomb Raider Game RANKED
Sometimes the classics never go out of style – even if their controls schemes do. The setup here is simple: Lara gets a call from famed mogul Jacqueline Natla, asking for assistance in the search for a lost artifact called the Scion in Peru. However, the road ahead is complicated by deception, devious plotting, and the presence of mythological figures. Nothing about the experience gets too overwhelming, though. Lara takes everything in stride, and the game succeeds thanks to varied locales, clever puzzles, and its willingness to let the player proceed at their own pace.
#3: “Tomb Raider: Anniversary” (2007)
It's a celebration for one heck of a legacy. Per the guidelines of being a remake, “Tomb Raider: Anniversary” follows the same plot as the first game: Lara is tasked with locating the Scion artifact in Peru, but soon find herself embroiled in an international hunt. While still set in the same locations, this particular adventure benefits from a high-definition makeover that brings out the natural beauty of its environments. It merges the more fluid controls of “Legend” with the classic puzzles of the original Tomb Raider, evidently a match made in heaven.
#2: “Tomb Raider II: Starring Lara Croft” (1997)
This instalment puts Lara on the hunt for the mythic Dagger of Xian and was the series' peak for the entire classic series. This adventure pits Lara against the Fiamma Nera cult climaxing in a fight against a dragon, and even taking the fight to Lara's home for some sweet sweet home field action. Violence and conflict being more prevalent in the story, it's a natural evolution for Lara Croft's second outing to focus more on combat, introducing vehicle sections and weapons like the M16 and the grenade launcher. However, the game also gave players new ways to platform – like mid-air rolling and wall climbing, a godsend for the future of the series.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
“Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light” (2010)
“Tomb Raider: Curse of the Sword” (2001)
“Tomb Raider” (2000) (Game Boy Color)
#1: “Tomb Raider” (2013)
Shifting from globe-trotting adventure to grim thriller, this second reboot to the Tomb Raider franchise acts as an origin story for Miss Croft. In the wake of an unexpected shipwreck, Lara is forced to come into her own as she explores a mysterious island and uncovers its mysteries. Through the combination of intense action set-pieces, grim story turns, picturesque environments, and Lara Croft's inspiring development into an empowered heroine, “Tomb Raider” proves to be the tour-de-force of its franchise.
Do you agree with our list? What’s your favourite Tomb Raider game? For more adventurous Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.
