Tomb Raider is an interesting game. It was released during an awkward period of gaming when sharp playable side scrollers were being turned into messy, and ugly 3D platformers. Tomb Raider was one of the first 3D games to truly get that feeling of freedom nailed down. It was released slightly after Super Mario 64, but where that game featured unrealistic worlds and controls. Tomb Raider has a more realistic world, and thus feels more satisfying and more like a real adventure. I like Mario 64, but I like this game more.

Gameplay B+: Tomb Raiders controls take some getting used to. Lara, the main character, controls like a tank. When used properly, this style of control isn't bad. Soon you will be jumping on platforms, and avoiding traps with ease. The levels are designed with this limited control scheme in mind. So it never becomes annoying. Still, it can make combat a chore, and usually results in cheap deaths. So you have to plan out your jumps and moves. Levels are separated into tombs, which offer plenty of puzzles to solve, traps to dodge, and monsters to fight (fighting that T-Rex in level 3 was one of the most memorable sights I have ever seen). The levels are quite well designed, they do a good job at keeping confusion at a minimum, while invoking a very ancient atmosphere. Later tombs, while well designed. Can take longer than an hour to beat on your first try. Yes, that's too long. Thankfully, save crystals are all over the levels. So as long as you plan out your saves, getting through each level isn't really a chore. If not, be prepared to do lots of backtracking.

Graphics  (Playstation B Saturn B+ PC A): Considering the release date (1996) and the hardware this game was on (PS1, Saturn, PC). Tomb Raiders graphics have held up decently over the years. The tombs are packed with detail, and feel like they were designed by real ancient civilizations. The textures for the PS1 version (the one I have) are decent, though pixelated. They tend to move around and sometimes straight up disappear.I once got stuck on one of the polygons! The framerate for PS1 holds up, but when a big, open area crosses your path. The framerate drops. The Saturn port is identical to the PS1 version minus the texture issues, a slightly lower resolution and it has better colors and lighting. The PC obviously looks the best with smooth textures, a more stable frame rate and smooth models. Though this is only if you have an older machine with a 3DFX voodoo card installed. Though there are DOS-BOX configurations that have emulated Glide API support. The cut scenes look like 90's computer animation, in a bad way. Still they do pack a punch.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
Sound A+: The music only comes on occasionally, but when it comes on its good. It provokes such a good atmosphere and plays during the right times. The game is mostly silent to invoke the feeling of mystery and loneliness. The sound effects work, nothing to really say there.

Depth A+: Tomb Raider is a big game. With lots of levels each with a lot of depth and complexity. Overall Tomb Raider gives you a lot for your buck and it will give you hours of exploring tombs and finding treasures and secrets.

Overall Rating: A-
Tomb Raider as a whole has held up pretty well over the years. Its a big game that I recommend you get for your PS1, Saturn, and preferably the PC.

G@mehe@d : okay nice job on this review i liked how you actually did like school grades instead of numbers. and was there really no story to this game at all? overall you did pretty well for the reviews we want to see.

deg2000 : Thanks for the feedback To answer your question there is a story. That is just something I don't grade as it isn't important to the games overall enjoyment. Plus I could give out spoilers without meaning to. So I just don't grade that section.

Nice job with the review man, I think you did a great job on this review and you really broke it down and categorized it in a professional manner. I always think your rating system is rather unique and cool since you use an overall letter grade rather than just a number. It still works though and it sets your reviews apart. You also have some great detail throughout your review as well which is always good. 


Overall keep up the great work man and keep making more reviews! I think this one came out great and as always I am impressed by your work, so keep doing what you're doing!