Tomb Raider II Review
Released in 1997, Tomb Raider II took everything that made the original game a hit and expanded it into a bigger, bolder, and more action-packed adventure. Developed by Core Design and published by Eidos Interactive, the game cemented Lara Croft’s status as one of gaming’s greatest icons and remains one of the defining titles of the late 1990s.
Unlike its predecessor, which focused primarily on isolated tomb exploration, Tomb Raider II introduces a greater variety of locations, enemies, and cinematic moments. Players travel across the globe in search of the mythical Dagger of Xian, exploring ancient temples, Venetian canals, offshore oil rigs, sunken shipwrecks, and even the Great Wall of China.
Gameplay
The classic formula of platforming, exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat returns with significant improvements. Lara’s expanded arsenal includes pistols, automatic weapons, grenade launchers, harpoons, and more, encouraging players to adapt to different situations.
The level design is both challenging and rewarding, often requiring careful observation and perfectly timed jumps. Environmental hazards, hidden switches, underwater passages, and cleverly concealed secrets keep exploration engaging throughout the adventure.
Combat is more prominent than in the original game, with human mercenaries, guard dogs, monks, tigers, sharks, and supernatural creatures standing between Lara and her objective. While the controls follow the classic “tank” movement style, mastering them becomes part of the experience and allows for impressive acrobatic maneuvers.
Graphics and Atmosphere
For its era, Tomb Raider II showcased impressive 3D environments and atmospheric lighting effects. Each location has its own unique identity, from the elegant canals of Venice to eerie underwater caverns and frozen mountain landscapes.
The soundtrack is used sparingly but effectively, allowing ambient sounds and silence to heighten tension before dramatic musical cues accompany major discoveries or dangerous encounters.
Difficulty
The game offers a satisfying challenge without becoming unfair. Some jumps require precision, puzzles demand patience, and hidden traps can catch even experienced players off guard. Save frequently, especially before attempting risky platforming sections.
What Still Makes It Great Today
Even decades later, Tomb Raider II remains an outstanding example of adventure game design. Its emphasis on exploration, memorable locations, rewarding secrets, and iconic protagonist creates an experience that still appeals to retro gaming enthusiasts.
The combination of cinematic storytelling and non-linear environmental puzzles laid the groundwork for countless action-adventure games that followed.
Final Verdict
Tomb Raider II represents Lara Croft at her classic best. While modern players may need time to adapt to its old-school controls, those who do are rewarded with one of the most influential and enjoyable adventures of the 32-bit era. Rich environments, clever puzzles, exciting combat, and timeless level design make it a must-play for any retro gaming collection.
Score: 9.5/10
Pros
- Expansive and varied level design
- Excellent mix of exploration, puzzles, and combat
- Iconic atmosphere and memorable locations
- Large arsenal of weapons
- High replay value thanks to hidden secrets
Cons
- Tank controls require practice
- Camera can occasionally be awkward
- Some platforming sections are unforgiving
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https://www.mobygames.com/game/487/tomb-raider-ii
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