Tomb Raider: Anniversary

 PC
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 373 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 271 out of 373
  2. Mixed: 83 out of 373
  3. Negative: 19 out of 373
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  1. Dobian
    Oct 21, 2014
    9
    Anniversary is the middle chapter of Crystal Dynamics' trilogy that began with Legend and concluded with Underworld. It's a faithful re-imagining of the original Tomb Raider from 1996, while deftly tying it into the story of the other two games that take place in the present (it's still 1996 in this remake). Anniversary is visually beautifiul and the puzzles are incredibly elaborate andAnniversary is the middle chapter of Crystal Dynamics' trilogy that began with Legend and concluded with Underworld. It's a faithful re-imagining of the original Tomb Raider from 1996, while deftly tying it into the story of the other two games that take place in the present (it's still 1996 in this remake). Anniversary is visually beautifiul and the puzzles are incredibly elaborate and complex. Lara travels the globe to places like Peru, Greece, and Egypt, while you solve the mysteries of some of the most enormous and intricately designed tombs ever in a Tomb Raider game.

    The story is a rehash of the original, with Lara hired by the mysterious Natla Corporation to find an artifact. What's good about it is the way they tied this into the back story about Lara's mother.

    The only knock I can give is that on the pc there is a well-known bug in one of the Egypt levels that prevents you from making a simple jump to a ledge so you can exit the level. I had to download a cheat to let me move Lara past that point. Then there is the infamous "pyramid tower of terror" segment near the end which had me smashing my mouse and keyboard in frustration. Even watching You Tube videos and knowing exactly what to do, it still took dumb luck on one of the jump sequences to make it after about a hundred tries. The problem is that they made grapple wall running/jumping to the next handhold very unforgiving, and you are constantly fighting the camera angles and the controls to get Lara to do what you want her to do. It's hard enough to get enough momentum, jump from the right height and the exact right moment so you can barely reach the ledge, but then to have Lara jump back instead of to the side, or to the side instead of back, because according to the camera angle that's what the game thinks you want her to do...that can be maddening.

    Despite late game bugs/control issues, Anniversary is still a great game and very satisfying to finish.    … Expand
  2. MatthewK.
    Jun 9, 2007
    8
    I decided to try out Anniversary because it was a remake of the original, which I so fondly remember as being a very atmospheric game. Anniversary captures that atmosphere very well with its beautiful graphics, detailed level design and excellent sound-track. The characters' facial expressions during the cut-scenes are also worth mentioning as they are brilliantly done. Sadly, the I decided to try out Anniversary because it was a remake of the original, which I so fondly remember as being a very atmospheric game. Anniversary captures that atmosphere very well with its beautiful graphics, detailed level design and excellent sound-track. The characters' facial expressions during the cut-scenes are also worth mentioning as they are brilliantly done. Sadly, the combat system is very poor. It's hard to learn and particularly frustrating at the best of times. Lara has a bad habit of auto-targeting the wrong enemies at the wrong time (and sometimes she targets shootable buttons on the walls in favour of the vicious beasts that are busy tearing her up). Thankfully, this game is sparsely populated with enemies and, most of the time, you'll find yourself enjoying the exploration and puzzle-solving aspect of the game, which made the original such a winner.… Expand
  3. Shadowwulf018
    Jul 28, 2013
    9
    Truly amazing game. If you ever played the first tomb raider this is worth a look just to see how they improved upon it without dramatically changing any element of the game like you commonly see in other reboots. Graphics are majorly improved, platforming is much easier, combat feels the same. For under $10 on steam its definitely worth a look and perhaps if this game does well squareTruly amazing game. If you ever played the first tomb raider this is worth a look just to see how they improved upon it without dramatically changing any element of the game like you commonly see in other reboots. Graphics are majorly improved, platforming is much easier, combat feels the same. For under $10 on steam its definitely worth a look and perhaps if this game does well square will start rebooting other classics that it now holds the rights to. I would love to see a Deus Ex or Thief reboot… Expand
  4. RobbyP
    May 2, 2018
    8
    Fun but inconsequential remake of the first TR game. If I'm being honest, it feels like it was only made to remind us of a certain character before their return in the next installment of the franchise. That being said, the recreation of the Egypt level alone is worth the price of the game.
  5. dinosauryoshi
    Jun 30, 2014
    9
    In my opinion this is a wonderful remake. The graphics are superb and I love the way they stayed faithful to the levels. I do think a little of the first game's atmosphere was lost here but that's made up for by the much improved controls. A wonderful adventure faithfully brought up to date.
  6. VampireIdle
    Jan 14, 2018
    10
    Now before we start what does the Game come with? It comes with the Singleplayer Campaign & Croft Manor. Once the Singleplayer is finished you can unlock Cheates to just mess around the Game. (Remember its not really cheating if its given to you by the developers).

    You can explore Croft Manor at any Time you want, so if you want to take a break of the Story and just solve puzzles that    Now before we start what does the Game come with? It comes with the Singleplayer Campaign & Croft Manor. Once the Singleplayer is finished you can unlock Cheates to just mess around the Game. (Remember its not really cheating if its given to you by the developers).

    You can explore Croft Manor at any Time you want, so if you want to take a break of the Story and just solve puzzles that are a bit less challenging you can pay Croft Manor a visit.

    First of all compared to the Playstation 2 Version this Game has alot of buggs where Lara just completly glitches out and gets stuck on. However its not Game breaking and usually is fixable by just reloading your latest Checkpoint. But it also looks alot better then it did back on the PS2.

    Now I haven't played any of the Original Tomb Raider Games back from the 90's. Since I grew up starting with this Tomb Raider Trioligy ( The Trioligy includes Anniversary, Underworld & Legend). Which is why I can't compare it to those Games.

    However if you are new-ish to the Tomb Raider Series this one is a great one to get in. It is a 'classic' Tomb Raider Game with mainly raiding Tombs and Action secondly. There is some shooting in here as well and I do admit the Auto Aim did annoy me a couple of times but it is after all secondly and not the main focus, which is why you don't need to worry about it.

    Now let me just drop in here quickly that I do believe that you should play the newest 2 Tomb Raiders ( from 2013 & 2015 ) first to fully understand the story.

    Although I thought they have not been connected it seems they sort of are. Maybe not graphic wise, as the newest 2 Tomb Raider Games of course are waay more advanced when it comes to the graphics, but story wise they are, even if just a little bit. I don't think I would off understand as well as I did, if I would off finished this before playing the other 2.

    To the actual Gameplay:
    Besides being sometimes buggy and the Aim Assist not pointing to where I want it. The Controls are very nice and easy to Master.

    Since this Game is mainly about Tomb Raiding more then Shooting, you are in for a blast if you love solving puzzles. The Puzzles in Tomb Raider are very clever and are challenging. A 12 year old (especially new age gamer) might will have some trouble but if they stay on it I am sure they can solve it! (Or they just look at a guide).

    I personally found the Puzzles a bit to hard when I was younger. Now almost 9 Years later they are still challenging but once again they are very clever made and if you keep on it, you will figure it out (Not impossible!).

    All in all the Tomb Raider Series has one of the best Stories to this Day and I am glad to see all of them existing on PC. I am also very Happy that these old-ish once are sort of connected to the Revamped once that just came out a couple of years ago. It really gives you this connected feeling.

    I do recommend Tomb Raider to any Puzzle & Adventure Fan. Otherwise I also do recommend it to anybody that is in for a great Story, as I honestly think it is one of the best ones here on Steam & Gaming History.

    I also do Recommend Tomb Raider Anniversary for its full price as the Campaign on Normal Mode will take you up to 10 Hours + 1-2 Hours of Croft Manor.    … Expand
  7. younesberrada
    Feb 19, 2018
    10
    in my opinion its the best tombraider serie ever created ,this game is a masterpiece, it is on my Top 10 best game list
  8. SilverOrlov
    Oct 9, 2019
    8
    I do not like "reprints" and re-releases, but I passed this game with pleasure. Perhaps in this case we can say that enough time has passed from the first game to make a re-release, plus they made it qualitatively and interesting, not like some banal clone.
  9. harmit900
    Sep 12, 2020
    10
    this is my most played.tomb raider game i have played 8 to 9 times till 2020
  10. RenanS
    Apr 5, 2009
    10
    amazing game, they get elements of the classic tomb raider and a new gameplay where you don't have hatefull delays on jumping a point to another, i love it
  11. impure
    Mar 26, 2012
    8
    I've played this game for a few hours and it's pretty good. However, this game has quite a few minor problems, most notably the camera. It tends to get stuck behind me when I try to look behind my character when about to jump off a ledge. It would be nice to see behind me, but most of the time there's a conveniently placed ledge there. Also, if you want to do well early on, you better payI've played this game for a few hours and it's pretty good. However, this game has quite a few minor problems, most notably the camera. It tends to get stuck behind me when I try to look behind my character when about to jump off a ledge. It would be nice to see behind me, but most of the time there's a conveniently placed ledge there. Also, if you want to do well early on, you better pay close attention to the tutorials that flash by the screen as some commands such as dodging are critical later. Although maybe it's just that this is my first Tomb Raider game. Overall, this is a great game. The graphics are still quite nice and the gameplay is fun and challenging. I just wished some of the bugs were fixed. And there isn't much story here so don't buy this game just for that.… Expand
  12. morningstar42
    Jul 21, 2014
    10
    I played TR2 back when I was a kid, it was ok; I picked TR:A up to see where action-adventure games had gotten to these days and I must say I was blown away by how exceptional it was. It is easily in my top ten games list, rubbing shoulders with Starcraft and Rome: Total War (I'm a hardcore PC fan).

    Why is it so good? Several reasons. Firstly and most importantly the gameplay is top    I played TR2 back when I was a kid, it was ok; I picked TR:A up to see where action-adventure games had gotten to these days and I must say I was blown away by how exceptional it was. It is easily in my top ten games list, rubbing shoulders with Starcraft and Rome: Total War (I'm a hardcore PC fan).

    Why is it so good? Several reasons. Firstly and most importantly the gameplay is top notch, with obvious polish on all gameplay elements. The platforming is smooth and intuitive; graspable handholds have specific identifiable textures, preventing you from leaping to your death, but it’s subtle enough to make it blend in. The controls to move Lara are also very good and responsive, making it easy to manoeuvre yourself around a room. Camera look is also a god send, I tried TR2 again after finishing TR:A and the biggest difficulty I found was not having a manually moveable camera, it is essential on some of the more difficult jumping puzzles. The physics rules stay constant throughout the game, meaning you won’t scratch your head in puzzlement as to why that jump failed when another one succeeded perfectly. The adrenaline dodge, a skill central to efficient gameplay is challenging to master, but used enough that you will get the practice you need. The enemies you will use it on are sparing and perhaps that’s why the combat system isn’t quite as fantastic as the platforming system, but it’s still damn good.

    Then comes the puzzles, something that Tomb Raider is famous for, and I must say that each puzzle is unique and inventive while also being at exactly the right difficulty to make the solution obvious after a few minutes of observing to those who are patient and keep their wits about them. The solution is there, and in plain site oftentimes, but only those with a bit of patience and will to use their brains to work out how to exploit it will enjoy them. This is especially true of the bosses, who are some of the best bosses I’ve ever met in gaming (admittedly, not being a console gamer, that’s not many). The game gives you time to work out how to defeat each boss, they are not on top of you all the time, but if you don’t get the trick they will slowly whittle you down and finish you off. The adrenaline you get when you use your last health pack and still have a few shots left to finish off this boss makes it scary and tense, but very rewarding when you counterattack for the final time and cut to the death cinematic.

    The game uses quick time events. I think the game uses them quite well, though I know they get a lot of stick in the gaming community. They are used sparingly, and lead to some very entertaining death scenes if you get them wrong (sorry Lara, I might have pressed the wrong button once or twice deliberately).

    The sound track is fantastic, and beautifully complements the game’s setting and theme. The main theme is one of my favourite tracks ever, and I listen to it all the time. It makes you feel like a real explorer. I really love it. The graphics too are absolutely beautiful, every landscape looks stunning, even on my piece of s**t PC (a standard Vista laptop). The game also runs really well, so as far as I’m concerned, optimisation is excellent.

    The tone of the game is my favourite among all the tomb raider games. The earlier games make Lara feel to me rather bland and uninteresting (apart from her upper torso), and Tomb Raider: Legend and Underworld both turn Lara into a comic book action hero rather than what she really is, a tomb raider. She’s a highly trained but otherwise normal human female, so she shouldn’t be gunning down legions of bad guys like she does in other instalments of the series. Also there’s only half a dozen characters in the whole game, ensuring a sense of deserted quietness and beautiful solitude in your tombs, adding to the overall tomb raiding ambience.

    Overall it’s a fantastic game and I highly recommend it to anyone.    … Expand
  13. Margolis27
    Dec 28, 2011
    10
    As a first time tomb raider all I can say is that the the graphics are good and I suppose the platforming works well and maybe the shooting mechanic. However, the AI are pretty stupid and present no challenge on any difficulty. The puzzles are interesting but are sometimes tedious and I end up thinking 'I'll come back tomorrow' a lot. It is not a bad game and It's probably just down toAs a first time tomb raider all I can say is that the the graphics are good and I suppose the platforming works well and maybe the shooting mechanic. However, the AI are pretty stupid and present no challenge on any difficulty. The puzzles are interesting but are sometimes tedious and I end up thinking 'I'll come back tomorrow' a lot. It is not a bad game and It's probably just down to opinion and taste that I didn't find this one very enjoyable.… Expand
  14. jorgelin89
    Mar 6, 2013
    9
    Muy buen juego. Un muy buen remake del original de 1996. El aspecto visual muy bueno, ambientacion excelente, enemigos y dificultad perfectos... etc.... Lo unico algunos errores típicos como enemigos atascados con el entorno, o movimientos que la física no daría por validos en el mundo real, pero pese a esto por todo lo demás se le perdona.
    Como ya he mencionado esta dpm este juego,    Muy buen juego. Un muy buen remake del original de 1996. El aspecto visual muy bueno, ambientacion excelente, enemigos y dificultad perfectos... etc.... Lo unico algunos errores típicos como enemigos atascados con el entorno, o movimientos que la física no daría por validos en el mundo real, pero pese a esto por todo lo demás se le perdona.
    Como ya he mencionado esta dpm este juego, merece la pena.    … Expand
  15. ADHGO
    May 22, 2015
    9
    it is really the anniversary game, It is great enjoyable game, interesting, reminds you with the previous versions of TRs, with improved smooth silky graphics
  16. DavidP.
    Jun 4, 2007
    10
    Great game. My Favorite of the series. The Midas stage is real fun!!
  17. MarkV.
    Jun 5, 2007
    10
    Awesome!! Most fun I've had playing a TR in ages.
  18. SeanB.
    Jun 6, 2007
    9
    I've been playing this on Gametap and its a blast. Sometimes its fun to just pick up a controller and lean back at the desk. I love the new look, along the new moves.
  19. BryanK.
    Jun 6, 2007
    8
    I've been playing it for a few hours now and I'm having a blast. The puzzles are fun, the levels seem beautiful and it truly captures what was so fun about the original. If I had to pick something to complain about however it would have to be the enemies. The AI appears to be a little lackluster but the game isn't about gunning down bad guys, it's about exploring the I've been playing it for a few hours now and I'm having a blast. The puzzles are fun, the levels seem beautiful and it truly captures what was so fun about the original. If I had to pick something to complain about however it would have to be the enemies. The AI appears to be a little lackluster but the game isn't about gunning down bad guys, it's about exploring the intriguing environment around you. So all and all it's a very enjoyable experience.… Expand
  20. JenA.
    Jun 10, 2007
    10
    Tomb Raider Anniversary successfully captures the look and feel of the original while improving upon the controls, camera, and overall design. Anniversary is definitely more about isolation and exploration which is a welcome change from the later games in the series. While not perfect in every aspect, its flaws can be easily overlooked since the game is really fun. At the lower price Tomb Raider Anniversary successfully captures the look and feel of the original while improving upon the controls, camera, and overall design. Anniversary is definitely more about isolation and exploration which is a welcome change from the later games in the series. While not perfect in every aspect, its flaws can be easily overlooked since the game is really fun. At the lower price point, I was expecting a smaller, less polished game but I am glad to say I was mistaken. The developers have really made something special.… Expand
  21. MartinL.
    Jun 3, 2007
    8
    Fun return of Lara Croft, enough new and old things to keep you interested. It's more open ended than Legends, although sometimes this can lead to getting a little too stuck. It's mostly well polished although perhaps they could have fixed some of the AI beasts to add a bit more challenge
  22. DanielC.
    Jun 3, 2007
    10
    Best remake ever. A lot of people liked Legend because it gave you a feeling of not being on your own. Well in the remake you don't have any brain-dead chattering in your ear, giving you the feeling you are total isolated. The same feeling you had, when you played Tomb Raider I. Built on the Legend engine many levels have been revived and spiced up. There is a more indepth plot and Best remake ever. A lot of people liked Legend because it gave you a feeling of not being on your own. Well in the remake you don't have any brain-dead chattering in your ear, giving you the feeling you are total isolated. The same feeling you had, when you played Tomb Raider I. Built on the Legend engine many levels have been revived and spiced up. There is a more indepth plot and lara's mansion is better than ever. Crystal Dynamics have done a very good job of combining the old with the new, creating the same atmosphere we felt when playing the original with new graphics and puzzles in TR:A. I can see many people picking bones with this because it's "too hard" and "not as easy as legend", but for me, as an original Tomb Raider fan, it's brilliant!… Expand
  23. Tom
    Jun 3, 2007
    9
    Great game. The puzzles are challenging, the graphics lovely. Only the combat could use some work.
  24. AbedS.
    Jul 9, 2007
    10
    This is a very beautiful game and its very exciting .
  25. Bobd.B.
    May 30, 2007
    9
    It's a really good remake of the game it plays like old times and the looks have improved it doesn't matter if the graphics are really outstanding, it's the gameplay that needs to be the same or better.
  26. MichaelM.
    Jun 10, 2007
    9
    I loved the original and Legend this is an excellent blend of both! Also works with my 360 controller!
  27. RazvyT.
    Jun 10, 2007
    9
    It's a very nice and playable game especially if your a TR fan. It's not as complex (cut-scenes and storyline) as TR:Legend but the puzzles and the gameplay are much more intresting. It's a game that should definitely be played by everyone who like TPS's.
  28. ShadhZ.
    Jun 9, 2007
    9
    The most perfect Tomb Raider so far. I can picture myself,drooling in front of the monitor when I was playing the dos version of Tomb Raider I. Even in the mid 90's they successfully created the most stunning action heroine ever...and now for all hardcore Lara fans, we're getting to see to see the things again...and it runs on the famous Legend engine that is very much system The most perfect Tomb Raider so far. I can picture myself,drooling in front of the monitor when I was playing the dos version of Tomb Raider I. Even in the mid 90's they successfully created the most stunning action heroine ever...and now for all hardcore Lara fans, we're getting to see to see the things again...and it runs on the famous Legend engine that is very much system friendly...the action is hard to find...but this is what gave birth to Lara & the puzzles...movements work superbly.… Expand
  29. NavinC.
    Nov 22, 2007
    10
    This is a brilliant game! I enjoyed it the most out of all the Tomb Raider games, second only to Legend. This game definitely builds on the immense success of Legend and solidifies faith back in the Tomb Raider franchise, after some disappoinments (read: Tomb Raider 3 to Angel of Darkness). I love it, and I highly recommend it to everyone!
  30. BurkL.
    May 22, 2007
    8
    Lara had to go back to her first adventure to find herself. Now she is definitely back. The feel of isolation and survival is there, and i can play tomb raider again. Strong 8 not nine bcs. of camera issues.
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Awards & Rankings

26
#26 Best PC Game of 2007
24
#24 Most Discussed PC Game of 2007
32
#32 Most Shared PC Game of 2007

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. PC Zone UK
    83
    It's a good game, a solid remake, but having said that, 11 years on, it was never going to garner the awe-struck plaudits of a gobsmacked world. [July 2007, p.60]
  2. Eurogamer
    90
    It takes the inspirational level design of the original, improves upon the atmosphere, and makes the whole thing so much more fun thanks to the hugely refined control and camera system. Far from being a tired, cynical cash-in exercise of a brand past its prime, Tomb Raider Anniversary goes back to its roots and shows how remakes should be done.
    Read full review
  3. VideoGamer
    80
    Everything a remake should be. It makes the most of modern technology to bring a classic game world up to date, throws in simple but intuitive controls and doesn't rely on constant fire-fights to bring excitement.
    Read full review
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