Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness

 PlayStation 2
User Score
6.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 149 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 62 out of 149
  2. Mixed: 47 out of 149
  3. Negative: 40 out of 149
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. RTCWFAN
    May 5, 2023
    7
    The downfall of Tomb Raider. Too many genres mixed together, it just didn't work. Much wasted potential...Overall rating: 7.2.
  2. aaronnmp96
    Feb 1, 2023
    7
    something different from what is usual in the saga, very entertaining and mysterious, it has a few moments that are a bit boring but it is very good in general
  3. CarNerd86
    Apr 15, 2022
    3
    I would never recommend this laggy game to anyone. The movement just feels wrong and unresponsive.
  4. storygamer
    Sep 3, 2020
    6
    Lara Croft´s darkest adventure marks the low point of the series. While the story and adult atmosphere are a welcome change, gameplay, controls and graphics are broken. Sure with enough practice, you´ll handle the problems but there are still some annoying bugs. This game is a double-edged sword.
  5. MikaCroft
    Jul 12, 2020
    1
    Une catastrophe, un jeu pas fini, des promesses pas tenues, une Lara sous tranquillisants, un scénario incompréhensible...
  6. Hutake
    Jul 21, 2019
    5
    I remember to enjoy playing (or trying to play) this game when I was a kid. Nowadays I see why I dind´t played that much... the gameplay is horrible. The campaign and the cinematics are a bit interesting and probably the only reason you may try to play thit game until its ends -or if you're tomb raider fan haha.
    It is in fact really sad that such a potencial was wasted like that.
  7. Sarah_Hardy
    Sep 16, 2018
    10
    The best plot of the franchise, innovative for its time. The only problem is the constant bugs in the gameplay, but nothing to get in the way.
  8. perkjl
    Jan 8, 2016
    5
    Tomb Raider: Angel of darkness has a few good things going for it. The music score is performed by the London Symphony Orchestra and sounds phenomenal! Secondly, AOD's developers Core Design provide interesting architectural structures in levels and at times are able to achieve a decent and mysterious atmosphere. On top of that, the storyline is dark and probably the most engaging in theTomb Raider: Angel of darkness has a few good things going for it. The music score is performed by the London Symphony Orchestra and sounds phenomenal! Secondly, AOD's developers Core Design provide interesting architectural structures in levels and at times are able to achieve a decent and mysterious atmosphere. On top of that, the storyline is dark and probably the most engaging in the series. However, an ambitious story can't save the horrid gameplay, which is riddled with broken tank-like controls and unfinished material. You will be begging for Lara Croft's outdated control scheme from her 90's adventures! Only die-hard fans can appreciate what AOD has to offer, but casual raiders won't be able to slug through it. And by "slug" I'm literally referring to the equivalent of Lara's movement. Visually it's about average with some decent effects and set pieces with the occasional slowdown here and there. The game takes a while to pick up, but midway into the game things will start to get familiar and Lara will raid a tomb or two. For being the first Tomb Raider entry to move outside the 32-bit realm I'd say you're better off sticking with Lara's PSX games. And on Core Design's/Eidos' end, that's pretty embarrassing! You might as well move on to Crystal Dynamics efforts with the series, which are vast improvements over AOD and possibly it's predecessors. However, the original Tomb Raider game will always remain a classic and the best the series has to offer. AOD's formula takes too many risks that make it feel more like a point and click adventure title mixed in with badly ripped Metal Gear Solid stealth segments. It rarely feels like a Tomb Raider game, but when it does that's when AOD shines. It's too bad that shine flickers rather quick.… Expand
  9. Reginafan1995
    Jul 29, 2015
    10
    I know what people are going to say when they see this if they do. They'll be like someone gave Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness a good review because he likes **** games. People who think that screw them because I love Angel of Darkness. This happens to be my second favorite game in the series after Tomb Raider III: Adventures of Lara Croft on the original PlayStation. TheI know what people are going to say when they see this if they do. They'll be like someone gave Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness a good review because he likes **** games. People who think that screw them because I love Angel of Darkness. This happens to be my second favorite game in the series after Tomb Raider III: Adventures of Lara Croft on the original PlayStation. The artwork of Lara Croft in this game is my absolute favorite from any games within the series. Long live Lara Croft.… Expand
  10. PaolaP
    Jun 10, 2015
    10
    This is just my favourite game ever. Who has been playing Tomb Raider since the first edition will probably understand why 'the angel of darkness' is definitely one of the bests; the scenarios are many and various, the playability is good and everything is just very intriguing. The soundtracks are also worth of a good comment, the musics are just memorable. 10/10 to this pearl game
  11. PeterSims
    Jan 2, 2014
    8
    This game could have been better but I do recommend it to hardcore fans.

    Pros Graphics
    Sound Effects and Orchestral Score
    Bigger Levels
    Voice Acting

    Cons Missing Levels
    Plot Inconsistencies
    Controls
    Camera
    Combat
  12. MrSonicFan
    Dec 6, 2013
    2
    this game not counting Tomb Raider 2013 was Lara's most ambitious game ever. but just like Sonic the hedgehogs first leap onto the next generation of consoles (Sonic 06), it did not pay of as it almost killed the franchise. The story is not as amazing as other people make it out to be. Lara is nasty to everyone she talks to, even when they are trying to help her. The story isthis game not counting Tomb Raider 2013 was Lara's most ambitious game ever. but just like Sonic the hedgehogs first leap onto the next generation of consoles (Sonic 06), it did not pay of as it almost killed the franchise. The story is not as amazing as other people make it out to be. Lara is nasty to everyone she talks to, even when they are trying to help her. The story is predictable.The plot of the game involves Lara needing to find out if she killed her mentor or not. Well of course she didn't. It is very predictable from the very beginning. The game looks great for an early PS2 title though, and it even puts more detail into character animations and environments than games later in the series. and the soundtrack is absolutely incredible. one of my favorite video game soundtracks of all time.

    The gameplay though is absolutely horrendous. Lara's control is really awkward and horrid. The game is littered with bugs and the stealth mechanic, while it works surprisingly, is absolutely useless due to the games hilariously bad enemy AI, some examples of how stupid they are include, running into walls, running in the opposite direction of Lara, and not doing anything even when Lara is standing right in front of them. And I will also add that there is only one tomb in the entire game, yeah, only one tomb, the rest of the game takes place in Paris.

    Overall a horrible game that almost killed the series. Thankfully Crystal Dynamics took over as they have created in my opinion the three best games in the franchise, Tomb raider Legend, Anniversary, and Underworld. You Should not waste your time with this disaster. Play the other games in the series, they are all better video games. (Well....... except Tomb Raider III)    … Expand
  13. Kadeemluvmusic
    Nov 24, 2012
    8
    It's really hard to criticize a Tomb Raider game, but I think Angel of Darkness is one of my favorite underrated PS2 games of all time. There are a lot of problems including the glitchy graphics, messed up controls, and that really hurt them because of the bad feedback from fans and critics. However, since I'm still a fan of the series, I don't think it was either Core Design and Eidos'It's really hard to criticize a Tomb Raider game, but I think Angel of Darkness is one of my favorite underrated PS2 games of all time. There are a lot of problems including the glitchy graphics, messed up controls, and that really hurt them because of the bad feedback from fans and critics. However, since I'm still a fan of the series, I don't think it was either Core Design and Eidos' fault in the first place. Sometimes it needs a little more time to finish completing the whole game. But it was a good game and I hope critics should be really sorry about the frustrating things Lara admired in this game. Let's be bygone's be bygone's and call this a truce.… Expand
  14. pookie
    Jun 28, 2012
    7
    Point blank- the game is broken. However, with patience and forgiveness it is still playful and enjoyable. The storyline is dark and intriguing. The best the series has to offer. The music score is beautifully orchestrated. The game is top notch with story and music. However, the gameplay is just slow and in some ways a huge step backwards. The controls feel heavier than before and morePoint blank- the game is broken. However, with patience and forgiveness it is still playful and enjoyable. The storyline is dark and intriguing. The best the series has to offer. The music score is beautifully orchestrated. The game is top notch with story and music. However, the gameplay is just slow and in some ways a huge step backwards. The controls feel heavier than before and more sluggish. Visually the environments offer good atmosphere and moody lighting. I prefer the PS2 version of the game. Take the game with a grain of salt. Those who enjoyed the newer games ( Legend and Underworld) will likely hate this.… Expand
  15. cherryboy1
    Aug 30, 2010
    10
    **** ... Dredful ... Crap ... Just the worst tomb raider game Ever ... i didnt like the controls , the gameplay, the plot , the story , we waiting to long for core design to produce this :L:L ?
  16. Jorge
    May 28, 2008
    8
    I played the PS2 version. The controls were a bit stiff, but the expansive story makes up for it. I found this to be a huge game, with clever level designs. Slightly flawed camera controls at some points, and a couple parts that kept me stuck for a bit. (ooh, i dont like that dark ghost!) I think it does well, what it's supposed to do. Lara, in a new adventure with puzzles and action galore.
  17. MidcomsysM.
    Jul 19, 2007
    1
    Tryed playing this game years ago but it was so slow and uncontrollable I thought my PC was knackered. Now loaded on to my ultra modern PC and it's even worse than I can remember. HOW on gods green earth are you supposed to control Lara? I'm constantly battling with the controls to get her to move correctly. I can barely get passed the first level (Parisian Back Streets), Tryed playing this game years ago but it was so slow and uncontrollable I thought my PC was knackered. Now loaded on to my ultra modern PC and it's even worse than I can remember. HOW on gods green earth are you supposed to control Lara? I'm constantly battling with the controls to get her to move correctly. I can barely get passed the first level (Parisian Back Streets), I've tried using the KYBD, Mouse, Gamepad. it's absolute rubbish. The previous games were easy to control and lots of fun but this is just plain garbage. Its going in the bucket. No wonder Crystal Dynamics got the contract. Still Legend's pish too, has great graphics but not enough gameplay nor puzzles. Tombraider, hmm better buried I say.… Expand
  18. Sam
    Apr 1, 2006
    4
    What's the worst part of this awful game? The fact we waited, waited, waited, and waited so long for it, and we get a piece of crap.
  19. Echelon
    Mar 31, 2005
    1
    Imagine, if you will, a game for the next-generation systems where the main character looks like a frighteningly artificial, raccoon-eyed plasticine figure whipped up by some college freshman for his "3D Animation for Beginners" class (especially compared to the detailed, realistic females of "Soul Calibur", "Resident Evil", and "Final Fantasy"). Imagine a world where, every time you walk Imagine, if you will, a game for the next-generation systems where the main character looks like a frighteningly artificial, raccoon-eyed plasticine figure whipped up by some college freshman for his "3D Animation for Beginners" class (especially compared to the detailed, realistic females of "Soul Calibur", "Resident Evil", and "Final Fantasy"). Imagine a world where, every time you walk across one teeny city block, it takes 45 seconds for the next city block screen to load (as opposed to say the sprawling, fast-loading cities of "GTA: San Andreas"). Imagine trying to make your character run and have her hesitate every time, or trying to line her up for a jump and have her twitch too far to the left, or two far to the right without you even touching the analog stick. Imagine not being able to interact with _anything_ in the game unless you stand in just the right position or angle or pixel space. Imagine rumbling to that cool "Matrix" bullet-time effect--except it's not an effect at all, but a system slowdown, where you can slowly watch your character's ass being kicked whilst frantically pressing all the wrong buttons that won't work because the game can't keep up with your input. Imagine having to backtrack almost all the way across a level to do a nonsensical action that will somehow let you open the door all the way at the end. Now, imagine, if you will, spending your hard-earned cash for a game that makes you restart your PS2 because Lara got stuck in a wall _again_. Bottom line: the only thing you're getting from this game is an aneurysm.… Expand
  20. Hannajoe
    Oct 10, 2004
    10
    Brilliant game though very difficuilt but wicked.
  21. ChristopherS.
    May 2, 2004
    7
    Pretty good game. I like Kurtis Trent casue that's me. But I've beat with and without cheats and it's kinda boring.
  22. Lily
    Apr 15, 2004
    6
    I'm pissed because Core and Eidos somehow found a way to destroy Tomb Raider, a title that holds the greatest game I've ever played. Don't get me wrong, some of the elements in AOD are very good (Kurtis Trent, story, graphics) but the fact that they took THREE + YEARS and ended up with a bug ridden, incomplete mess is horrendous.
  23. BenN.
    Feb 5, 2004
    6
    U'd have more chance controllin a motorbike at 180mph on diesel covered roads then u would controllin Lara, is it just me or when u ask her 2 run it takes bout 2 seconds for her 2 actually respond at all? part from controls though good game.
  24. JenniJ.
    Jan 24, 2004
    10
    it is fantastic Game!!
  25. AndrewJ.
    Jan 15, 2004
    7
    I really enjoyed the story and graphics, but the controls are a nightmare. If Lara was easier and less frustrating to control, I definitely would have given this game a higher rating.
  26. BonehoChane
    Jan 3, 2004
    4
    Why you ask is this game so bad? The controls and the story. First the controls. You'll maybe take 20 mintues trying to get Lara to jump, walk, turn, climb, or grab the way to want her to. It makes you want to throw the controller into the glass screen of your telivision causing it break open and catch on fire. You won't even bother to put it out after playing this game. Next Why you ask is this game so bad? The controls and the story. First the controls. You'll maybe take 20 mintues trying to get Lara to jump, walk, turn, climb, or grab the way to want her to. It makes you want to throw the controller into the glass screen of your telivision causing it break open and catch on fire. You won't even bother to put it out after playing this game. Next the story...it make no sense. She accused of commiting a murder, so in order to prove she's not guity, she murders a bunch of people. Other than the stuff I just mentioned this game has the a lot of the stuff that made the original so good.… Expand
  27. MikeG.
    Oct 4, 2003
    3
    If Maxim aren't prepared to objectively review a game, they shouldn't bother. Ten out of ten?! Good grief. After this abomination, Core have lost the right to produce future Tomb Raider titles, so one hopes the glory days of the PSX versions will return one day. Where the PSX games staggered us with huge, open vistas and highly colourful, varied interiors to explore, such scenic If Maxim aren't prepared to objectively review a game, they shouldn't bother. Ten out of ten?! Good grief. After this abomination, Core have lost the right to produce future Tomb Raider titles, so one hopes the glory days of the PSX versions will return one day. Where the PSX games staggered us with huge, open vistas and highly colourful, varied interiors to explore, such scenic delights are mystifyingly absent from Angel Of Darkness, perhaps demonstrating that the programmers weren't the same people responsible for the early greats. The poorly thought out puzzles are obscure in a way good puzzling (Silent Hill, Resident Evil) never is. Tjhe camera is a joke, and dying because the game is at fault is a cardinal sin. It's a good job we have far, far better third person adventures to play, because this should never have seen the light of day.… Expand
  28. Uter
    Sep 5, 2003
    2
    Some people truly deserve to be fired for this monstrosity. The controls are so frustrating. The gameplay is moronic, and the graphics aren't even very good.
  29. ShellyT.
    Sep 5, 2003
    8
    The best Tomb Raider game, of course! The controls were kind of difficult to use at the beginning but I got used to it .. but really it's worth buying the game!
  30. JessicaS.
    Aug 19, 2003
    2
    Graphics, fine. Story, interesting. Controls/Camera? THE WORST EVER. They are the most frustrating controls. If you tap the analog stick she practically jumps forward! I'm glad they at least have the save-whenever-option. psh.
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

18
#18 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2003
54
#54 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2003

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
52

Mixed or average reviews - based on 37 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 37
  3. Negative: 15 out of 37
  1. Games Radar
    78
    The pedestrian pacing of the early levels, the fiddly controls and the fearsomely flighty camera still means that if you have played the entire series from day one or if this is your first encounter, Lara has certainly seen better days. [Playstation 2 Max]
    Read full review
  2. PSM Magazine
    50
    Painfully average... With the trial-and-error gameplay, lack of very much innovation, and the occasional annoying bugs, it might just require more patience than you have. [Sept 2003, p.36]
  3. GMR Magazine
    40
    Controlling Lara is like a dream - that one where you simply can't get to where you want to go fast enough, no matter what you try. [Sept 2003, p.74]
See all critic reviews »