Tomb Raider III

PlayStation
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 14
  2. Negative: 0 out of 14
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  1. In gameplay terms Lara's latest adventures are by far the best... but don't expect an easy ride... I say if you can't stand the heat.... then get out of the jungle.
  2. Tomb Raider III may essentially be more of the same apart from a few new bells and whistles, but with gameplay as engrossing as this, perhaps that's no bad thing. It still walks all over young pretenders like ODT.
  3. The AI of Lara's assailants is markedly improved, the level design is ambitious (sometimes overly so) and there are a number of small, yet notable additions to the TR repertoire.
  4. Although there is little different this time, the game continues the same path that made Lara a superstar.
  5. 80
    The sad thing is that Tomb Raider III solves none of its original dilemmas, and as it stands now, the exploration-adventure genre -- one that was revolutionized by Tomb Raider -- is in the exact spot it was two years ago.
  6. If you're a diehard Lara fan, you're going to dig this intense game. But if you haven't experienced Tomb Raider before, be warned that its mind-bending puzzles and tense action will challenge even the most seasoned gamers.
  7. 80
    Lara's latest riveting adventure plays like her others, and if you're a fan, you'll be instantly hooked. The control and severity of the puzzles will drive you insane at times--but no one said it would be easy.
  8. When in the first-person view, it is occasionally difficult to see what lies on the other side of Lara's back. It would have been helpful if she became transparent while in this mode, instead of making the player struggle with the angle. Fortunately, the instances where this affects gameplay are relatively few.
  9. A solid game, worth the time of anyone who enjoys a good puzzle/adventure title. Those who lost interest in the series with "Tomb Raider II" may want to give it another look with the third.
  10. Lara's back and she is sexier than ever. Which is what this is all about, isn't it?
  11. Although the gameplay is as involving as it ever was, the lack of innovation means that you feel you're playing an expansion pack for "Tomb Raider 2" than a completely new version.
  12. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    69
    Globe-trotting Laura gets new weapons and vehicles. [Jan 2004, p.189]
  13. This game plays much like it’s predecessors, and carries on the TR tradition nicely. However, it’s high difficulty and dark environments may scare off the first time players out there. Heck, it might even scare off seasoned vets!
  14. If you're fiending for some more Lara, and I mean absolutely jonesin'... then I guess you could pick this one up. For the other 99.9% of us, go play "TR" or "TR2" again or even for the first time. Or better yet, forget about Lara Croft altogether.

Awards & Rankings

16
12
#12 Most Discussed PS1 Game of 1998
11
#11 Most Shared PS1 Game of 1998
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 119 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 87 out of 119
  2. Negative: 6 out of 119
  1. Jul 2, 2014
    9
    Lara comes of age, I missed the time trials and stuff at Croft Manor, but the game play and action were excellent. You really started to feelLara comes of age, I missed the time trials and stuff at Croft Manor, but the game play and action were excellent. You really started to feel you were 100% in control. Still not perfect but at the time we had no complaints. Full Review »
  2. Oct 23, 2011
    10
    Tomb Raider III is the only game where I give 10 because i have played many games in my life,and unfortunately,nothing gives me the majestyTomb Raider III is the only game where I give 10 because i have played many games in my life,and unfortunately,nothing gives me the majesty that I feel when I play this masterpiece!!!!! Full Review »
  3. Jan 19, 2011
    7
    While still an engaging game with great presentation. This game somewhat lost what made the first two games s great. That feeling of mysteryWhile still an engaging game with great presentation. This game somewhat lost what made the first two games s great. That feeling of mystery and suspense that defined this franchise. Full Review »