Tomb Raider

 PlayStation
User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 317 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 244 out of 317
  2. Mixed: 50 out of 317
  3. Negative: 23 out of 317
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  1. VLG
    Aug 23, 2023
    6
    One of my earliest memories is me watching a neighbour playing this game. Later, i would try it myself but it was too boring and hard for me.
  2. Yojimbo2015
    Jun 19, 2023
    8
    The ground breaking 3D adventure may seem a little primitive in this day and age, but it was a watershed title for the PS1 and still contains some pleasurably laid back exploring and ledge-leaping for the nostalgic.
  3. waladislau
    Jan 15, 2023
    10
    Um jogo que revolucionou em gameplay, uso de 3D que era novidade na época e apresemta uma das personagens mais memoráveis do mundo dos games.
  4. Joe2539
    Jan 2, 2023
    10
    Very Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good
  5. hyrts
    Jun 4, 2022
    10
    This game is a legend. It was really difficult for me as a kid. I still come back to this game. Did you know that Lara Croft's hair was too hard for the PCs of the 90s?
  6. Oboeteiru0
    Mar 14, 2022
    10
    I was a SNES and Megadrive user at the time and I was looking at the dawn of Playstation very sceptical. Nothing was there for me on its first 2 years on the market, but then this came and it blew my mind. Thanks to it I discovered for the first time the type of game most fit to me: those that allow me to discover and explore, with constant amazement. On my top 5 of all time.
  7. AmadeusE
    Nov 14, 2021
    3
    Still unique to this day! There's just nothing else like the PS1 Tomb Raiders out there. The mysterious feel and atmosphere of the original Tomb Raiders hasn't been replicated to this day. Can't say the same for the 2010s reboot games, which were already unoriginal and generic the day they came out. Not games you want to go back to again and again either, unlike these original TombStill unique to this day! There's just nothing else like the PS1 Tomb Raiders out there. The mysterious feel and atmosphere of the original Tomb Raiders hasn't been replicated to this day. Can't say the same for the 2010s reboot games, which were already unoriginal and generic the day they came out. Not games you want to go back to again and again either, unlike these original Tomb Raiders.

    Anyway, here are a few personal observations that I found funny:

    1. The animations in the game are strange and funny sometimes. When you have to place lead bars onto the hand of Midas to turn them into gold, it looks like Lara sneezes them onto the hand, accompanied by a very feminine sound effect.

    2. Throughout the game you'll be attacked by a man that will disappear when you've damaged him enough every time. He runs behind the nearest corner and disappears in a way that doesn't make any sense. It's like as soon as he leaves your sight, he despawns. If you keep chasing him, he will keep looking for ways to leave your line of sight, which is funny.

    3. I also find it weird how the different animals attacking you don't attack each other, as they would in real life. Instead, they work together to hunt down Lara and EVEN team up with human enemies!

    Sadly, I have to give this game a low rating, because while I do want to have all the PS1 Tomb Raider games in my collection and finish them all, I didn't really enjoy my time with this  one. I started out throroughly enjoying this game, but by the end, the enjoyment had turned into an absolute chore. It gets quite awful by the end. If you have played this...don't you agree? I expect to enjoy the next ones more and give them a higher rating, especially with the ability to save anywhere I want, which should help. Plus I've always liked The Last Revelation and Chronicles more.

    Anyone, who tends to get frustrated easily, please steer clear of this game. Make no mistake, this is one of the most frustrating games ever made. There's a chance you will hate this game by the time you're done with it. And if you're a Zoomer with a short attention span, don't even bother reading this review about this game, which you just finished reading. Then proceed to throw yourself into the nearest spike pit you can find locally.

    Thanks for reading.
    May the butler lock Lara in the freezer. Classic Lara must be preserved.    … Expand
  8. perk8j
    Aug 4, 2021
    9
    Before Core Design conceptualized the strange UK heroine Lara Croft, they initially considered a male lead in the likes of Indiana Jones. However, Core entrusted Toby Gard's concept to rest aside lawsuits from George Lucas. Their pitch paid off with Tomb Raider in 1996, which released with much acclaim. Tomb Raider was notable for its peculiar 3D level design and often is considered toBefore Core Design conceptualized the strange UK heroine Lara Croft, they initially considered a male lead in the likes of Indiana Jones. However, Core entrusted Toby Gard's concept to rest aside lawsuits from George Lucas. Their pitch paid off with Tomb Raider in 1996, which released with much acclaim. Tomb Raider was notable for its peculiar 3D level design and often is considered to have pioneered the third-person genre. Nowadays it’s kind of a relic of the past, but still made a big impact in the industry for the time.… Expand
  9. hasz
    Apr 22, 2021
    9
    This is probably the biggest revolution that gaming world have ever seen. Judging by the 1996 standards it's almost perfect. Even today you can still feel beauty, atmosphere and its enourmously big influence for the gaming world. So why not 10/10? Cause there are places where scripts aren't really working well and also there is to much pushing blocks style puzzles - sometimes it kinda feltThis is probably the biggest revolution that gaming world have ever seen. Judging by the 1996 standards it's almost perfect. Even today you can still feel beauty, atmosphere and its enourmously big influence for the gaming world. So why not 10/10? Cause there are places where scripts aren't really working well and also there is to much pushing blocks style puzzles - sometimes it kinda felt boring and too long.… Expand
  10. lSAGGERl
    Mar 3, 2021
    10
    Juegazo en todos los sentidos, revolución total sobre aventura y puzles para consola. Canciones completamente Epicas, la mejor banda sonora de Tomb Raider sin ninguna duda y de las mejores de todos los tiempos. En su epoca una revolución junto con muchos juegos de la Play Station ya que no se había visto nada igual en consola anteriormente.
  11. KaleSungurCrane
    Nov 20, 2020
    9
    OVERALL - 92%

    Gameplay - 8/10 Graphics (for time) - 8/10 Story - 8/10 Game Length - 8/10 Characters - 9/10 Level/Area Design - 9/10 Atmosphere - 8/10 Sound Effects - 7/10 Soundtrack - 7/10 Replay Value - 8/10 Any game that comes out in the mid-90s and be as referenced and talked about as much as this, must be something pretty special. It was also the first computer game    OVERALL - 92%

    Gameplay - 8/10
    Graphics (for time) - 8/10
    Story - 8/10
    Game Length - 8/10
    Characters - 9/10
    Level/Area Design - 9/10
    Atmosphere - 8/10
    Sound Effects - 7/10
    Soundtrack - 7/10
    Replay Value - 8/10

    Any game that comes out in the mid-90s and be as referenced and talked about as much as this, must be something pretty special. It was also the first computer game character that 5 year old me was confused about..    … Expand
  12. WarkStelliar
    Oct 4, 2020
    9
    Extremely immersive from start to finish, paired with some of the best level and puzzle design in the genre.
  13. genesisdoes
    Oct 2, 2020
    6
    Tomb Raider has become one of the most popular franchises in video game history, becoming an instant success and a household name along with it's main heroine, Lara Croft after just one game. It helped set the standard for 3D, being developed at the same time as other groundbreaking 3D games such as Mario 64 and Crash Bandicoot (I'll get to those games one day, I'm sure.) It's a gameTomb Raider has become one of the most popular franchises in video game history, becoming an instant success and a household name along with it's main heroine, Lara Croft after just one game. It helped set the standard for 3D, being developed at the same time as other groundbreaking 3D games such as Mario 64 and Crash Bandicoot (I'll get to those games one day, I'm sure.) It's a game that's notorious for it's aged controls and primitive graphics, often regarded as a game that's essentially unplayable nowadays. Do I share this sentiment? No.

    Tomb Raider undoubtedly has a steep learning curve and requires quite a bit of trial and error but, to me, nailing this control scheme down and successfully pulling off a dangerous and difficult maneuver such as clearing a large gap was such a rewarding experience for me. It's truly a test of endurance and patience but it always left me feeling good about myself when I managed to play the game correctly without dying excessively. As I got better, the game got more fun... which makes sense. My point is, the controls aren't exactly bad, at least not terrible. Using a d-pad in a 3D platformer can hurt your thumb quite a bit and I felt like there were a few more cheap deaths targeted at first time players than I'd like to see but I overall had a very good time and thought it was a rewarding and memorable experience.

    Lara Croft is the type of protagonist you root for. Her cheeky attitude and likeable personality never fails to keep you on her side and I think it serves as some sort of motivation to keep going forward. It sounds childish but I think it's something you have to experience to understand. You want her to overcome the odds and win.

    Overall, due to it's massive influence and the fact that it was not only a great game for the time, but also holds up today in some capacity, I can't help but look back at my experience quite fondly.    … Expand
  14. Delta_Rexxus
    Oct 2, 2020
    10
    De los juegos que revolucionó la industria de los videjuegos, un juego totalmente increible, este juego es una joya infravalorada por la gente, para la gente que infravaloré este juego les tengo que decir, que si no fuera por este juego creado por los dioses, no existiria ni el Uncharted, ni sekiro, ni bloodborne, ni prince of persia, ni demon souls, ni dark souls, ni muchos juegos delDe los juegos que revolucionó la industria de los videjuegos, un juego totalmente increible, este juego es una joya infravalorada por la gente, para la gente que infravaloré este juego les tengo que decir, que si no fuera por este juego creado por los dioses, no existiria ni el Uncharted, ni sekiro, ni bloodborne, ni prince of persia, ni demon souls, ni dark souls, ni muchos juegos del mismo estilo que estos. Haber si esa gente se da cuenta de quien empezó todo este mundillo, y el juego que lo empezó fue este, un juego que para 1996 era como para 1915 una televisión.… Expand
  15. kidzenny
    Mar 27, 2020
    9
    Played it for the first time in 2020 and loved it. Outstanding level design, engaging puzzles, decent gun play and manageable control. Can be easy to get stumped on some of the level puzzles, but otherwise, i really enjoyed this game and the accomplished feeling i got when pulling off the platforming and puzzle solving.
  16. Ydun79
    Feb 11, 2019
    8
    Blew me out of the water back in the day. Exploration, 3d, ... Just a lot of fun.
  17. KnightofPeace
    Feb 8, 2019
    10
    I played this game again after about a decade. Such an awesome game, even now I still enjoy playing it and will probably play it again! I miss this kind of Lara Croft, just exploring and solving puzzles all on her own.
  18. Sarah_Hardy
    Sep 16, 2018
    10
    Innovative, classic and the introduction of the muse Lara Croft. One of the best games of the franchise.
  19. Barnes1987
    Mar 19, 2017
    8
    The game that started a franchise for Playstation. One of the first games i got with the system and it's a pretty solid game that's well worth a purchase if you own the original Playstation.
  20. TheChosenOne7
    Nov 14, 2016
    9
    Owned this game since it came out but never really got into it. My elder brother has really been into the Tomb Raider series since then, but I obsessed over Metal Gear and Resident Evil throughout the years ( I was six when this game was released) Anyway, finally got around to giving it a play through, and it was good fun. Difficulty was just right and was refreshing since in this day inOwned this game since it came out but never really got into it. My elder brother has really been into the Tomb Raider series since then, but I obsessed over Metal Gear and Resident Evil throughout the years ( I was six when this game was released) Anyway, finally got around to giving it a play through, and it was good fun. Difficulty was just right and was refreshing since in this day in age games are geared toward the lowest common detonator (so it would seem anyway). Took a couple points off for weak plot line, wanting mechanics, and some parts were just out right silly (just had to play through areas until you knew what was coming, didn't have so much to do with skill as it did with patience). 8.5/10 would recommend. God Bless everyone and have a fantastic day.… Expand
  21. perkjl
    Jan 4, 2016
    9
    My favorite entry in the series and one of the most memorable PC/ PSX game experiences. This game is pretty much to the basics before the series got convoluted with it's gameplay mechanics. This was later fixed in 2006's Tomb Raider Legend. However, the original is what truly shines with excellent level design and atmosphere. A great sense of adventure and exploration as well. The PSX hasMy favorite entry in the series and one of the most memorable PC/ PSX game experiences. This game is pretty much to the basics before the series got convoluted with it's gameplay mechanics. This was later fixed in 2006's Tomb Raider Legend. However, the original is what truly shines with excellent level design and atmosphere. A great sense of adventure and exploration as well. The PSX has a slight edge over PC version for having a music score that adds to the immersion. Great game. Fewer flaws than TR2-6.… Expand
  22. ChrisMuller1992
    Dec 16, 2015
    10
    This game is the reason why im a fan of the series,you control a british arqueologist Lara Croft who travels around the globe searching antique artifacts.The gameplay is simple,kill anything that moves and use your abilities and speed to get out any sticky situations.It maybe real real old now,but its a classic and classic are to be remembered and live on forever.Here a legend was born.
  23. Duke_Nukem
    Oct 6, 2015
    10
    I bought my first PlayStation after seeing an add for Tomb Raider on television. I remember how amazed i was seeing this open 3D world, the heroin running freely around it, jumping, diving, swimming, shooting... at that time I just knew I HAD to get a PlayStation!

    I'm sure I am not the only one who considers this the best game ever made. It's already been said by others: the graphics    I bought my first PlayStation after seeing an add for Tomb Raider on television. I remember how amazed i was seeing this open 3D world, the heroin running freely around it, jumping, diving, swimming, shooting... at that time I just knew I HAD to get a PlayStation!

    I'm sure I am not the only one who considers this the best game ever made. It's already been said by others: the graphics were cutting edge at the time, the music is simply amazing and warns the player for danger ahead or a secret place being discovered. It's amazing how much you can do with the controls, stepping side-ways, lining up a perfect jump and much more...

    Granted, the graphics are very outdated by now. But even with enhanced visuals the remake Tomb Raider Anniversary on PS3 can't bring back the same feeling of excitement I had when I first played this game.

    Tomb Raider deserves far more than a score of 10 out of 10!    … Expand
  24. tsakiym
    May 18, 2015
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I do not have to say anything. But i need to write one hundred and fifty characters. i think my score can describe it.................................… Expand
  25. Kadeemluvmusic
    Jan 17, 2015
    10
    If I could think of one Tomb Raider game that was one of my favorite, it would have to be the original. 16 years ago, the geniuses at PlayStation delivered a good fast-paced action-adventure that would make Resident Evil calls for backup. I mean, I fell in love with Lara Croft since the second E3 1996. And when Tomb Raider released in November 1996, the month before Thanksgiving, I playedIf I could think of one Tomb Raider game that was one of my favorite, it would have to be the original. 16 years ago, the geniuses at PlayStation delivered a good fast-paced action-adventure that would make Resident Evil calls for backup. I mean, I fell in love with Lara Croft since the second E3 1996. And when Tomb Raider released in November 1996, the month before Thanksgiving, I played the game on my first PlayStation and how did they created the game into a multi-million dollar franchise? Tomb Raider was one of the best games I've ever played since buying it on the PS3 store. From comics, 2 movies starring the beautiful Angelina Jolie, and a worldwide audience to geeks everywhere, Lara can't be tamed until back in 2003, it was the end of an era as "The Angel of Darkness" dethroned her reign and killed her career. Back 3 years later, she revived and came back in "Legend" and it's still my personal favorite. And now, the new and improved "Tomb Raider" is no exception. I was stunned when I checked on the Tomb Raider blog and it was delayed until March 2013. That's why I hate it when new games are going to be delayed until the next couple of years. It's still an action-adventure game with an Survivor meets Cast Away twist as a 21-year-old Lara struggling for survival in a mysterious island and now she has the ultimate skills on how will she become to be before she was a gun-totting, turquise-wearing, adventurer who's large breasts and acrobatic skills skyrocketed her to entertainment stardom. I can't wait for 2013, but for now I can still get a hold out of the looks and smiley face of Lara Croft whenever I see her.… Expand
  26. BucksMacFan
    Jul 2, 2014
    9
    When this game first came out it was so radical. Everyone fell in love with Lara, and loved the way you controlled her movements and interacted with the environment she was in. There were no online walk throughs then so you had to work things out for yourself or pop down to the shop for a game mag. When you go back to it, it's a little clunky and glitchy but well work a look back if youWhen this game first came out it was so radical. Everyone fell in love with Lara, and loved the way you controlled her movements and interacted with the environment she was in. There were no online walk throughs then so you had to work things out for yourself or pop down to the shop for a game mag. When you go back to it, it's a little clunky and glitchy but well work a look back if you still have the working hardware :-)… Expand
  27. dinosauryoshi
    Jun 30, 2014
    9
    A classic and the first game in one of my favourite series. I don't think the atmosphere of this title was ever recreated in later Tomb Raiders even the great remake of it. There's a sense of emptiness and genuine fear when something attacks you that is taken away by the later games' abundance of bad guys and man eating animals. My only complaints are the clunky feeling controls and combatA classic and the first game in one of my favourite series. I don't think the atmosphere of this title was ever recreated in later Tomb Raiders even the great remake of it. There's a sense of emptiness and genuine fear when something attacks you that is taken away by the later games' abundance of bad guys and man eating animals. My only complaints are the clunky feeling controls and combat system. Besides that this is a true great.… Expand
  28. SenshudoTV
    Mar 20, 2014
    9
    I can safely say that the game doesn't rely on Lara to carry or sell the game, although there's no denying that she certainly gave it a boost whether it be in a positive or slightly negative light. A great mix of puzzle, platform and action-adventure surrounded by a revolutionary 3D environment and an iconic character, Tomb Raider has to be one of the top games of 1996.
  29. djb3301
    Nov 13, 2013
    10
    Tomb Raider was my first video game, so I'm gonna make this fair: Graphics for time: 10 Gameplay: 10 Story: 9 Soundtrack: OVER 9000!!!! GET IT NOW!!!!!
  30. Devilofgaming
    Sep 29, 2013
    9
    this game is great the music is there when it needs it and it is all atmosphere but the controls are hard to get used to but its definitely worth a buy you will be pleased
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Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Best PS1 Game of 1996
2
#2 Most Discussed PS1 Game of 1996
2
#2 Most Shared PS1 Game of 1996

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. Gamestyle
    90
    An epic piece of gaming.
    Read full review
  2. TotalGames.net
    94
    But be warned, this game is horribly difficult early on and it will take even the most capable gamesplayer an age to complete.
    Read full review
  3. IGN
    93
    Lara controls like a dream... Level design is exceedingly impressive.
    Read full review
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