There are two ways you can look at Tomb Raider 3.
You can either be a fan who sees the game as an improvement, not changing too much but
keeping the core of Tomb Raider consistent.
Or you see it as just more of the same and a series that either refuses to change or
is incapable of it.
If you have played a Tomb Raider game, you know what to expect, a lot of climbing, a
lot of shooting, and a lot of Lara Croft.
And while each entry provides a new experience, by the third title the formula began feeling
a little old.
The game did make some changes, with some making improvements while other taking the
series a step back.
The game still retains much of the visuals of the previous games, with minor improvements.
Again, much of the focus has been spent on Lara herself, but that is not to say the environments
themselves do not impress.
The jungles look lush and the snow looks cold.
Each level looks the part as Lara jumps around the world.
But the biggest change from previous Tomb Raider games is the addition of more freedom.
The first two games gave the feel of a large open world, but for the most part were pretty
linear affairs.
Tomb Raider 3 is just the opposite.
The levels are large worlds, with multiple switchs, levers, and treasures hidden throughout
the level.
This makes you feel like you are exploring an enormous area, but also comes at the cost
of confusion, as you search everywhere you that treasure or switch that you missed.
But the level of choice extends beyond just the open level design.
You can select which order you want to complete the levels, with exception of having to do
the first and last in that order.
But while these improvements help push the series, several things hold the game back.
The game now has a new save system that is very frustrating.
You can only save if you have a Save Crystal.
This can make the game very frustrating as the game still has some of the leap-of-faith
moments, making you reload from the same spot over and over.
The game is probably the most frustrating Tomb Raider yet.
It still offers the same challenging combat and puzzles, but with a new save system and
open worlds that lead to getting lost.
If you are a fan of Tomb Raider, then this is more Tomb Raider and be happy.
If you don’t like Tomb Raider, this won’t change your mind.