TR3: A Retro Review
 

Tomb Raider III
A Retro Review: 20 Years Later
by Sheepman23

https://www.tombraiderforums.com/pic...ictureid=11844

https://www.tombraiderforums.com/pic...ictureid=11845

India
Level 1 - Jungle
Level 2 - Temple Ruins
Level 3 - The River Ganges
Level 4 - Caves of Kaliya

https://www.tombraiderforums.com/pic...ictureid=11848

London
Level 5 - Thames Wharf
Level 6 - Aldwych
Level 7 - Lud's Gate
Level 8 - City

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Nevada
Level 9 - Nevada Desert
Level 10 - High Security Compound
Level 11 - Area 51

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South Pacific
Level 12 - Coastal Village
Level 13 - Crash Site
Level 14 - Madubu Gorge
Level 15 - Temple of Puna

https://www.tombraiderforums.com/pic...ictureid=11849

Antarctica
Level 16 - Antarctica
Level 17 - RX Tech Mines
Level 18 - Lost City of Tinnos
Level 19 - Meteorite Cavern

Level 20 - All Hallows


Hey guys! In honor of 20 years of Tomb Raider III - and because it's been quite a spell since I've tackled this game - I'm going to be giving a "retro review" on TR3. This is one of my most beloved titles of the franchise, so understand me when I say that I'm very excited to come back to this game after many years with a fresh analysis. :)

If you have read any of my previous review threads, you're in for mostly the same type of stuff this time around. The only minor difference is that I will be making a formal set of pros and cons again at the end of each entry; this allows me to put my thoughts into a more concise form in order to properly rate the level. The main body of each review will be a little more focused on the "bigger picture" of a level.

Additionally, I'm setting some stricter guidelines on how I rate levels this time around. This seems to be something I never quite get right, so it will probably be best for me to actually define them this time around:

Sheep's Rating System

10/10 - An instant TR classic. Contains no flaws, or extremely minor ones that do not detract from the quality presented. :yah:
9/10 - A fantastic level that would be deserving enough to go on a "Best Of" list, should Crystal Dynamics ever want to learn how to properly make a TR game. :tmb:
8/10 - A perfectly solid level that contains no major flaws. Must have some memorability factor. :D
7/10 - A good level that may contain flaws or a lack of memorability, but generally is recommended. :)
6/10 - An OK level that isn't bad but may have a few serious issues preventing a higher rating. :whi:
5/10 - A completely average level that must have at least one serious flaw or be fairly boring. :pi:
4/10 - A below-average experience that shows large deficiencies compared to the usual quality expected from TR stages. :ohn:
3/10 - A bad level that shows very few positive qualities. :(

(I can almost guarantee that there will be no 1's or 2's in this game...)


... and with that, I'll plan to get started sometime this weekend! I've actually already completed Jungle and just need to get the review posted. Hope you guys are excited for this - I would love to hear your initial thoughts! :admles:

Looking forward to this. :tmb:

Iconic game x

Just wait till you play Lud's Gate :p

Your reviews are so satisfying to read. REALLY excited! :jmp:

I wasn’t around when you started your TR1 review, but I intend to keep an eye on this thread as you go through the game.

It’s my favorite in the series, so I can’t wait to see how this goes! :jmp:

Yay! :yah:

I wonder if he's playing PC or PS1, if PS1 then he'll definitly get sick of the lack of save crystals in the Antarctica levels.

Woohoo, glad to see the excitement - thanks for the comments guys. :D

I played exclusively on PS1 growing up, so yes, I've already went through childhood suffering regarding the gamma levels on PS1 :pi:

I am playing the PC version this time around since it's way easier to take my own screenshots. I do actually prefer the PS1 save system since it ups the challenge, but oh well :mis:

Thanks! Hopefully it won't take me 5 years this time :vlol:

There is a mod to remove all the health crystals if you want a bigger challenge for PC, it also comes with a few fixes :)
You can see it here.