What Tomb Raider did you like the most? - Page 8

laratombgirl · 11-05-23, 12:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jamise_Croft

Objectively it’s tomb raider 1 like nothing can’t top the original experience, that game is like the original and supreme tomb raider experience the rest of the games are variations but nothing like the original

Agreed. TR1 will always be my favorite as it set the standard for game level design, story, animation, music, controls, lara character, VFX etc that made her famous. But, a comparison is hardly fair as games like TR Chronicles and AOD were made with limited funding and with some overlap in production. Of the later games, I like Legend and Tomb Raider (2013).

Shirley_Manson · 11-05-23, 15:16

Tomb Raider 3, I would definitely like it's diverse locations, thick atmosphere, branching paths, tricky platforming and intense traps to come back. But that is never happening.

Zsott · 11-05-23, 20:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffrey van oort

The second Tomb Raider is the first Tomb Raider, and videogame that I've played on a computer. Trying to figure out what is behind that closed door the whole adventure. I didn't know that you could shoot the windows, and I have spent so much time looking for a path forward in Tomb Raider II.

For me this game was the first, that I managed to progress trough the first level, but on PSOne.
That being said, I had the same issue as you did, and I almost gave up on it, only to see the demo in the main menu. Then I managed to progress 'till Opera house and got stuck for a good while... (this takes me back to elementary and early middle school)

As for the favourite TR, it's AoD for me, for several reasons.
I have so much memory (and mostly positive ones) attached to that singular game (or the time when I got it in 2007), that AoD will take special place in my heart.

FairFriend · 17-05-23, 20:38

I'm surprised at the love TRIII is getting, I was always under the impression that it was among the least liked of the classics. Haven't personally played lost artificat, but I find the main game to be too uneven and unpolished to put it in my top 3...with that said my very personal and subjective ranking

TR II (9.5/10):
the very best, although there is too much emphasis on combat. The stellar level design more than makes up for it

TR (1996) (9/10):
a masterpiece to this day, simplistic by the standard of its sequels, it still oozes with atmosphere like few other games

TR IV (8.5/10):
love the egyptian location, as well as the more refined storytelling

TR AOD (8/10):
flawed and a buggy mess, but I can't help admire its ambition. I love its soundtrack, story and atmosphere, and level design is also excellent.

TR Underworld (8/10):
the opened up environments do a lot to make exploration interesting again. Graphics were amazing back then, and atmosphere was excellent as well, pity about the trite plot.

SotTR (8/10):
a return to form with a renewed emphasis on exploration and puzzle solving. Platforming still falls victim to the simplistic mechanics but the series hasn't been in a better shape in 10 years at least

TR V (7.5/10):
a more digestible affair after the gargantuan TR IV, a lot of variety in the locales elevates it from the status of simple afterthought delivered to fulfill a contract

TR III (7.5/10):
extremely uneven, featuring some of the best and worst levels of the classics, a rather forgettable story and villain. Mostly noticeable for the technical advacements that paved the way to grander and more intricate levels (sometimes to the detriment of overall enjoyment)

TR Legend (7/10):
a dumbing down of the original game loop for modern audiences, has the dubious merit of introducing the "magnetic grappling" mechanics that would make the future fortunes of a certain explorer named after Francis Drake. The introduction of CD at the helm of the series coincides with a ramping up of Lara's sexualisation, with unlockable biking costumes and dubious in-game outifit choices.

TR Anniversay (6.5/10):
utterly uneeded, when the original holds up so well. The modern, dumbed-down platforming mechanics are not a good fit for the sprawling original level design. Somehow the game manges to screw up the iconic t-rex fight by reducing it to a quick time event, a sin of such magnitude that it alone justifies the low ranking

TR (2013) (6.5/10):
the promise of a survival horror experience themed after the excellent The Descent is mangled by the devs uncomittment and insecurity in their own ideas. Useless survival mechanics grafted upon a rahter barebone linear shooter

RotTR (6/10):
not much of an improvement over 2013, with the added injury of a utterly forgettable main location and laughable story

Heckler · 17-05-23, 22:15

TR3/TLA by a long shot followed by the classics and Legend in no particular order.
I despised TRU at the start due to all the cut content and empty promises but came to appreciate it a bit more through the years.

I also liked Uncharted with Asthma AKA Reboot but not as a Tomb Raider game.

jeffrey van oort · 18-05-23, 07:17

Way to thread the needle.
I think that Tomb Raider Anniversary should get a higher grade. Easily one of the best textured Tomb Raider videogames.

Heckler · 18-05-23, 07:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffrey van oort

Way to thread the needle.
I think that Tomb Raider Anniversary should get a higher grade. Easily one of the best textured Tomb Raider videogames.

Indeed. CD really shines in the art department. Many people complained about the white ledges back in the day but they had character to them. When modders got rid of them it looked a bit flat and bland. Anniversary's texturing was very procedural which is impressive considering it was done the old school way with fixed UVs and tiling. Not many 3D artists can pull large scale off that way and land up with an optimized result.

RAID · 18-05-23, 08:20

Out of the Crystal Dynamics games, it's Shadow of the Tomb Raider.

Out of all the series, it's Tomb Raider 3.

Chamayoo · 18-05-23, 08:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heckler

Many people complained about the white ledges back in the day but they had character to them. When modders got rid of them it looked a bit flat and bland.

What, I need to witness the difference myself. 👀

Elmer · 18-05-23, 10:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heckler

Indeed. CD really shines in the art department. Many people complained about the white ledges back in the day but they had character to them. When modders got rid of them it looked a bit flat and bland. Anniversary's texturing was very procedural which is impressive considering it was done the old school way with fixed UVs and tiling. Not many 3D artists can pull large scale off that way and land up with an optimized result.

I remember it well. My signature bears witness to those days in fact

I agree that Anniversary’s colour and lighting are very impressive. I thought so when I replayed it last year. I appreciate how crisp and clear everything is, including the ledges. But I’m keeping my signature, more as a curiosity than a statement

11-05-23, 15:16	#72
Shirley_Manson Professor Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 3,428	Tomb Raider 3, I would definitely like it's diverse locations, thick atmosphere, branching paths, tricky platforming and intense traps to come back. But that is never happening. __________________ It's easier to do a job right, than to explain why you didn't.

17-05-23, 20:38	#74
FairFriend Student Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: France, Paris area Posts: 224	I'm surprised at the love TRIII is getting, I was always under the impression that it was among the least liked of the classics. Haven't personally played lost artificat, but I find the main game to be too uneven and unpolished to put it in my top 3...with that said my very personal and subjective ranking TR II (9.5/10): the very best, although there is too much emphasis on combat. The stellar level design more than makes up for it TR (1996) (9/10): a masterpiece to this day, simplistic by the standard of its sequels, it still oozes with atmosphere like few other games TR IV (8.5/10): love the egyptian location, as well as the more refined storytelling TR AOD (8/10): flawed and a buggy mess, but I can't help admire its ambition. I love its soundtrack, story and atmosphere, and level design is also excellent. TR Underworld (8/10): the opened up environments do a lot to make exploration interesting again. Graphics were amazing back then, and atmosphere was excellent as well, pity about the trite plot. SotTR (8/10): a return to form with a renewed emphasis on exploration and puzzle solving. Platforming still falls victim to the simplistic mechanics but the series hasn't been in a better shape in 10 years at least TR V (7.5/10): a more digestible affair after the gargantuan TR IV, a lot of variety in the locales elevates it from the status of simple afterthought delivered to fulfill a contract TR III (7.5/10): extremely uneven, featuring some of the best and worst levels of the classics, a rather forgettable story and villain. Mostly noticeable for the technical advacements that paved the way to grander and more intricate levels (sometimes to the detriment of overall enjoyment) TR Legend (7/10): a dumbing down of the original game loop for modern audiences, has the dubious merit of introducing the "magnetic grappling" mechanics that would make the future fortunes of a certain explorer named after Francis Drake. The introduction of CD at the helm of the series coincides with a ramping up of Lara's sexualisation, with unlockable biking costumes and dubious in-game outifit choices. TR Anniversay (6.5/10): utterly uneeded, when the original holds up so well. The modern, dumbed-down platforming mechanics are not a good fit for the sprawling original level design. Somehow the game manges to screw up the iconic t-rex fight by reducing it to a quick time event, a sin of such magnitude that it alone justifies the low ranking TR (2013) (6.5/10): the promise of a survival horror experience themed after the excellent The Descent is mangled by the devs uncomittment and insecurity in their own ideas. Useless survival mechanics grafted upon a rahter barebone linear shooter RotTR (6/10): not much of an improvement over 2013, with the added injury of a utterly forgettable main location and laughable story Last edited by FairFriend; 17-05-23 at 20:41.

17-05-23, 22:15	#75
Heckler Professor Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: South Africa Posts: 4,165	TR3/TLA by a long shot followed by the classics and Legend in no particular order. I despised TRU at the start due to all the cut content and empty promises but came to appreciate it a bit more through the years. I also liked Uncharted with Asthma AKA Reboot but not as a Tomb Raider game. __________________ Tread carefully.

18-05-23, 07:17	#76
jeffrey van oort Relic Hunter Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 6,545	Way to thread the needle. I think that Tomb Raider Anniversary should get a higher grade. Easily one of the best textured Tomb Raider videogames. __________________ Flames would not be eternal if they could dissolve.

18-05-23, 08:20	#78
RAID Tomb Raider Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 20,485	Out of the Crystal Dynamics games, it's Shadow of the Tomb Raider. Out of all the series, it's Tomb Raider 3.