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Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Anniversary ps2 Game Reviews
Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Anniversary
Critic Score
Metascore: 82 Metascore out of 100
User Score  
9.5 out of 10
based on 31 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
based on 18 votes
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Rate this game

Inspired by the first Tomb Raider videogame, originally released in 1996, Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Anniversary is a totally new 2006 adventure for Lara, faithfully preserving the elements which made the original Tomb Raider such a classic. Using an enhanced "Tomb Raider Legend" game engine, the graphics, technology and physics bring Lara's adventure and pursuit of a mystical artefact known only as the Scion up to today’s technology standards and offer gamers a completely new gameplay experience. The puzzles are now more in depth and incorporate environmental interaction and physics driven solutions. The level design and flow of gameplay are inspired by the original videogame making Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Anniversary a brand new experience in gaming, while still invoking the nostalgia of the first adventure in Tomb Raiding. [Eidos Interactive]

PUBLISHER: Eidos Interactive
DEVELOPER: Crystal Dynamics
GENRE(S): Action, Adventure
PLAYERS: 1
ESRB RATING: T (Teen)
RELEASE DATE: June 5, 2007

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

90
Playstation Official Magazine UK
It doesn't hold your hand the way "Legend" did, and it doesn't arbitrarily murder you like the original "Raiders". What it does is excite, impress and enthral like nothing else. [June 2007, p.93]
90
Play Magazine
Just because she is showing her age doesn't mean 10 years later Lara can't still surprise and excite. [June 2007, p.76]
90
EuroGamer
It takes the inspirational level design of the original, improves upon the atmosphere, and makes the whole thing so much more fun thanks to the hugely refined control and camera system. Far from being a tired, cynical cash-in exercise of a brand past its prime, Tomb Raider Anniversary goes back to its roots and shows how remakes should be done.
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90
Cheat Code Central
The graphics are stunning on any console, the voice-acting and writing is more Hollywood quality, and the level designs feature obstacles that have been featured in many adventure films. It's perfect in a way that reminds us of Lara's past yet introduces us to modern game physics and design.
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90
AceGamez
Tomb Raider Anniversary is a back-to-roots classic adventure - there's no annoying woman in your ear and no GPRS tracking or other fancy pants technology to distract you from your little piece of paradise gameplay.
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89
Pelit (Finland)
An enjoyable action-adventure which takes the best bits from the first Tomb Raider and updates them with better playability, nicer graphics and deeper puzzles. A surprisingly good rehash of the old. [June 2007]
88
Games Master UK
It's a beautifully balanced melding of old and new values that creates an experience that's surprisingly fresh...A riveting and sumptuous adventure. [June 2007, p.76]
86
GamerNode
The bottom line is this: Tomb Raider Anniversary is a great game. It's perfect for any Tomb Raider fans or just fans of the action/adventure genre alone.
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85
GameTrailers
Due to the occasional frame rate dip and the inevitable, constant circle strafing, this re-imagining of Ms. Croft’s premier pursuit falls just short of top shelf. But the new control scheme has made it infinitely more playable, and the additions of quick time events and new areas tint it modern, and the grand cave explorer from 1996 is still intact, and still fantastic.
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85
GameZone
Even if you played this game before a long while back, Tomb Raider: Anniversary does bring some new features to make this a worthwhile remake of a true gaming classic.
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85
Game Informer
The first Tomb Raider game garnered a lot of attention in its day. Its remake is a worthy tribute to that success. [July 2007, p.99]
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85
Computer and Video Games
If you're a fan of the series then you should take a look at Anniversary. There's enough action, unlockables and extras to keep you busy for weeks while Eidos and Crystal Dynamics draw up plans to take the series to greater heights.
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85
Play UK
Crystal Dynamics may still be playing things a little too safe...but that essentially means it knows what it's doing. And so far, we're enjoying what that is immensely. The Tomb Raider franchise is important again. [Issue#153, p.62]
85
GamePro
You'll experience the wonder and awe of feeling like you are discovering lost tombs, which is what made the original so compelling in the first place. [July 2007, p.87]
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85
Hardcore Gamer Magazine
In the end, though, it's a testament to the game's quality that even in the face of the imperfect camera and combat, the wonderful adventuring aspects manage to make up for whatever other shortcomings this game may possess. [July 2007, p.54]
85
1UP
It may not offer the same degree of wonder you may remember if you were around for the very first game, but it's a damn fine homage -- and a damn fine game in its own right.
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83
Electronic Gaming Monthly
Overall though, Anniversary's a fine showing, an excellent service to fans, and proof that the series is back on the right track for real. [July 2007, p.90]
82
The New York Times
The visuals are grander and Lara has some new tricks up her sleeve, but no effort has been made to flesh out the negligible story.
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80
Boomtown
Let's hope that the next all-new Tomb Raider adventure is just as strong and as focused on puzzle solving and exploration.
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80
GameSpot
The success of Tomb Raider: Anniversary is twofold; it does well by the memory of the original Tomb Raider, and also makes a dynamic action adventure game that's fun to play in 2007.
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80
Console Gameworld
A definite purchase for potential and veteran Tomb Raider players alike.
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80
Pro-G
Everything a remake should be. It makes the most of modern technology to bring a classic game world up to date, throws in simple but intuitive controls and doesn't rely on constant fire-fights to bring excitement.
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80
Official Playstation 2 Magazine UK
It's definitely not something for dipping into on a whim, and anyone after brutal, nose-cracking action should stick with "God of War II." But for the rest of us, this is the Tomb Raider game we've been waiting for. And it speaks volumes about the games market that something's that's essentially a remastered update can seem such a breath of fresh air. [May 2007, p.70]
78
IGN
The controls are light-years better than the original but still aren't solid like Prince of Persia's; the graphics are beyond anything the original could muster but still not up to today's standards; and the puzzles are just as tough as the original, but the enemies are just as lame.
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78
Ferrago
This is a game well-worth investing both time and money in. If you remember the original then you can visit an old friend. If you missed the boat the first time around then here's a rare second chance to get on board.
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75
Gaming Age
For those unfamiliar with the franchise, you may be better off grabbing Legend and waiting for the sequel.
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75
TotalPlayStation
Anniversary is not quite the game that Legend was. Though initially I was floored by how well the series had been updated, as time went on and the frustrations piled up, it started to lose the raw appeal. It's good, but not great.
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70
Edge Magazine
To describe it as quaint would sound derogatory, but the sense of taking on the environment, alone but unintimidated, is something rare amongst today’s adrenaline-addicted big-budget releases. [June 2007, p.90]
70
GameDaily
The lack of action will bore most gamers, but unlike its predecessors, Anniversary's puzzles are the main attraction. People searching for a lonely, thinking person's adventure should consider it, especially at only $29.99.
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70
Total Video Games
Like a middle-aged makeover, Tomb Raider Anniversary papers over the nooks and crannies, but it can't conceal the aged and dated overall structure.
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60
games(TM)
The fact that Crystal Dynamics has managed to turn Tomb Raider into a competent modern adventure is more than admirable, but when judged at face value and on a shelf next to Kratos and company, it just doesn’t stand up. [June 2007, p.106]

What Our Users Said

Vote Now! The average user rating for this game is 9.5 (out of 10) based on 18 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Katie gave it a10:
What can i say- It is absolutely brilliant!!! amazing game!! Just wondering did any1 else just feel a little creeped-in a good way by the way . I am 15 this year and i played this game for the first time when i was about 4 or 5 and it just seemed real strange cos i knew everything that was gonna happen at the beginning because of the original. brought back so many memories lol real weird brilliant game!! worth buying!!

The Truth gave it a10:
I wouldn't dare give this game anything lower than a 10 simply because it has got to be the Best Puzzle based Adventure Game in History! While the fight mechanics aren't as good as God Of War, Who Cares with puzzles as absolutely riveting as these. Lara is Back Big Time!

Daniel R. gave it an8:
I loved how the designers tried their absolute best to remain truthful to the games and respectful to the fans. And you get your money's worth -- it's worth playing again just to unlock all of the extra goodies. But despite my love for Lara and her adventures, I can't really give this a '10' rating simply because I felt too many areas required multiple attempts to complete (read: I died too often). Overall though, a great effort, a step in the right direction.

g E gave it a10:
This game takes the tomb raider/PoP genre to a whole new level of puzzling. Totally Awesome.

Oli gave it a9:
Whether you're staring down the T-rex, working your way down the centre of St Francis Folly or standing atop the sphinz in the Sanctuary of the Scion, this game will remind you of how you first felt ten years ago - now all I need to do is find a copy of the original for my PS2.

Mysen S. gave it a10:
This game is absolutely stunning! It is one of the best remakes of one of the best games I've ever seen. Tomb Raider was a classic hit, and this game brought those pieces back while throwing in new ones. True Tomb Raider fans shouldn't be without it. It almost feels like a whole new experience, but it is both and old and new so there's something to love about this Anniversary. Happy Birthday Lara!

Derik E. gave it a10:
Superb! This game brought back so many memories from one of the best games of the PS1 generation. Not only did te graphics look stellar, but the gameplay felt tighter than I remembered.

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