Tomb Raider: Anniversary vs Tomb Raider III: Adventures of Lara Croft
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Tomb Raider: Anniversary is a faithful remake of the 1996 original, rebuilt with modern graphics and refined controls while preserving the iconic puzzles and exploration that defined the series. Players guide Lara Croft through tombs, jungles, and ancient ruins, battling enemies and uncovering hidden artifacts. The game offers a single-player experience across PlayStation 3, PC, Mac, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 2, delivering the classic adventure with updated visuals, voice acting, and quality-of-life improvements for both newcomers and longtime fans.
Tomb Raider III takes Lara Croft on a worldwide adventure, from the icy peaks of Antarctica to the dense jungles of South America, delivering classic platforming with new environments and challenges. The game blends fast‑paced shooting, intricate puzzles, and exploration, cementing its place as a hallmark of 90s action‑adventure gaming. Developed by Core Design and published by Eidos Interactive and Aspyr Media, the title launched in November 1998 on PlayStation 3, PC, and Mac. Its single‑player experience offers a timeless mix of skill‑based combat and brain‑teasing riddles, appealing to both veteran fans and newcomers to the series.
- Stunning HD visual overhaul of the original levels.
- Improved controls make platforming and combat smoother.
- Fully voiced story adds depth to Lara's character.
- Rich set of collectibles and achievements for replay value.
- Iconic level design across diverse environments
- Balanced mix of shooting and puzzle solving
- Memorable soundtrack and atmospheric graphics
- Strong sense of exploration and discovery
- Limited to single-player; no multiplayer modes.
- Some puzzles feel dated despite visual updates.
- Performance can vary on older PC hardware.
- Controls feel dated compared to modern standards
- Limited camera angles can cause occasional frustration
- Save system is checkpoint‑based, not continuous
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Alternatives to Tomb Raider: Anniversary
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Alternatives to Tomb Raider III: Adventures of Lara Croft
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Lara Croft returns to uncover ancient Egyptian secrets in a classic action‑puzzle adventure.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataTomb Raider: Anniversary is the safer default for modern players due to its lower price and modernized controls, while Tomb Raider III offers higher critical acclaim but features dated controls and a higher price tag.
Key differences
- •Price: Tomb Raider: Anniversary is priced at $19.99, whereas Tomb Raider III is more than double at $49.99.
- •Critical Reception: Tomb Raider III holds a significantly higher critic score of 85/100 compared to Anniversary's 69/100.
- •Controls and Mechanics: Anniversary features modernized movement and combat, while Tomb Raider III has controls that feel dated compared to modern standards.
- •Age Rating: Tomb Raider III carries a PEGI 12 rating, whereas Anniversary is rated PEGI 16.
Gameplay & fun factor
Anniversary features modernized movement and combat along with refined puzzles, whereas Tomb Raider III has dated controls and frustrating camera angles.
Platform availability
Not specified
Price & value
At $19.99, Anniversary is much cheaper than Tomb Raider III, which costs $49.99.
Multiplayer / co-op
Both games are strictly single-player with no multiplayer modes specified.
Content & replayability
Tomb Raider III spans six distinct global locations and rewards thorough exploration with concept art and bonus levels.
Difficulty & accessibility
Anniversary includes clearer hints for puzzles and an achievement system, while Tomb Raider III relies on a checkpoint system.
Graphics & performance
Anniversary offers an HD visual overhaul with high-definition textures and lighting, whereas Tomb Raider III features atmospheric graphics from 1998.
Choose Tomb Raider: Anniversary if…
Players wanting modernized controls, an HD visual overhaul, and a lower price point ($19.99).
Choose Tomb Raider III: Adventures of Lara Croft if…
Fans seeking the critically acclaimed globe-trotting classic experience (85/100 score) across six distinct global locations.
Common questions
How much do these games cost?
Tomb Raider: Anniversary costs $19.99, while Tomb Raider III: Adventures of Lara Croft costs $49.99.
Do either of these games feature multiplayer?
No, both Tomb Raider: Anniversary and Tomb Raider III are single-player only.
Which game received better critic reviews?
Tomb Raider III holds an 85/100 critic score, whereas Tomb Raider: Anniversary holds a 69/100 critic score.