Tomb Raider II vs Tomb Raider III: Adventures of Lara Croft
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Tomb Raider II expands on the iconic action‑adventure formula, sending Lara Croft across exotic locations like Venice, the Great Wall of China, and a lost island. The game blends platforming, shooting, and brain‑teasing puzzles while delivering a cinematic narrative that builds on the original’s legacy. Originally released in 1997, the title has been re‑released for modern platforms, preserving the classic feel with updated controls and graphics. Players experience single‑player exploration, combat, and intricate level design that rewards curiosity and skill.
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.
- Iconic level design and memorable locations
- Expanded weapon variety over the original
- Rich puzzle variety that encourages exploration
- Timeless gameplay that still feels rewarding
- Iconic level design across diverse environments
- Balanced mix of shooting and puzzle solving
- Memorable soundtrack and atmospheric graphics
- Strong sense of exploration and discovery
- Dated graphics compared to modern titles
- Limited save system can be unforgiving
- Single-player only, no multiplayer modes
- Controls feel dated compared to modern standards
- Limited camera angles can cause occasional frustration
- Save system is checkpoint‑based, not continuous
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Tomb Raider II
View all →Lara returns for a globe‑trotting quest of puzzles, shooters, and ancient secrets.
Lara Croft returns to uncover ancient Egyptian secrets in a classic action‑puzzle adventure.
Alternatives to Tomb Raider III: Adventures of Lara Croft
View all →Lara Croft returns to uncover ancient Egyptian secrets in a classic action‑puzzle adventure.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataTomb Raider II is the safer, more budget-friendly default at $19.99 with high critical acclaim, whereas Tomb Raider III costs $49.99 and introduces a checkpoint system alongside an expanded bow arsenal, trading a higher price for newer late-90s features.
Key differences
- •Price: Tomb Raider II is priced at $19.99, while Tomb Raider III is significantly more expensive at $49.99 (MSRP).
- •Release Year: Tomb Raider II launched in November 1997, whereas Tomb Raider III released a year later in November 1998.
- •Save Systems: Tomb Raider III explicitly highlights a checkpoint system that saves progress after each major area, while Tomb Raider II's save system is noted as limited and unforgiving.
- •Arsenal and Combat: Tomb Raider III includes a bow and grenade launcher alongside pistols and a shotgun, while Tomb Raider II highlights the introduction of dual pistols and a shotgun.
Gameplay & fun factor
Both games feature six distinct global locations, dynamic enemy AI, and a mix of puzzles and shooting based on Core Design's formula.
Platform availability
Tomb Raider II explicitly highlights an improved control scheme optimized for PlayStation 3, PC, and Mac platforms.
Price & value
Tomb Raider II costs $19.99 MSRP, making it substantially cheaper than Tomb Raider III at $49.99.
Multiplayer / co-op
Both games support single player only, with no multiplayer modes specified for either title.
Content & replayability
Both games feature six global locations and secret areas/collectibles that reward exploration and bonus content (art/levels in TR3).
Difficulty & accessibility
Tomb Raider III includes a checkpoint system that saves progress after major areas, reducing backtracking frustration compared to TR2's unforgiving save system.
Graphics & performance
Tomb Raider II supports high-resolution textures and widescreen display for modern hardware, unlike TR3 which lacks these specific mentions.
Choose Tomb Raider II if…
Budget-conscious players looking for a classic adventure with modern high-resolution and widescreen support at a lower price.
Choose Tomb Raider III: Adventures of Lara Croft if…
Players wanting a checkpoint save system and a wider arsenal including a bow and grenades.
Common questions
Which game is cheaper?
Tomb Raider II is cheaper with an MSRP of $19.99, compared to Tomb Raider III's MSRP of $49.99.
Do either of these games feature multiplayer?
No, both Tomb Raider II and Tomb Raider III are single player only with no multiplayer modes.
What are the age ratings for these games?
Both Tomb Raider II and Tomb Raider III are rated ESRB T and PEGI 12.