Tomb Raider III: Adventures of Lara Croft vs Tomb Raider: Legend
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
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.
Tomb Raider: Legend follows Lara Croft on a globe‑spanning quest to uncover the mystery of her mother’s disappearance. The game blends classic platforming with modern combat and puzzle design. With richly detailed environments, cinematic cut‑scenes, and a refreshed control scheme, Legend redefines the series for both longtime fans and newcomers, delivering a balanced mix of exploration, combat, and storytelling.
- Iconic level design across diverse environments
- Balanced mix of shooting and puzzle solving
- Memorable soundtrack and atmospheric graphics
- Strong sense of exploration and discovery
- Fluid and responsive third‑person controls
- Engaging mix of puzzles and combat
- Strong narrative that revitalizes Lara’s backstory
- Visually impressive environments for its generation
- Controls feel dated compared to modern standards
- Limited camera angles can cause occasional frustration
- Save system is checkpoint‑based, not continuous
- Occasional camera issues in tight spaces
- Some puzzles feel repetitive after extended play
- Multiplayer is absent, limiting replay modes
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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.
Alternatives to Tomb Raider: Legend
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Lara Croft returns in a dark, cinematic adventure battling demons and conspiracies.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataTomb Raider III is the safer default for players prioritizing higher critical acclaim and a lower price, while Tomb Raider: Legend appeals to those seeking a modern control scheme and narrative reboot at a higher cost. The main trade-off is between critical reception and price versus control fluidity and storytelling.
Key differences
- •Critical Reception: Tomb Raider III holds a significantly higher critic score of 85/100 compared to Tomb Raider: Legend's 60/100.
- •Price: Tomb Raider III is priced at $49.99, whereas Tomb Raider: Legend costs $59.99.
- •Controls and Movement: Tomb Raider: Legend features a fluid third-person control scheme allowing seamless transitions, while Tomb Raider III features controls that feel dated.
- •Narrative Focus: Tomb Raider: Legend drives a narrative exploring Lara's family history and personal growth through cinematic cut-scenes and voice acting.
Gameplay & fun factor
Tomb Raider III achieves an 85/100 critic score with iconic level design, while Legend sits at 60/100 with occasional repetitive puzzles.
Platform availability
Not specified in detail beyond general platforms; specific platform lists are not fully provided for a direct comparison.
Price & value
Tomb Raider III costs $49.99 (MSRP), making it cheaper than Tomb Raider: Legend which is priced at $59.99.
Multiplayer / co-op
Both games support single player only and do not feature multiplayer modes.
Content & replayability
Tomb Raider III features six distinct global locations with unique hazards and a hidden collectible system rewarding concept art and bonus levels.
Difficulty & accessibility
Tomb Raider: Legend offers fluid, responsive controls without button-mashing, whereas Tomb Raider III has controls that feel dated.
Graphics & performance
Tomb Raider: Legend delivers high-definition graphics with detailed textures and realistic lighting, plus dynamic weather and day-night cycles.
Choose Tomb Raider III: Adventures of Lara Croft if…
Classic adventure gamers seeking high critical acclaim, iconic level design, and a lower price point.
Choose Tomb Raider: Legend if…
Action-adventure platform gamers wanting fluid controls, a narrative reboot, and high-definition graphics.
Common questions
Which game is less expensive?
Tomb Raider III is less expensive with an MSRP of $49.99, compared to Tomb Raider: Legend at $59.99.
Which game received better reviews from critics?
Tomb Raider III received a higher critic score of 85/100, while Tomb Raider: Legend received a critic score of 60/100.
Do either of these games include multiplayer?
No, both Tomb Raider III and Tomb Raider: Legend are single player games with no multiplayer specified.