Historically, Tomb Raider has been a platform game. Or at least, it used to be. It always had its share of action, but its shift towards being a full-fledged adventure game, sometimes focusing more on platforming and puzzles, other times more on action, and more recently, leaning towards cinematic adventure, has been noticeable. These changes have aimed to adapt the franchise to the sensibilities of each era, striving to keep it relevant, with varying degrees of success. But despite the changes, it has always felt like the same game. Like Tomb Raider.
The Lara Croft Collection takes an even more abrupt turn than any of the previous games in the franchise. With a top-down view, we control Lara, but the game is a twin-stick shooter. We move Lara with the left stick, aim with the right stick, and use the buttons for various actions, particularly shooting. This gives it a much more direct, arcade, old-school style that is very different from anything we’ve seen from Tomb Raider so far. Even older than the franchise itself.
But that’s the key. It’s true that the game is a twin-stick shooter. What’s undeniable is that it also remains a pure Tomb Raider-style adventure game. With all that entails.
In the game, there are traps to avoid, enemies to kill, vast chasms to navigate, and puzzles to solve. All the franchise’s elements are here, but with a different and more old-school control scheme than what is customary in the franchise. This, in turn, gives it a much more frenetic pace, making it feel very distinct compared to other games in the franchise. Especially in combat, where everything feels more intense and violent than is typical in Lara’s case.
But at the end of the day, it’s still a Tomb Raider. Jumps require calculation and contemplation. Puzzles require a bit of thought. Traps require careful navigation. And while none of it is overly complex, as the core gameplay revolves around shooting, it brings the experience closer to what defines a game in the franchise.
What aids in this is that the story is exactly what we would expect from a Tomb Raider game. Something straightforward, a bit silly, and direct. We jump right into the action, with Lara needing to stop some villains from triggering an apocalyptic event after they steal the treasure she was planning to appropriate. The story isn’t very deep or overly significant, but it provides exactly what we need: an exotic setting and a good excuse.
Of course, all of this would be for naught if the port wasn’t good. But in fact, it is. The Lara Croft Collection includes Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light and Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris, and there’s likely no better way to play them nowadays than on the Nintendo Switch. Perfectly smooth, without any noticeable glitches of any kind, the game is a joy to play, whether connected to the TV or in handheld mode. This makes it a perfect solution for a game with a strong old-school, arcade-style focus, where comfort and enjoyment add an extra layer of fun.
However, we must acknowledge that beyond being a Tomb Raider, it is, first and foremost, a twin-stick shooter. An arcade game. A title that shines brightest when played with friends in doubles (or triples, or even quadruples!), where its real essence lies in replaying levels and attempting to conquer challenges. This is where its difficulty and true allure lie. It’s not just appealing, it’s genuinely enjoyable. A small gem that may not grab attention as much as the franchise reboot that Crystal Dynamics would deliver a few years later, but undoubtedly, it’s an excellent addition to your library if you’re a Tomb Raider fan. Most importantly, if you appreciate the concept of a modern game with an unmistakable classic flavor.
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