Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Tomb Raider: Gold retains the core mechanics that made the original classic so compelling, while introducing two fresh chapters that expand Lara Croft’s adventure. Players can expect the trademark blend of platforming, environmental puzzles, and precision shooting. The added Egypt chapter challenges you with new traps and feline-themed puzzles, demanding both patience and problem-solving skills.

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The second chapter, acting as a bridge between the original release and the new Egypt scenario, drops you right back into the heart of Atlantean danger. Sliding down steep chutes and navigating crumbling ruins feels as thrilling as ever, with the same tight control scheme that rewards careful timing and spatial awareness. Combat encounters remain satisfying, pitting Lara against wild animals, hostile mercenaries, and supernatural guardians.

Replayability gets a boost with the Gold Edition’s chapter select feature, letting you dive straight into Egypt or the Atlantean aftermath without replaying the entire campaign. Hidden relics and secret areas scattered across both new levels beckon completionists, while the familiar save-anywhere mechanic ensures you won’t lose progress in the toughest sections. Whether you’re a veteran treasure hunter or a newcomer, these additions freshen up the classic Tomb Raider formula.

Graphics

Though rooted in a late-’90s engine, Tomb Raider: Gold’s visuals still hold a certain nostalgic charm. Polygonal character models and blocky environments have a distinct retro feel that veteran players will recognize instantly. The Egypt chapter stands out thanks to its sun-baked color palette, complete with sandy dunes, ornate hieroglyphs, and the towering walls of Khamoon’s forbidden temple.

Lighting effects, though primitive by modern standards, are used cleverly to create moody corridors lit by flickering torches and sudden shafts of daylight. In the feline temple, your torchlight casts dancing shadows across carved stone reliefs of the goddess Bast, enhancing the sense of mystery and danger. The second chapter’s ice-rimmed slopes and dark cavern backdrops deliver a stark contrast, underscoring Lara’s relentless journey from Atlantean ruins to Egyptian tombs.

Texture reuse and blocky geometry are readily apparent, but the designers compensated with imaginative set pieces and vertical architecture that push the engine’s limits. Character animations, from Lara’s iconic dive roll to her powerful standing jump, remain fluid enough to sell the action. While it won’t compete with today’s high-definition titles, Tomb Raider: Gold offers a charming window into the evolution of 3D adventure gaming.

Story

Picking up several months after the original Tomb Raider, the Gold Edition’s first new chapter sends Lara back to Egypt, where rumors swirl around an undiscovered temple dedicated to Bast, the cat goddess. Returning to Khamoon, Lara must decode ancient inscriptions, avoid feline guardians, and unearth a secret cult’s hidden treasures. The narrative strikes a balance between archaeological intrigue and supernatural suspense.

The second chapter functions as both a prequel and a direct continuation of the main game’s climax. As Lara slides down the slope of Atlantis’s final descent, the plot propels her forward into uncharted territory. The stakes feel higher, since the remnants of the Atlantean race—and their advanced, deadly technology—loom closer than ever. Small cutscenes and environmental storytelling fill in the gaps, making Gold feel like an essential connective tissue rather than mere bonus content.

Dialogue remains sparse but effective, with Lara’s determined voiceover guiding you from one archaeological puzzle to the next. Villainous henchmen and supernatural foes provide verbal taunts and chilling growls, heightening the tension. While the overarching story doesn’t reinvent Tomb Raider lore, it enriches the original experience by explaining what happened to Lara in the months after her first globe-trotting adventure.

Overall Experience

Tomb Raider: Gold is an exemplary expansion that adds meaningful content without compromising the integrity of the original. The two new chapters bring fresh environments, tougher challenges, and deeper insight into Lara Croft’s evolving quest. Longtime fans will appreciate the continuity, while newcomers gain an incentive to explore the base game before diving into Gold’s special missions.

The Gold Edition’s packaging of bonus levels, secret relics, and chapter select makes it a highly accessible package even for those who have already completed the standard release. With its blend of platforming, puzzle-solving, and gunplay, the gameplay remains as gripping today as it was over two decades ago. Lara’s athletic prowess and unflappable confidence shine through every perilous vault and turret room.

Though the graphics show their age, the game’s atmosphere, soundtrack, and level design carry it through. Tomb Raider: Gold stands as both a nostalgic trip down gaming history and a solid standalone experience. If you’re seeking classic adventure, challenging puzzles, and a deeper look at Lara Croft’s early expeditions, this edition is an essential addition to your collection.

Retro Replay Score

7.7/10