Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – Anniversary revitalizes the classic exploration and platforming mechanics of the original Tomb Raider with a fresh layer of polish. From the moment you step into Lara’s boots, the game emphasizes fluid movement and acrobatic traversal, encouraging you to leap, shimmy, and grapple your way through intricately designed tombs. The introduction of rope swinging and a grappling hook—borrowed from later entries in the series—adds depth to familiar environments, making each area feel both nostalgic and new.

Puzzles have been reimagined to favor verticality and momentum over the block-pushing and key-hunting of the 1996 original. You’ll find yourself navigating narrow ledges, timing jumps across crumbling platforms, and using new moves to access hidden alcoves. This shift towards agility-based challenges keeps the pace brisk and ensures that each tomb delivers a unique playground of environmental obstacles.

Combat retains Tomb Raider’s signature dual-wield shooting but demands more precision, as manual targeting replaces auto-lock mechanics. Encounters with standard foes feel balanced, yet boss fights stand out as distinct, enclosed stages. Here, Lara’s “adrenaline dodge” ability allows for cinematic slow-motion evasions, and some bosses even integrate light puzzle-solving into the fray. Quick-time events pepper certain cutscenes, adding tension and interactivity to key narrative moments.

Players on the Wii will appreciate the motion-controlled aiming and platforming enhancements, along with a few puzzles exclusive to Nintendo’s console. Though some may find motion inputs less precise, they offer a fresh way to engage with Lara’s toolkit, making the Anniversary edition a compelling choice across multiple platforms.

Graphics

Powered by a significantly upgraded graphics engine, Anniversary delivers crisp textures, dynamic lighting, and detailed character models that surpass the original’s primitive visuals. Lara’s iconic outfit and gear gleam under torchlight, and environments—from fog-shrouded temples to sun-baked desert ruins—are rendered with atmospheric fidelity that brings each locale to life.

Level redesigns have afforded artists the freedom to reimagine classic tombs with richly layered backdrops and interactive set pieces. Ancient statues, cascading waterfalls, and ornately carved walls create immersive scenes, while subtle particle effects—dust motes, sparks, and water splashes—heighten the sense of place. The result is a cohesive world that respects the original’s spirit yet looks thoroughly modern.

Character animations benefit greatly from the new engine, with Lara’s movements appearing smooth and weighty. Whether she’s spinning through the air, performing acrobatic flips, or drawing her dual pistols, her motions feel responsive and grounded. Cutscenes showcase expressive facial animations and improved cinematography, ensuring story beats land with greater emotional impact than ever before.

Story

Anniversary retains the core narrative of the first Tomb Raider—Lara Croft’s quest for an ancient artifact in perilous locations across the globe—while expanding and refining the tale through enhanced cutscenes and dialogue. Voice performances have been polished and enriched, lending more personality to Lara’s character and a stronger sense of adventure to her journey.

Newly written exchanges reveal deeper motivations for supporting characters and raise the stakes of Lara’s expedition. Moments that were once silent or implied now play out in fully rendered sequences, weaving tension and intrigue into pivotal discoveries. This narrative expansion rewards both returning fans, who will appreciate the added context, and newcomers seeking a more cinematic experience.

The pacing of Anniversary’s story benefits from the redesigned level flow. As you progress through each environment, cutscenes trigger at natural breaking points, balancing exploration with narrative progression. Quick-time events during certain scenes heighten immersion, making you an active participant in Lara’s daring escapes and near-misses.

Overall Experience

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – Anniversary strikes a fine balance between nostalgia and innovation. Fans of the original will relish the familiar locales and storyline, now enhanced with modern gameplay mechanics and visual flair. Meanwhile, players discovering the franchise for the first time will find an accessible yet challenging action-adventure that stands strong on its own merits.

The game’s blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat remains engaging throughout, with difficulty tuned to encourage experimentation with Lara’s expanded move set. Secrets and collectibles dotted across levels provide ample reason for replay, and varied environments—from icy caverns to volcanic temples—keep the adventure feeling fresh.

While minor control quirks and occasional camera angles can tangle during intense platforming sections, they rarely detract from the overall enjoyment. Multiple platform releases mean you can choose the version that best fits your setup: the Wii edition for motion controls, or console and PC builds for more traditional gameplay. Regardless of your choice, Anniversary delivers a robust and entertaining journey that honors Tomb Raider’s legacy while carving its own identity.

Retro Replay Score

8/10