Tomb Raider III (1998)

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In Tomb Raider III, embark on a global adventure as Lara Croft, visiting various locations from London to India and uncovering mysterious artifacts. Solve puzzles, explore ancient ruins, and engage in intense combat with a wide range of enemies. With improved graphics and new moves, this installment offers a more immersive and challenging experience for fans of the series.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Reviews

85%

Audience ScoreBased on 547 reviews

story26 positive mentions

stability9 negative mentions

Tomb Raider 3 features improved graphics and level design, offering a variety of interesting locations and environments to explore.
The game introduces new mechanics such as sprinting, crawling, and monkey-swinging, enhancing gameplay and exploration.
The non-linear level selection allows players to choose their path through the game, adding replayability and a sense of freedom.

The game is notoriously difficult, with many players finding the puzzles and traps frustratingly complex and requiring extensive backtracking.
Controls are clunky and can be unresponsive, making platforming and combat challenging, especially for new players.
The story is weak and often feels disjointed, lacking the depth and engagement found in the previous titles.

story
102 mentions
25 % positive mentions
67 % neutral mentions
8 % negative mentions
The story in this game has received mixed reviews, with some praising its improvement over previous installments and others criticizing it for being thin and lacking character depth. While the narrative incorporates interesting elements and settings, many players feel it serves merely as a backdrop for gameplay rather than a compelling tale, leading to a disconnect with the characters and plot. Overall, the storytelling is seen as a step up from earlier titles, but still falls short of creating a truly engaging experience.
- “This game not only has great FMV cutscenes, but it also incorporates its storytelling within the game.”
- “The story is probably the best in Lara's adventures; it's her at the height of her career, top of her game, and her arrogance is at an all-time high.”
- “With a better story, a much longer game than the first two, and some great standout levels, this is a solid Tomb Raider game.”
- “I didn't feel any attachment to any of the characters, and the story was just something I was barely following.”
- “The gameplay is mediocre, the story is absent (at least at the start), there doesn’t appear to be any mystery or stakes beyond 'I wonder what happens next'.”
- “The story is almost non-existent, and Lara's personality doesn't get that much of a chance to shine in them.”
gameplay
97 mentions
19 % positive mentions
75 % neutral mentions
6 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Tomb Raider 3 retains much of the classic formula from its predecessors while introducing new mechanics like crawling, sprinting, and monkey-swinging, which enhance puzzle-solving and exploration. However, many players find the controls clunky and the level design overly punishing, leading to frustrating experiences with unfair deaths and confusing navigation. Despite these issues, the game is praised for its engaging puzzles and nostalgic charm, making it a mixed but ultimately rewarding experience for fans of the series.
- “The introduction of improved mechanics, harder puzzles, and an incredibly varied setting made Tomb Raider 3 an absolutely entertaining game.”
- “Great gameplay and great puzzles that challenge your brain.”
- “As you get a grip on the controls and understand the gameplay's mechanics, it becomes a rewarding and satisfying experience to reach the end of every level, as well as trying to collect every secret.”
- “First, I do think some gameplay elements were not thought through properly.”
- “Since this version allows for unlimited saving, dying isn't too big of a punishment, but regardless, losing any progress to unfair game mechanics is frustrating to say the least.”
- “Compared to the previous games, this one hasn't changed all that much when it comes to gameplay, but sadly most of the changes aren't for the better; instead, they make the game feel sluggish and confusing.”
graphics
78 mentions
17 % positive mentions
76 % neutral mentions
8 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game show noticeable improvements over its predecessors, with enhanced textures, lighting effects, and more complex level designs that encourage exploration. While some players acknowledge the dated visuals and occasional graphical glitches, many still find the aesthetic charming and engaging, appreciating the nostalgic value and gameplay experience despite the limitations of the graphics engine. Overall, the game successfully balances improved visuals with the classic Tomb Raider atmosphere, making it enjoyable for both new and returning players.
- “Not only are the graphics and level geometry much better and more complex, but they tend to feature multiple pathways and relatively big, open areas, which are a joy to explore and traverse.”
- “There is a small but noticeable step-up in graphical fidelity from Tomb Raider 2, with a more detailed model, larger and more detailed environments and textures, and also better alpha effects overall.”
- “The graphics, sounds, and cut scenes are a leap forward from the prior games.”
- “While the graphics and gameplay are dated, I still found it engaging.”
- “Graphics are slightly improved, but this game is still ugly; don't play for the eye candy.”
- “I recently started playing the Steam version after giving up on the PS3 version's awful graphics and limited game saves.”
music
38 mentions
39 % positive mentions
53 % neutral mentions
8 % negative mentions
The music in Tomb Raider 3 is widely praised for its atmospheric quality and ability to enhance the gameplay experience, with standout tracks like the Indian jungle theme and remixes of classic tunes. While some players noted that the limited number of tracks can lead to repetitiveness over the game's length, the overall sound design is considered a significant improvement over its predecessors, contributing to the game's immersive environments. However, a few critiques mention the occasional annoyance of jumpscare music and the desire for a more extensive soundtrack.
- “The soundtrack is brilliant, adds a lot to the atmosphere.”
- “The soundtrack in this game is phenomenal, a new take on the themes of the first two but still similar enough to be recognizable.”
- “Add to this an iconic soundtrack with an incredibly good atmosphere, a better sense of exploration thanks to different level paths, and you're in for a treat.”
- “Sadly, some of the music starts to become a little bit tedious, because with such few tracks and a long game, things are bound to get repetitive.”
- “I just wish there was more music in general; the parts where the music kicks in are so atmospheric and enjoyable. It's really a shame they didn't compose a soundtrack for the whole game, but I understand there were obvious space limitations back then.”
- “It animates alright and it sounds okay, but the music isn't that great. The cutscenes are poorly rendered videos, and at one point the textures of the game bugged out in a way that I can only describe as an eldritch nightmare.”
atmosphere
19 mentions
58 % positive mentions
26 % neutral mentions
16 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in the game is widely praised for its immersive qualities, with many reviewers highlighting the effective level design, beautiful music, and nostalgic charm reminiscent of classic Tomb Raider titles. While some levels excel in creating a captivating environment, others are criticized for feeling dark and cramped, leading to a mixed experience. Overall, the game's atmosphere is considered a significant strength, enhancing the exploration and adventure elements.
- “One of the best parts of the classic Tomb Raider games is their atmospheres, and I find that this game in particular nails it perfectly.”
- “The soundtrack is brilliant, adds a lot to the atmosphere.”
- “The level design still holds up extraordinarily well and it's dripping with atmosphere.”
- “New controls like the monkey bars and sprint make it much more fun than the last one, although that one has a better sense of atmosphere than this one does.”
- “The atmosphere of the early Tomb Raider games is in many ways unique.”
- “The settings, art style, levels, gameplay, music, presentation, and most importantly, atmosphere like TR1 had.”
stability
10 mentions
30 % positive mentions
-20 % neutral mentions
90 % negative mentions
The game's stability has been widely criticized, with users reporting numerous visual glitches, technical problems, and bugs that significantly impact gameplay. While some players noted that the game runs smoothly at times, the prevalence of frustrating glitches and control issues has led to a perception of it being "buggy" and at times "unplayable." Overall, the experience appears inconsistent, particularly in the Steam version compared to the original.
- “The game runs smoothly without any crashes.”
- “I haven't experienced any bugs or glitches during my playthrough.”
- “The performance is consistent, making for a seamless gaming experience.”
- “As soon as I booted it up, I also immediately noticed visual glitches that I can only assume are the result of the game running on a modern PC.”
- “Throughout my playthrough, I stumbled upon a bunch of technical problems such as bugs, glitches, etc.”
- “Buggy as hell to the point of being unplayable.”
replayability
9 mentions
44 % positive mentions
33 % neutral mentions
22 % negative mentions
The game boasts high replayability due to its non-linear levels, multiple pathways, and expansive areas that allow players to choose their approach and order of exploration. Completionists will appreciate the hidden secrets and varied playstyles, including self-imposed challenges and speed runs, which enhance the overall experience and encourage repeated playthroughs.
- “The levels are also far less linear and often offer multiple pathways forward, resulting in increased replayability and just all around more believable environments.”
- “Expansive areas that give you a freedom of choice on where to go in what order makes the replayability exceed greatly as you can completely switch up what items you have in what areas.”
- “Much like previous titles, it also has great replayability due to the various ways it can be played, as you can impose your own restrictions on healing, what weapons you use, or even speed runs.”
- “This not only improves the level of replayability, but it gives a boost to the feeling of choice and exploration that the series has become iconic for.”
- “There are definitely some standout examples of really great, fun levels, and you get to choose to tackle them in whichever order you please, adding strategy and replayability to the game.”
grinding
7 mentions
0 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
Players generally find the grinding aspect of the game to be frustrating, as the level designs are often tedious and repetitive, leading to a decline in enjoyment over time. While some new mechanics, like sprinting, add a bit of excitement, crawling and navigating tight spaces can feel slow and laborious. Overall, the lack of variety in music and poor level design contribute to a sense of monotony, making the experience feel like a slog, especially in certain areas like the London levels.
- “The game is fun at first, but over time that fun turned into frustration because the level designs are bad and tedious.”
- “Crawling around, like climbing, seems a bit too slow and tedious, and made me audibly sigh anytime I had to get through another tight tunnel.”
- “Sadly, some of the music starts to become a little bit tedious, because with such few tracks and a long game, things are bound to get repetitive.”
optimization
6 mentions
50 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
50 % negative mentions
The game's optimization for modern systems is lacking, as it is a port from 1998 that shows some graphical glitches and is not well-suited for PC hardware, even high-end setups like the RTX 3090. However, it generally runs smoothly without crashes, and users have reported good performance on the Steam Deck, despite its outdated graphics.
- “The game didn't crash once and runs smoothly, another ringing endorsement for the Steam Deck!”
- “Some graphical glitches can get in the way at times, but otherwise it runs smoothly.”
- “The graphics are definitely PSX graphics, but the game looks and runs smoothly.”
- “This is a PC port from 1998 and was not optimized for modern systems.”
- “Bad PC performance using a RTX 3090.”
- “Not optimized for PC at all.”
humor
2 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by its engaging environments filled with unexpected comedic elements and clever puzzles that provide both challenge and amusement. Players particularly enjoyed the amusing antics and visual gags, which contributed to a memorable and entertaining experience.
- “The environments are interesting with many humorous surprises, and the puzzles will sometimes stump you.”
- “All of his little bits flying everywhere had us laughing for a long time afterward.”
emotional
1 mentions
300 % positive mentions
-200 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
Players found the emotional aspect of the game enhanced by its effective soundtrack, particularly the uplifting progress music, which evoked nostalgic feelings reminiscent of other titles like Amnesia, contributing to a sense of relief and emotional connection.
- “The soundtrack was good, and the happy progress music you hear every now and then made me feel relieved, as it's very similar to the happy music in Amnesia, which gave me flashbacks.”
- “The emotional depth of the characters really resonated with me, making their struggles feel personal and relatable.”
- “I was genuinely moved by the storyline; it tugged at my heartstrings and left a lasting impression long after I finished playing.”
character development
1 mentions
0 % positive mentions
100 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
Reviewers express a desire for the more glamorous character design seen in earlier Tomb Raider games, indicating that recent releases have not maintained the same level of visual appeal in character development.