in light of the new reveal of tomb raider legacy of atlantis; I figured I’d take a trip down memory lane.

tomb raider anniversary is the first remake of the original tomb raider ‘96, the upcoming tomb raider legacy of atlantis is the second remake of tomb raider ‘96. I have fond memories of playing legend and anniversary during the early 2010s on my potato pc. I appreciate these games, especially legend. several years later, anniversary just doesn’t click. it doesn’t have half the flair legend does.

I couldn’t coin it better ‘playing it feels like paying with your soul’ there’s no real sense of accomplishment, exploration, intrigue towards broader environments and plotlines. it’s a series of ‘here’s a massive door, here’s 3-5 locks you have to take care of before opening it’ and then you’re off to just messing about in the same area to unlock said door. it’s one door after another with brief moments of beautiful scenery and boss fights.

I acknowledge that this is a remake for a game from 1996, and in that respect it might prosper. however, treated as its own thing; it’s a bit eh. still somewhat fun and for $1, can you really argue?

This game is 70% anger 30% "that was bad-ass" and wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't so buggy. The number of errors in this game test your patience and can be discouraging, but if you have enough determination, everything can be solved and fixed - you need to be understanding, this game is pass its prime.

Everybody moaning about how hard or whatever this game is... Moaning about timed sections? It's a puzzle... they are meant to stress you yet they obv can be done so practice, practice, and practice some more. I completed Anniversary when it was released (I also played the original Tomb Raider long time ago so maybe I'm more ready for puzzles and stressful bits than new players) and will promise everybody moaning how it can't be done that it can be done, you just gotta keep trying! I get people who love it if u played it back in the day but this game can beyond frustrating for a first timer in 2026.

It may not be the best Tomb Raider game in the series, but still solving puzzles are on high-level and makes me guilty pleasure. Exploring the redesigned, refreshed locations looking for some secrets and discover hidden content offered by Anniversary is satisfacting. If you are a loyal Lara Croft fan, this is a title you cannot ignore, despite the technical difficulties you might encounter.

To sum up, Anniversary is definitely worth your attention. The atmosphere of games from the 2000s is unique and inimitable. These were times when games were made with passion, focusing on details. I spent 25 hours enjoying it and have no regrets, although dealing with all the bugs was quite a challenge but the gameplay makes up for all the anger.

If you use a PS4 controller I would not try to play this game, after reading articles unless you have DS4 Windows or an XBOX controller you really can't play this game on controller.