Tomb Raider I for Windows

Tomb Raider Makes a Comeback — Short Summary

The original Tomb Raider has been rereleased for Android, iOS, and PC. It preserves the core content and old-school feel of Lara Croft’s first outing, but this port leaves several things untouched — including some problems that show their age.

What the re-release contains

• A total of 15 levels that send Lara to locations around the globe
• Greece, Peru, and Egypt as a few of the exotic settings she explores
• A mission to recover an artifact known as The Kindred, sent by antagonist Jacqueline Natla

Level design and gameplay feel

The game still nails the exploratory, pulp-adventure atmosphere often compared to Indiana Jones: you hunt lost relics, bypass ancient traps, and solve environmental puzzles that reward careful thought. Many of the original levels remain well designed, with platforming sections and hazard-heavy rooms that demand precise timing and planning. Be prepared for tight jumps and enemies that can quickly end your run.

Technical shortcomings and controls

Unfortunately, the port highlights how dated the original title is. Textures weren’t refreshed for modern displays, so characters and environments look blocky and low-detail at higher resolutions. The control scheme is another major frustration — the game retains the original’s ponderous movement (Lara often feels like a slow, heavy vehicle), and there are virtually no configuration options on PC. Mobile versions rely on touchscreen controls that don’t smooth out the clunkiness. Overall, this release reproduces the awkward handling and visual limitations rather than improving them.

Is this the edition to play?

If your main goal is to relive the exact first Tomb Raider experience, this rerelease delivers authenticity. If you want a smoother, more polished adventure, consider other entries instead.

Recommended alternatives:

• The recent franchise reboot (a modern, fully updated take)
• Tomb Raider: Anniversary (a remastered reimagining of the classic)
• Tomb Raider II (the paid sequel, a different early-era Lara adventure)

Bottom line: a faithful but rough port — fine for nostalgia, less so for players seeking modernized presentation and controls.