Tomb Raider I for iPhone

Quick summary of the re-release

The original Tomb Raider has been reissued for Android, iOS, and PC. This edition brings Lara Croft’s very first outing back to modern devices, but it’s a straightforward port rather than a full overhaul. Fans will recognize the core experience immediately, though technical and control issues may affect how enjoyable it feels today.

Where the action takes place

Lara’s debut spans 15 distinct levels set across several exotic locales, including:

• Greece
• Egypt
• Peru

These environments provide the backdrop for exploration, platforming, and puzzle-solving throughout the game.

Plot and motivation

Lara is sent on her inaugural expedition by Jacqueline Natla to recover a mysterious relic known as The Kindred. The journey forces Croft to confront both natural hazards and hostile creatures as she pieces together the artifact’s secrets.

Level design and tone

The game retains the deliberate design that made the original memorable. Expect:

• Challenging jumps, hidden traps, and environmental puzzles that demand careful thinking
• Encounters with aggressive fauna and enemies that punish careless movement
• An atmosphere reminiscent of pulpy adventure films—think treasure hunting and tomb exploration

Technical shortcomings and controls

This re-release suffers from a number of shortcomings that make it feel dated on modern hardware. Key issues include:

• Touchscreen and default PC controls that echo the awkward handling of the original; Lara’s momentum feels heavy and imprecise
• Graphics left largely unchanged, resulting in low-detail models and textures that look blocky on high-resolution displays

Because there are no updated textures or modern control customization options on PC, the port struggles to match contemporary expectations.

Final thoughts — who should play it?

If your goal is to relive the authentic first Tomb Raider experience, this release will deliver that nostalgia. If you’re after a more polished or modernized take, consider one of the updated alternatives instead:

• The Tomb Raider reboot (the recent franchise relaunch)
• Tomb Raider: Anniversary

Choose the re-release only if you want the original gameplay intact; otherwise, a remaster or remake will likely offer a smoother, more forgiving experience.