Since its first release in 1996, the classic Tomb Raider series has received a dizzying amount of titles to its name, and it can be overwhelming trying to compare them all at once. Including remakes and reboots, there are twelve games in the main series (and that's not counting the many spin-offs, like mobile games). It's hard enough to keep track of the confusing Tomb Raider storyline, much less choose which game is best, considering the stark twenty-two-year gap between the first and last releases.Continuing with its second series of reboots, Crystal Dynamics announced in 2022 that development is underway for a new Tomb Raider game, which uses Unreal Engine 5. The upcoming title will seemingly tie into the cherished original saga, and, at minimum, should contain some stunning visuals as players accompany Lara Croft on yet another action-filled, archeological adventure. It might have a hard time competing with the best game in the Tomb Raider series, though, which set expectations high for future remakes.
The Best Tomb Raider Game Is Tomb Raider's 2013 Reboot
The best Tomb Raider game is the 2013 reboot of the original Tomb Raider. Being the first in the Survivor Trilogy, it completely rewrites Lara's story, and she becomes more than just the femme fatale with pistols and a ponytail (which, albeit iconic, didn't add any character development). Players are introduced to a troubled, far more believable version of the character who deals with real-life problems, even before Lara raided any tombs in Tomb Raider. Accompanied by an increase in blood, guts, and gore, it was quite a leap from the more family-friendly direction the series had attempted previously, but it was ultimately a success.
2013 Remake Of Tomb Raider Revitalizes Gameplay
Character development aside, the 2013 reboot of Tomb Raider also refreshed the series with some much-needed updates to core mechanics. A less flashy combat system allowed players to immerse themselves in the strange, occult setting of Yamatai, and it even brought back stealth, which let players choose how to tackle the game. As is expected of any Tomb Raider game, there was no shortage of engaging puzzles and platforming, but it set itself apart even further by introducing both a multiplayer PvP mode and an RPG skill tree for the first time.
Regardless of what Tomb Raider's Lara might do next, this reboot of the original is a gem that'll be hard to top. Not only is it a well-rounded gameplay experience with improved combat and engaging new features, it also managed to successfully rewrite one of the oldest female characters in video game history - which is no small feat. If the upcoming Unreal Engine 5 title is anything like the 2013 reboot of the original Tomb Raider, it could vie for the top spot in the franchise (although it'll be in for a tough match).
Source: Crystal Dynamics/Twitter