In case you missed, there's my take on the Tomb Raider 1 here - kzfaq.info/get/bejne/aN17nq92nsitias.html

You are right, but i think the core of classic Tomb Raider's was the levels. And the sequels really improved on level design. i wish there where new Tomb raider games like the classic ones, the current formula kinda sucks

I disagree. I love Tomb Raider 2 and it's atmosphere and level design. I DO agree with you saying the amount of human enemies was a little ridiculous though. Either way, those urban sections had their own cool vibe to them too. To me, it was a nice change of pace. This is still my favorite Tomb Raider game out of the whole series

Tomb Raider 2 is definitely my favourite TR game from late 90s, by far. This game is million times better than 1st Tomb Raider in every aspect, I completed TR2 propably hundreds of times and never got bored. And I don't care what people think about this game, it won't change my opinion :)

I found the endless wave of human enemies tedious as well. The controls were not built for that. I also agree that Tomb Raider's aging engine stuck around far too long. After the 3rd game they should have built another engine.

It's good to hear the views of someone who isn't a fan of Tomb Raider 2, the game really is a lateral move in so many ways. I'd say the reason for so many of the changes was to encourage younger gamers - the first game is great but you have to be a lot more stoic and methodical in exploration and puzzle solving so kids would give up a lot easier. It's kind of an Alien/Aliens situation.

I played through TR2 again recently and yeah, pretty much agree. Although, it's only when going back to TR1 I realise how many little things TR2 changed. Like flares, rolling mid-air, etc etc. It's a lot of subtle stuff. I still love the Maria Doria as a unique spin on a "tomb" -- it's a modern tomb really.

Always nice to find someone analyzing old TR games. Subscribed. Pozdrav :)

This one and 3 were my favourites. I finished 2 as a child. But I could never ever finish the 3rd one. While I liked London levels very much I was always getting stuck in them.

Great vid, love this game. I think the single factor deciding which Tomb Raider is best is level design - most of the classic games (1996 - 2000) are technically much the same. But all the games have massively different levels, which usually people love or hate. Myself I find it hard to improve upon Tomb Raider 1 and 2's level design.

For me: The Great Wall Bartoli's Hideout Opera House Living Quarters Temple of Xian Floating Islands Home Sweet Home are the reasons TR2 to be my favorite game from the Core Design's times.

I actually liked the mixed level design between beeing isolated in century-long-abandoned places or roaming around a city. I thought it gave the title a nice variety, and TR 2 is my favorite from the classic games. Especially the Maria Doria-Levels had an eerie, nice mix from both for me. Considering the fact how fast they had to develope that game, I think it turned out splendid. But I can understand everybody who prefers the lost and abandoned places. They were, without a doubt, the speciality of the classic series. Overall, a great video, and I understand your points of view. How I miss the classic TR Series. The new games missed something special the old games had for me. Thanks for the video =)

I played through TR1 and TR2 back-to-back, and my biggest complaint was how the level design didn't really fit the controls and mechanics of Lara. She was made with the caverns and tombs of the first game in mind. Throwing her into tight, building-like places that were full of enemies was NOT the direction they should've taken, unless they completely changed up her kit (which, from what I've seen, is how they handled it in TR3 and beyond). Great game, but man, I'd rather replay TR1 over and over again than trudge through half of the levels in TR2 again.

the first tomb raider that felt like that was in my opinion tomb raider iv, it was a huge step to it but it had still the old tank controlls that were outdated at that time and the same block scheme as the first game, it introduced a lot new mechanics but those could not make up for the lack of innovation in the mentioned other parts

Watching this, imagining all these levels in the remaster… gonna be amazing !

Your TR videos are really good! I love your style, man 😁

I hope to see a video on Tomb Raider III, that game is so obnoxiously hard. Hardest game for me that I ever played. Maybe not for others but it is my Achilles heel. Madubu Gorge is sadistic.

I couldn’t agree more. I decided to play TR2 first when I got the remasters. It’s great. But then I went back to TR1 and there’s just no comparison. The sense of isolation and discovery in the first game is like nothing they’ve ever been able to replicate.

I think 3 was better. A better mix of urban/nature/ancient environments. Better atmosphere and sound, better balanced amount of enemies, the only downside to 3 is the saving system/too dark screen/london levels. And maybe obscure puzzles in a pre-internet world 😅Well, the saving system never gave me trouble but I would have preferred it if the 2’s had been implemented.

And I had no idea there was a way to save anywhere but between the levels when played it through for the first time

Funnily enough your intro sequence is in the Remastered trailer xD nice

The first level is so hard, because it "leads right into" the Temple of Xian, which is a hard level at the end of the game. Lara met that one dude and took a detour to Venice etc. Many games do/did that with their characters. You start the game with a strong high level character, then get into a disaster-situation, lose all your levels and skills, then have to play the game to reaquire your skills.

I think Tomb Raider 3 definely suffered more from sequel syndrome over 2, i think 1 was better than 2 but, well, i guess there are reasons to like 2 over 1 and, it certainly is how it's always leaving you in your toes, but the Tomb Raiding feel just, isn't really there thanks to the amount of human enemmies and more mondane locations, which is TR2's greatest weakness i think, besides, it's not fun to keep always dealing with hit scanners, so, i guess you're right as said in the video.

I'm looking forward to seeing what they come up with for the next Tomb Raider reboot.

Tomb Raider 2 was my first TR game, and the one I fell in love with so I couldn't grasp its weaknesses first. It remains my favorite because of the nostalgia and first love factor lol. But when I played and grasped the whole series, I realized it was the game that had the least amount of TR essence, the characteristics you describe like raiding tombs, isolated places, little action etc were less featured. The first Tomb Raider is really objectively the best TR game ever in those regards, it had the purest adventure feel, the best imagination, and the best balance between action and puzzles. The rest all had some cons, though I think it is still impressive they were able to make these games with only a year of development.

When I first played this, I didn't realise you weren't supposed to shoot the monks. And thus I had to get through that entire level with everyone trying to murder me. It was absolutely rock hard 🤣 - still love TR2 the most though, probably followed by Last Revelation.

My favourite TR by far! 👍

Great test !

A very balanced view of TR 2 & you expressed my feelings about the loss of identity compared to the 1996 original. Great video!

The pleasure of exploring and discovery mysterious places

I loved tr2 way more than any other game. I still play it maybe 4 or 5 tines thru a year

Love the videos. Lovely accent also. When it comes to TR2, i was 4 when the first game came out and i remember watching my mum beat the entire first game. Wholesome memories how excited we got whenever we were stuck and found a way to progress. TR2 was the game my mum did not want to play because of all the human enemies and her just being lovely. To me on the other hand fighting humans in a video game in crazy industrial levels with big ass machine guns was the coolest thing when i got to play it alone and still adore this game a lot. every level finished was the craziest feeling back then, trying to reach the ski-doo levels showcased in the main menu and discovering new guns, that was such a big achievement back when there were no guides and walkthrough videos. in this regard TR 2 was the perfect game for me back then

15:04 im pretty sure you meant to say "dynamic lighting", with just one 'n' in there.

Tomb raider 2 had sharks. That for me is a very negative point. I am very scared of them 😅 I sold the game right away when I saw 40 fathoms. Bought it months later and worked up the courage to overcome those levels. Maybe I saved therapy money?

Cool review and yep, i agree with the points made here

More human enemies really changed the "feel" from the original. I don't think it's an entirely bad thing but I'd argue that it would probably fit an RE4 combat style better.

The original trilogy shares equal value and quality. Even the praise seems equal in my opinion, but I wasn't into it back in the day so maybe the amount of exposure wasn't the same as with the first game, but that's not a problem if that was the case. It was still enormous promo and popularity for the whole trilogy which sparks interest even today.

Excellent video! What did you do to the textures? They look upgraded.

I would enjoy Tomb Raider 2 so much more if it weren’t for the constant, merciless onslaught of italian bodybuilders advancing on Lara in groups of 2-3, crowding her so she can’t even raise her arms to shoot a gun, except when she manages to get the high ground, at which point they all run away to where Lara MIGHT notice them and deign to aim at them now and then, but they can just fill her with lead with perfect accuracy and since there’s also a crowbar guy pacing nearby Lara will decide the guy not actively killing her is her priority and murder him as he sternly parades his blunt weapon around a tile, putting him down just in time for Lara to die so we can reload and try to be slightly quicker. Oooh and the divers! Really love how they have perfect aim with their infinite ammo harpoon guns and Lara seems to burn through like 29 ‘poons while just vaguely gesturing at her attackers as she stared at the gun in confusion and concern!!! Just could a used a few less I think

Similar feeling I have with the modern ones. I feel like the 2013 reboot was best for it's style and more linear design, while the next two were more of a copy and paste of the current trends.

I didn't think that anyone would agree with me that TR2 felt unbalanced with how much combat was involved. While there are a lot of weapons to get Lara out of any situation, it still felt like too much at times, especially with how many human enemies had guns on them. What made it worse was how early these gunmen appear, showing up as early as the second level. Having so many human enemies also took away from the isolating atmosphere that the first game utilized so well. There are only three levels with no human enemies: The Great Wall, Ice Palace, and Temple of Xian. While the former two are great levels to me, they still didn't have that isolated feeling in them, with the Great Wall taking place in broad daylight for parts of the level, and Ice Palace being bright with so much snow and yetis being loud and obnoxious by this point. It was only the Temple of Xian that felt like an excellent return to what made TR1 so amazing: feeling alone and afraid of what would come next, with so many hazards throughout that could easily take out Lara and only animals like tigers, vultures, and spiders inhabiting the place, adding to that isolating feeling. I still like TR2, but I can't love it like what came before and after it. What I said above are the main reasons why TR1, TR3, and TR4 are better games to me.

TR 1 - 3 were pure gold. That is all.

Awe :< I agree it has too many human enemies, but I think the game is delightfully creative, and has some series-best levels.

If you think TR2 is hard.. Me, who played TR3: you poor child

I totaly agree with you man. I like Tomb Riader 2, but its no match in innovation like Resident Evil 2 or Super Mario Bros 3 because they had the time and commitment

I love how you made this as if Tomb Raider 2 came out just a few days ago.

Loved 3s lvl design! Would like to see a remake.

My favorite TR, and one of my all time favorite game It may sound crazy and unbelievable to you, but i was able to reach level 10 without memory card, it was too hard to go more in the bike snow area without dying too much

13:15 Unless you're paying attention to the monk right before this mission who says they bombed the ship because Gianni Bartoli had the seraph. Then you don't have to wonder.

Love this game, it still gives me the spooks! (But in a good way)

Man your voice overs kill me 😂. I get your points and I agree but also feel like some of the level designs (whilst not tombs) were necessary to get to where you end up. Eg tracking down an ancient artifact that was last seen back in the 50’s on a sunken ship, then off to the monasteries of Tibet, then underneath them. I think it’s a really well written story. Thought the video was great.

TR2 was the last of the Classics I played, so I don't have the emotional attachment many others do. I enjoy it, but the number of enemies is very distracting... the platfomrming and puzzles is great thought, the difficulty is actually not really frustrating for me. But also I'm able to die a million times at the same place and just try again, I'm very patient :D But overall, I mostly don't get stuck, which is nice (my first TR was TR3 so I kinda judge the difficulty of every other TR in comparison to that). I can see your point about not much changing gameplay-wise, though to this day I'll happily go play TRLE levels so I don't mind not much changing, it's comfortable and the traversal is clear and logical, and I adore the precision. Somehow, my biggest complaint about TR2 (apart from the many human enemies) is... locations. I don't think many people mention that, and I like that you pointed it out. I wouldn't count Barkhang Monastery among the non-TR levels, but there was too much time spent in the rig, in the ship and in Venice. All are great, but I'd prefer them shorter, while adding something more tomb-like.

At Last !! I've been waiting for somebody to make this video. I didn't care for TR2 for the longest time. Too much combat, Too much foolishness and not many tombs either. I felt more like a mercenary than a adventurer/ archeologist when I played. I still think TR 1, TR 3 and TR 4 are better games. One thing you forgot to mention was that Core design worked on TR 2 and TR 3 at the same time with two completely different teams. One thing that you didn't quite get perfectly accurate. There never was a BIG STASH of health packs for collecting 3 secrets. Just a lot of ammo and the gun to use it. That changed for every new level with out getting the same reward two levels in a row. I'm glad they got rid of that system too. It just didn't work in a Tomb Raider game.

Brilliant video 😁

I LOVE all the ps1 tomb raider games, i think those are the best ones still., but the first tomb raider is the most perfect of them all., i think because the locations and because it is the most tight of them all., when original creator left the style of the franchise changed and lost that original magic, but still were good games in my opinion., i remember that "the new gimmick" was the deal about the new entries in the franchise

I’m glad the games didn’t follow the trends on what’s popular. They made improvements the the predecessor and same again for number 3 and 4. That’s how I believe sequels should be.

Idk how tf I beat this game as a kid without a guide. III was way beyond fucked tho and way harder imo. That's where I couldn't progress anymore. Although I recently revisited III last year as an adult, it was just way too hard for a kid to beat without help.

best game in the series. really needs an official remake.. bartoli's hideout(the detonator at the end),the deck and tibetan foothils are fucking masterpieces. also tr2 gold is NUTS,especially nightmare in vegas the bonus level. TR3 is so damn hard it nearly had me throw it away, but its really cool too. however tR2 is the best to me

I dunno who in his right mind filled the middle of the game with six water levels, if you ask me. After Opera house... it's water, underwater, half underwater and underwater again. I mean WTF Core was thinking? No wonder people dropped it, it's like if after first 2 levels in Super Mario you get another four and all of them are underwater.

Back when Tomb Raider 1 was new, I was a huge fan. At the time, exploring 3d spaces like this was a novel experience. And I think the team at Core felt the same way, you can feel their passion in every level. But upon replaying the series many years later I have to say the sequels aren't great. It strikes me odd how diligently the developers tried to avoid Egyptian settings for some reason, at least until the 4th entry which almost captured the essence of what made the first game so good. I think it might have been a combination of developer hubris and corporate meddling that caused the sequels to go so wrong. Lara was just too popular for her own good.

"hot cupcakes" Adorable 😂

4:08 carcass reference?

TR 2 was a worthy sequel but it doesnt have the magic of the original, it was better than 3 though which was too ambitious and way way too hard, my favourite TR games were the original by far, legend which was fun, and the 2013 reboot, the rest are pretty forgettable

Maestro. ❤

In my opinion the best classic TR is 3

But I like the sequel syndrome when it comes to game series, it adds consistency and ensures a solid story and allows for the legacy mechanics to improve with little to no effort on the consumers part. I loved that I could jump into any of the 3 og series and just know what I'm doing. There are games in franchises right now that don't even use the same engine lol

To this day, Tomb Raider 2 is still my favourite game of the original 5, we don't talk about Chronicles. The gameplay is very similar to the first game, but I think it's also improved with flares, more guns, climbing, and the ability to save at any time. After this one, the series got very repetitive, Core Design could've really innovated the series, were it not for their obsession with releasing a new Tomb Raider game every year

i prefer the isolation feel of the first one the atmosphere i got from this game was whack....the first level was nice tho...but then boom lets kill mafia dudes

What I really wont to know why are the switch placements so hard to find and some doors are over you head so you can see them I'm literally at the same part that I died and can't get past yet again and I'm not one to use codes because I use them all my childhood

i was an still am a huge lara croft fan . i had the pleasure of meeting a few of the models . karima adebibe and Nathalie Cook

it’s my favourite tomb raider!

I could only finish it with cheats back in the day, but I'm hoping the upcoming collection will give me a chance to do it legit

great watch please do Last revelations

The intro has always confused me Monk shoots arrow at dragon, then everything goes blurry for the monk? He then pulls the dagger out - then the dragon kills him with fire? Then the dragon dies But the emperor is still alive in human form - but then dies?

I agree that the first game was an overall better pacakge, but to me Venice is one of the best levels of all time

I still think the Temple Xenia is the best level in tomb raider so far i haven't beaten 3 yet i'm about a quarter through

Personally, I'm glad Core stuck to their tank controls as I find I prefer them to the controls found in other platformers, including more recent Tomb Raiders. They tend to feel too slippery for me, like the character and the world around them are soaked in oil. I never feel like I'm completely in control of them; when I mess up it feels like the game's fault, not mine, because it wouldn't do what I expected, so I inevitably grow angry at it for making me redo a section. In contrast, 90s Tomb Raider's controls felt more grounded and predictable. I know what every button press will do. When I mess up in TR, I know it's my own fault and I know how to fix it. No rage necessary.

I just finished this game in the remaster. I did play it as a kid in the 90s but I never owned it. I was borrowing TR1 and TR2 from a friend. They didn't let me keep them long enough to finish them. I always loved these games but never owned them till now. I really disliked all the human enemies in TR2. The enemies with guns have perfect aim. It's ridiculous.

For me TR2 had the perfect balance; platforming nearly as good as TR1, traps easier to spot and better signposted from TR3, best locations of the whole series. The Great Wall is the master template for the rest of the game, and for me possiblly best level in the entire series!

I know that TR2 is a beloved game for so many people, but it is my least favourite game in the classic series. It's too long and too difficult and not in a fair way. It feels like every enemy has a gun, and it was the start of the games having too obscure solutions to the puzzles. Then again, I unironically like Angel of Darkness (despite it's many, many flaws), so I guess that I am in the wrong. ;P

My problem with TR2 was that it moved too far from what made TR1 great... same gameplay mechanics, sure, but the atmosphere of exploring lonely tombs was lost in favor of more shooty shooty action, which Tomb Raider's engine just isn't good at. They thought "Hey, let's make TR more like Quake!" and it didn't work that well tbh.

Personally, Tomb Raider 1 and 2 are my all time favourites. The only one I wasn’t so fond of was Chronicles. It was okay overall. One thing I can say for a certainty though is that the latest Tomb Raider games don’t come close to the classics. Today’s games are getting worse and worse. I can’t understand people who base their opinion on graphics. It’s almost like saying a good rapper is good because of his looks.

I wonder how these games would have turned out if the developers had empathetic bosses and less peer pressure...🤔

TR2 is better than TR1. However, certain levels should've been animal only. ie: all of the underwater levels. They deffo should've added a level or two which was a TR1 throwback in its style./ TR1 could've done more, and TR2 could've done less. TR3 is when the series started to slide IMO.

Tomb Raider II is the best Tomb Raider, so, I can't really say that I agree here.

“Geezer in the freezer” 💀

A good sequel with great platforming and storytelling, just one that got too carried away with the shooting. Tomb Raider 3 is my favourite. It felt more fair, and the exploration was back in full force. That said, I still haven't forgot my first playthrough of Aldwych, it drove me mental.

honestly i have to disagree. they improved upon almost everything. the levels were more interesting and varied, i personally love the amount of human enemies they put in there because honestly animal enemies just arent that interesting to fight and most of them dont pose any threat. the vehicles were good albeit janky but it was a nice change of pace, laras model deisgn looks way better here than in tomb raider 1, the soundtrack was better.... they really did improve on a lot from tomb raider 1 and i disagree that it suffers from sequal syndrome.

i loved the game.

For me TR2 is a much better game than the first one, I cleared both, what you need is to not take games too seriously. I was not able to clear TR3 on PS1, it was too hard, I would not use any guides or cheats.

Tbh, I take human enemies over poor endangered snow leopards and tigers.

Best game of all time to me

controls are better by far, some of the level ideas are not. tomb raider 1 was far more cut and dry. this one obviously takes it story pretty differently ending you up in radically different places from the first title mostly.

At least in Tomb Raider III she dresses for the Antarctic AND gets hypothermia. Which sucks. :)

I love the 1st 3 tr games so idk.

I feel like TR games more or less degraded with each installment. The original was the best, second game was the second best and so on. I really enjoyed the series until The Angle Of Darkness came along.

NGL, I really hate the look of those upscaled textures...

I honestly love TR2 .... TR 2 and TR 3 are both my favs. I really like the simplicity of TR 2....but I would agree that the level design of TR 1 and 3 was better . But overall I think the story and the setting of TR 2 is by far the best. The story of TR 1 was fine at the time...but TR 3 felt like a cheap copy in terms of story design and the whole idea. TR 2 felt really natural when it came to the story and changing environments, because the whole plot supported it. Also Marco Bartolli is a great villain who played with Lara the game .... which also adds to the deep love I have for this game. I can suggest watching this video to understand why TR 2 is an underrated masterpiece: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/b9-XdpSJy7SRmJs.html Because its about the whole story plot with Marco, the Mafia, the whole setting in Venice, Tibet.

I will make an official new Tomb Raider game, and it will be grand!

Tomb Raider II is the best Tomb Raider.