You step into a forgotten tomb, torch in hand. The year is 2025, but the game in front of you is from 2007—a full remake of the 1996 original that made Lara Croft an icon. Tomb Raider: Anniversary has always held a special place in gaming history, blending nostalgia with modern early-2000s action design.
But here’s the real question:
Does Tomb Raider: Anniversary still hold up in 2025, or has time finally caught up with this beloved classic?
With new players discovering the series through Survivor-era Tomb Raider and older fans revisiting the Legend Trilogy, Anniversary is experiencing a resurgence — especially with modern consoles making it easier to revisit. We dug into community discussions, expert reviews, and modern hardware performance to deliver the definitive 2025 analysis.
Why Anniversary STILL Holds Up: The Pros
⭐ 1. True Tomb-Raiding at Its Best
Forget crafting arrows or clearing enemy outposts — Anniversary takes you back to the original vision:
massive puzzles, ancient traps, mysterious tombs, and no hand-holding.
Levels like St. Francis’ Folly, Egypt, and The Lost City still stand out as some of the best puzzle-platformer design ever created.
No objective markers.
No modern hints.
Just you, geometry, and your ability to observe.
In 2025, that design feels refreshingly bold.
⭐ 2. Movement That Still Feels Smooth and Satisfying
Built on the Tomb Raider: Legend engine, Anniversary offers fluid acrobatics that modern games rarely match. Players consistently praise the responsiveness:
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Perfectly timed wall jumps
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Smooth ledge grabs
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High-skill traversal that rewards practice
In a gaming era increasingly dominated by heavier, motion-captured realism, Anniversary’s gameplay-first movement feels timeless.
⭐ 3. A Respectful, Thoughtful Remake
This is more than a remaster. Anniversary rebuilds the 1996 classic from the ground up while preserving:
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Core story beats
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The original level structure
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Iconic boss encounters
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Lara’s signature acrobatics
It’s both nostalgic and modernized — a balancing act that few remakes pull off even today.
Where Time Shows Its Cracks: The Cons
⚠️ 1. Combat Feels Rigid and Repetitive
The “Adrenaline Dodge” system was stylish in 2007.
In 2025? It’s predictable.
Combat is easily the weakest part of the game:
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Repetitive encounters
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Simple enemy AI
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No meaningful upgrade system
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Minimal weapon variety
Most players simply get through combat to reach the next puzzle.
⚠️ 2. Occasional Camera & Control Frustrations
Some 2007-era design quirks remain:
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Camera angles that fight you during jumps
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Grapple mechanics that occasionally misfire
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Checkpoints that feel punishing by modern standards
These moments won’t ruin the experience, but they do remind you you’re playing a mid-2000s game.
⚠️ 3. More Linear Than Modern Players Expect
Anniversary’s levels are beautiful and expertly crafted, but they’re linear.
Players coming from games like Rise or Shadow of the Tomb Raider—with their open hubs and optional crypts—may find Anniversary’s structure restrictive.
Essential Tips for New Players in 2025
🔹 Movement Mastery
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Running Swan Dive: Jump + Roll while sprinting
→ Faster movement, perfect for time trials -
Backflips: Great for repositioning during platforming or combat
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Always Free Look: Survey rooms carefully — puzzles often hide clues in plain sight
🔹 Time Trial Strategies
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Forget collectibles — go pure speed
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Practice key skip routes (community videos reveal tons of shortcuts)
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Master boss patterns for quick adrenaline triggers
🔹 Combat Efficiency
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Aim for leg shots to stagger enemies
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Use the environment — pillars break line-of-sight
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Pistols handle most fights; save special ammo for bosses
How to Play Tomb Raider Anniversary in 2025
Xbox
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Backwards compatible since 2018
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Auto-HDR, higher resolution, enhanced texture filtering
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Runs flawlessly on Series X/S
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Widely considered the best version
PC (Steam)
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Mod support
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Easy widescreen/high-resolution fixes
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Perfect 144hz+ performance
PlayStation
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Only playable via older digital versions or future rereleases
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No enhancement features
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Lacks Xbox-level preservation
Community Consensus in 2025
Across Reddit, Steam, Discord, and fan forums:
Players praise:
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The unmatched puzzle design
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Platforming precision
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How well it complements the 1996 original
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The Legend Trilogy’s overall charm
Players criticize:
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Combat pacing
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Camera quirks
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PS5/PS4 re-releases lacking enhancements
Most agreed-upon verdict:
“One of the best Tomb Raider games ever made — but definitely showing its age.”
Final Verdict: Should You Play Tomb Raider Anniversary in 2025?
PLAY IT IF…
✔ You love clever puzzles
✔ You enjoy platforming-heavy adventure games
✔ You want to experience Tomb Raider’s origins
✔ You appreciate classic design over cinematic trends
SKIP IT IF…
✘ You prefer modern, combat-focused Tomb Raider
✘ Camera quirks frustrate you
✘ You need open-world exploration
✘ You want a remake-level visual overhaul
The Bottom Line
Tomb Raider: Anniversary absolutely holds up in 2025 for players who value atmosphere, platforming, and puzzle design. Its combat hasn’t aged well, but its core tomb-raiding brilliance remains unmatched.
For fans of the franchise — or anyone craving a thoughtful, rewarding adventure — this is still one of Lara Croft’s greatest journeys, nearly two decades later.
✅ FAQs
Is Tomb Raider Anniversary still worth playing in 2025?
Yes. Despite dated combat and camera quirks, the puzzles, platforming, and level design remain some of the best in the franchise.
Which version is best in 2025?
Xbox Series X/S offers the best experience with auto-enhancements. PC is excellent with mods. PlayStation support is limited.
Does Tomb Raider Anniversary run well on modern PCs?
Yes. It runs flawlessly at high frame rates and supports widescreen with community patches.
Is Tomb Raider Anniversary better than the 1996 original?
It’s more accessible and modernized, but preserves the original’s atmosphere. Many fans consider Anniversary the definitive version.
Is Tomb Raider Anniversary better than modern Tomb Raider games?
For puzzles? Yes.
For combat and narrative? Modern games win.
Can you mod Tomb Raider Anniversary?
Yes — PC players can improve resolution, textures, and even restore cut content.
✅ Community & Resources
Tomb Raider Forums – Active discussions, modding help, and franchise timelines
r/TombRaider (Reddit) – Player impressions, performance reports, and fan theories
Tomb Raider: Anniversary on PS5 – The Ultimate Performance, Visual & Gameplay Review
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