Tomb Raider: Chronicles

About Tomb Raider: Chronicles

Tomb Raider: Chronicles marks the fifth entry in the long-running action series from developer Core Design. Released in November 2000, this title follows Lara Croft after her presumed death in The Last Revelation. Players revisit past missions through a memorial service framing device that lets old friends recount her exploits. The game launched on PC and PlayStation before appearing on many other platforms like the Dreamcast and PSP later. It remains a single-player adventure focused on shooting, climbing, and solving ancient puzzles. Fans of the original trilogy will find familiar mechanics here with some new tools added to Lara's belt for traversal.

Gameplay

Sessions involve navigating complex tomb environments while managing limited health packs and ammunition. Lara moves through corridors using standard movement keys or controller inputs to run, jump, and crouch. New additions include walking on tightropes, swinging from horizontal bars, and performing forward somersaults from ledges. A grappling hook helps reach distant platforms or solve specific environmental puzzles. Combat requires careful aiming against enemies who often guard treasure or block paths. The level editor lets players design their own stages to share with others. Typical playtime involves backtracking to find keys or switches while avoiding traps that damage the character instantly.

What Players Think

Critics and players on IGDB gave this title a solid 64.4 out of 100 based on 104 ratings. Most users finish the campaign in roughly eight hours if they stick to the main path. The community moods lean nostalgic with many players enjoying the classic Core Design style. Some reviews mention the level editor as a standout feature for replay value. Average playtime data shows most gamers complete the game within ten hours total. Price points vary, but Green Man Gaming lists it cheap at five dollars ninety-nine cents. Completion rates suggest about sixty percent of owners finish the final tomb without getting stuck on difficult puzzles.

PlayPile's Take

This game works best for fans who miss the classic Tomb Raider era before Eidos shifted direction. The price is low enough to try without much risk. Players should expect a linear experience with heavy puzzle reliance rather than open exploration. Achievements exist but offer little challenge for veterans. The level editor adds some longevity if you enjoy designing maps. Skip this if you want modern controls or stealth mechanics. Grab it now if you want a cheap trip back to 2000s action-adventure roots.

Storyline

Tomb Raider: Chronicles opens just days after the events of The Last Revelation. Lara is still missing and presumed dead. Lara Croft is missing in Egypt - presumed dead. Those closest to her gather together at the Croft Estate on a grey, rainy day for a memorial service in her honour. Afterwards, the friends sit quietly together in the study of the Croft Mansion and reminisce about Lara's past exploits that have until now remained a secret...