Tomb Raider II

Tomb Raider II takes Lara Croft on another globe-spanning adventure, expanding the original formula with new locations, vehicles and more elaborate environments. Venice, Tibet and other exotic settings replace the relatively concentrated ruins of the first game, giving the sequel a broader cinematic feel. Lara's trademark jumping, climbing and shooting remain central, while new vehicles add variety and occasionally provide a welcome excuse not to walk everywhere. The levels are larger and often more complicated, with secrets hidden in places that reward adventurous players. The sequel also leans further into the action side of the formula, meaning Lara spends surprisingly little time quietly examining ancient artifacts. Tomb Raider II is bigger and more confident than its predecessor, preserving the exploration and puzzle solving while adding spectacle. It is classic late-1990s action-adventure design: exotic locations, impossible architecture and one archaeologist who apparently never travels without several firearms.