Polygon Ranks Best Tomb Raider Levels Ahead of 'Legacy of Atlantis'
A retrospective on the franchise's level design highlights the shift from rigid 90s puzzles to modern traversal.
Polygon has published a retrospective ranking the ten most memorable levels across the Tomb Raider franchise, tracing the series' evolution from its 1990s roots to the modern era. The analysis examines how the franchise transitioned from rigid puzzle-platforming to the sprawling hubs that define current entries.
Among the top-ranked environments, St. Francis' Folly is highlighted as one of the best levels in the series' history. Polygon specifically points to the 'Sword of Damocles' room as a defining moment of the level's design. This retrospective serves as a critical analysis of how environmental storytelling and level design have evolved within the action-adventure genre, while noting that the core identity of Tomb Raider remains rooted in specific environmental challenges.
The Evolution of Exploration
Tomb Raider debuted in 1996, pioneering 3D exploration and complex puzzle-solving. For over thirty years, the series has undergone a significant structural shift. The original trilogy relied on "grid-based" movement and precise, often punishing, platforming. In contrast, the more recent Survivor trilogy introduced cinematic elements and open-world influences, moving away from the strict constraints of the early titles toward a more fluid experience.
Impact on Genre Design
This shift in design reflects a broader trend in the industry where environmental storytelling has replaced simple lock-and-key puzzles. By analyzing these levels, Polygon emphasizes that while the scale of the worlds has grown, the essence of the series—navigating treacherous terrain to uncover secrets—remains the primary driver of the gameplay experience. The transition from isolated chambers to integrated hubs marks a fundamental change in how players interact with Lara Croft's world.
Looking Toward Legacy of Atlantis
The retrospective arrives as the franchise prepares for 'Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis'. This upcoming project is already reimagining classic areas to fit modern design philosophies. Specifically, the 'Sword of Damocles' room in St. Francis' Folly is being transformed; what was once an instant-death trap in the original game is being reimagined as a traversal puzzle. This change signals a broader intent to preserve the spirit of the original levels while removing the archaic frustrations of early 3D gaming.