Discussing Tomb Raider, Eidos and AAA titles.
Discussing Tomb Raider, Eidos and AAA titles.
As a reminder at the start, this subject is mainly for recording my reflections, acting like a personal digital journal. If you find it lengthy or dull, feel free to skip. One thing I've longed for recently was the Tomb Raider lineup on Steam. During the latest sale, I decided to dive in. Playing Tomb Raider felt like a perfect escape. It was one of those classic titles from my youth. I recall the day my brother returned from abroad and brought back a new game—Tomb Raider. Maybe it was the first AAA title I owned in German, and I couldn't understand a single word. Honestly, I probably didn’t reach levels 3 or 4. Later, TR 3 and 4 appeared (though I somehow missed TR 2), and after that my interest faded until the reboot series (Legend, Anniversary, Underworld). The nostalgia for this franchise is strong, yet it sometimes clouded my judgment. This was the first time I truly challenged myself to beat the game. Initially, a wave of nostalgia washed over me, memories flooding back. But I didn’t stay there long; it faded quickly. Surprisingly, I kept enjoying it afterward too. There’s something unique about it—the "AAA vibe" of 1996. It still feels sharp and engaging. Even though it has a chunky design, the navigation, lighting, and mechanics are top-notch. Old-school titles often featured maze-like environments, but Tomb Raider balanced action with exploration. The combat scenes broke up the platforming, and the level design in the Thief series felt like a treasure hunt. Tomb Raider stands out because it didn’t rely on text or hints. There are no directions, no objectives, no spoken guidance—just you, the player, solving puzzles and finding keys. The setting is vivid: Peru, Greece, Egypt, and even Atlantis. It shows the developers put a lot of thought into atmosphere. Growing up, I hadn’t played many Eidos games, but later I discovered more of their portfolio—Legacy of Kain, Hitman, Thief, Tomb Raider, Commandos. These are standout titles that feel enduring. There’s a certain charm in these classics, a tolerance for their style. I believe they provide genuine challenges that test both skill and mind. Today’s games often prioritize storytelling over mental exercise, which is a loss. We’ve moved toward cinematic experiences and narrative-driven plots, but sometimes that’s okay. Still, I admire games like Dark Souls for letting players tackle challenges independently. Overall, this is my current take—completed Tomb Raider in under 14 hours, ready to tackle the next entry. I’ll keep this little online journal going.
You should download and play Myst. You can find an updated version called RealMyst on steam. You'd probably enjoy the hell out of that game. You're pretty much required to have a pen/paper by your side unless you want to use notepad and take screenshots while constantly alt-tabing. It's super easy to cheat though if you refer to a strategy guide. The game can be beaten in less than a minute if you've played through it before because it's simply puzzle solving and the last puzzle is only solvable with clues from all the other puzzles. Since there's no mechanic preventing you from solving it first if you know how to, you can just beat it and the game instantly. NEVER look at a strategy guide.
Thanks, I'll definitely consider that later. While I should have highlighted more what I enjoy about these games—the key is the "smart" gameplay combined with enjoyable mechanics—I appreciate the challenge of balancing fun and strategy. I'm a fan of platformers such as Prince of Persia and Tomb Raider, enjoying the thrill of avoiding traps, exploring difficult terrains, and solving puzzles. Stealth is also a strong interest for me because it demands thoughtful decision-making. I'm drawn to the idea of "outsmarting the designer." I've heard of Myst, a point-and-click adventure, and while I haven't played it yet, I'm adding it to my wishlist. I'm curious about its experience. Looking back at strategy guides, playing Tactics of War felt tempting at times, but after searching for a while, I usually found my own way. I completely agree that relying too much on guides undermines the enjoyment of these titles.