Tomb Raider II

Introduction
Story & Setting
Gameplay
Platforms
Legacy
Fun Facts

Introduction

Released in 1997, Tomb Raider II (often referred to by fans as TR2) cemented Lara Croft's status as a global icon. Building upon the groundbreaking success of the first game, this sequel expanded the scope, the scale, and the sheer level of challenge. Whether you know it as Tomb Raider 2 or by its full title, Tomb Raider II: The Dagger of Xian, it remains a definitive experience of the late 90s action-adventure genre. It delivered a globe-trotting adventure that refined the template set by its predecessor, raising the stakes for what fans could expect from a high-budget sequel.

Story & Setting

The narrative centers on the mythical Dagger of Xian, an ancient relic said to grant the power of a dragon to whoever possesses the courage to plunge it into their heart. Lara's quest takes her from the Great Wall of China to the romantic but dangerous canals of Venice, the eerie depths of the sunken Maria Doria shipwreck, and the frozen peaks of Tibet. The stakes are higher than ever as she races against Marco Bartoli, a Venetian mob boss who seeks the dagger for his own dark ends. Known in some regions as 古墓麗影II, the game transitioned from the isolated, dusty tombs of the first entry to more populated, modern urban environments, giving the adventure a more contemporary and high-stakes feel.

Gameplay

The core gameplay loop remains rooted in exploration and precise navigation. Lara Croft utilizes her impressive athletic repertoire—jumping, climbing, shimmying, and swimming—to traverse complex and hazardous 3D levels. However, Tomb Raider II introduces several key refinements to the formula. There is a much heavier emphasis on fighting enemies compared to the original, adding many human foes to the mix who utilize firearms and pack tactics. To handle these lethal threats, Lara’s arsenal received a major upgrade. In addition to her iconic dual pistols, players can now find a harpoon gun for underwater combat, a powerful grenade launcher for crowd control, and the rapid-firing M16 rifle for long-range engagements. Notably, the automatic pistols replaced the magnums from the first game, providing a higher rate of fire and stopping power. Environmental puzzle-solving remains a staple, often requiring players to find keys or manipulate complex switches while dodging deadly traps.

Platforms

Tomb Raider II was released across several platforms, including the original PlayStation, and later became available on the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable via digital storefronts.

PLAYSTATION: PAL, NTSC-J, NTSC-U
PLAYSTATION 3: WORLDWIDE
PLAYSTATION PORTABLE: WORLDWIDE

Legacy

TRII (as fans often abbreviate it) was a massive commercial success, surpassing its predecessor in sales and proving that the franchise had staying power. It refined the grid-based platforming system that defined the early era of 3D gaming, offering smoother controls and more complex level designs. Its influence is still felt today in the cinematic action-adventure genre, having paved the way for series like Uncharted and the later Tomb Raider reboots. Critics praised the improved graphics, the introduction of large outdoor areas with greater draw distances, and the increased variety in locations. Lara herself became more than just a game character; she became a cultural phenomenon, appearing on mainstream magazine covers and representing a shift in gaming demographics toward a broader audience.

Fun Facts

One of the most famous secrets of the game isn't a secret at all: players famously enjoyed locking Lara’s long-suffering butler, Winston, inside the walk-in freezer at Croft Manor during the mansion training level. This game also introduced vehicles to the series, allowing Lara to pilot a speedboat through the canals of Venice and a snowmobile across the Tibetan mountains. Additionally, Lara’s character model was significantly improved; she finally gained her signature moving ponytail, a feature that was technically impossible to implement in the original game due to hardware constraints. These small details helped make the world of Lara Croft feel more alive and interactive than ever before, leaving a lasting impression on a generation of gamers.

Tomb Raider II

Tomb Raider II

Introduction

Story & Setting

Gameplay

Platforms

Legacy

Fun Facts

Found 6 item(s) for sale

Send a Message to

Send a Message to

Send a Message to

Send a Message to

Send a Message to

Send a Message to