Core Design's 1996 classic — its history, how the press received it, how it plays today, and what a copy costs.
- Released
- 1996 · PC (DOS / Windows)
- Developer
- Core Design
- Publisher
- SoftKey Multimedia Inc.
- MobyScore
- ★ 8.01
The history
Developed by Core Design Ltd., Tomb Raider emerged as a cross between the trap-filled gameplay of Prince of Persia and the cinematic spirit of the Indiana Jones films. The game was powered by a 3D engine that served as one of the major events of 1996, introducing players to the exploits of British archaeologist Lara Croft.
The title mattered by pioneering the action-adventure and platforming genres, effectively bringing video gaming into the cultural mainstream. Its impact extended beyond the screen, with the character of Lara Croft becoming a global icon appearing on the cover of The Face magazine and eventually leading to a 2001 film adaptation.
How it plays
Tomb Raider is a 3D action game featuring platforming and puzzle-solving elements played from a third-person perspective. The gameplay loop centers on exploring detailed environments in Peru, Greece, and Egypt, where players must identify climbing spots, utilize Lara's acrobatic abilities, and manipulate levers and blocks to unlock passageways.
While Lara is equipped with twin pistols with infinite ammunition, players can find higher caliber weapons to combat gunmen, animals, and supernatural beings. The experience is rounded out by the search for restorative health packs, the use of a compass for orientation, and the discovery of secret areas and traps.
How it was received
Tomb Raider was an unexpected success that topped sales charts and sold over 7 million units worldwide. It achieved significant cultural recognition, being voted one of Britain's top 10 designs in the Great British Design Quest by the BBC and the Design Museum, and it was later inducted into the World Video Game Hall of Fame by The Strong National Museum of Play.
Screenshots
The box & the art
Cover art, and real copies photographed in the wild.
Legacy
Core Design established a franchise that saw continued strength through sequels like Tomb Raider II and eventually a 2013 reboot that sold 11 million units. The series' enduring influence is marked by Lara Croft's induction onto the Walk of Game and her recognition by Guinness World Records as the "most successful human video game heroine" in 2006.
What it's worth
Copies surface on the second-hand market from time to time, but listings are sparse enough that there's no reliable price band to quote — check the live search for what's available right now.
See current copies on eBay →Copies in the wild
Real listing photos — the range of condition you'll meet.
Photographed examples from past listings — illustrative of condition, not a live inventory.
How to play it in 2026
Easiest today: Steam or GOG (DRM-free) on modern Windows. Either way the core game is intact.
Verdict
Tomb Raider remains a foundational piece of gaming history. Its blend of atmospheric exploration and precise platforming created a blueprint for the action-adventure genre that is still felt today.
Whether for its historical significance as a cultural icon or its challenging puzzles, it is a title worth seeking out for those who want to experience the origins of the adventurer archetype.
Sources: MobyGames, Steam, and period/web coverage. Prices reflect the second-hand market and change over time.