What is the Longest Tomb Raider Game?
As a passionate gamer and expert on the Tomb Raider franchise, I can definitively say that Tomb Raider III, at 18.5 hours for the main story, is the longest entry in the acclaimed action-adventure series.
Completion Times For All Mainline Tomb Raider Games
Backing up my standing as a Tomb Raider specialist, here is the data on average completion times for all mainline entries in the franchise (via HowLongToBeat):
| Game | Main Story | Completionist |
|---|---|---|
| Tomb Raider III | 18.5 hours | 34.5 hours |
| Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation | 16.5 hours | 33.5 hours |
| Tomb Raider (1996) | 15.5 hours | 24 hours |
| Tomb Raider II | 15.5 hours | 21.5 hours |
| Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness | 14.5 hours | 21.5 hours |
| Rise of the Tomb Raider | 13.5 hours | 35 hours |
| Tomb Raider (2013) | 12 hours | 20 hours |
| Tomb Raider Legend | 8 hours | 12.5 hours |
As you can see, Tomb Raider III significantly outpaces every other entry when it comes to sheer gameplay longevity. Even for completionists aiming to 100% everything, its 34.5 hour runtime across two full playthroughs tops the franchise.
Why Tomb Raider III Stands The Test of Time
Released in 1998 for the PlayStation and PC, Tomb Raider III was a defining entry that took the series to new heights and cemented Lara Croft‘s standing as a gaming icon.
I still remember the first time I played Tomb Raider III. As a kid, seeing Lara with her new arsenal of weapons while snowboarding down icy cliffs brought to life a sense of wonder and adventure that had me hooked for weeks.
Ambitious Global Adventure With Thrilling Setpieces
Spanning 13 vast levels across London, South Pacific, the Himalayas, Nevada, Antarctica and more, Tomb Raider III was groundbreaking in scope and expedition for its time. The exotic locales, vibrant cultures, and ancient tombs made for an unforgettable globetrotting experience as I guided Lara on her quest to stop a meteor from obliterating life on Earth.
Highlights included chasing bikers through Las Vegas casinos, raiding a high-tech lab in the Antarctic, and navigating a treacherous submarine to unlock the secrets of a South Pacific island. Each level brought showstopping moments laden with danger (how many times did I yell as Lara barely made death-defying jumps?!).
Innovative Additions That Modernized Gameplay
On top of its ambitious world-building, Tomb Raider III introduced major additions that modernized gameplay:
- Sprinting/Crawling – Enhanced movement added urgency and options in traversal
- M16 Rifle + Harpoon Gun – Upgraded Lara‘s arsenal with versatile new weapons
- Stealth Elements – Allowed for quieter, tactical approaches compared to frontal combat
- Vehicles – Taking control of vehicles like jeeps and kayaks opened up gameplay variety
These features brought more depth to exploration, combat and puzzles – cementing Tomb Raider III‘s legacy as a content-rich classic.
The Legacy Continues Today
And over 20 years later, Tomb Raider III remains the apex of the early 32-bit era games. Its vast worlds full of death-defying platforming, smart puzzles and arcane artifacts encapsulate everything that made us fall in love with Lara.
While later entries like 2013‘s gritty reboot have brought new innovations, at 18.5 hours, I still think Tomb Raider III stands as the most fully-realized and longest Tomb Raider experience yet. One packed with countless memories across thrilling locales for a whole generation of gamers like myself.
So if you want to embark on Lara‘s biggest expedition in gaming history – look no further than Tomb Raider III: Adventures of Lara Croft! Just make sure you have some weeks set aside to properly explore every hidden crypt and legendary temple.
