Tomb Raider – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Tomb Raider

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

game1996

62%

WISE Score

81%

IGDB

The genre-defining 3D adventure that launched Lara Croft—if your kid can tolerate 1996 tank controls and polygon graphics.

Tomb Raider

game

1996

62%

WISE Score

81%

IGDB

The genre-defining 3D adventure that launched Lara Croft—if your kid can tolerate 1996 tank controls and polygon graphics.

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Where to Play

PlayStation

Nintendo

PC/Steam

Screenwise Verdict

Here's the truth: the original Tomb Raider was revolutionary in 1996, and it deserves respect for defining the 3D action-adventure genre. The puzzle-platforming is genuinely clever, the exploration rewards curiosity, and there's zero modern monetization nonsense.

But let's be real—this game has aged like milk. The tank controls are maddening, the graphics are blocky even by retro standards, and the save system is punishing. Most modern kids will bounce off this within 20 minutes, no matter how much you talk up its historical importance.

If your kid is a genuine retro gaming enthusiast who plays old Nintendo games for fun, they might dig this. Otherwise, the 2013 Tomb Raider reboot (rated M, for older teens) or the more recent entries offer a far more playable experience with the same exploration DNA.

The original is a museum piece—fascinating to study, tough to actually play in 2025.

Age Fit

Best for ages 10-14 who are curious about gaming history or retro experiences. The 1996 graphics and controls are genuinely hard for modern kids to engage with—this is more for young gaming enthusiasts than casual players. Teens and adults may appreciate it as a historical artifact, but most will prefer the smoother 2013 reboot.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

The 1996 original is relatively tame compared to later entries—combat involves shooting animals and mythical creatures, but without gore or graphic violence. Lara is portrayed as capable and intelligent, though her character design reflects 90s-era objectification that hasn't aged well. The tone is adventure-focused rather than dark or disturbing.

Imaginative

Groundbreaking 3D exploration and puzzle-solving that defined the action-adventure genre. Players navigate elaborate tombs, decipher environmental puzzles, and discover hidden secrets across varied locations from Peru to Egypt. The game rewards curiosity and spatial thinking, encouraging players to experiment with Lara's acrobatic movement to find alternate routes and collectibles.

Safe

No online features, microtransactions, or social elements—purely single-player. Combat involves shooting wolves, bears, dinosaurs, and mythical creatures, but the 1996 graphics are blocky and abstract enough that violence lacks impact. Some moments feature spikes, traps, and Lara's death animations (falls, drowning), but nothing graphic by modern standards. The original is significantly milder than the 2013 reboot series.

Enriching

Builds problem-solving skills through environmental puzzles, spatial reasoning through 3D navigation, and persistence through challenging platforming. The archaeological theme introduces players to ancient civilizations (Incan, Egyptian, Atlantean mythology), though in a surface-level adventure context. Historically significant as one of the first games with a female protagonist, though entertainment value outweighs deep learning.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Revolutionary puzzle-platforming that rewards exploration, spatial thinking, and persistence through challenging tomb environments
Pure single-player experience with zero monetization, ads, or online pressure—just you vs. the game
Introduces ancient civilizations and archaeology themes through adventurous (if surface-level) storytelling
Historical gaming milestone with a capable female protagonist at a time when that was genuinely rare
Combat is abstract enough (blocky animals, mythical creatures) that violence lacks modern graphic impact

⚠

What to Watch For

The controls are genuinely clunky by 2025 standards—tank controls and grid-based movement will frustrate kids used to modern games
Lara's character design reflects 90s objectification that's uncomfortable in retrospect, though gameplay itself is solid
Some death animations (spikes, falls, drowning) and shooting wildlife/creatures—mild but present
Difficulty level is old-school punishing with save crystals instead of autosave; younger players will need patience or may rage-quit

Conversation Starters

"What made this game so groundbreaking in 1996? How do you think games have changed since then?"
"How does exploring these ancient tombs compare to what real archaeologists do?"
"What do you think about how Lara Croft was designed as a character? How have video game characters changed over time?"
"Which puzzles are making you think the hardest? What strategies are you using to figure them out?"

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