Tomb Raider Games
Games like Shadow of the Tomb Raider
Let’s get the obvious one out of the way first, shall we? Of course, most Tomb Raider games, whether they be those from ten-year-old consoles or earlier games in the reboot series, will be somewhat similar to Shadow of the Tomb Raider.
Which one you choose to go for first depends on what you enjoy most about the latest game. Rise of the Tomb Raider, the previous game in the reboot series, sticks closest to the semi-open world structure that sees you move between larger areas while still being on a linear overall path. The further you go back, the more linear the experience you’ll get, but they all feature the raiding of tombs and puzzle solving that you likely love about Shadow of the Tomb Raider.
If you’re looking for something in the same world, however, but with different gameplay, the likes of Lara Croft GO and Lara Croft & The Temple of Osiris are great options. GO is a turn-based puzzle game that sees you try to navigate a board while avoiding obstacles and enemies, whereas The Temple of Osiris is an isometric arcade action game that features co-op play.
Uncharted Series
Games like Shadow of the Tomb Raider
Parallels are often drawn between Tomb Raider and Naughty Dog’s Uncharted series, and they’re understandable. Both series follow a charismatic adventurer who is set on finding every secret the world has to offer. However, treasure hunting isn’t their only focus; both of them are more than skilled in combat and climbing.
The structure of the recent Uncharted games, particularly Lost Legacy and A Thief’s End are also very similar to Shadow of the Tomb Raider. They’re linear, narrative-driven adventures for the most part, but many of the individual areas that you’re funneled into open up and offer opportunities for exploration. Shadow of the Tomb Raider is probably slightly more open and expansive, but the puzzle solving, combat, and story focus are key components of both games.
God of War
Games like Shadow of the Tomb Raider
Before earlier this year, the God of War series would never have been mentioned when talking about games that are similar to Tomb Raider. However, the dramatic switch in focus that Kratos’ most recent journey took made them very similar, structure wise.
Of course, the realm-hopping story of God of War is more far-reaching at times, delving deep into Norse mythology and the creatures that come with it, but it’s still about one (or two) characters’ journey, as Shadow of the Tomb Raider is. The structure of the two games’ worlds are also similar.
Both are semi-open, with you being able to explore most of it at your will, but you’re introduced to parts of it as the story progresses. What you can see and where you can go is somewhat dictated by the progression of the story. God of War is also more action-orientated than Shadow, with the ever-satisfying Leviathan Axe being Kratos’ weapon of choice, but the overall structure of the game closely matches that of Shadow of the Tomb Raider.
Strange Brigade
Games like Shadow of the Tomb Raider
Strange Brigade is an odd mix of throwbacks to cheesy action movies of old and modern video game ideas. Narrated by a British man who endlessly rolls his Rs and comments on what a good job you’re doing, it sees you join a gang of treasure hunters who set out to dispel the other-worldly threat that’s bringing about Egypt’s demise. It’s designed to be played in co-op, but it works well on you’re own, taking on zombies and solving puzzles as you explore the caves and tombs of the great Pyramid’s surroundings.
Each level sees you move between areas as you take out waves of enemies. The areas are huge, but you’re free to explore all the paths to discover all of the secrets. There are also puzzles and collectibles galore, just like in Shadow of the Tomb Raider, they’re just not as complex. Still, Strange Brigade is a fun, action-packed romp that’ll remind you of the earlier Tomb Raider games and The Mummy movies.
Far Cry 5
Games like Shadow of the Tomb Raider
Of course, there’s one glaring difference between the Far Cry series and Shadow of the Tomb Raider, the former features an entirely open world. While Shadow of the Tomb Raider gives you opportunities to explore its world, it’s not as free and expansive as the likes of Far Cry 5’s Hope County, Montana. That being said, the combat situations play out in a similar way in both titles. There are fewer explosions and helicopter crashes in Shadow, but taking out groups of enemies requires planning and intelligence in both, yet taking on bad guys head on is still an option. You’ll have far more freedom in Far Cry, but how you play Shadow can carry over to Ubisoft’s series well.
The same can be said of some of Ubisoft’s other open world games. The Assassin’s Creed series is as lore and exploration filled as Shadow of the Tomb Raider, and stealth is once again a vital part of combat, but its open world requires a different approach to Lara’s recent adventure.
If only a new Prince of Persia game was in the works, because then we’d have the perfect game to recommend.
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