Tomb Raider II: The Dagger of Xian

The main pros of the game

• Nostalgia and Legacy: Many players express a strong sense of nostalgia, appreciating the game's role in the history of gaming and its status as a classic.
• Level Design: The game features intricate level designs that encourage exploration and puzzle-solving. Players enjoy the winding paths and interconnected areas, which provide a sense of accomplishment when navigating through them.
• Expanded Gameplay Mechanics: The introduction of new weapons, vehicles, and movement abilities enhances gameplay. Players appreciate the variety in combat scenarios and the addition of vehicles like the motorboat and snowmobile.
• Music and Sound: The soundtrack and sound effects received positive remarks, contributing to the overall atmosphere of the game.
• Story: While opinions vary, some players find the story engaging and a step up from the first game.

The main cons of the game

• Technical Issues: Many users report significant bugs, crashes, and resolution problems with the Steam version, leading to frustration. Players often have to seek out patches and fixes to make the game playable.
• Combat Mechanics: The combat system is criticized for being clunky and frustrating, especially with the introduction of more human enemies, which detracts from the overall experience.
• Difficulty Curve: The game is noted for its steep difficulty, which can be overwhelming for new players. Some find it punishing, especially in later levels.
• Length and Repetitiveness: Some players feel that the game is too long and certain levels can become tedious, leading to a sense of boredom.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• Lack of Expansion Content: Users mention that the game does not include certain expansions or additional content that were part of the original release, requiring them to download it separately.
• Controller Support: There are complaints about the game not functioning well with controllers, which could alienate players who prefer that method of play.
• Quality of Life Improvements: Many players express a desire for modern quality-of-life features, such as achievements or better resolution settings, which are common in remastered versions.
• Guidance and Clarity: Some reviews highlight a lack of clear directions in the levels, making it difficult for players to navigate without external help or guides.

Summary

• Overall, while Tomb Raider II is celebrated for its classic gameplay and nostalgic value, it suffers from various technical and design issues that detract from the experience, particularly in its Steam release.

Summary generated on: October 29, 2025