Tomb Raider - Curse of the Sword
Tomb Raider - Curse of the Sword is a Game Boy Color action game released in 2001 developed by Core Design. It centers on platform movement and landing judgment, combat encounters, and movement and immediate actions, with controls, information, and pacing arranged around a color handheld screen, a directional pad, and two main action buttons.
- AI score · out of 10
- 7.7 / 10
About this game
Tomb Raider - Curse of the Sword is a Game Boy Color action release centered on platform movement and landing judgment, combat encounters, and movement and immediate actions. Stages build pressure through routes, enemy patterns, and changing objectives, with progress divided into stages, tasks, matches, or growth milestones that make its immediate goals understandable. Its value depends on whether these rules continue to create judgment and room for mastery rather than on campaign length or series recognition. Short campaigns are judged by repeat-challenge value, while longer ones are judged by variety, pacing, and recovery after failure. Readable animation, hits, and hazards determine whether feedback remains dependable, while color choices need to distinguish characters, objects, and routes rather than serve as decoration alone. The main genre-specific friction is that period-specific collision rules, limited guidance, and repeated ground after failure can raise the entry barrier. In addition, battery saves, link cables, cartridge-specific hardware, the unlit display, and regional language can affect the original experience. This description covers only this release and excludes emulator features, modern-port conveniences, and content from other platforms.
Collected in series
Tomb Raider follows Lara Croft into ruins where finding a route can be as important as surviving a fight. Climbing, ancient mechanisms and archaeological mysteries anchor adventures that range from deliberate exploration to cinematic action.
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Game Boy Color (GBC)
AI review
AI reviews are subjective assessments, not player ratings. See each review for its evidence and limitations.Published date:
An atmospheric, deliberate handheld adventure with awkward weapon drawing and limited replay.
Curse of the Sword takes Lara through museums, rooftops, subway tunnels and docks with more to do than simply move forward. Keys, cranes, rechargeable batteries and a submersible give exploration distinct objectives, while chase sequences change the pace between larger stages. Her cinematic-platformer movement rewards judging distances and climbing positions rather than rushing. Detailed fixtures, animated birds, laundry and litter make locations recognizable and surprisingly lively, helping navigation as well as atmosphere. Save points are reasonably positioned but not plentiful, and drawing weapons with Select is less responsive than desirable. Missing secrets and level selection also leave few convenient reasons to revisit after finishing. Its strongest appeal is completing a carefully observed portable journey, not instantly jumping into favorite stages or chasing a collection checklist.
Strengths
- Varied climbing, machinery and submersible interactions
- Distinctive animated environments support atmosphere and navigation
Weaknesses
- Complex moves and weapon-drawing response require adjustment
- Missing secrets and level selection weaken replay
Who it is for: Players who enjoy deliberate cinematic platforming and environmental exploration.
Play notes: Original GBC sequel; Select weapon drawing is not immediate, save points are limited, and convenient stage selection is absent.
View scoring basis
| Dimension | Review state | Score | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimension Chase sequences vary progression, but missing secrets and level selection limit replay. | Reviewed | 7.1 / 10 | Not provided |
| Dimension Deliberate movement and varied interactive obstacles support engaging exploration. | Reviewed | 7.8 / 10 | Not provided |
| Dimension Distinctive scenery and small animations create atmosphere and help orientation. | Reviewed | 8.7 / 10 | Not provided |
| Dimension Usable save placement is offset by weapon-drawing friction and a demanding move set. | Reviewed | 6.9 / 10 | Not provided |
Review sources
Not provided
Core information
- Developer
- Core Design
- Publisher
- Eidos InteractiveActivision
- Release date
- 2001
- Platforms
- Game Boy Color (GBC)
- Content kind
- Game
- Release state
- Released
- Region
- Worldwide
- Official website
- Not provided
- Offline minimum players
- Not provided
- Offline maximum players
- Not provided
- Online minimum players
- Not provided
- Online maximum players
- Not provided
- Categories
- Action · Primary genre
- Tags
- ReplayableSide-scrollingMain Story Under 10 HoursLinear LevelsSolo-friendlyDodge2D GraphicsPlatformingFast-pacedReal-time Combat
- Supported game languages
- Not provided
- Requires base game
- Not provided
- Standalone
- Not provided
- Age ratings
- Not provided
- Play modes
- Single player
- Perspectives
- Side view
Release editions
- Game Boy Color (GBC)Worldwide2001
Game gallery
Sources
Not provided