Tomb Raider (USA, Europe) (En,Fr,De,Es,It) (Beta)

This is a beta build of Tomb Raider for the Game Boy Color, an early look at the handheld port of the iconic action-adventure series. Developed by Core Design and published by Eidos Interactive, this version was prepared for testing before the final 2000 release across North America and Europe. As a beta, it offers a glimpse into the development process, with possible differences in level layouts, item placement, or tuning compared to the retail cartridge.

Players control the intrepid archaeologist Lara Croft as she explores ancient tombs, jumps over pits, shoots at hostile wildlife and guards, and collects keys and artifacts to unlock progression. The game translates the 3D exploration of the console original into a 2D side-scrolling format, emphasizing careful platforming and simple puzzle solving. Each level is a linear or semi-linear path with traps and enemies, and Lara's moveset includes jumping, grabbing ledges, rolling, and using her pistols.

For retro enthusiasts, this beta is a curiosity worth trying to see how a classic franchise was adapted to Nintendo's handheld. It may lack the polish of the final version, but it preserves the core gameplay loop that made the series popular. If you enjoy early builds or comparing development stages, this file offers a snapshot of Tomb Raider before it hit store shelves.