Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation is an action-adventure video game in which the player assumes the role of archaeologist-adventurer Lara Croft, exploring a series of ancient ruins and tombs in search of ancient artefacts.[3] The levels are split between a mandatory two-level tutorial area set in Cambodia, and the other levels taking place across locations in Egypt.[3][4] Levels are separated into different zones, and some level areas need to be revisited to progress further into the game.[4] As with earlier Tomb Raider titles, the game is presented from a third person perspective.[3] Key to progress is solving puzzles scattered through the level, which can rely on both pulling different types of switches or finding key items.[5][6] During some levels, Lara has access to a Jeep and a motorcycle for vehicle sections.[7]
As with previous entries, Lara is controlled through levels using tank controls.[8][5] In addition Lara can sprint, walk, move certain objects, take manual control of the game camera to look around the area, climb, monkey swing using suitable overhead surfaces, crawl through narrow spaces, roll, and jump across gaps.[9] There are also secret actions such as turning mid-jump, performing swan dives into water, and performing a handstand.[6] In deep bodies of water, Lara can swim around, with a limited amount of breath before she must surface or risk drowning.[9][6] In shallower water, Lara can only wade at walking pace and jump vertically.[9] In addition to her standard and returning moves, Lara can climb up poles and ropes, swing on ropes to cross gaps or navigate between the floors of a level, use a scope to aim a weapon accurately, and climb around corners.[8][5] Some environmental elements such as torches can also be interacted with.[3]