I have played a LOT of the the Tomb Raider games, but lost interest a little over the years. The original Tomb Raider is still one of my favorites for its early 3D design and focus on exploration. I still have a few to play, but I decided to write a short review of Tomb Raider 4 and 5.
Having finished Tomb Raider The Last Revelation (TR4) a while ago and just recently finished Tomb Raider Chronicles (TR5), I have to admit, I enjoyed Chronicles much better. I really did not like the open level nature of TM4 and wondered around endlessly looking for some small lock the game gives almost no clues about. I actually liked the more linear level design in TM5, which to me felt more like the classic Tomb Raider. I really liked the chapter structure of TM5 as well, since no stage felt too long and it gives you a nice variety of locations and gameplay
It is odd that people think TR4 was more exploration focused with less combat. I will say TR4 is much longer, but comparing the first 10 or so levels between the two games Chronicles has less combat. The 3rd chapter in Chronicles does not even give you a weapon. I just found TR5 to be less focused on combat than TR4.
Neither game is perfect. The final level in Chronicles is a bit too glitchy for me; enemies getting stuck in places or not taking any damage, certain doors not opening when they should, etc. TM4 was much more stable and it had a much better story.
My personal view would be to play the original Tomb Raider and its sequel and skip Tomb Raider 3, 4, and 5. If you like the old school stiff controls, then go ahead and play them all. If you just want to see great early 3D design, just stick to the early ones. The newer Tomb Raiders were fun, but not great.
Now I am off to start Tomb Raider: Angel of Darkness which I have heard nothing but how good it controls...LOL
-Long time Tomb Raider fan