Tomb Raider: Legend for the Game Boy Advance is a side-scrolling platform game that aligns more closely with the Nintendo DS version than the 3D console iterations. Players control Lara Croft as she navigates through levels, utilizing jumping and shooting mechanics to overcome obstacles and defeat foes. The game emphasizes timing and precision in platforming, featuring collectible weapons and vehicle segments where Lara operates a motorcycle.
The GBA version of Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Legend is a side-scrolling platform game more similar to the DS version instead of the 3D console versions by a different development studio. Unlike the previous GBA game in the series, a side view is used instead of more titled, overhead camera perspective. Lara can also jump, attack with her guns, and she needs to swing to new platforms, avoid obstacles and take out enemies and animals in her way. Timing and precision is essential to reach platforms, much like the early Prince of Persia games. New guns are collected when enemies drop them, but this does not change the sprite of the weapon Lara is holding. There are also a number of vehicle sequences where Lara is driving a bike.