The Tomb Raider franchise has revolutionized the gaming industry, captivating players with its captivating narratives and unforgettable protagonist, Lara Croft. Since its inception in 1996, this franchise has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the gaming world.
It all began with the release of the first game, Tomb Raider (1996). Developed by Core Design and available on multiple platforms, this game took players on an exhilarating adventure as Lara embarked on a quest to find the Scion of Atlantis, a powerful artifact that could unleash an army of monsters. This enthralling storyline instantly captivated players and set the stage for future success.
Following the immense success of the first game, Tomb Raider II (1997) was released. This game took Lara on a quest for the mythical Dagger of Xian. Despite the departure of series creator Toby Gard during development, the game received widespread critical acclaim and further solidified Lara Croft’s status as a gaming icon.
The franchise continued to evolve with subsequent releases, including Tomb Raider III (1998), which introduced a new game engine and took players on a globetrotting adventure in search of meteorite stones with immense power. Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation (1999) deviated from traditional numbering and pitted Lara against an Egyptian god, demonstrating the franchise’s willingness to explore new creative avenues.
In 2000, Tomb Raider made its handheld debut with a game for Gameboy Color. This installment revolved around Lara’s mission to prevent the resurrection of an evil god named Quaxet using the Nightmare Stone. Tomb Raider: Chronicles (2000) delved into Lara’s past exploits through four distinct stories, offering fans a deeper understanding of their beloved protagonist.
The franchise expanded to handheld platforms with titles like Tomb Raider: Curse of the Sword (2001) and Tomb Raider: The Prophecy (2002). These games immersed players in thrilling narratives involving cults and mystical artifacts, ensuring that the franchise’s allure remained intact.
Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness (2003) was intended to kick-start a new trilogy. However, due to developmental obstacles and a lukewarm reception, this plan was ultimately abandoned. The franchise found a fresh start with the release of Tomb Raider: Legend (2006), developed by Crystal Dynamics. This game introduced a new look and backstory for Lara as she embarked on a mission to uncover the truth behind her mother’s disappearance by searching for the legendary sword Excalibur.
Tomb Raider: Anniversary (2007), a remake of the original game, brought the events of the past into Crystal Dynamics’ new canon, providing players with a fresh perspective on Lara’s origins and solidifying the franchise’s reimagined direction.
The Tomb Raider franchise has undoubtedly undergone significant transformations since its debut, captivating audiences with its gripping narratives and innovative gameplay. As Lara Croft continues to explore uncharted territories, fans eagerly anticipate the adventures that lie ahead in this groundbreaking franchise.