The Tomb Raider series has been a staple of the gaming industry for decades, with a wide range of games that have captivated audiences with their unique blend of action, adventure, and puzzle-solving. With a total of 12 mainline games in the series, as well as numerous spin-offs and mobile titles, there's no shortage of Tomb Raider content to explore. In this article, we'll take a closer look at each of the 12 mainline Tomb Raider games, highlighting their key features, gameplay mechanics, and impact on the series as a whole.
Early Years: The Original Tomb Raider Trilogy
The first three Tomb Raider games, released between 1996 and 1998, set the stage for the series’ future success. The original Tomb Raider, developed by Core Design, introduced players to the series’ protagonist, Lara Croft, and established the core gameplay mechanics that would become a hallmark of the series. The game’s success led to the development of Tomb Raider II and Tomb Raider III: Adventures of Lara Croft, both of which built upon the original’s formula and expanded the series’ scope and complexity.
Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation and Chronicles
The next two games in the series, Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation and Tomb Raider: Chronicles, were released in 1999 and 2000, respectively. These games continued to refine the series’ gameplay mechanics and introduced new features, such as a greater emphasis on exploration and puzzle-solving. Platforming also became a more prominent aspect of the series, with players needing to navigate complex environments and avoid deadly traps.
| Game Title | Release Year | Developer |
|---|---|---|
| Tomb Raider | 1996 | Core Design |
| Tomb Raider II | 1997 | Core Design |
| Tomb Raider III: Adventures of Lara Croft | 1998 | Core Design |
| Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation | 1999 | Core Design |
| Tomb Raider: Chronicles | 2000 | Core Design |
Angel of Darkness and Legend
The next two games in the series, Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness and Tomb Raider: Legend, were released in 2003 and 2006, respectively. These games marked a significant departure from the series’ earlier entries, with a greater emphasis on stealth and melee combat. The games also introduced a new, more cinematic approach to storytelling, with a greater focus on character development and plot twists.
Tomb Raider: Anniversary and Underworld
Tomb Raider: Anniversary and Tomb Raider: Underworld, released in 2007 and 2008, respectively, continued the series’ trend towards more action-oriented gameplay. These games also introduced new features, such as a completely redesigned control system and a greater emphasis on exploration. The games’ stories were also more character-driven, with a greater focus on Lara Croft’s personal development and relationships.
| Game Title | Release Year | Developer |
|---|---|---|
| Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness | 2003 | Core Design |
| Tomb Raider: Legend | 2006 | Crystal Dynamics |
| Tomb Raider: Anniversary | 2007 | Crystal Dynamics |
| Tomb Raider: Underworld | 2008 | Crystal Dynamics |
Reboot and Rise of the Tomb Raider
The 2013 Tomb Raider reboot and its 2015 sequel, Rise of the Tomb Raider, marked a new era for the series. Developed by Crystal Dynamics, these games introduced a new, more vulnerable Lara Croft, and a greater emphasis on survival mechanics. The games’ stories were also more personal and character-driven, with a focus on Lara’s growth and development as a character.
Shadow of the Tomb Raider
The latest game in the series, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, was released in 2018. Developed by Eidos Montreal, this game concluded the reboot trilogy and introduced new features, such as a greater emphasis on stealth and strategy. The game’s story was also more emotionally driven, with a focus on Lara’s personal relationships and character development.
| Game Title | Release Year | Developer |
|---|---|---|
| Tomb Raider (2013) | 2013 | Crystal Dynamics |
| Rise of the Tomb Raider | 2015 | Crystal Dynamics |
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider | 2018 | Eidos Montreal |
What is the main difference between the old and new Tomb Raider games?
+The main difference between the old and new Tomb Raider games is the shift from a more arcade-like experience to a more story-driven and character-focused one. The new games also introduce new features, such as survival mechanics and a greater emphasis on stealth and strategy.
Which Tomb Raider game is the most popular?
+The most popular Tomb Raider game is likely the 2013 reboot, which received widespread critical acclaim and commercial success. The game's success can be attributed to its engaging story, improved gameplay mechanics, and well-developed characters.
In conclusion, the Tomb Raider series has undergone significant changes over the years, with different developers and designers bringing their own unique perspectives to the franchise. From the early days of platforming and puzzle-solving to the more recent emphasis on storytelling and character development, the series has evolved to meet the changing needs and expectations of gamers. With a wide range of games to choose from, there’s never been a better time to explore the world of Tomb Raider.
