Tomb Raider Games

Tomb Raider is an adored video-game establishment that has draped over comics and motion pictures. Interesting to note that these action-adventure titles are coming to Netflix as anime series. The arrangement takes after Lara Croft, an anecdotal English archeologist who wanders into old tombs, perilous ruins, and islands worldwide. Her objective, along with the players, is to find privileged insights and treasures. It’s a primary thought that brought forward different components, including puzzle-solving, action adventures, third-person combat, freakish occasions, and platforming around old gods and artifacts.

Tomb Raider Games in Order

There are 12 Tomb Raider Games, along with 2RPG spinoffs. Since it’s existence, this series has sold more than 82 million copies. Core Design made the first trilogy during years 1996 to 1999. After another not-so-successful Trilogy, the series was rebooted by Crystal Dynamics in the year 2006. In the year 2013, it was Square Enix that got to be the series’ modern distributer. They again rebooted the series in 2013. The final three games are termed the “Survivor Timeline.” They managed to reach the highest sale digits of the whole franchise. In short, these are the Tomb Raider games so far in order:-

  • Tomb Raider -1996
  • Tomb Raider II: The Dagger of Xian – 1997
  • Tomb Raider III: Adventures of Lara Croft – 1998
  • Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation -1999
  • Tomb Raider Chronicles – 2000
  • Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness -2003
  • Tomb Raider: Legend -2006 (Reboot)
  • Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Anniversary (Remake) – 2007
  • Tomb Raider Underworld – 2008
  • Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light (Spinoff) – 2010
  • Tomb Raider (Reboot) – 2013
  • Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris (Spinoff) – 2014
  • Rise of the Tomb Raider -2015
  • Shadow of the Tomb Raider -2018

Original Trilogy

Tomb Raider -1996

Publisher: Eidos Interactive. Developer: Core Design.

Tomb Raider first debuted in the year 1996 for the Sega Saturn. Afterward, adaptations for PlayStation, MS-Dos, macOS, Take PC, N-Gage, iOS, and Android were released. In 1996’s Tomb Raider presented Lara Croft. A Businesswoman named Jacqueline Natfla contracted her to discover the Offspring of Atlantis artifact. The actual game presents the series’ equation, and the same has not changed a lot since then. It’s base components provide the action adventures of a third-person that spins around investigating the tombs and ruins. Amid your investigations, you’ll have to solve some puzzles to proceed, along with fighting the battle against the natural life, looters, and other enemies.

Next, the gameplay will set levels with different other areas, some complex rooms, and difficult puzzles. To date, puzzle-solving forms a basic portion of the Tomb Raider’s single-player experience. Interesting to note that Lara Croft eventually packs two of her classic guns with interminable ammunition on the back. These constitute her fundamental weapons. However, she can battle in melee as well. Lastly, this game features about 16 extensive levels and is considered quite a lengthy experience for any game dating back to 1996.

Tomb Raider II: Dagger of Xian – 1997

Publisher: Eidos interactive. Developer: Core Design.

The Next Episode of the Tomb Raider series debuted in the year 1997 for PlayStation and PC. The Sega Saturn adaptation never came to the market. Rather, there were some ports later for iOS and macOS. More than 8 million copies of the game were sold and turned out to be one of the best sellers. The plot sets on the Awesome Great Wall of China, – the place where Lara needs to discover the Dagger of Xian. This dagger belongs to the 1st Chinese emperor, making it something really worthy.

It is the very same game as before, with a change in the story and some areas in it. Lara can hop, climb, thrust, drag, utilize extended weapons, and battle using her fists. Here, the ability to climb is a novelty compared to the past game. There are even some modern weapons that Lara Croft can utilize. The game equally puts some emphasis on the combat.

Tomb Raider II: The Golden Mask

The Golden Veil first debuted for the PC version in the year 1999. Tomb Raider II has a development, The Golden Cover. It highlights a full new mission over four levels. The development tells an exciting and insane story opening up the Tomb Raider universe. Eventually, as she searches for the Golden Mask, giant monsters and dinosaurs come in her way.

 Tomb Raider III: Adventures of Lara Croft – 1998

Publisher: Eidos Interactive. Developer: Core Design.

The Tales of Lara Croft proceeded with the game debuting in 1998. This time for the Windows and PlayStation versions. A port for macOS was available a year later. The third installment has Lara Croft on a journey to discover four shooting star pieces. These are completely scattered in various regions of the world.

Indeed even though the gameplay is very comparative to Tomb Raider II, it comes with different enhancements. Strikingly, the diversion came with a brand newly designed graphic engine that progressed proficiency, design, and performance. The development moreover permitted developers to make additionally complex puzzles. That is one of the reasons Tomb Raider III places enough emphasis on the perplexes compared to the primary two entries.

Second Trilogy

Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation -1999

Publisher: Eidos Interactive. Developer: Core Design.

In 1999, the Final revelation was first debuted for both Windows and PlayStation. After about a year, a port was made available to Dreamcast and the macOS platforms. The newly developed story had a lot of magical components. Lara Croft’s objective is to detain the ‘Egyptian god Set’. Revelation conveys the same game plot as the previous ones while working on opponent AI and illustrations. Apart from this, the game is in need of noteworthy innovation. It ends with the death of Lara Croft-supposedly.

Tomb Raider Chronicles – 2000

Publisher: Eidos Interactive. Developer: Core Design.

Chronicles first debuted in the year 2000 for Dreamcast, PlayStation, and Windows. It takes after The Last Revelation story. A team of companions goes to Lara Croft’s memorial at the Croft House and discusses all of Lara’s early experiences. As a result, the game happens to be a game of mostly flashbacks in a series. The Players go via distinctive levels, unravel astounds, and battle adversaries. Lara Croft presently moves with stealth and assault foes from a close position. Nevertheless, the final part of this game recommends Lara might still be alive underneath the ruins of the pyramid.

Tomb Raider: Angel of Darkness – 2003

Publisher: Eidos Interactive. Developer: Core Design.

The Angel of Darkness made a debut in 2003 for Windows and PlayStation 2. It was in the very same year that a port was also made for macOS X PCs. The plot proceeds on both the Chronicles and The Last Revelation. At some point after Lara Croft’s assumed death, she happens to arrive in Paris. Her tutor, Wener Von Croy, relegates her to a modern journey: locating the Obscura Depictions. Before the beginning of the treasure hunt, an obscure professional killer murders Von Croy. Authorities accept Lara Croft is the killer. So this turns the game into Lara attempting to confirm herself innocent. And to realize her objectives, she must discover Obscura Paintings. The visual upgrades and the performance were clear since this is often the primary Tomb Raider game version meant for PlayStation 2. Additionally, the game developers executed a stealth framework similar to the Metal Gear series. Since it was essential for Lara Croft to cover up from police officers, it was a central mechanism.

Legend Timeline

Tomb Raider: Legend – 2006

Publisher: Eidos Interactive. Developer: Crystal Dynamics.

Legend is the following passage of the action-game Tomb Raider collection. This was debuted in 2006 for  Xbox 360, PlayStation Convenient, PlayStation 2, GameCube, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, and Windows PC. In the year 2011, the game managed to reach the PlayStation 3. The responsibility of the game was given to Crystal Dynamics, and they chose to reboot Tomb Raider. As a result, the game came up with a brand new story about the origin of Lara Croft. This new plot revolves around Lara Croft looking for the Excalibur sword worldwide. This story transpires over direct levels whereby  Lara must vanquish foes, solve the puzzles, and navigate perilous environments. Crystal Dynamics upgraded the design and the engine. Hence, the game got a modern plan for Lara Croft, hauled updated controllers, and superior adversary AI. The franchise was totally saved by the game.

Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Anniversary – 2006

Publisher: Eidos Interactive. Developer: Crystal Dynamics and Buzz Monkey Software.

Anniversary debuted in 2007 for PS2,  Microsoft Windows, PS2, PlayStation Convenient, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, and smartphones. One year later, the game came to both macOS X and PS3. Marking the 10th year of Lara Croft, the game happens to be a remake of the actual Tomb Raider game launched first in 1996. It conveys the unique and original story of Croft with graphics. In the event, if you remember,  the plot is approximately about discovering the Scion or Offspring artifact. The story and levels are comparable, but there exist some augmentations. To begin with, Lara Croft’s maker Toby Gard arrived again to extend the plot of the game. Lara was redesigned by Gard, who also jointly created another story and directed the characters, cinematics, and character development. The original music has been remade once more by the original composer named Troels Brun Folmann with just an orchestra. Correspondingly, Lara Croft has modern moves. That affected the level plan as the game became more expansive and complex. In this case, the dev group re-designed all the puzzles to coordinate the graphical engine. Moreover, the levels involved branching pathways. Hence the anniversary edition is not as straight and simple as the previous games. Alongside, the remake even offered some enhanced gameplay, overall performance, and acrobatic movements.

Tomb Raider Underworld – 2009

Publisher: Eidos Interactive. Developer: Crystal Dynamics

The Tomb Raider Underworld is the third part of the story and was made available to the public in 2008. It was initially meant for Nintendo Wii,  Windows, Xbox 360, Nintendo DS, and  PS3. This form highlighted many new features and gained popularity easily with it’s upgraded gunplay, movement, map, and stock framework. The designers introduced a flexible hooking snare along with a hint framework directing the players effectively throughout the puzzles and platforming sections. This setup allowed  Lara Croft to enjoy the ability not just to kick but also hook and drag the enemies. Not to be overlooked, the plot essentially spins around Lara Croft in search of some new family mysteries.

Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light (Spinoff) – 2010

Publisher: Square Enix Europe. Developer: Crystal Dynamics.

Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light is rightly termed as a spin-off. It is a little different than the primary franchise narrative and comes with a gameplay different than it. It is essentially an isometric A-RPG game mixing character progression along with puzzles, platforming, and exploration.

The game plot takes action in Central America, where Lara Croft and her team need to face the evil spirit Xolotl. Xolotl is raising dead spirits. The title permits both online and local co-ops. This is reviewed as an amazing RPG game with limited recognition. Since it happens to be the first-ever game under the supervision of the Square Enix Umbrella team, it is likely that the RPG masters attempted to take this series one genre ahead. The game debuted for PS3, Xbox 360, and Windows in 2010.

Survivor Timeline Trilogy

Tomb Raider (Reboot) – 2013

Publisher: Square Enix. Developer: Crystal Dynamics.}

After almost a break of four-year,  Crystal Dynamics, alongside Square Enix, returned back with another reboot. The game first debuted in 2013 for PS3, Xbox 360, and Windows. In 2014, the game was made available for Linux and macOS as well. As of now, there are some versions available for the Xbox series, and PlayStation. Tomb Raider 2013 suggests a modern source story for Lara Croft. The plot occurs in Yamatai, an anecdotal misplaced island of the ancient Japanese domain. Lara Croft, along with her group, is looking for this island. In any case, a wreck ends up leaving the survivors stranded. The setting conveys a linear-cinematic action-loaded-adventure game. As this occurs before Lara Croft can gain any kind of combat experience, the objective she needs to follow is to save her friends and evade the island. Hence, you will gradually advance via the island to discover what you wish and those who need you. The  Gameplay mechanics entirely focus on the survival components. Whereas the diversion is straightforward, zones are wide, and you are welcome to discover supplies, ammunition, and secrets.

More essentially, This trilogy has added the RPG mechanics, allowing Lara to gain XP by hunting, combating, raiding tombs, collecting artifacts and exploring even more. With Lara leveling, the players enjoy the ability to attain skill points for spending on different combat, survival as well as exploration skills.

Tomb Raider 2013 managed to receive huge acclaim from fans and critics together. Many even consider that this reboot is way ahead of it’s present time. Everything from the sound design, graphics, atmosphere, music, along with storytelling, enjoys prominence even today. Interesting to note that the game sold more than 8 million copies in 2015. And this is definitely a new level of success for the franchise.

As of now, the game has a multiplayer feature along with a 4v4 PvP combat sprawling on various maps. Now, if you happen to browse steam, a wide number of power-ups and skins for the game’s multiplayer part is likely to pop up.

Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris (Spinoff) – 2014

Publisher: Square Enix. Developer: Crystal Dynamics.

The Temple of Osiris and Lara Croft resume the Guardian of Light with quite a similar isometric A-RPG gameplay. It also features RPG platforming, elements as well as puzzles. The game even lets 4 players team up offline or online. In case you are all by yourself, you enjoy the privilege of controlling Lara. If you have friends joining your party, they will be able to play as Isis, Carter, and Horus.

The co-op functions either as a drop-out feature or as a drop-in feature. With more players joining the game, it turns up, taking a rewarding and challenging shape. Talking of the story, both Lara and her team end up in an Egyptian underworld to defeat the bad god Set. This game debuted in 2014 for Xbox One and PS4. Presently, there are different packs and DLCs today available for this title. Also, there is a Google Stadia version which is now available.

Rise of the Tomb Raider – 2015

Publisher: Square Enix. Developer: Crystal Dynamics.

This gameplay is an extension of the reboot and enjoys a similar gameplay and design. In 2015, it made it’s debut as an Xbox exclusive. The title then happened to reach Windows PCs and PlayStation 4 in 2016. Today you can find versions available for macOS, Linux, PS5, Xbox Series, and Google Stadia. The plot of this game takes place in Siberia- where Lara looks for Kitezh, which is a legendary city. This city happens to hold a deep secret related to immortality. However, there is one more paramilitary group that is also in search of Kitezh’s power.

Like all other gameplays, you travel through different environments, solve puzzles, and combat enemies. Survival and stealth elements are both prevalent. The game, however, delivers a semi-open pocket world rather than a linear design. On each of the hubs, Lara needs to raid tombs to unlock the rewards. Alongside, she can also complete other side missions as well as scavenge resources for crafting materials. Nixes Software and Eidos Montreal together designed a new game Engine for this game. It helped in improving the graphics and overall performance of the title.

Just like it’s predecessor, this version too was a successful one and managed to sell more than 7 million copies by the end of 2017. However, it is yet to beat the Tomb Raider game of 2013. On searching for the game on different platforms, you will be able to come across different DLCs, add-ons and packs.

Shadow of the Tomb Raider – 2018

Publisher: Square Enix. Developer: Eidos Montreal.

The Tomb Raider Saga’s recent entry was released in 2018 for PS4, Xbox One, and Windows. Now you can get the game for Xbox Series, macOS, Google Stadia, PS5, and Linux. The Shadow of the Tomb Raider is latest entry of the reboot trilogy, and it is available for PS4, Xbox One, Linux, macOS, Google Stadia, and Windows.

This plot places Lara Croft within the Americas, looking for the legendary City named Paititi. Her goal is to stop the Mayan apocalypse that is presently unleashing. Just like before, you will be able to raid tombs, followed by scavenging resources and completing the side missions. Apart from this, the gameplay twists, including a grappling hook, swimming, and increasing difficulty.

Finally, the Shadow of the Tomb Raider adds even more complex elements to the RPG features. There are enough progression and skills on the pathways. There are also some skills that three players can unlock with more progression ahead in the game. Alongside, there are skills that 3 players will unlock using a new game feature.

Shadow of the Tomb Raider comes with different add-ons and DLCs. However, you will be able to purchase the Definitive Edition if you wish to enjoy the full content.

FAQs

  1. Who is responsible for the creation of Lara Croft?

Toby Gard is the creator of the character Lara Croft. He is a developer with Core Design who is not responsible for creating the game but has definitely been an important part of Team Tomb Raider since 1990. He enjoys some creative control of the characters and is a part of storytelling as well. Unfortunately, he lost his creative control when he left his work at Core Design in 1997. He is the owner of the popular Cathuria Games. He gained huge popularity for creating the character of Lara Croft.

2. Is Lara Croft Alive?

Lara Croft is reportedly dead in The Last Revelation. But, there was a plot twist added by the developers since they were unsure whether the franchise would continue operation or not. The developers were almost out of energy and too tired with years of back-to-back development of the Tomb Raider adventure game. Eurogamer interviewed various developers in 2016, and they were the ones who revealed that Core Design is responsible for making them overwork to reach the per year releases required by Eidos Interactive. Fortunately, the titles were a hit, and while the developers too received appropriate royalty for their service, this game took a toll on the potential of the development team.

3. Does the Tomb Raider Movie share similarity with the games?

The Tomb Raider movie was released in 2018, taking inspiration from the much-acknowledged last trilogy of the Tomb Raider game. The movie says, for instance, takes place in the city of Yamatai, and here Trinity Corporation is the prime antagonist. The character named Lara Croft in the movie is quite similar to the character portrayed in the Tomb Raider adventure game of 2013. The emotional and physical attributes of Lara Croft in the movie are quite similar to the character of Lara Croft in the first game of Crystal Dynamics.

4. Are there any unofficial versions of Tomb Raider adventure games?

Yes, there are some unofficial remakes for the Tomb Raider II. For instance, no remakes are available for Tomb Raider II officially, but some of the modders and fans are creating an unofficial remake version of Tomb Raider II. The titles are authorized by Crystal Dynamics and Square Enix.

5. Are there any mobile versions available for the Tomb Raider Games?

Numerous mobile versions are available for the Tomb Raider games for Android and iPhone users. Of these, the 2015 best seller happens to be the Tomb Raider Go which is a platformer and puzzle game with some amazing graphics. If you are looking for free alternatives- try out Lara Croft:Run.

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