Tomb Raider is a video game franchise that started in 1996 and follows the adventures of Lara Croft, a British archaeologist. The franchise has evolved over the years with new gameplay mechanics and graphics, and the latest installment in the franchise, ‘Shadow of the Tomb Raider’ was released in 2018. The gameplay mechanics include exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat, with the game’s storyline following Lara as she travels the world in search of treasures and artifacts. The Tomb Raider franchise has become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring other media and leading to a more diverse representation of female protagonists in video games.
The Ultimate Guide to ‘Tomb Raider’ Adventure Game Series
Introduction
Tomb Raider is a popular video game franchise that started in 1996, created by Core Design and published by Eidos Interactive. The game follows the adventures of Lara Croft, a British archaeologist, as she travels the world, searching for treasures and fighting villains.
The game franchise has become a cultural icon and has had a profound impact on not only the gaming industry but also the portrayal of female characters in video games. The franchise has evolved over the years and has seen many iterations, from its original 2D format to its current 3D model.
This guide aims to take a deep dive into the ‘Tomb Raider’ series, its evolution, gameplay mechanics, storylines, and everything else that makes it an iconic gaming franchise.
The Evolution of the ‘Tomb Raider’ Franchise
The first Tomb Raider game, released in 1996, was an instant success, thanks to its innovative gameplay mechanics, stunning graphics and sound, and the fascinating character of Lara Croft. The game was set in a 2D universe and had Lara exploring ancient tombs and ruins, fighting enemies, and solving puzzles to progress through the story.
Over the years, the franchise has undergone several changes, including the introduction of the 3D graphics engine in 1998, which expanded the game environment and introduced better character dynamics. The game further evolved with the release of ‘Tomb Raider: Legend’ in 2006, which introduced new gameplay mechanics such as interactive cutscenes and mini-games.
The latest installment in the franchise, ‘Shadow of the Tomb Raider,’ was released in 2018, and it introduced a more immersive experience, with an open-world exploring environment, more customizable weapons and gear, and photo mode.
The Gameplay Mechanics of ‘Tomb Raider’ Series
The gameplay mechanics in the ‘Tomb Raider’ series have evolved over the years, but the core mechanics remain the same – exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat.
Exploration is the key to the game, and players have to navigate Lara through perilous environments, such as ancient tombs and ruins, in search of treasures and artifacts. Exploration involves traversing across challenging terrains, climbing, jumping over obstacles, swimming, and traversing ropes to reach out of reach locations.
Puzzle-solving, another critical aspect of Tomb Raider games, challenges players to use their intuition, logic, and high-quality problem-solving skills to unravel puzzles that unlock secret passages or grant access to the next level.
Combat, of course, is also an essential aspect of the game, and players must be ready to face off against enemies using a variety of weapons like pistols, shotguns, and rifles, and use their cunning and strategy to gain the upper hand.
The Storyline of ‘Tomb Raider’ Series
The storyline of the ‘Tomb Raider’ series follows the life of Lara Croft, an English archaeologist who embarks on various adventures across the world. The underlying narrative of the game typically involves Lara successfully retrieving ancient artifacts and treasures, outsmarting villains and foes, and making narrow escapes.
As the game series progressed, the storyline for the franchise became more sophisticated, with multiple installments weaving together various socio-political themes, such as the destruction of an ancient civilization and the consequences of meddling with supernatural powers.
The Characters of the ‘Tomb Raider’ Series
The Tomb Raider series has numerous characters that have been integral to the game’s success, but none have been as iconic as Lara herself. Lara Croft was the first female protagonist to star in a mainstream video game, and her character has evolved significantly over the years.
Lara Croft’s character has been strong-willed, intelligent, and resourceful throughout the game franchise. Lara’s character, as depicted in some of the later installments, has grown to be more complex, fleshed-out, and sympathetic. Other characters that feature prominently in the game include allies and villains, such as Lara’s friend Jonah, leading archaeologist Dr. James Whitman, and rival archaeologist Carter Bell.
The Legacy of ‘Tomb Raider’ Series
The ‘Tomb Raider’ series has been one of the most critically acclaimed video game franchises of all time, with over 80 million copies sold worldwide. It has cemented its place as a cultural phenomenon, and its influence on other media is undeniable.
One of the most notable impacts of the ‘Tomb Raider’ series has been the portrayal of female characters in video games. The series has helped to combat the objectification of women in the industry, leading to a more diverse representation of female protagonists in video games.
The franchise has also inspired the development of various media, from movies to TV shows and comics, that continue to explore the adventures of Lara Croft and other characters in the Tomb Raider universe.
Conclusion
The ‘Tomb Raider’ series has been one of the most successful video game franchises ever, with its mix of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat mechanics, along with well-crafted storylines and iconic characters. As the series continues to evolve, its legacy will endure, inspiring both gamers and creators in the gaming industry, and paving the way for more inclusive and diverse representation in video games.