Tomb Raider is a beloved and enduring video game franchise featuring the iconic character, Lara Croft. Players take on the role of Lara, a skilled fighter, sharpshooter and acrobat, on a quest for ancient artifacts and treasures. The franchise, consisting of 12 mainline games and spin-offs, blends action, exploration and puzzle-solving to immerse players in the detailed environments and cinematic set pieces. Supporting characters include Lara’s best friend and loyal butler, as well as antagonists such as a leader of a violent cult. Tomb Raider has a huge fan community and has been adapted into Hollywood movies. A brand new game is currently in development.
The World of Tomb Raider – An Overview of the Series
Introduction
Since its inception in 1996, Tomb Raider has been one of the most iconic video game franchises in history. Starring the character Lara Croft, the series has sold millions of copies worldwide and has been adapted into numerous comics, novels, movies, and even theme park attractions. But what is it about Tomb Raider that has made it such a beloved and enduring franchise?
The Premise
The premise of Tomb Raider is simple yet captivating. Players control Lara Croft, a wealthy British archaeologist who travels the world seeking ancient artifacts and treasures while facing off against various enemies and solving puzzles to uncover secrets. Lara is a skilled fighter, sharpshooter, and acrobat, which allows players to perform impressive feats of athleticism and combat. The franchise’s mix of action, exploration, and puzzle-solving has made it immensely popular with gamers of all ages and skill levels.
The Games
The Tomb Raider franchise currently consists of twelve mainline games and several spin-offs. The games have always placed a strong emphasis on immersion, with detailed environments, realistic animations, and cinematic set pieces. Some of the series’ most notable games include:
- Tomb Raider (1996): The game that started it all, introducing players to the iconic Lara Croft and her perilous adventures.
- Tomb Raider: Legend (2006): A reboot of sorts, bringing modern graphics and gameplay to the series while still staying true to its roots.
- Tomb Raider: Underworld (2008): A highly ambitious game that saw Lara exploring mysterious ruins and battling mythical creatures like the Kraken.
- Tomb Raider (2013): Another reboot, this time focusing on a young, inexperienced Lara Croft as she fights to survive on a dangerous island.
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018): The latest entry in the series, taking Lara to South America on a quest to prevent the world-ending apocalypse.
The Characters
While Lara Croft is undoubtedly the franchise’s most famous and recognizable character, Tomb Raider has a rich cast of supporting characters that help bring the world to life. Some of the most notable characters include:
- Jonah Maiava: Lara’s best friend and confidant, Jonah provides crucial support and assistance throughout the series.
- Sam Nishimura: One of Lara’s closest friends, Sam is a fellow archaeologist who gets drawn into many of Lara’s dangerous adventures.
- Winston Smith: Lara’s loyal butler, Winston has been with the family for generations and often acts as a father figure to Lara.
- Mathias: The main antagonist of the 2013 Tomb Raider reboot, Mathias is the leader of a violent cult that Lara must face off against to survive.
The Legacy
Over the years, Tomb Raider has spawned a huge fan community that creates fan art, fan fiction, and fan films based on the franchise’s characters and stories. The series has also been adapted into several Hollywood movies, most recently in 2018, starring Alicia Vikander as Lara Croft. While the films have not always been successful, they have helped to broaden the franchise’s appeal and introduce new fans to the world of Tomb Raider.
The future of the Tomb Raider franchise is bright, with a brand new game currently in development and a possible sequel to the 2018 movie in the works. No matter what the future holds, one thing is for sure: the world of Tomb Raider will always be an exciting and memorable adventure for gamers and fans around the world.