Since its release in 1996, Tomb Raider has been a popular and beloved franchise among gamers around the world. The franchise follows the adventures of Lara Croft, a highly skilled and intelligent archaeologist, as she travels to different parts of the world in search of ancient artifacts and treasures.
Over the years, the franchise has expanded to include numerous games across a variety of platforms, from classic consoles to modern PCs and mobile devices. In this blog post, we will explore every Tomb Raider game in order by release date, highlighting the key features and developments of each title.
Tomb Raider
The original Tomb Raider game was released in 1996 for the PlayStation, Sega Saturn, and MS-DOS. Developed by Core Design, the game introduced players to Lara Croft, a British archaeologist on a mission to uncover the secrets of the lost city of Atlantis.
The game was groundbreaking for its time, featuring 3D graphics, complex puzzles, and a female protagonist who was both strong and intelligent. It quickly became a best-seller and spawned a franchise that would last for decades.
Tomb Raider II
The sequel to the original game, Tomb Raider II was released in 1997 for the PlayStation, PC, and Macintosh. In this game, Lara Croft travels to China, Venice, and Tibet in search of the Dagger of Xian, a powerful weapon that is said to give its owner the power of the dragon.
The game featured improved graphics and gameplay mechanics, as well as a wider variety of enemies and puzzles. It also introduced the iconic dual-wielded pistols, which would become a staple of the series.
Tomb Raider III
Released in 1998 for the PlayStation, PC, and Macintosh, Tomb Raider III takes players on a globe-trotting adventure as Lara Croft searches for the artifacts of four ancient cultures.
The game introduced new mechanics such as vehicles and underwater exploration, as well as new enemies and puzzles. It also featured a more complex storyline that delved deeper into Lara’s character and motivations.
Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation
The fourth installment in the series, Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation was released in 1999 for the PlayStation, PC, and Dreamcast. In this game, Lara Croft travels to Egypt in search of the lost city of the dead.
It featured improved graphics and gameplay mechanics, as well as a deeper exploration of Lara’s past and her connection to the game’s antagonist, Set. It also introduced new moves and weapons, such as the grappling hook and the crossbow.
Tomb Raider (Game Boy Color)
In 2000, a version of the original Tomb Raider game was released for the Game Boy Color. The game featured 2D graphics and simplified gameplay mechanics but still managed to capture the essence of the original game.
Tomb Raider Chronicles
Released in 2000 for the PlayStation, PC, and Dreamcast, Tomb Raider Chronicles is a collection of four short adventures that take place after the events of The Last Revelation. The game features improved graphics and gameplay mechanics, as well as new moves and weapons. It also delves deeper into Lara’s character and explores her relationships with other characters in the series.
Tomb Raider: Curse of the Sword
Released in 2001 for the Game Boy Color, Tomb Raider: Curse of the Sword is a standalone adventure that takes place after the events of Tomb Raider Chronicles. It features 2D graphics and simplified gameplay mechanics but still manages to capture the essence of the series.
Tomb Raider: The Prophecy
It was released in 2002 for the Game Boy Advance. The game follows Lara Croft as she travels to different locations around the world in search of four pieces of an artifact called the Obscura Paintings. It features 2D graphics and gameplay similar to the original Tomb Raider games but with some updates and improvements.
The game includes new puzzles, enemies, and items for Lara to use. It also introduces a new character, Father Patrick Dunstan, who helps Lara on her quest. While it was praised for its faithful recreation of the Tomb Raider formula on a handheld device, it was criticized for its short length and lack of innovation. Nonetheless, it remains a fun and enjoyable entry in the series for fans of classic Tomb Raider gameplay.
Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness
Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness was released in 2003 for the PlayStation 2 and PC. It was the first game in the series to feature a fully 3D environment, which allowed for more realistic character movement and interaction with the environment.
The game also introduced new gameplay mechanics, such as the ability to interact with other characters and solve puzzles through dialogue. However, it was met with mixed reviews due to its technical issues and glitches, which led to the franchise going on hiatus for several years.
Tomb Raider: Legend
Tomb Raider: Legend was released in 2006 for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, Xbox 360, and PC. The game marked the series return after a three-year hiatus and a complete reboot of the franchise.
It introduced new gameplay mechanics, such as the grappling hook and the ability to slow down time, as well as a new storyline that explored Lara Croft’s past and motivations. It received positive reviews for its improved gameplay and graphics, as well as its fresh take on the series.
Tomb Raider: Anniversary
It was released in 2007 for the PlayStation 2, PSP, Xbox 360, and PC. The game was a remake of the original Tomb Raider game, featuring updated graphics and improved gameplay mechanics.
It also introduced new elements, such as new puzzles and enemies, to make the game feel fresh and new. It was praised for its faithful recreation of the original game and its updated gameplay mechanics.
Tomb Raider: Underworld
It was released in 2008 for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC. The game continued the storyline from Tomb Raider: Legend and featured improved graphics and gameplay mechanics.
It introduced new mechanics, such as the ability to interact with the environment in new ways and use a sonar map to detect hidden objects. It also introduced new enemies and puzzles, as well as new locations to explore. It received positive reviews for its improved gameplay mechanics and graphics, as well as its storyline.
Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light
Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light was released in 2010 for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC. The game was a departure from the traditional Tomb Raider formula, featuring an isometric camera angle and cooperative gameplay. Players could control both Lara Croft and a companion, Totec, as they worked together to solve puzzles and defeat enemies. It was praised for its fresh take on the series and its enjoyable cooperative gameplay.
Tomb Raider 2013
This game was released in 2013 for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC. The game was a complete reboot of the series and featured a younger and more vulnerable Lara Croft. The game introduced new gameplay mechanics, such as a crafting system and the ability to climb trees and cliffs.
It also featured a more complex storyline that explored Lara’s motivations and past. It received critical acclaim for its improved graphics and gameplay mechanics, as well as its fresh take on the series.
Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris
Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris was released in 2014 for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. The game was a sequel to Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light and featured similar gameplay mechanics.
Players could control both Lara Croft and three companions as they worked together to solve puzzles and defeat enemies. It was praised for its cooperative gameplay and its fun and challenging puzzles.
Lara Croft: Relic Run
Lara Croft: Relic Run was released in 2015 for iOS, Android, and Windows Phone. The game was a mobile endless runner game that featured Lara Croft running through various environments, avoiding obstacles, and collecting coins and power-ups.
The game also included boss battles and unlockable costumes for Lara. It was praised for its fun gameplay and graphics but criticized for its repetitive nature.
Lara Croft Go
Lara Croft Go was also released in 2015 for iOS, Android, and Windows Phone. The game was a turn-based puzzle game that featured Lara Croft navigating through various environments and solving puzzles. It was praised for its challenging puzzles and its unique take on the series.
Rise of the Tomb Raider
Rise of the Tomb Raider was released in 2015 for the Xbox One and PC, and later for the PlayStation 4 in 2016. The game continued the storyline from the 2013 reboot and featured improved graphics and gameplay mechanics.
It introduced new mechanics, such as the ability to craft ammunition and the addition of more complex puzzles. It was praised for its improved graphics and gameplay mechanics, as well as its storyline and characters.
Shadow of the Tomb Raider
This game was released in 2018 for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. The game continued the storyline from the previous games and featured improved graphics and gameplay mechanics.
It introduced new mechanics, such as the ability to swim underwater and the addition of more stealth-based gameplay. It was praised for its improved graphics and gameplay mechanics, as well as its exploration and storyline.
FAQs
Which Tomb Raider game introduced the ability to slow down time?
Legend, released in 2006, was the first game in the series to introduce the ability to slow down time.
How many Tomb Raider games were released for the PlayStation 3?
Three games were released for the PlayStation 3.
Which Tomb Raider game featured a more vulnerable and younger version of Lara Croft?
The game released in 2013, featured a more vulnerable and younger version of Lara Croft.
How many Tomb Raider games were released for the PlayStation 4?
Three games were released for the PlayStation 4.
Which Tomb Raider game introduced the ability to swim underwater?
Shadow of the Tomb Raider, released in 2018, was the first game in the series to introduce the ability to swim underwater.
Conclusion
The Tomb Raider franchise has come a long way since its inception in 1996. From the groundbreaking original game to the latest entry in the series, each game has contributed to the legacy of Lara Croft and her adventures around the world.
With a mix of classic gameplay mechanics and new innovations, the franchise continues to captivate gamers around the world. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the series, the Tomb Raider games offer a thrilling and unforgettable experience that is sure to satisfy.
