Tomb Raider Games in Order
You probably have watched the popular movie Lara Croft: Tomb Raider but what you must not know is that Tomb Raider actually has originated and was based on the action and adventure video game series which was created by Core Design.
Lara Croft is a fictional British archaeologist who goes around the world in order to discover and search for different lost artifacts. Through her journey, she would go through different tombs and ruins where she would encounter danger. In games, you would have to play as the protagonist, Lara Croft and as Lara Croft, you would have to explore and journey through hostile locations, solve puzzles and eliminate enemies.
Aside from video games, Tomb Raider has extended its popularity through films, novels and comics.
Development of Tomb Raider Games
The first video game of Tomb Raider was developed in 1994 and was launched to the public in 1996. With the success of the first video game, Core Designs gave into the demand of the gamers and have launched games yearly for the next succeeding four years. On the sixth game, The Angel of Darkness, however, the developers have admitted that they have encountered difficulties in developing the game. These difficulties according to the developers have led to what they consider as a failure at release. With the failure of the sixth game, the responsibilities of developing the future games were transferred to Crystal Dynamics.
Worldwide, Tomb Raider games have sold about over 81 million copies. The game series has been recognized as one of the best video games and has actually been considered as one of the pioneers of action-adventure genre/theme games. In addition to that, Lara Croft, as a fictional protagonist character has won and earned places in Walk of Game and Guinness World Records.
Timeline of Release of Tomb Raider Games
In 1996, the first game of Tomb Raider was released for PCs, PlayStation and Sega Saturn and after the success of the first game, the following versions were developed and launched to appease the demand of the gamers, especially those who became fans of Lara Croft.
- Tomb Raider II – 1997
- Tomb Raider III – 1998
- The Last Revelation – 1999
- Tomb Raider, Tomb Raider Chronicles – 2000
- Curse of the Sword – 2001
- The Prophecy – 2002
- The Angle of Darkness – 2003
- Legend – 2006
- Anniversary – 2007
- Underworld – 2008
- Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light – 2010
- Tomb Raider – 2013
- Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris – 2014
- Lara Croft: Relic Run – 2015
- Lara Croft Go – 2015
- Rise of Tomb Raider – 2015
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider – 2018
Tomb Raider Games in Order
In order to have the best gaming experience, one must play game series in a specific order. Some game series are best played based on Lore and some are best played based on the chronological release of the games. Since Tomb Raider is one of those games come in different series and versions, it is important for you to play it based in a specific order. We highly suggest that with Tomb Raider, you play its versions based on how the developers have released it chronologically.
Tomb Raider
This version is the first game in the series of Tomb Raider games. It was released in 1996 and the game has focused in its main character, Lara Croft. In this version, Lara Croft has to search for the Scion of Atlantis and in the middle of her journey, Natla canceled her contract which has led for her journey to become more personal. Through the game, Lara discovers that ulterior motives were involved with cancelation of her contract. Hence, Lara has decided to go on with her goal of trying to get the Scion for herself.
If you love adventure and action, this game version is perfect for you.
Tomb Raider II
With the success of the first version, the developers of this game did not waste time. A year after, Tomb Raider II was launched. The goal of the release of this game is actually to build up the first version.
Tomb Raider II includes new features which provide more action, improved graphics and even new gameplay. In this game, you will experience using new weapons and the goal in this game is to hunt for the Dagger of Xian.
Tomb Raider III: Adventures of Lara Croft
The third edition did not wait long either to be released. A year after the release of Tomb Raider II, Tomb Raider III: Adventures of Lara Croft has been launched to the public. In this game, the plot thickens as Lara has been hired to recover four artifacts. The game is very fast-paced and it focuses on Lara’s exploration, journey and solving problems.
Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation
Though the first three editions of Tomb Raider have proven the creativity of its developers and you could clearly see the continuity from one version to another, the fourth game, Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation clearly shows the fatigue and stress of the developers. The continuity of the plot of the game starts to deviate from the first three games in this fourth edition.
In this game, Lara Croft goes against her mentor when she had accidentally open the Tomb of Sets. The game has improved its mechanics and the graphics have been enhanced as well. However, if you are looking something exciting and more different, this edition does not have much to offer.
Tomb Raider: Chronicles
Due to demand of gamers, which the developers cannot resist to address, Tomb Raider: Chronicles was launched. However, as the fatigue and stress of developers have already been evident with the fourth game, the fifth game went to the same path as the fourth game. Unfortunately, some gamers find this fifth edition as the weakest among the franchise. The game lacked the usual action. It also lacked the enjoyable puzzles and adventure feeling.
The story of this game revolves around its main character, Lara Croft and her friends.
Tomb Raider: Curse of the Sword
This edition is a remake of the first game. It comes with the familiar trademark. However, unfortunately, the game did not take off with the same enthusiasm as its first three games.
Tomb Raider: The Prophecy
This game is released for Game Boy Advance. Its graphics are improved and it is more detailed but more complex as well.
Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness
Tomb Raider comes back with The Angel of Darkness. The game comes with improved graphics. In this game, the storyline involves Lara trying to clear her name after her mentor was found dead. Though this game is better compared to the past games, it still has gained a lot of negative criticism.
Tomb Raider: Legend
With the continuous negative reception of the later games, the original developers have decided to pass their hats and responsibility of developing new versions to another game developer. In this game, Lara Croft was introduced to the 7th generation of gaming consoles. The game includes action and puzzles and of course beautiful environment.
The storyline of this game involves Lara Croft trying to find a key to a Stone Dais. This game is considered as an upgrade from previous games and has restored the interest of the fans.
Tomb Raider: Anniversary
This game’s goal is to relive the roots of Tomb Raider. However, it has introduced improved engine which has rekindled the love that Tomb Raider has previously received.
Tomb Raider: Underworld
The plot of this game is based on the drive of Lara to seek the entrance of Avalon. It is the continuous plot of Legend game. This game has a lot of changes and tweaks but unfortunately, it was not received as well as Anniversary.
Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light
This edition comes with changes. However it did not carry its usual brand of Tomb Raider in its title. This game is a 2-player cooperative play. It has attracted positive reviews and was enjoyed by a lot of gamers.
Tomb Raider 2013
2013 is a redemption year for Tomb Raider. This game comes with new features and it has provided its usual signature of action and adventurous feeling. This game surely provided its fans excitement and amazing gaming experience. The plot of this game is set on a lost Japanese Island.
Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris
This game is a follow up of the Guardian of Light game. It provides similar feeling and experience as Guardian of Light. This game has about four characters but aside from that there is nothing much new with this version.
Rise of the Tomb Raider
This game is the sequel of Tomb Raider 2013. It has some improvements but its developers did not have any significant changes.
Shadow of the Tomb Raider
This is the latest edition which is included as a sequel to the Rise of the Tomb Raider. It provides an exciting mix of action, puzzles and adventures. This game has receive numerous positive reviews as well.
Conclusion
We hope that you have enjoyed reading our article as much as we have enjoyed writing it! Let us know what you think and do not forget to comment!
