Embark on a journey through time as we unravel the captivating chronicles of the Tomb Raider Saga from its inception in 1996 to its latest installment in 2018. This saga, which has spanned over two decades, has enthralled gamers worldwide with its blend of adventure, mystery, and action. It has left an indelible mark on the gaming industry, transforming the way we perceive video games and establishing itself as a cultural icon.
The Tomb Raider Saga, starring the indomitable Lara Croft, is a testament to the evolution of gaming. From its humble beginnings on the PlayStation, Game Boy Color, PC, and Saturn platforms, it has expanded across various consoles and devices, consistently offering players a unique and immersive experience. The saga is a treasure trove of adventures, each installment a gem in its own right, offering players a chance to explore uncharted territories, discover lost secrets, and overcome stunning odds.
Stay tuned as we delve deeper into the Tomb Raider Saga, exploring each game in detail, understanding their impact, and appreciating the journey that has led us to where we are today. From the stunning visuals to the intricate gameplay mechanics, from the memorable characters to the gripping narratives, we’ll leave no stone unturned in our quest to unravel the Tomb Raider Saga.
Before you dive deeper into the adventure world of Lara Croft, did you know that we listed for you every GTA game in order by the release date as well?
1. Tomb Raider – 1996
| System Requirements: | |
|---|---|
| CPU: | Pentium 60MHz Processor |
| RAM: | 8MB RAM |
| GPU: | SVGA Video Card |
| OS: | DOS 6.0/Windows 95 |
| ODD: | 2X CD-ROM Drive |
The original game, released in 1996, introduced players to the iconic character of Lara Croft. Developed by Core Design and published by Eidos Interactive, the game followed Lara as she explored tombs and ruins across the world in search of ancient artifacts. The game was a massive success, praised for its innovative gameplay mechanics and stunning graphics.
It spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs, solidifying Lara Croft as a pop culture icon and one of the most recognizable video game characters of all time. In Tomb Raider, players controlled Lara as she navigated various environments, solved puzzles, and fought off enemies using her signature dual pistols.
The game’s emphasis on exploration and puzzle-solving set it apart from other action games of the time, and its success paved the way for future games in the series. Tomb Raider remains a beloved classic and an important piece of video game history, with its impact on the industry, still felt to this day.
2. Tomb Raider II – 1997
| System Requirements: | |
|---|---|
| CPU: | 1.8 GHz Processor |
| RAM: | 512 MB RAM |
| GPU: | 3D graphics card compatible with DirectX 9 |
| DX: | 9.0 |
| OS: | Windows XP / Windows Vista / Windows 7 |
| ODD: | 2 GB HD space |
Tomb Raider II, released in 1997, was the highly anticipated sequel to the original game. The game continued the adventures of Lara Croft as she searched for the mythical Dagger of Xian in China. Building on the success of the first game, the sequel introduced new gameplay mechanics and expanded on existing ones.
Players could now climb ladders, swim underwater, and even drive vehicles such as boats and snowmobiles. It also featured larger levels with more complex puzzles and a wider variety of enemies for Lara to face off against. Tomb Raider II was another critical and commercial success, cementing the series’ place in video game history.
It also continued to establish Lara Croft as a cultural icon, with her trademark braid, tank top, and dual pistols becoming instantly recognizable to fans around the world. Tomb Raider II is considered by many to be one of the best entries in the series and a worthy follow-up to the groundbreaking original game.
3. Tomb Raider III – 1998
| Minimum system requirements: | Recommended system requirements: | |
|---|---|---|
| CPU: | Pentium 166MHz with MMX (Without Hardware Acceleration)
Pentium 133MHz (With Hardware Acceleration) |
Pentium 200MHz |
| RAM: | 16MB RAM | 32MB RAM |
| GPU: | 4MB SVGA Card | 3D Acceleration (Supports 100% Direct3D Compliant Accelerator Cards) |
| DX: | DirectX 6.0 (included) | DirectX 6.0 (included) |
| ODD: | 4X CD-ROM Drive | 4X CD-ROM Drive |
Released in 1998, continued the adventures of Lara Croft as she traveled the world in search of ancient artifacts. The threequel introduced new locations such as India, Nevada, and Antarctica, and featured a more complex storyline than previous entries in the series. Like its predecessors, Tomb Raider III featured a mix of exploration, puzzle-solving, and action-packed combat.
However, the game also introduced new gameplay mechanics, such as the ability to choose between different paths and complete levels in a non-linear order. Despite its innovative new features, the game received mixed reviews upon release, with some critics praising its gameplay and others criticizing its difficulty and lack of originality.
However, the game’s impact on the series and the wider gaming industry cannot be denied, and it remains an important entry in the franchise. The threequel of the Tomb Raider series marked another step forward for the series and helped to solidify Lara Croft’s place as one of the most iconic video game characters of all time.
4. Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation – 1999
| System Requirements: | |
|---|---|
| CPU: | Pentium 60MHz Processor |
| RAM: | 8MB RAM |
| GPU: | SVGA Video Card |
| OS: | DOS 6.0/Windows 95 |
| ODD: | 2X CD-ROM Drive |
Released in 1999, was the fourth installment in the main series. The game continued the story of Lara Croft as she embarked on a mission to retrieve the Amulet of Horus and prevent the resurrection of the Egyptian god Set.
The Last Revelation introduced several new gameplay features, including the ability to crawl, swing on ropes, and even perform mid-air flips. The game also featured larger and more intricate levels than previous entries in the series, with a greater emphasis on puzzle-solving and exploration. The Last Revelation was generally well-received upon release, with critics praising its innovative new features and improved graphics.
However, some criticized the game’s difficulty and lack of innovation compared to earlier entries in the series. This game marked a significant step forward for the series, introducing new mechanics and further cementing Lara Croft’s status as one of the most iconic video game characters of all time.
5. Tomb Raider: Chronicles – 2000
| Minimum system requirements: | Recommended system requirements: | |
|---|---|---|
| CPU: | Pentium 166MHz with MMX (Without Hardware Acceleration)
Pentium 133MHz (With Hardware Acceleration) |
Pentium 200MHz |
| RAM: | 16MB RAM | 32MB RAM |
| GPU: | 4MB SVGA Card | 3D Acceleration (Supports 100% Direct3D Compliant Accelerator Cards) |
| DX: | DirectX 6.0 (included) | DirectX 6.0 (included) |
| ODD: | 4X CD-ROM Drive | 4X CD-ROM Drive |
Tomb Raider: Chronicles, released in 2000, was the fifth installment in the main series. Chronicles featured five different scenarios, each taking place in a different location and time period. The game also introduced new gameplay mechanics, such as the ability to climb certain walls and the use of a grappling hook to swing across gaps.
Despite its innovative new features, Tomb Raider: Chronicles received mixed reviews upon release, with some critics praising its storytelling and others criticizing its repetitive gameplay and lack of originality.
The new game marked a departure from the traditional formula of the series, with its episodic structure and emphasis on storytelling. While it may not have been as well-received as some of the earlier games in the series, it still holds a place in the hearts of many fans.
6. Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness – 2003
| Minimum system requirements: | Recommended system requirements: | |
|---|---|---|
| CPU: | Pentium 166MHz with MMX (Without Hardware Acceleration)
Pentium 133MHz (With Hardware Acceleration) |
Pentium 200MHz |
| RAM: | 16MB RAM | 32MB RAM |
| GPU: | 4MB SVGA Card | 3D Acceleration (Supports 100% Direct3D Compliant Accelerator Cards) |
| DX: | DirectX 6.0 (included) | DirectX 6.0 (included) |
| ODD: | 4X CD-ROM Drive | 4X CD-ROM Drive |
The Angel of Darkness, released in 2003, marked a major departure from the traditional formula of the series. The game follows Lara Croft as she gets accused of a murder she did not commit and is forced to go on the run.
The Angel of Darkness featured a more complex storyline than previous entries in the series, with multiple characters and plot twists. The game also introduced new gameplay mechanics, such as the ability to interact with NPCs and engage in stealth-based gameplay.
However, The Angel of Darkness was plagued by technical issues and development problems, leading to a rushed and unfinished product. The game received mixed reviews upon release, with some praising its story and new features while others criticized its clunky controls and bugs. The Angel of Darkness is considered by many to be a low point in the series, and its mixed reception led to a major overhaul of the franchise going forward.
7. Tomb Raider: Legend – 2006
| Minimum system requirements: | Recommended system requirements: | |
|---|---|---|
| CPU: | Pentium 166MHz with MMX (Without Hardware Acceleration)
Pentium 133MHz (With Hardware Acceleration) |
Pentium 200MHz |
| RAM: | 16MB RAM | 32MB RAM |
| GPU: | 4MB SVGA Card | 3D Acceleration (Supports 100% Direct3D Compliant Accelerator Cards) |
| DX: | DirectX 6.0 (included) | DirectX 6.0 (included) |
| ODD: | 4X CD-ROM Drive | 4X CD-ROM Drive |
Tomb Raider: Legend, released in 2006, marked a big reboot of the franchise. This game introduced a new, younger Lara Croft and revamped the gameplay mechanics of the series. Legend featured a more streamlined, cinematic approach to gameplay, with an emphasis on action and exploration.
The game also introduced new mechanics, such as the grappling hook and the ability to slow down time during combat. Legend was a critical and commercial success, with critics praising its graphics, gameplay, and the new direction of the franchise.
The game also received numerous awards, including “Game of the Year” from several publications. Tomb Raider: Legend was a major turning point for the series, introducing a new generation of fans to the iconic character of Lara Croft and setting the stage for future entries in the franchise.
8. Tomb Raider: Anniversary – 2007
| Minimum system requirements: | Recommended system requirements: | |
|---|---|---|
| CPU: | Pentium 166MHz with MMX (Without Hardware Acceleration)
Pentium 133MHz (With Hardware Acceleration) |
Pentium 200MHz |
| RAM: | 16MB RAM | 32MB RAM |
| GPU: | 4MB SVGA Card | 3D Acceleration (Supports 100% Direct3D Compliant Accelerator Cards) |
| DX: | DirectX 6.0 (included) | DirectX 6.0 (included) |
| ODD: | 4X CD-ROM Drive | 4X CD-ROM Drive |
Tomb Raider: Anniversary, released in 2007, was a remake of the original game from 1996. Developed by Crystal Dynamics, the game featured updated graphics, gameplay mechanics, and a reimagined story that retold Lara Croft’s first adventure.
Anniversary introduced new gameplay features such as the grappling hook and the ability to use two guns at once. The game also included new puzzles and levels, as well as improved boss battles. Anniversary received positive reviews upon release, with critics praising its faithful adaptation of the original game while also updating it for modern audiences.
The game also won several awards, including “Best Action/Adventure Game” at the 2007 British Academy Video Games Awards. Tomb Raider: Anniversary was a successful remake that honored the legacy of the original game while also bringing new life to the series.
9. Tomb Raider: Underworld – 2008
| Minimum system requirements: | Recommended system requirements: | |
|---|---|---|
| CPU: | Pentium 166MHz with MMX (Without Hardware Acceleration)
Pentium 133MHz (With Hardware Acceleration) |
Pentium 200MHz |
| RAM: | 16MB RAM | 32MB RAM |
| GPU: | 4MB SVGA Card | 3D Acceleration (Supports 100% Direct3D Compliant Accelerator Cards) |
| DX: | DirectX 6.0 (included) | DirectX 6.0 (included) |
| ODD: | 4X CD-ROM Drive | 4X CD-ROM Drive |
Underworld, released in 2008, continued the story of Lara Croft and marked the eighth installment in the main Tomb Raider series. The main mission followed Lara as she searched for the mythical Norse hammer of Thor.
Underworld introduced new gameplay mechanics, such as the ability to shoot while hanging from a ledge and the use of a sonar map to navigate underwater areas. The game also featured improved graphics and physics, allowing for more realistic environments and character movements.
Underworld received generally positive reviews upon release, with critics praising its improved gameplay mechanics and graphics. However, some criticized the game’s story and lack of innovation compared to previous entries in the series. Tomb Raider: Underworld was a solid entry in the series that continued to build upon the successes of previous games.
However, it also marked the end of the series’ original continuity, as the franchise would be rebooted in 2013 with a new Lara Croft and a fresh start.
10. Lara Croft and The Guardian of Light – 2010
| Minimum system requirements: | Recommended system requirements: | |
|---|---|---|
| CPU: | Pentium 166MHz with MMX (Without Hardware Acceleration)
Pentium 133MHz (With Hardware Acceleration) |
Pentium 200MHz |
| RAM: | 16MB RAM | 32MB RAM |
| GPU: | 4MB SVGA Card | 3D Acceleration (Supports 100% Direct3D Compliant Accelerator Cards) |
| DX: | DirectX 6.0 (included) | DirectX 6.0 (included) |
| ODD: | 4X CD-ROM Drive | 4X CD-ROM Drive |
Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light, released in 2010, was a departure from the main Tomb Raider series and instead took a top-down perspective with an isometric view. Published by Square Enix, the game featured Lara Croft and her partner, Totec, as they battled against an evil entity seeking to resurrect itself.
Guardian of Light introduced new gameplay mechanics, such as the ability to switch between Lara and Totec during gameplay and the use of cooperative play for two players. The game also featured a variety of puzzles and combat scenarios, as well as the ability to unlock new weapons and upgrades. Guardian of Light received positive reviews upon release, with critics praising its cooperative play and unique take on the franchise.
The game also won several awards, including “Best Downloadable Game”. Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light was a successful experiment that showed the versatility of the franchise and its ability to adapt to new gameplay mechanics and perspectives.
10. Lara Croft and The Guardian of Light: Mirror of Spirits – 2016 (dlc for The Original Game)
| Minimum system requirements: | Recommended system requirements: | |
|---|---|---|
| CPU: | Pentium 166MHz with MMX (Without Hardware Acceleration)
Pentium 133MHz (With Hardware Acceleration) |
Pentium 200MHz |
| RAM: | 16MB RAM | 32MB RAM |
| GPU: | 4MB SVGA Card | 3D Acceleration (Supports 100% Direct3D Compliant Accelerator Cards) |
| DX: | DirectX 6.0 (included) | DirectX 6.0 (included) |
| ODD: | 4X CD-ROM Drive | 4X CD-ROM Drive |
Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light: Mirror of Spirits is a downloadable content (DLC) for the original game, released in 2016. It is a top-down shooter game that follows Lara Croft and her partner Totec as they fight their way through various levels and puzzles.
In Mirror of Spirits, players can play as new characters, including a giant stone golem and a seductive witch. The DLC includes new weapons, new artifacts, and new puzzles to solve.
The game received positive reviews from critics and fans alike, with many praising the new additions and improvements to the original game.
11. Tomb Raider – 2013
| Minimum system requirements: | Recommended system requirements: | |
|---|---|---|
| CPU: | Pentium 166MHz with MMX (Without Hardware Acceleration)
Pentium 133MHz (With Hardware Acceleration) |
Pentium 200MHz |
| RAM: | 16MB RAM | 32MB RAM |
| GPU: | 4MB SVGA Card | 3D Acceleration (Supports 100% Direct3D Compliant Accelerator Cards) |
| DX: | DirectX 6.0 (included) | DirectX 6.0 (included) |
| ODD: | 4X CD-ROM Drive | 4X CD-ROM Drive |
Tomb Raider, released in 2013, marked a reboot of the franchise and introduced a new Lara Croft. Developed by Crystal Dynamics and published by Square Enix, the game followed a younger and more vulnerable Lara as she became stranded on a mysterious island and struggled to survive.
The game introduced a new combat system that focused on stealth and survival, as well as a variety of new gameplay mechanics such as the ability to craft weapons and upgrade skills. The game also featured stunning graphics and environments, which helped to create a more immersive and realistic world.
Tomb Raider received critical acclaim upon release, with critics praising its cinematic storytelling, character development, and gameplay mechanics. The game also won several awards, including “Best Action/Adventure Game” at the 2013 Spike Video Game Awards.
Overall, the new addition to the series was a successful reboot that revitalized the franchise and introduced a new era for Lara Croft. The game’s success led to two sequels, including 2015’s Rise of the Tomb Raider and 2018’s Shadow of the Tomb Raider.
12. Lara Croft and The Temple of Osiris – 2014
| Minimum system requirements: | Recommended system requirements: | |
|---|---|---|
| CPU: | Pentium 166MHz with MMX (Without Hardware Acceleration)
Pentium 133MHz (With Hardware Acceleration) |
Pentium 200MHz |
| RAM: | 16MB RAM | 32MB RAM |
| GPU: | 4MB SVGA Card | 3D Acceleration (Supports 100% Direct3D Compliant Accelerator Cards) |
| DX: | DirectX 6.0 (included) | DirectX 6.0 (included) |
| ODD: | 4X CD-ROM Drive | 4X CD-ROM Drive |
Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris, released in 2014, was a follow-up to Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light and continued the series’ top-down perspective and cooperative gameplay.
The story featured Lara Croft and her companions as they explored the Temple of Osiris and battled against Egyptian gods and monsters. The game introduced new gameplay mechanics, such as the ability to switch between four playable characters and the use of new weapons and gadgets.
The game also featured a variety of puzzles and combat scenarios that could be completed alone or with a friend. Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris received mixed reviews upon release, with some critics praising its cooperative gameplay and level design, while others criticized its repetitive gameplay and lack of depth.
Despite its mixed reception, the game was still considered a worthy addition to the franchise and a fun co-op experience. Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris was a unique and enjoyable entry in the Tomb Raider series that continued to experiment with new gameplay mechanics and perspectives.
13. Rise of The Tomb Raider – 2015
| Minimum system requirements: | Recommended system requirements: | |
|---|---|---|
| CPU: | Pentium 166MHz with MMX (Without Hardware Acceleration)
Pentium 133MHz (With Hardware Acceleration) |
Pentium 200MHz |
| RAM: | 16MB RAM | 32MB RAM |
| GPU: | 4MB SVGA Card | 3D Acceleration (Supports 100% Direct3D Compliant Accelerator Cards) |
| DX: | DirectX 6.0 (included) | DirectX 6.0 (included) |
| ODD: | 4X CD-ROM Drive | 4X CD-ROM Drive |
Rise of the Tomb Raider, released in 2015, was a highly anticipated sequel to the 2013 reboot of the franchise. The story now follows Lara Croft as she searches for the lost city of Kitezh in Siberia. The game improved upon its predecessor with new gameplay mechanics and an even more immersive story.
The game featured a crafting system that allowed players to create new weapons and tools using materials found in the game world. It also introduced a new skill system that allowed players to customize Lara’s abilities to suit their playstyle. The game’s graphics were also a significant improvement, with detailed environments and character models that brought the game’s world to life.
The game received critical acclaim for its gameplay, story, and graphics, with many critics hailing it as one of the best games of the year. Rise of the Tomb Raider also introduced new game modes, including an endurance mode that challenged players to survive in the wilderness, and a Baba Yaga: The Temple of the Witch expansion that added a new story campaign.
Overall, the game was a worthy successor to the 2013 reboot and a standout entry in the franchise, delivering a thrilling adventure and pushing the boundaries of what was possible in a video game.
14. Shadow of The Tomb Raider – 2018
| Minimum system requirements: | Recommended system requirements: | |
|---|---|---|
| CPU: | Pentium 166MHz with MMX (Without Hardware Acceleration)
Pentium 133MHz (With Hardware Acceleration) |
Pentium 200MHz |
| RAM: | 16MB RAM | 32MB RAM |
| GPU: | 4MB SVGA Card | 3D Acceleration (Supports 100% Direct3D Compliant Accelerator Cards) |
| DX: | DirectX 6.0 (included) | DirectX 6.0 (included) |
| ODD: | 4X CD-ROM Drive | 4X CD-ROM Drive |
Shadow of the Tomb Raider is an action-adventure game developed by Eidos Montréal and published by Square Enix.
It is the third and final game in the rebooted Tomb Raider series, following the story of Lara Croft as she races to save the world from a Mayan apocalypse. The game was released on September 14, 2018, for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
The game received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its storyline, graphics, and gameplay mechanics. It also won several awards for its visual design and narrative, cementing its place as one of the most well-received entries in the Tomb Raider franchise.
Shadow ends off with Lara planning her next adventure—leaving the door open for a potential sequel.
If you’re a fan of video games that follow a specific chronological order, such as the Tomb Raider franchise, then you may also be interested in exploring the release dates of the Batman: Arkham series.
1. Do I Need to Play the Games in Order?
While it’s not necessary to play the games in order, doing so can provide a better understanding of Lara’s character development and the overarching story of the series. However, each game can also be played as a standalone experience.
2. What Platforms Are the Tomb Raider Games Available On?
The games are available on a variety of platforms, including PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and mobile devices. Some of the older games may not be available on newer platforms.
3. What Are Some of The Key Features of This Franchise?
The Tomb Raider games are known for their exploration-based gameplay, challenging puzzles, and action-packed combat. Players control Lara Croft as she travels to exotic locations around the world, uncovering ancient artifacts and battling enemies along the way.
4. Could the New Tomb Raider Game Come Sooner than Expected?
Four years have passed since the release of Shadow of the Tomb Raider, the latest game in the renowned franchise. So, it isn’t surprising that a new title may be announced sooner rather than later. It’s possible that a new Tomb Raider game will be revealed this year!
6. Is There a Tomb Raider Movie?
Yes, there have been several Tomb Raider movies, including the most recent ones starring Alicia Vikander as Lara Croft.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the franchise has a long and storied history, spanning several decades and multiple platforms.
From the early days of blocky, pixelated graphics to the stunningly realistic visuals of today, Lara Croft has been a beloved and iconic character in the gaming world.
Each game has offered its own unique challenges and adventures, from exploring ancient tombs to battling supernatural enemies. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering the series for the first time, there’s always something new to discover in the world of Tomb Raider.
If you enjoyed reading this article, dive deeper to discover the thrilling world of chivalry and epic battles by diving into our latest article, “Top Middle-Aged Games of 2023,” where we unveil the most captivating and immersive titles for you to conquer!
Happy gaming!
