Do You Need to Play All Tomb Raider Games?
The Tomb Raider series has been a beloved franchise for decades, with a rich history of games that have captivated players worldwide. With the release of new games, many fans may wonder if they need to play all the previous games to fully appreciate the latest installment. In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and provide insights into the Tomb Raider series.
Short Answer: No, You Don’t Need to Play All Tomb Raider Games
While the Tomb Raider series has a complex history, you can still enjoy the latest games without playing all the previous ones. The games are designed to be standalone, with each installment offering a unique storyline and gameplay experience. However, playing the previous games can enhance your understanding of the series and its characters.
The Tomb Raider Timeline
To understand the Tomb Raider series, it’s essential to know the timeline of the games. Here’s a brief overview:
- Classic Tomb Raider (1996-2003): This era includes the original Tomb Raider games, which follow Lara Croft’s adventures as she explores ancient ruins and battles against evil forces.
- Legend, Anniversary, and Underworld (2006-2008): These games rebooted the series, offering a new storyline and gameplay mechanics.
- Tomb Raider (2013): This game rebooted the series again, offering a more realistic and mature take on Lara Croft’s character.
- Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015) and Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018): These games continue the story of Lara Croft, exploring her origins and her battles against powerful enemies.
Can You Play the Games Out of Order?
Yes, you can play the Tomb Raider games out of order. Each game is designed to be standalone, with its own unique storyline and characters. However, playing the games in order can enhance your understanding of the series and its characters.
What to Expect from Each Game
Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect from each game:
- Classic Tomb Raider: These games offer a more linear experience, with a focus on exploration and puzzle-solving.
- Legend, Anniversary, and Underworld: These games offer a more action-oriented experience, with a focus on combat and platforming.
- Tomb Raider (2013): This game offers a more realistic and mature take on Lara Croft’s character, with a focus on exploration and combat.
- Rise of the Tomb Raider and Shadow of the Tomb Raider: These games continue the story of Lara Croft, offering a more cinematic experience with a focus on storytelling and character development.
What to Play First
If you’re new to the Tomb Raider series, we recommend starting with the 2013 game. This game offers a more realistic and mature take on Lara Croft’s character, and it’s a great introduction to the series.
What to Play Next
If you enjoyed the 2013 game, you can play Rise of the Tomb Raider and Shadow of the Tomb Raider next. These games continue the story of Lara Croft, offering a more cinematic experience with a focus on storytelling and character development.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you don’t need to play all the Tomb Raider games to enjoy the latest installments. Each game is designed to be standalone, with its own unique storyline and characters. However, playing the games in order can enhance your understanding of the series and its characters. Whether you’re a new player or a veteran of the series, there’s something for everyone in the Tomb Raider franchise.
Table: Tomb Raider Games
| Game | Release Year | Platform | Storyline | Gameplay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Tomb Raider | 1996-2003 | PS1, PC | Linear, exploration-based | Exploration, puzzle-solving |
| Legend, Anniversary, and Underworld | 2006-2008 | PS2, PS3, PC | Action-oriented, platforming-based | Combat, platforming |
| Tomb Raider (2013) | 2013 | PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC | Realistic, mature take on Lara Croft | Exploration, combat |
| Rise of the Tomb Raider | 2015 | PS4, Xbox One, PC | Continues the story of Lara Croft | Exploration, combat |
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider | 2018 | PS4, Xbox One, PC | Continues the story of Lara Croft | Exploration, combat |
Bullets List: Key Features of Each Game
- Classic Tomb Raider:
- Linear gameplay
- Exploration-based
- Puzzle-solving
- Legend, Anniversary, and Underworld:
- Action-oriented gameplay
- Platforming-based
- Combat
- Tomb Raider (2013):
- Realistic and mature take on Lara Croft
- Exploration-based
- Combat
- Rise of the Tomb Raider:
- Continues the story of Lara Croft
- Exploration-based
- Combat
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider:
- Continues the story of Lara Croft
- Exploration-based
- Combat