Should You Play Tomb Raider 2013 Before Rise of the Tomb Raider?
For those interested in playing the Tomb Raider series, deciding where to start can be a daunting task. Tomb Raider 2013 and Rise of the Tomb Raider are two games that hold a significant place in the franchise, but is it better to play them in sequence or in any order?
In this article, we will delve into the topic and provide an answer based on expert opinions and critical analysis. Spoiler Alert: This article will provide insights and details about the games, so if you’re planning to play the series, you may want to proceed with caution.
What’s the significance of playing Tomb Raider 2013 before Rise of the Tomb Raider?
To understand the importance of playing Tomb Raider 2013 before Rise of the Tomb Raider, let’s first explore the storyline and connection between the two games. Tomb Raider 2013 rebooted the franchise, taking the character of Lara Croft on a journey that defined her transformation from an amateur treasure hunter to a seasoned adventurer. The game revolves around Lara’s quest for the artifact known as the Atlantean Scorn, which ultimately leads to a fateful encounter.
On the other hand, Rise of the Tomb Raider is set one year after the events of Tomb Raider 2013 and continues Lara’s journey as she faces the Order of the Ancients and her own destiny.
Expert Opinion: What Do Critics Say?
In an interview with gameFAQs, a well-known gaming community, developers at Crystal Dynamics, who created the 2013 and 2015 games, confirmed that the games follow a chronological narrative, with each game connecting seamlessly to the next one.
Moreover, Gamespot highlights that each game has its own stand-alone story, but as you progress through the trilogy, the storylines entwine, revealing a complex and interconnected narrative.
In an interview with Digital Trends, a gaming analyst, highlighted that playing both games in sequence allows the player to appreciate the character development, storytelling, and worldbuilding better, as you’ll witness Lara’s journey from an amateur to an expert in archaeology, survival, and combat skills.
Can You Play Rise of the Tomb Raider Before Tomb Raider 2013?
While it is technically possible to play the games in any order, it is essential to highlight that the games are intended to be played in the order they were released. The story continuity, character development, and themes of the games unfold over time, making them a trilogy.
Playing Tomb Raider 2013 after Rise of the Tomb Raider may result in understanding the character’s psyche, motivations, and stakes better, as well as appreciate the story’s climax more, which would be counterproductive to the intended playing experience.
Table Summary: Should You Play Tomb Raider 2013 Before Rise of the Tomb Raider?
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Chronological Storyline | The two games follow a chronological narrative, with each game connected to the next one |
| Stand-alone Stories | Each game has its own stand-alone story, but they entwine to reveal a complex and interconnected narrative |
| Character Development | The trilogy follows Lara’s development from an amateur to an expert in archaeology, survival, and combat skills |
| Order to Play | The games are intended to be played in the order they were released |
Conclusion: Does Order Matter?
In conclusion, playing Tomb Raider 2013 before Rise of the Tomb Raider is recommended to grasp the storyline, character development, and themes of the games effectively. While both games have their own value, playing them in the intended order will provide an enhanced experience.
If you’re planning to play the Tomb Raider series, heed the expert advice and sequence your journey from the birth of Lara Croft, Tomb Raider 2013, to Rise of the Tomb Raider, and finally conclude with Shadow of the Tomb Raider.
Before starting your adventure, create a schedule and plan, so you can fully engage with the story, environment, and gameplay mechanics to enjoy the fruits of Crystal Dynamics’ creation.
Remember, even if you choose to start with Rise of the Tomb Raider, the story would be affected, and understanding the context of the protagonist, Lara Croft’s journey, would be distorted.