Should I Play Tomb Raider Before Shadow of the Tomb Raider?
The Tomb Raider series has undergone a significant reboot in recent years, with the latest installment, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, being the culmination of a trilogy that started with the 2013 game. If you’re new to the series or considering playing Shadow of the Tomb Raider, you might be wondering if you should play the original Tomb Raider game before diving into the latest installment. In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and provide you with a comprehensive guide to help you decide.
The Story Connection
The story of Shadow of the Tomb Raider is heavily connected to the events of the previous two games, Rise of the Tomb Raider and the 2013 Tomb Raider game. The game’s narrative is a direct continuation of the story arc that began in the 2013 game, and playing the previous games will provide you with a deeper understanding of the characters, plot, and world.
Key Plot Points
Here are some key plot points that are relevant to the story of Shadow of the Tomb Raider:
- The Trinity: The Trinity is a paramilitary organization that has been hunting Lara Croft throughout the series. They play a significant role in Shadow of the Tomb Raider, and understanding their motivations and actions in the previous games will help you appreciate the story of the latest installment.
- The Mayan Apocalypse: The Mayan apocalypse is a central plot point in Shadow of the Tomb Raider. The game’s story is built around Lara’s quest to prevent the apocalypse, and understanding the mythology and history behind it will enhance your experience.
- Lara’s Character Development: Lara Croft’s character has undergone significant development throughout the series. Playing the previous games will give you a deeper understanding of her motivations, personality, and relationships with other characters.
Why You Should Play the Original Tomb Raider
While Shadow of the Tomb Raider can be played as a standalone game, playing the original Tomb Raider game will provide you with a richer experience. Here are some reasons why:
- Established Characters: The original Tomb Raider game introduces you to Lara Croft, a character who has undergone significant development throughout the series. Playing the original game will give you a deeper understanding of her character and motivations.
- World-Building: The original Tomb Raider game sets the stage for the world of the series, introducing you to the mythology and history of the Tomb Raider universe. Playing the original game will give you a better understanding of the world and its lore.
- Pacing and Tone: The original Tomb Raider game has a different pacing and tone compared to the more action-oriented Shadow of the Tomb Raider. Playing the original game will give you a sense of the series’ evolution and how it has changed over time.
Why You Can Skip the Original Tomb Raider
While playing the original Tomb Raider game will provide you with a richer experience, you can still play Shadow of the Tomb Raider without playing the previous games. Here are some reasons why:
- Story Summaries: The game’s story is summarized at the beginning of Shadow of the Tomb Raider, providing you with a brief overview of the events of the previous games.
- Gameplay Mechanics: The gameplay mechanics of Shadow of the Tomb Raider are similar to those of the previous games, so you won’t miss out on any significant changes or innovations.
- Standalone Experience: Shadow of the Tomb Raider can be played as a standalone game, with a self-contained story and characters. You can still enjoy the game without playing the previous games.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while playing the original Tomb Raider game will provide you with a richer experience, you can still play Shadow of the Tomb Raider without playing the previous games. The game’s story is summarized at the beginning, and the gameplay mechanics are similar to those of the previous games. Ultimately, the decision to play the original Tomb Raider game is up to you, but we recommend playing it if you want to get the most out of the series.
Table: Tomb Raider Games in Order
| Game | Release Year | Story Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Tomb Raider | 2013 | Yes, plays a significant role in Shadow of the Tomb Raider’s story |
| Rise of the Tomb Raider | 2015 | Yes, plays a significant role in Shadow of the Tomb Raider’s story |
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider | 2018 | Yes, is a direct continuation of the story arc that began in the 2013 game |
Bullets List: Key Plot Points
- The Trinity is a paramilitary organization that has been hunting Lara Croft throughout the series.
- The Mayan apocalypse is a central plot point in Shadow of the Tomb Raider.
- Lara’s character has undergone significant development throughout the series.
- Playing the original Tomb Raider game will give you a deeper understanding of Lara’s character and motivations.
- Playing the original Tomb Raider game will give you a better understanding of the world and its lore.
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider can be played as a standalone game, with a self-contained story and characters.