Which Tomb Raider Should I Start?
Are you new to the Tomb Raider series and wondering where to begin? With over two decades of games under its belt, the franchise has undergone significant changes in gameplay, story, and protagonist. In this article, we’ll guide you through the best starting point for your Tomb Raider adventure.
The Original Trilogy (1996-1999)
The original Tomb Raider trilogy, consisting of Tomb Raider (1996), Tomb Raider II (1997), and Tomb Raider III: Adventures of Lara Croft (1998), laid the foundation for the series. These games introduced us to the iconic Lara Croft, a fearless and intelligent archaeologist, as she explored ancient tombs and battled against rival treasure hunters.
The Reboot Trilogy (2013-2018)
In 2013, Crystal Dynamics rebooted the series with Tomb Raider (2013), a gritty and realistic take on Lara’s origin story. This trilogy, which includes Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015) and Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018), focuses on Lara’s growth from a novice adventurer to a seasoned tomb raider.
Best Starting Point: The Reboot Trilogy
If you’re new to the series, we recommend starting with the reboot trilogy. Here’s why:
- Accessible gameplay: The reboot trilogy offers a more streamlined and accessible gameplay experience, making it easier for new players to jump in.
- Compelling story: The reboot trilogy’s story is more character-driven and explores Lara’s emotional journey, making it a more engaging and relatable experience.
- Improved graphics and mechanics: The reboot trilogy features improved graphics and mechanics, providing a more immersive and challenging experience.
The Original Trilogy vs. The Reboot Trilogy
Here’s a brief comparison of the two trilogies:
| Original Trilogy | Reboot Trilogy | |
|---|---|---|
| Story | Linear, puzzle-focused | Character-driven, more cinematic |
| Gameplay | More challenging, more emphasis on exploration | More accessible, more emphasis on combat |
| Lara Croft | More iconic, more aggressive | More relatable, more vulnerable |
| Graphics | Older graphics, less detailed | Improved graphics, more detailed environments |
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to the Tomb Raider series, the reboot trilogy is the best starting point. With its accessible gameplay, compelling story, and improved graphics, it’s the perfect introduction to Lara Croft’s adventures.
Additional Tips
- Play the reboot trilogy in order: To get the most out of the story and character development, play the games in the following order: Tomb Raider (2013), Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015), and Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018).
- Take your time: Don’t rush through the games. Take time to explore the environments, solve puzzles, and engage with the story.
- Experiment with different difficulty levels: If you’re new to the series, start with a lower difficulty level and gradually increase it as you become more comfortable with the gameplay.
By following these tips and starting with the reboot trilogy, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a Tomb Raider fan. Happy gaming!