Since its release back in 1996, the series Tomb Raider has always been among the most influential game franchises in the genre of action-adventure games. Lara Croft, the protagonist of such a series, soon joined the ranks of the most iconic figures in gaming. Lara stands out by her intelligence, athleticism, and of course, the spirit of adventure. By the time 2024 rolls over, this series will have lasted for twenty years, and gone through numerous reboots to retain new concepts to the franchise while still clinging on to its core roots: exploration, puzzle solving, and survival. The following are the three best Tomb Raider games, two being honorable mentions that have helped shape Lara Croft’s legacy.

Tomb Raider (2013) – Rebirth of the Franchise

The 2013 reboot of Tomb Raider was a transformative entry for both the series and its central character Lara Croft. This Crystal Dynamics-developed game gave way to a grungier, further humanized Lara, and provided an origin story that traced her growth from an inexperienced archaeologist into a fearless adventurer.

Set on the mysterious island of Yamatai, the narrative of the game deeply plunged into Lara’s struggle for survival against hostile islanders, treacherous terrain, and supernatural forces. The gameplay was very different from previous titles, shifting the core to survival mechanics, crafting, and more open-world-style exploration. It called for players to scavenge for supplies, craft improvements for their weapons, and solve a great deal more complex environmental puzzles; a formula that has since become the staple of modern Tomb Raider titles.

Critic reviews acclaimed the game for captivating storytelling, cinematic presentation, and emotional depth given to Lara’s character. It rebooted the series back into the limelight, introducing Lara Croft to a whole new generation while still retaining elements of what made it so loved in previous years.

Tomb Raider II (1997) – Timeless Classic

Generally considered one of the great classic entries in the series, Tomb Raider II took the game to all-new heights. Coming a mere year after the original, this game built upon the formula of its forerunner, tucking away a variety of new gameplay mechanics and features that would soon come to be associated with the game.

In the second part, Lara Croft looks for the Dagger of Xian, a fictional weapon that is believed to grant its master all the powers of a dragon. The sizes and complexities of levels were more significant than ever, and attention was given to both lines of combat and exploration in design. It took players through Venice, the Great Wall of China, Tibet, and even the sunken wreck of the Maria Doria; a diversity of locations adding to a sense of epic adventure.

Tomb Raider II also introduced vehicles new to the series at that time, such as motorboats and snowmobiles. This game further honed Lara’s acrobatic skills, giving players more leeway during navigation. It perfected a mix of platforming, combat, and puzzle-solving, and to this date, the game remains one of the classics that simply appeals to fans because of its challenging gameplay and globe-spanning narrative.

 

Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015) – Mastering the Modern Formula

Following the success of the 2013 reboot, Rise of the Tomb Raider took all that worked in the previous game and expanded upon it. This 2015 sequel follows Lara in search of the Lost City of Kitezh and the secret to immortality while fighting off a shadowy organization known as Trinity.

Rise expanded gameplay into larger and more complex environments with deeper puzzles and advanced survival mechanics. This semi-open world setup allowed revisits, which helped reveal previously hidden tombs, collectibles, and new challenges. Another additional focus the game placed was on crafting; due to the scavenging of materials from the environment, players were able to craft new weapons and gear.

In Rise, the emotional and physical stakes were far higher for Lara, who was far more human and at the same time was thrown into larger-than-life situations. Its fabulous visuals, immersive atmosphere, and well-paced action sequences received ultra-high praise, making this title easily one of the standouts in the franchise. It is considered very often as the peak of the modern Tomb Raider games and a perfect balance between storytelling, exploration, and action.

Honorable Mentions

Tomb Raider: Legend (2006)

Following several less-than-spectacular releases, Tomb Raider: Legend was the title that rejuvenated Lara Croft in the mid-2000s. The Crystal Dynamics game updated the controls and graphics but also harked back to the artifact-hunting and exploration found in the series. It told of a story by Lara trying to find Excalibur, King Arthur’s mythical sword, while researching her mother’s disappearance.

With fluid controls, engaging puzzles, and visually impressive environments for its time, Legend was the point in the series where it all came together. It revitalized a more emotionally complex Lara, rebooting interest in the character and her series of adventures.

Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018) – The End of a Trilogy

The last in the reboot trilogy, Shadow of the Tomb Raider finds Lara pitted against her largest challenge to date, facing off against the consequences of her actions and the judgment of a Mayan apocalypse. It burrows far deeper into Lara’s inner mind, exploring a hazy landscape of obsession, guilt, and destiny.

While the gameplay was mostly like the previous two, Shadow wowed with lush jungle settings, marvelously designed tombs, and more extended exploration than the prior games. It was a great conclusion to Lara’s origin story even though a few reviewers did note that it didn’t do enough new to truly distinguish itself from earlier entries.

Conclusion

Even today, going into 2024, the Tomb Raider series holds a spot close to many game history hearts. Be it replaying the 2013 reboot or playing classic Tomb Raider II, it does not matter; Rise of the Tomb Raider mastered its form, and Lara Croft’s legacy lives on. It has evolved through iterations, adopting new technologies and ways of telling stories while retaining an adventurous soul. Such games remain timeless examples of why Tomb Raider continues to capture gamers’ imaginations across the globe as we look to what the future may hold for Lara.

 

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