When we talk about modern video game legends, it’s hard to overlook Lara Croft. She burst onto the scene with a bang in 1996 on the PlayStation, transforming the gaming landscape forever with the launch of Tomb Raider.
Since that groundbreaking debut, PlayStation and Lara Croft have been inseparable, with each major release giving fans something to cheer about. As we look ahead to the release of Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered on PlayStation 4 and 5 this February 14, it feels like the perfect moment to dive back into Lara’s world.
The PlayStation Era
Lara made her grand entrance in 1996 with Tomb Raider, developed by Eidos Interactive and Core Design. This adventure took the young British aristocrat on a global hunt for the Scion, an artifact split into three parts. We traversed exotic locales from Greece to Egypt, and not forgetting the spine-chilling encounter with a T-Rex! It’s available now on PS Store as part of the Tomb Raider I-III Remastered collection.
In 1997, Tomb Raider II saw Lara embarking on a thrilling quest for the mythical Dagger of Xian. Facing off against the cultists of Fiamma Nera, our hero fought her way through Venice, Tibet, and even her own mansion. This installment expanded on its predecessor, introducing new weapons, the ability to scale walls, and larger levels. Players could even navigate through stages using vehicles like boats and snowmobiles – an exciting first for the series. You can also find this on the PS Store through the I-III Remastered pack.
Tomb Raider III: The Adventures of Lara Croft took things up a notch in 1998. This time, Lara was on a mission involving four meteorite fragments linked to strange experiments, bringing nods to sci-fi classics like The Thing. From Nevada to Antarctica, this game empowered players with an enhanced move set, including monkey swings and sprinting abilities, plus smarter enemies. Expect advanced lighting and weather effects that really pushed the game’s visuals forward. It’s part of the same remastered collection on PS Store.
Then came Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation towards the end of 1998. This entry felt a bit more dramatic. Lara accidentally unleashed the Egyptian god Set while trying to retrieve the Amulet of Horus. The story unfolded in breathtaking locales across Cairo and Alexandria, blending indoor and outdoor experiences. The game’s introduction of combining items for puzzles and crafting weapons showed off its innovation. Prepare for its arrival in the Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered pack on PS Store.
By 2000, Tomb Raider: Chronicles followed, delving into Lara’s mysterious past. After the dramatic conclusion of The Last Revelation, we heard tales of her previous expeditions, like the search for the Philosopher’s Stone in Rome or the high-tech escapades in New York.
The PlayStation 2 Era
With the arrival of the PS2, Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness in 2003 took the series to darker places. Lara, returning from a presumed demise, found herself framed for murder. This installment embraced the console’s power with impressive visuals and revamped controls, while also introducing new gameplay mechanics like a dialogue system and a second playable character, Kurtis Trent.
Tomb Raider: Legend emerged in 2006, rebooting Lara’s universe. Setting out to uncover the legendary Excalibur, she journeyed through diverse locations from Japan to Peru. Crystal Dynamics crafted a refined experience, enhancing controls, combat, and the game engine itself. Available on PS Store and in the PlayStation Plus Premium collection, Legend marked a new, invigorated chapter for Lara Croft.
In 2007, Tomb Raider: Anniversary struck a perfect balance between honoring the original game and incorporating modern updates. Using the Legend engine, this remaster allowed fans to relive the classic story with tweaked puzzles and advanced level design.
The PlayStation 3 Era
Closing out the Legend trilogy, Tomb Raider: Underworld in 2008 saw Lara uncovering the secrets of Norse mythology to find Thor’s hammer. This third installment leveraged PS3’s power with extensive environments, refined animations, and a plethora of new moves and weapons.
The 2013 reboot, simply titled Tomb Raider, offered a fresh narrative perspective, spotlighting Lara’s evolution from a naive explorer to a seasoned survivor. Set on a mysterious island, the game pushed the franchise into new realms with a focus on stealth, crafting, and an extensive multiplayer mode. It’s available on PS Store for those looking to experience this fresh take.
The PlayStation 4 Era
The PS4 showcased its capabilities with Rise of the Tomb Raider in 2015. Lara found herself diving into her father’s research in snowy Siberia. Enhanced facial animations and a wider range of gear further developed the deep gameplay mechanics the series is known for. It’s available now for PS players via PS Store and PlayStation Plus Extra.
Finally, Shadow of the Tomb Raider in 2018 capped the Survivor trilogy, exploring Lara’s personal growth amid a brewing Mayan apocalypse. Set in the rich landscapes of Mexico and Peru, this installment expanded on stealth gameplay and visually stunning environments, continuing to build Lara’s legacy. Find it on the PS Store with PlayStation Plus Extra.
With the remastered editions of Tomb Raider IV-VI soon hitting the PS4 and PS5, it’s time to dust off your gear and prepare for new adventures. Lara Croft’s legacy lives on, promising thrilling experiences for both seasoned fans and newcomers alike.
