Is Tomb Invader Part of Tomb Raider?
Absolutely not. Tomb Invader is not part of the Tomb Raider franchise. It’s a mockbuster, a low-budget film intentionally created to capitalize on the popularity of a more successful, similar-sounding movie—in this case, the 2018 Tomb Raider film starring Alicia Vikander. While Tomb Invader might share thematic similarities, it’s a completely separate entity with no connection to the official Tomb Raider games, movies, or other media.
Understanding the Tomb Raider Universe
The Tomb Raider franchise has evolved significantly since its inception in 1996. What started as a groundbreaking video game featuring the iconic adventurer Lara Croft has expanded into a sprawling multimedia universe encompassing sequels, prequels, reboots, and adaptations across various platforms. To truly understand why Tomb Invader is an outsider, it’s crucial to grasp the key distinctions within the Tomb Raider canon.
The Original Series
The initial run of Tomb Raider games, spanning from Tomb Raider (1996) to Tomb Raider: Angel of Darkness (2003), established the core lore and character of Lara Croft. These games are largely connected, presenting a continuous narrative arc for the heroine as she explores ancient ruins and battles formidable foes.
The Legend Trilogy
Later, the Legend trilogy sought to revitalize the franchise while adhering to the spirit of the source material. The games were Tomb Raider: Legend*, *Tomb Raider: Anniversary* (a remake of the original game), and *Tomb Raider: Underworld. These games offered a more cinematic and action-oriented experience, solidifying the series’ appeal to a wider audience.
The Survivor Trilogy
The most recent iteration of Tomb Raider comes in the form of a reboot with Tomb Raider (2013), Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015), and Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018). These games tell an origin story for Lara, charting her transformation from a young, inexperienced adventurer into the hardened tomb raider we know and love. This “Survivor Trilogy” is distinct from the previous storylines, presenting a new timeline and character arc.
The Movie Adaptations
The movie adaptations of Tomb Raider also have their own separate continuity. The two films starring Angelina Jolie, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) and Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003), are based on the original game series but don’t strictly adhere to the game’s lore. The 2018 Tomb Raider film with Alicia Vikander is an adaptation of the 2013 reboot game, existing in its own separate cinematic universe.
Why Tomb Invader Doesn’t Fit
Tomb Invader falls outside all of these categories. It’s designed to deceptively resemble the 2018 Tomb Raider film, hoping to attract viewers who might not realize the difference. It is also designed to capitalize on the popularity of the name Tomb Raider. It has no official affiliation with Square Enix, Crystal Dynamics, or any of the other companies involved in creating the official Tomb Raider content.
FAQs About the Tomb Raider Universe
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the intricacies of the Tomb Raider franchise:
1. Are all Tomb Raider movies connected?
No. The Angelina Jolie Tomb Raider films and the Alicia Vikander Tomb Raider film are separate continuities. The Angelina Jolie movies are based loosely on the original games, while the Alicia Vikander film is based on the 2013 game reboot.
2. Does the 2018 Tomb Raider movie follow the game?
Yes, the 2018 Tomb Raider film closely adapts the 2013 video game reboot. Many details and plot points from the game made it into the movie.
3. Are all three of the reboot Tomb Raider games connected?
Yes, the Survivor trilogy of Tomb Raider (2013), Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015), and Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018) are narratively connected. They tell a continuous story of Lara Croft’s transformation.
4. In what order should I play the Tomb Raider games?
If you want to play the games in story order, one suggested order is: Tomb Raider (2013), Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015), Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018), Tomb Raider (1996), Tomb Raider II (1997), Tomb Raider III: Adventures of Lara Croft (1998), Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation (1999), Tomb Raider Chronicles (2000).
5. Is Tomb Raider 2013 connected to Rise of the Tomb Raider?
Yes. Rise of the Tomb Raider is a direct sequel to Tomb Raider (2013).
6. Why didn’t Angelina Jolie do Tomb Raider 3?
Angelina Jolie stated that she felt happy with her second Tomb Raider and she did not need to do another one.
7. Why was there no Tomb Raider 2 movie sequel with Alicia Vikander?
Reportedly, there were creative differences and timing issues at MGM that caused the second movie with Alicia Vikander to be shelved.
8. What is the original Tomb Raider trilogy?
While there are different interpretations, the “original” trilogy is often considered to be Tomb Raider (1996), Tomb Raider II (1997), and Tomb Raider III: Adventures of Lara Croft (1998). However, there is also a “Tomb Raider Trilogy” released for PS3 which contained Tomb Raider: Legend, Tomb Raider: Anniversary, and Tomb Raider: Underworld.
9. Is Lara Croft connected to Indiana Jones?
The Tomb Raider franchise was heavily inspired by Indiana Jones. The themes, adventure, and exploration are very similar.
10. Is Uncharted connected to Tomb Raider?
Uncharted and Tomb Raider are not officially connected, but the Uncharted series draws inspiration from the Tomb Raider franchise.
11. Who is the new Lara Croft actress?
In the 2018 movie, Alicia Vikander played Lara Croft. There is currently no official casting for any future Tomb Raider movies.
12. Why was Tomb Raider: Angel of Darkness so bad?
Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness suffered from poor controls, a problematic camera, and numerous technical issues.
13. How much did Angelina Jolie get paid for Tomb Raider?
Angelina Jolie reportedly earned $7 million for the first Tomb Raider and $12 million for the second.
14. Should I play Tomb Raider 2013 before Rise of the Tomb Raider?
Yes, playing Tomb Raider (2013) before Rise of the Tomb Raider is recommended to understand the story.
15. Which Tomb Raider games are canon?
Determining “canon” can be tricky with reboots and retcons. Generally, the original series, the Legend trilogy, and the Survivor trilogy are considered separate but valid timelines. The Games Learning Society, (See GamesLearningSociety.org) also discusses canonical order in its papers, and some researchers even delve into the philosophy behind the “correct” way to play narrative-heavy games. Shadow Of The Tomb Raider, Rise Of The Tomb Raider, Tomb Raider (2013), Tomb Raider: Underworld, Tomb Raider: Anniversary, Tomb Raider: Legend, Tomb Raider: The Angel Of Darkness, and Tomb Raider Chronicles are some of the games considered to be canon.
Conclusion: Stick with Official Adventures
The Tomb Raider franchise offers a rich and diverse world of adventure, exploration, and thrilling gameplay. It’s best to stick with the officially licensed games and movies to experience the true essence of Lara Croft’s legacy. Don’t be fooled by mockbusters like Tomb Invader, which only seek to profit from the popularity of the real thing. So gear up, grab your dual pistols, and immerse yourself in the genuine Tomb Raider experience!