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Which Tomb Raider game is first in the trilogy?

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Which Tomb Raider Game is First in the Trilogy? A Comprehensive Guide

The answer depends on which trilogy you’re referring to! There are a few distinct trilogies within the Tomb Raider franchise. If you’re asking about the Survivor Trilogy, the first game is Tomb Raider (2013). This game marked a complete reboot of the series and reimagined Lara Croft’s origin story. If you’re curious about the impact of gaming on learning and society, check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Diving Deep into the Tomb Raider Universes

Tomb Raider is more than just a game; it’s a cultural phenomenon. Spanning decades, the franchise has seen numerous iterations, each with its own distinct style and storyline. Understanding the different eras and trilogies is crucial for appreciating the series’ evolution and deciding where to begin your own adventure.

The franchise can be broadly divided into these eras:

  • The Original Series (1996-2003): These are the games that started it all, featuring the iconic, sharp-angled Lara Croft. They laid the foundation for the character and her adventures.

  • The Legend Trilogy (2006-2008): A soft reboot aimed at modernizing the series, focusing on a more character-driven narrative.

  • The Survivor Trilogy (2013-2018): A complete reimagining of Lara’s origins, portraying her transformation from a naive young woman into a hardened survivor.

Let’s delve a bit more into each era:

The Original Series (1996-2003): A Legacy of Exploration

  • Games Included: Tomb Raider, Tomb Raider II, Tomb Raider III: Adventures of Lara Croft, Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation, Tomb Raider Chronicles, Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness.

  • Key Features: Challenging puzzles, vast and often lonely environments, and a focus on exploration above all else. The polygonal graphics and tank controls defined this era.

  • Connected? Yes, loosely. While each game presents a self-contained adventure, there’s a general continuation of Lara’s experiences and reputation as a tomb raider.

The Legend Trilogy (2006-2008): A Character-Driven Approach

  • Games Included: Tomb Raider: Legend, Tomb Raider: Anniversary, Tomb Raider: Underworld.

  • Key Features: A smoother, more cinematic gameplay experience, enhanced acrobatics, and a greater emphasis on character development and storytelling.

  • Connected? Absolutely. These three games form a direct narrative arc, with Anniversary being a remake of the original Tomb Raider within this new continuity and Underworld serving as a direct sequel to Legend.

The Survivor Trilogy (2013-2018): A Reimagined Origin

  • Games Included: Tomb Raider (2013), Rise of the Tomb Raider, Shadow of the Tomb Raider.

  • Key Features: A gritty, realistic portrayal of Lara’s transformation, with survival mechanics, crafting, and a focus on character growth through adversity.

  • Connected? Without a doubt. This trilogy tells a continuous story, charting Lara’s evolution from a vulnerable young woman to the confident and capable Tomb Raider we know and love.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Tomb Raider

1. Do I need to play the Tomb Raider games in order?

It depends on the trilogy or series you’re interested in. The original games are loosely connected, so playing them in order isn’t crucial. However, the Legend Trilogy and the Survivor Trilogy have connected storylines, making playing them in order more rewarding.

2. Is the new Tomb Raider trilogy (Survivor Trilogy) a reboot?

Yes, the Survivor Trilogy is a complete reboot of the Tomb Raider franchise. It reimagines Lara Croft’s origin story and is not directly connected to the previous games.

3. Are the new Tomb Raider games connected to the old ones?

No, the Survivor Trilogy stands apart from the original series and the Legend trilogy. It’s a fresh start for the character and the storyline.

4. Is the Tomb Raider trilogy (Survivor Trilogy) worth playing?

Absolutely! The Survivor Trilogy is highly regarded for its engaging stories, compelling characters, and stunning visuals. Each game offers a unique experience, with Tomb Raider (2013) focusing on survival, Rise of the Tomb Raider emphasizing exploration, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider delving into darker themes.

5. Should I play Tomb Raider (2013) before Shadow of the Tomb Raider?

Yes, definitely. Tomb Raider (2013) is the first game in the Survivor Trilogy and sets the stage for the subsequent games. Playing it first will provide essential context for the characters and the overall storyline.

6. Can I skip Tomb Raider (2013) and still enjoy the other games?

While you can skip Tomb Raider (2013), you’ll miss out on important character development and the foundation of the trilogy’s narrative. It’s highly recommended to start with Tomb Raider (2013) for the best experience.

7. What do I need to know before playing Shadow of the Tomb Raider?

Knowing the events of Tomb Raider (2013) and Rise of the Tomb Raider will enhance your experience with Shadow of the Tomb Raider. Familiarize yourself with Lara’s relationships with Jonah and other key characters.

8. Which Tomb Raider game is considered the best?

Many fans consider Tomb Raider (2013) to be the best due to its compelling story, strong character development, and fresh take on the franchise. However, Rise of the Tomb Raider and Shadow of the Tomb Raider also have their strengths and are highly praised.

9. Does it matter which Tomb Raider game I play first in the original series?

Not particularly. The original Tomb Raider games are largely self-contained adventures. You can jump in at any point without missing too much.

10. Are the Rise and Shadow of the Tomb Raider connected?

Yes, Rise of the Tomb Raider and Shadow of the Tomb Raider are directly connected and continue the narrative established in Tomb Raider (2013).

11. Will the original Tomb Raider games be remastered?

Yes! A remastered collection of the original Tomb Raider games (1-3) has been announced, bringing these classic adventures to modern consoles with updated graphics.

12. Where does Tomb Raider (2013) take place?

Tomb Raider (2013) is set on Yamatai, a fictional lost island located in the Dragon’s Triangle off the coast of Japan.

13. Is the new Tomb Raider game (after the Survivor Trilogy) a reboot?

The next Tomb Raider game is intended to be a soft reboot, refreshing the franchise while potentially retaining elements from previous games. It’s not a direct continuation of the Survivor trilogy, nor is it a complete reset like the 2013 game.

14. What year does Tomb Raider (2013) take place?

Since reboot Lara was born in 1992 and was 21 years old in the game, Tomb Raider (2013) takes place in 2013.

15. Which Tomb Raider game is the longest to complete?

Based on average completion times, Tomb Raider III: Adventures of Lara Croft typically takes the longest to complete, offering a substantial and challenging adventure.

Conclusion: Embark on Your Tomb Raider Journey

Whether you’re drawn to the classic charm of the original games, the character-driven narratives of the Legend trilogy, or the gritty realism of the Survivor trilogy, there’s a Tomb Raider adventure waiting for you. Starting with Tomb Raider (2013) is a great choice if you want to experience the modern trilogy. Ultimately, the best way to experience Tomb Raider is to dive in and discover what makes this franchise so enduring. For those interested in the educational and social impact of gaming, visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. Enjoy the exploration!

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