Overview
She could run, jump, climb, and shoot—all in full 3D. Lara Croft became gaming’s first mainstream icon, but Tomb Raider succeeded because of its gameplay: vast underground spaces to explore, environmental puzzles to solve, and platforming that rewarded precision. Core Design created a template that launched a franchise and countless imitators.
Fast facts
- Developer: Core Design.
- Creator: Toby Gard.
- Protagonist: Lara Croft.
- Innovation: 3D exploration platforming.
Gameplay pillars
| Element | Implementation |
|---|
| Exploration | Large environments |
| Platforming | Precision jumping |
| Puzzles | Environmental logic |
| Combat | Secondary to exploration |
Lara Croft
| Aspect | Significance |
|---|
| Female protagonist | Industry first (mainstream) |
| Design | Iconic silhouette |
| Personality | Confident, capable |
| Cultural impact | Gaming icon |
Level design
| Characteristic | Purpose |
|---|
| Vast spaces | Exploration reward |
| Verticality | Climbing emphasis |
| Hidden secrets | Completionist appeal |
| Ancient settings | Archaeological theme |
Control system
| Move | Function |
|---|
| Walk/run toggle | Precision movement |
| Grab ledges | Climbing mechanic |
| Combat roll | Evasion |
| Dual pistols | Signature weapons |
Settings
| Location | Atmosphere |
|---|
| Peru | Opening tombs |
| Greece | Mythology |
| Egypt | Pyramids |
| Atlantis | Final area |
Series growth
| Title | Year |
|---|
| Tomb Raider | 1996 |
| Tomb Raider II | 1997 |
| Tomb Raider III | 1998 |
| Reboot | 2013 |
See also