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