The original Tomb Raider is the game that introduced the world to Lara Croft, a high class, well spoken, sexy action heroine.
She became a phenomenon around the world. A dozen videogames and 2 hollywood movies under her belt she has remained an Icon of the Playstation brand even though the series is multiplatform.
I always regard the first Tomb Raider as the best, basically because i prefer it’s design.
The game focused more on platforming, puzzle solving and exploration, unlike the most recent games which tend to be more action orientated.
At the time of release in the mid 90’s this was a fantastic looking game. The world, the character models, it really was top draw, i mean come on, CONE SHAPED TITTIES!!!!! 😄
The controls also felt good, bearing in mind the game was released before Sony came out with Dualshock controllers, so all movement was done through the Dpad.
It really was a fantasic game, who can forget running out into the valley in the 3rd level only to be confronted by the giant T-Rex? Brilliant, it was edge of your seat stuff, and the soundtrack is still some of the best i have ever heard in a videogame.
So how does the game hold up today?
Well games have come a long way since Tomb Raider, graphically, control wise, sound and sheer scope.
Looking at this game now, it’s horrendous, and it’s hard to think that at one time these were some of the best around. I suppose that’s a testament really to how far the technology has come now.
Lara moves like a tank due to the Dpad controls, you are forever running into walls or falling off ledges because you didn’t time that jump correctly, but it doesn’t take any of the fun out of this game for me, because i when i play it it takes me back to all those hours of fun i had with it when i was a child. I bathe in the nostalgia lol.
I think it’s definately worth playing this game again to discover Lara’s roots and re-experience her greatest adventure.
If not, then you can always try Tomb Raider Anniversery, which is a remake of the original game, complete with HD graphics.
Lara has stepped out of the limelight now that Nathan Drake has arrived, but i think it’s safe to say that without Lara, there would be no Drake, but she will always be at the forefront of some of my best gaming memories.
For now though, please enjoy the 2 videos below which i made that showcase the first 2 levels.
This video has been removed from YouTube: Tomb Raider (Part 1) Scatigno's Retro Corner.
This video has been removed from YouTube: Tomb Raider (Part 2) Scatigno's Retro Corner.
Youtube.com/scatigno9
