It’s a big year for theTomb Raiderfranchise. Not only has Lara Croft been added to Fortnite as a playable character, and players can clean Croft Manor inPowerWash Simulator, but the iconic heroine is being given her own Amazon television series. It was recently announced thatFleabagwriter and creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge is developing aTomb RaiderTV series with Amazon Studios, adding another project to the pantheon ofTomb Raiderprojects. From the classic 1996Tomb RaidertoShadow of the Tomb Raider,there are many incredible moments that the television series could portray.
TheTomb Raiderfranchise is infamous for including bombastic action sequences, boss fights, and exploration areas in each game, making every experience unique and harrowing. ManyTomb Raiderfans have their favorite in-game moments, from the blood river in the 2013Tomb Raiderreboot to Lara’s battle with a T. Rex inTomb Raider Anniversary. While the upcoming television show will hopefully show fans a new,comedic take on Lara Croft- especially with Waller-Bridge at the helm - it would also be incredible to see franchise milestones on screen.
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Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Lara on the Sacrificial Altar
Shadow of the Tomb Raiderwas a noticeably darker takeon theTomb Raiderfranchise, focusing primarily on how Lara’s obsession with taking down Trinity has a human cost. Not only does the game explore Lara’s traumatic past, but it also gives her a chance to make the ultimate sacrifice. Towards the end ofShadow of the Tomb Raider,Lara chooses to have Crimson Fire imbue her with the power to defeat Trinity leader Amaru, which involves being magically stabbed on a sacrificial altar. This scene is harrowing and demonstrates Lara’s growth from a self-interested explorer to a hero for the people.
Tomb Raider Anniversary: Lara Fights A Tyrannosaurus Rex
Among the most challenging and extreme scenarios Lara Croft has encountered, the top of the list might be her epic fight with nature’s most dangerous apex predator. Dinosaurs have appeared in multiple games across the franchise, but their original appearance might be the most terrifying. First seen in the 1996Tomb Raidergame, Lara traverses an ancient Peruvian valley to find the Scion of Atlantis. When the T. Rex emerges from the jungle, it’s evident that it can kill Lara in one blow, requiring significant strategic know-how. Theupcoming AmazonTomb Raiderseriesshould take advantage of this iconic moment.
Rise of the Tomb Raider: Lara Fights A Wild Grizzly Bear
Rise of the Tomb Raideris a stand-out gamein the franchise because of its focus on Siberian winter survival. Within minutes of the game starting, Lara is on her own in the middle of a freezing forest, forced to fend for herself. When collecting survival materials and exploring the area, Lara faces a furious Grizzly bear, requiring her to out-wit the creature to survive. This sequence produces some of the most heinous Lara Croft death scenes and pits Lara against a realistic predator who vastly outmatches her. Every encounter with the bear is terrifying because the player has to think quickly to get out alive.
2013 Tomb Raider: Lara Sneaks Through An Ancient Blood River to Save Her Friends
The 2013Tomb Raidergame was a groundbreaking renaissance for the franchise and threw Lara Croft into some truly chilling scenarios. The game is a departure from previousTomb Raidergames, focused on Lara’s journey from an unwitting student to a hardened survivor as she races to save her friends from the Solarii Brotherhood. One particularly memorable moment comes after Lara is captured by the Solarii and forced to dive into a ghastly river of blood to escape. SeeingLara Croft wading through a blood river in 2013Tomb Raiderwas awe-inspiring and baffling, especially since it was a noticeable and refreshing departure from earlier games.
Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Jonah’s Presumed Death Turns Lara Into A Vigilante
Shadow of the Tomb Raiderleaves Lara to rely on her travel companion, Jonah, for connection to humanity and humility. Unfortunately for him, Jonah is separated and captured by Trinity, putting Lara in a challenging andcharacter-defining position in Shadow of the Tomb Raider. One particularly riveting instance occurs later in the game after Lara has suffered a difficult loss. Lara becomes increasingly brutal when she is told that Jonah has been killed. An explosive combat sequence at an oil refinery culminates as Lara emerges from the depths of the water and kills like an apex predator. This scene shows the damage that Lara could do if she is completely disconnected from her humanity.
Lara Witnesses Alistair’s Death By Her Own Hands In Tomb Raider: Underworld
WhileTomb Raider:Underworldis one of the most popular games in the franchise, it also involves Lara facing off against an evil and cruel version of herself. Throughoutthe firstTomb Raidertrilogy, Lara’s research assistant Alistair accompanies her through each game, informing her about what she needs to know in his charming and eccentric way. InTomb Raider: Underworld,the Croft Manor is set ablaze, forcing Lara to find Alistair dead, murdered by a manufactured copy of herself. Not only does the game destroy Lara’s home, but she loses a dear team member and is then criticized by her remaining friends for being callous and business-focused.
Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Lara’s Greed Triggers The Destruction of An Entire Island Population
Among the many dark and harrowing moments inShadow of the Tomb Raider,one of the most devastating occurs at the beginning of the game.Shadow of the Tomb Raideropens with Lara and Jonah happily exploring the island of Cozumel, where a Trinity splinter cell is located. The game allows unwitting players to explore a realistic “Day of the Dead” celebration, inviting thegame’s version of Lara Croftto reminisce about her family legacy. At the end of act one, Lara discovers an ancient tomb and swipes the dagger of Chak Chel, despite the warnings of future apocalyptic events. Her actions result in a massive tsunami destroying the previously introduced community, with severe casualties.
ATomb Raiderseries is in development at Amazon.
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