Storytelling and Gaming 5 - Tomb Raider research

Because I apparently don't play any other video games, I will be doing some research on one of my favourite video games of all time; the original Tomb Raider game released in 1996 on the Sony PlayStation. Though I do still own a copy on PS1, my playthrough was on the PC version.

Tomb Raider was revolutionary at the time for its single-player narrative and complex 3D level design in a time where the jump to 3D had only just begun. It also was praised for its portrayal of a female action hero taking the lead, with Lara Croft front and centre as gaming's newest celebrity. To this day she remains one of the most iconic female characters in video game history, all thanks to this game.

I still think that this game holds up very well today. I am not phased by it's awkward tank controls due to playing this game multiple times throughout my life. What this game nails is the atmosphere. The feeling of isolation and loneliness in these dark caves and tombs. Some of the levels even felt like you were in a horror game, due to it's perfect sound design and large sprawling levels. Besides Lara, there are only 6 other non playable characters, making each level feel untouched and dangerous. It's this feeling of isolation that I would like to instil in the player of my own game, and something I will try my best to honour that Tomb Raider managed so excellently 24 years ago.

CORE DESIGN. (1996) Tomb Raider [DISC] PlayStation. Derby, England: Eidos Interactive