Tribute to the Good Ol' Lara

I was raised during the dawn of computer games and consoles. After I received my first game boy, my gamer future was set to be conquered. One of the biggst influences in my gaming life is Lara Croft. She shaped my childhood, accompanied me in my adolescence and still captures my interest as an adult. I was around 8 or 9 years old when Tomb Raider came out. It was an innovation and something different from the pixelized ego shooter Doom, that dominated the market during those times. And she was a WOMAN. Not just any woman also, but an elite bombshell. I loved her, I wanted to be like her and I played her if you know what I mean ;-).

When I was younger, the sudden attacks used to scare me shittless and it took me forever to continue playing, and to be perfectly honest it still does now at times, but exactly these moments are the ones I treasure. Oh and do I need to mention her outfits? I just played for the sheer curiousity on which outfit was next. I also loved the story line and the voice. Ok, nuf' said, let's get into gaming business.

I am particularly presenting the first 5 games, namely Tomb Raider, Tomb Raider II, Tomb Raider III, Tomb Raider IV: The Last Revelation and Tomb Raider Chronicles. I particularly loved part II and Chronicles. In every game there was still the obligatory Croft Manor Tutorial which just was a delight in playing for me. You could test yourself, get to know your manor and most importantly bash the butler. I enjoyed all the hidden tidbits that were to be found in there. Up until Chronicles, the style of combat and the story were created in the same format.

I will in due time create a portrait of the latter games namely Angel of Darkness, Legends, Anniversary, Underworld and Guardian of Light. However there is indeed a 9th installment coming in Fall 2012. Until then let us pay homage to our favorite digital queen Lara.