The Tomb Raider franchise began with an action-adventure video game series created by Core Design, which debuted in 1996. The series, initially owned by Eidos Interactive and later by Square Enix Europe, centers on Lara Croft, a British archaeologist who explores dangerous tombs and uncovers lost artifacts. The games are known for their exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat.

Development of the original game began in 1994, leading to its release in 1996. The game’s success spurred annual releases for a few years, but the series faced challenges with the sixth game, The Angel of Darkness. This led Eidos to hand over development to Crystal Dynamics, which has since been the primary developer.

By 2021, Tomb Raider games had sold over 85 million copies worldwide and earned critical acclaim for pioneering the action-adventure genre. Lara Croft has become one of the most iconic video game characters, celebrated for her role in advancing female representation in gaming. Despite this, her portrayal has also sparked controversy over the use of sexual appeal in marketing.

“Tomb Raider 2” promises to deliver the action and excitement fans expect, with a fresh take and new challenges for Lara Croft.