Tomb Raider Chronicles - PlayStation

Lara Croft, introduced to a highly eager crowd of men (and few women) in 1996, has proved to be one of the most commercially successful video game icons in recent history; perhaps due to her invaluable assets, some might say. After the first instalment of the series, Core Design managed to develop a further four sequels in the series over the next five years; an incredible development achievement. That brings us to Tomb Raider 5, or Tomb Raider Chronicles on PlayStation.

Now found to be missing and presumed dead for a considerable period of time, Lara is up to her historic antics once again in another famous myth-come-reality. Although assumed to be long gone, there is still a formidable plethora of ancient statues, gods and ruthless criminals hunting her down to the death. But how can Lara be expected to survive with such an unpopular crowd of enemies on her tail? Well, new for the fifth instalment of the five-year-running series are a number of refined gameplay elements and some all-new abilities, courtesy of Core Design. The combat system is now more extensive than previously seen, with hand-to-hand combat and stealth manoeuvres, increasing the level of strategy within the huge 3D level design. Accessories wise, probably the most significant innovation is the use of a grappling hook. If used with great thought, you will now be able to help Lara gain access to previously completely inaccessible locations on the map.

While Tomb Raider Chronicles does have new features, it’s essentially the same Tomb Raider that made its debut in 1996; not to say that’s a bad thing, of course. Some would say if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
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