In 1996, a revolution entered the gaming world with the release of Tomb Raider. This wasn't just another action game; it featured a whip-cracking, pistol-packing heroine named Lara Croft who defied stereotypes and captivated gamers worldwide. However, beneath the death-defying acrobatics and perilous tombs, there was a surprisingly intricate plot filled with hidden secrets and historical inspiration. Let's explore the original Tomb Raider's story and uncover some lesser-known facts along the way.

The Scion of Atlantis: A Quest for Power

The game opens with Lara Croft, a wealthy British archaeologist with a thirst for adventure, being approached by a mysterious organization called Natla Technologies. Jacqueline Natla, the enigmatic leader, tasks Lara with retrieving a powerful artifact known as the Scion. This artifact, believed to hold immense power, is said to be fragmented across the globe, hidden within forgotten tombs (Eidos Interactive, 1996).

Lara, ever the adventurer, accepts the challenge. Her journey takes her across treacherous landscapes – the snow-capped peaks of Peru, the sun-drenched Greek Isles, the sprawling deserts of Egypt, and culminating in the legendary lost city of Atlantis. Within each tomb, Lara must overcome perilous traps, solve intricate puzzles, and face deadly guardians in her quest to reunite the Scion's pieces.

A Villain with a Twist: Unveiling Natla's Motive

What many players may not know is that Natla isn't simply after power for power's sake. The Scion, according to in-game lore, is a key to unlocking the power source of Atlantis, a mythical civilization believed to have possessed advanced technology (King, & Krzywinska, 2005). Natla, however, is far from human. She is the last surviving Queen of Atlantis, clinging to life through a form of suspended animation (Eidos Interactive, 1996). She desires the Scion to restore Atlantis and potentially achieve immortality.

A Legacy of Hidden Details

The original Tomb Raider is rich with subtle details that hint at a deeper narrative. For instance, hidden throughout the game are references to a secret organization called "Scion" – a rival group also seeking the artifact's power (Eidos Interactive, 1996). This organization would become a recurring theme in future Tomb Raider games, hinting at a larger conspiracy at play (Loguidice, & Barton, 2012). 

Another interesting detail is the inclusion of real-world historical figures and locations. Lara encounters statues depicting figures like Plato and Poseidon, subtly weaving these historical figures into the game's fantastical narrative (Eidos Interactive, 1996).

A Lasting Impact

Tomb Raider's plot, while seemingly straightforward on the surface, offered a surprising amount of depth and intrigue. It laid the foundation for a rich and expansive universe that continues to captivate players today. The game's success not only established Lara Croft as a gaming icon but also popularized the action-adventure genre, inspiring countless titles to come. So, the next time you explore a digital tomb, remember the legacy of the original Tomb Raider – a game that dared to be different and, in doing so, unearthed a legend.

References

Eidos Interactive. (1996). Tomb Raider [Video game]. Eidos Interactive.

King, G., & Krzywinska, T. (2005). Tomb raiders and space invaders: Videogame forms and contexts. Bloomsbury Publishing. 

Loguidice, B., & Barton, M. (2012). Vintage games: an insider look at the history of Grand Theft Auto, Super Mario, and the most influential games of all time. Routledge.