How Does Netflix’s Tomb Raider Series Connect to The Games?

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Key Takeaways

  • Netflix’s “Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft” bridges the gap between video game series.
  • The series serves to unify the Tomb Raider timelines, from the Survivor trilogy to the 90s games.
  • Characters from the Survivor trilogy return in the Netflix series.

As a die-hard Tomb Raider fan since the 90s, I must say that the timeline of this iconic franchise has undergone quite the transformation over the years. The release of the Netflix series “Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft” is like a dream come true for us old-school gamers who grew up with Lara’s adventures.

Netflix’s newest animated series reimagines Lara Croft’s thrilling escapades as “Lara Croft: The Saga of the Tomb Raider.” With a gaming legacy spanning more than two decades, this Netflix production aims to align seamlessly with the established storyline.

The original “Tomb Raider” game made its debut in 1996, sparking a wide range of spin-offs including mobile games, board games, films, and interactive experiences. All these adaptations have revolved around the main character Lara Croft, a resourceful British archaeologist with a knack for unraveling the mysteries of ancient tombs and ruins. The latest addition to this franchise is “Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft” on Netflix, an animated series conceived by Tasha Huo (from “The Witcher: Blood Origin”) and produced by Powerhouse Animation Studios (“Castlevania: Nocturne”). Over the years, various adaptations have built a rich “Tomb Raider” mythos, some elements of which have been discarded in newer versions, while others have been reimagined.

Is Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft a Prequel or Sequel?

People new to playing “Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft” might not realize that it is part of a larger video game series, particularly the Crystal Dynamics “Survivor” trilogy. This trilogy includes games like “Tomb Raider (2013)”, “Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015)”, and “Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018)” developed by Crystal Dynamics. These games were highly acclaimed by players, and they provided an origin story for Lara Croft that was missing from the ’90s games, expanding on her adventures and shaping her into the strong heroine we know today.

The Netflix adaptation of Tomb Raider follows up on the video game series, incorporating numerous storylines from the trilogy. Yet, it’s essential to note that the Tomb Raider animated series serves as a prequel as well, since it unfolds before the events of the 1996 games. Its primary goal is to link these gaming franchises by offering additional insights into Lara Croft’s transformation into a fearless action heroine with a penchant for dual pistols.

Tomb Raider Games Timeline Explained

In the vast world of the Tomb Raider series, it can be challenging to keep track of events in chronological order due to numerous installments and spin-offs. While some Tomb Raider films featuring Angelina Jolie or Alicia Vikander deviate from the established narrative to tell their unique stories, Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft serves as a bridge, clarifying and consolidating timelines across different games.

Tomb Raider Classic and Survivor Timeline

Ever since the Netflix series dropped, I’ve been curious about the chronology of the Tomb Raider storyline. If you’re feeling the same way, here’s a handy breakdown for you:

  1. Tomb Raider (2013)
  2. Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015)
  3. Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018)
  4. Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft (2024) [Netflix]
  5. Tomb Raider (1996)
  6. Tomb Raider II (1997)
  7. Tomb Raider III (1998)
  8. Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation (1999)
  9. Tomb Raider: Chronicles (2000)
  10. Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness (2003)

Tomb Raider Reboot Timeline

In a refreshing turn, the Tomb Raider series underwent a reboot of its initial games, creating various alternate storylines. One such standalone narrative was the “Legend” trilogy. To fully experience this series in sequence, here’s the order for play:

  1. Tomb Raider: Anniversary (2007)
  2. Tomb Raider: Legend (2006)
  3. Tomb Raider: Underworld (2008)

Regarding the upcoming Tomb Raider games, Crystal Dynamics is now working on a new Lara Croft adventure. This project intends to harmonize the different Tomb Raider storylines, while staying true to the Netflix series’ plot. The upcoming game will also strive to combine the gameplay features of the Survivor trilogy with those of the original games.

Which Characters From The Games Return in The Netflix Series?

Lara Croft may be the tomb raider, but she rarely works alone. Lara was aided by many friends and colleagues in the Survivor trilogy, quite a few of which are referenced again in the Netflix series. Some characters, like Jonah, receive full character arcs in Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft, and Earl Baylon even returned to reprise his voice role from the Survivor trilogy. Other characters, like Lara’s mentor Roth, are either mentioned by name only or appear in flashbacks.

Many spectators have been eagerly anticipating the continuation of Sam’s storyline, who is Lara Croft’s closest ally, since her appearance in Tomb Raider (2013). Despite being scarcely referenced in later sequels, there’s a scene where she attempts to reach out to Lara. Although Sam is absent from Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft, she makes a distress call to Lara in the final scenes of the last episode, prompting Lara to abruptly depart Jonah’s wedding to locate her. This suggests that if there are additional seasons for Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft, Sam might be a significant character in the forthcoming storyline.

All eight episodes of Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft are now available to stream on Netflix.

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2024-10-13 02:04