Tomb Raider: Chronicles (2000)

by Christopher November 17, 2000

written by Christopher November 17, 2000 5 minutes read

Summary

Tomb Raider: Chronicles stands as a creative exploration of Lara Croft’s legacy, offering fans new stories and challenges while pushing the series forward with inventive gameplay mechanics.

Release Year: 2000
Genres: Adventure, Shooter
Platforms: Dreamcast, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation Vita
Developers: Core Design
Publishers: Aspyr Media, Eidos Interactive, Square Enix

Introduction

Exploring the depths of Lara Croft’s untold stories, Tomb Raider: Chronicles dives into the heart of her most personal adventures. Released in 2000, this game is a testament to the enduring legacy of one of gaming’s most enduring icons.

Synopsis

The narrative of “Tomb Raider: Chronicles” is unique as it is portrayed through a series of flashbacks. The game begins with a memorial service for Lara Croft, who is presumed dead after the events of “The Last Revelation”. In the quiet solitude of Croft Manor, three of Lara’s closest friends – her butler Winston, Father Patrick Dunstan, and Charles Kane, her former mentor – gather to reminisce about Lara’s past exploits.

These stories form the basis of the game’s four main sections, each representing a different adventure from various points in Lara’s life. The adventures take Lara to Rome, a Russian submarine, a haunted island in Ireland, and a high-tech office building in New York City.

In “Tomb Raider: Chronicles”, players assume the role of Lara Croft, navigating through diverse environments filled with puzzles to solve and enemies to defeat. The gameplay mechanics are largely carried over from “Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation”, with Lara capable of performing a variety of acrobatic maneuvers to traverse the game’s environments.

New gameplay elements introduced in “Chronicles” include tightrope walking, swinging on horizontal bars, and a hand-to-hand stealth attack. The game also features a variety of new weapons and items for Lara to utilize in her adventures.

Characters

While Lara Croft remains the central figure, Chronicles brings various characters from her past into the spotlight, offering new insights into Lara’s world and her relationships.

Gameplay

Chronicles builds upon the series’ foundation with enhanced mechanics. Lara’s new abilities, such as tightrope walking and using a grappling hook, add depth to exploration and combat. The inclusion of a level editor further extends the game’s replayability and creativity.

Conclusion

Tomb Raider: Chronicles is a nostalgic and innovative continuation of Lara Croft’s saga. It successfully captures the spirit of adventure that is synonymous with the series, while the level editor marks a significant step forward in player engagement and creativity.

Review Score

7.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Fan Art

Fan Art Style: Normal

Fan Art Style: Retro

Fan Art Style: Modern

Christopher

Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.