The late nineties was a time of icons. For politics, it was Tony Blair. For music, it was Oasis. For fashion, it was combat trousers. And for once, even video games had a cool figurehead. Lara Croft was so cool, in fact, she appeared on the cover of The Face. (Note for younger readers: The Face was a monthly music, culture and style magazine. A magazine was like a paper version of the internet.)
But what is the secret of the Tomb Raider series' enduring success? As Britain's third-most relevant woman in games, and the one most willing to appear on television in exchange for money, this is a question I am asked approximately every 36 hours.
Well, I say knowledgeably, there's the brilliant blend of atmospheric environments, smart puzzles, challenging combat, and thrilling exploration. The better games make you feel like you are truly alone, and that you are the first human to wander through that dingy cave or abandoned temple for hundreds of years.
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