Join Extra Life Team Tomb Raider Community: Play Games. Heal Kids.

My dear friends and fellow raiders, on Saturday, October 20th, I'll be participating in Extra Life, an epic, 24-hour video game marathon to raise money for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals in North America, the United Kingdom and Australia. I hope you'll join me!

If you're a gamer, please consider participating in the event as part of Team Tomb Raider Community.We'll be playing a bunch of TR games, along with other favorites. Some of us will be gaming at home, solo and with friends, but we're also planning some online co-op Guardian of Light, plus livestreaming, an up-to-the-minute Twitter feed (#TombRaider #ExtraLife), and a marathon online party—all to raise money to help hospitalized kids. Together we can do more!

If you can't join us, I hope you'll at least make a small donation to support our efforts.

Read more about the event at Extra-Life.org. To join our team or to make a pledge, visit the Team Tomb Raider Community page.

Please help spread the word, and if you have any questions, don't hesitate to get in touch.

30-Day Tomb Raider Challenge Day 30: WWLCD?

WWLCD: What Would Lara Croft Do? Has the character Lara Croft ever inspired you to do something in real life that you might not ordinarily do? Discuss.

Today is the last day of the challenge. Once again I'd like to thank everyone who participated and submitted topic ideas. I hope you've all had as much fun with this as I have. I'd also like to give a special shout-out to Jeremy, whose original Tomb Raider 30 Day Challenge inspired this whole thing. Raid on!

Bumper Sticker: What Would Lara Croft Do?

30-Day Tomb Raider Challenge Day 29: Which real life person most reminds you of Lara Croft?

Which real life person most reminds you of Lara Croft? It need not be someone famous. Surely we all know or have heard of someone who embodies Lara-like qualities.

Thanks to Ostercy for suggesting today's topic.

30-Day Tomb Raider Challenge Day 28: Special Editions

Crystal Dynamics has confirmed there will be a special edition of the new TOMB RAIDER, though they have not yet said which systems will have special versions or what exactly will be included. If you answered "yes" to yesterday's question, do you plan to splurge for the special edition, and what would you like to see included in order to make it worthwhile? Do you own any previous Tomb Raider special editions?

Thanks to Austin for suggesting today's topic.

30-Day Tomb Raider Challenge Day 27: Thoughts on the upcoming reboot? Will you be buying?

Today we revisit last year's Day 7 challenge. Has anything changed for you since then? Do you plan on buying the new game next year and why or why not?

30-Day Tomb Raider Challenge Day 26: Objects of Desire

Today we're expanding on last year's challenge topic about Tomb Raider collections. For those who do collect TR merchandise or plan to start, what is your most prized Tomb Raider collectible, and what is the item item you most covet? (If it's not something that's actually being made, what would you like to see?)

Thanks to Lorna for today's question.

Lara vs. Dalek. Photo courtesy of Michael Lawrie.

30-Day Tomb Raider Challenge Day 25: Favorite Fan Sites and Blogs

No, I'm not fishing for compliments. ;) Today's question comes from Marie and Ryan, who want to expand the list of Tomb Raider fansites and blogs they follow. So, other than this one, which fan-created Tomb Raider sites do you like to visit and why? What do you feel are some of the qualities of a great fan/tribute site?

30-Day Tomb Raider Challenge Day 24: The Next Film

We don't know too much about the next Tomb Raider film yet except that, like the upcoming game, it will be an "origin" story featuring an inexperienced Lara Croft.

Today's challenge, suggested by Lorna, is basically how do you envision the third TR movie? Who would you want to play Lara? Which characters (if any) from the series or past films would you include? Or, more generally, if you could suggest one thing to producer Graham King regarding the new film, what would it be?

Tomb Raider Reboot Teaser. ©2011 ryansd. All rights reserved.

30-Day Tomb Raider Challenge Day 23: Have You Ever Dreamed About Tomb Raider?

Over the years, several players have told me their weird, fun and fabulous Tomb Raider dreams. Have you ever dreamed about Lara, or dreamed you were living a Tomb Raider game? Do tell!

Sleeping Angie? Would love to give a photo credit, but I'm not sure who took this. I found it in a Google image search.

30-Day Tomb Raider Challenge Day 22: Second Favorite Game or Series

It's probably safe to assume that if you're reading this Tomb Raider tops your list of favorite games. But what's your second favorite video game or series?

How dare I ask a non-Tomb Raider related question in the challenge?! Well, people are always writing to me asking if there are other games as good as TR, what they should play until the next TR, what I play other than TR. There's no easy answer to this one, but I'd love to hear your recommendations.

I haven't played any of the Uncharted games (don't own a PlayStation) but I hear they're fun.

30-Day Tomb Raider Challenge Day 21: Raiding on the Go

Have you played any of the hand-held or mobile Tomb Raider games? If so, which was your favorite and why? Marie and I want to know.

30-Day Tomb Raider Challenge Day 20: Are You a Ruthless Killer or a Pacifist?

When you play Tomb Raider do you always try to get all kills? Have you ever completed a level with no kills? Or is your play style somewhere in between? Do you go after the baddies but deliberately avoid harming non-enemy creatures like the Barkhang brothers in TR2 and the monkeys in TR3? What about endangered creatures like tigers?

Lara rides (or perhaps wrestles?) an endangered snow leopard in the
TR2 Golden Mask expansion. Screenshot courtesy of Perusing Pixels.

30-Day Tomb Raider Challenge Day 19: Have You Ever Cosplayed a TR Character?

Have you ever dressed up as Lara Croft or another character from the TR universe? Halloween costumes do count, and we'd love to see a photo if you have one. :)

By the way, they're having a Lara Croft "Survivior" cosplay contest over at Lara Croft Cosplay. The first round of voting is open to the public. Check out the great pix and vote for your favorite here.

Cosplayers with Lara Croft voice and mocap actor Camilla Luddington
at San Diego Comic Con in July.

30-Day Tomb Raider Challenge Day 18: Favorite Secondary Character

Lara Croft works alone...except when she doesn't. She's had help from friends and colleagues over the years, from Werner Von Croy's mentorship in The Last Revelation to Zip and Alister's support in Legend and Underworld. Now it looks like she'll have a veritable posse of new friends in the upcoming game.

We've talked about enemies and adversaries before, but who's your favorite ally or supporting character from the TR universe and why?

Today's challenge topic is based on suggestions from Jason and Chris.

Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation screenshot courtesy of Katie Fleming.

30-Day Tomb Raider Challenge Day 17: Have You Ever Created Your Own Playable Level?

Have you ever created your own Tomb Raider level using the TR Level Editor or another program? If so, what was it like and did you enjoy the process? Do you play levels created by other players and, if so, what are some of your favorites?

Today's question was suggested by Eldin and expanded upon a bit by me. Just can't leave well enough alone. ;)

Tomb Raider Level Editor Screenshot.
Click to visit tombraiders.net's TRLE page.

30-Day Tomb Raider Challenge Day 16: Travels with Lara

We've discussed our favorite locations from the games before, but what if you were the adventurer? If you could join Lara Croft on a quest, where would you want to go and why?

Today's challenge is a combination of questions submitted by Jason, Jaden, and Scott.

World Map of Lara Croft's travels by Vanity.

30-Day Tomb Raider Challenge Day 15: Favorite Cutscene

Expanding a bit on yesterday's question, today we're wondering what's your favorite cutscene from the Tomb Raider series and why?

Thanks to Graham, Marie, and Ostercy for suggesting this topic.

This video from Lara's Backpack apparently shows a deleted cutscene from the original Tomb Raider.

30-Day Tomb Raider Challenge Day 14: Favorite Quote

Today's question comes from Jason and Marie, who ask you to share your favorite quote from a Tomb Raider game or movie.

30-Day Tomb Raider Challenge Day 13: Achievements/Trophies

If you play Tomb Raider on the PS3 or Xbox 360 have you unlocked all the trophies/achievements? If not, which ones are you missing? If you play on the PC or Mac (or if you only play the classic games) do you do set other challenges for yourself? All secrets, all kills, *no* kills, speedruns, etc.?

A while back we did a brainstorming session to come up with achievements for the classic games. You're welcome to contribute by commenting on that post as well.

30-Day Tomb Raider Challenge Day 12: Favorite System?

From its debut in October 1996 on the Sega Saturn to the upcoming TOMB RAIDER for Windows PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3, Tomb Raider games have been released on many different gaming systems over the years. Which is your preferred system for playing Tomb Raider and why?

30-Day Tomb Raider Challenge Day 11: More Multi-Player?

Lately I've been replaying Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light with my buddy Treeble, whom some of you may know from the Eidos Forums and TRF. We've been having a blast, and it got me thinking about future co-op or multi-player options for the series.

For most of us, Tomb Raider is unequivocally about solitary exploration, and although there has been a trend toward more online and multi-player interactions, the developers at Crystal Dynamics have confirmed there will be no multi-player in the upcoming game.

What do you think? Would you like to see another multi-player game added to the franchise? If so, should it be a sequel to Guardian of Light, a co-op mode for the usual Tomb Raider adventure, some sort of MMO set in the Tomb Raider universe, or an entirely new type of game?

P.S. A few people have asked if it's OK to comment on past days' topics. Absolutely! If you have something to add, you're welcome to comment here or on our Facebook page. You can even respond to the 2011 Challenge topics if you like.

30 Day Tomb Raider Challenge Day 10: Crossovers

Tomb Raider–Witchblade #1
by Michael Turner
In the comic book realm, Lara Croft has gone adventuring with Witchblade's Sara Pezzini, as well as Aspen and Cannon from Fathom. Characters from and Kane & Lynch and Legacy of Kain appeared in expansion packs for Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light. And naturally fan fiction writers, artists, and video-graphers have envisioned Lara in all sorts of imaginative pairings.

Would you like to see a crossover between Tomb Raider and another franchise in a major game? If so, which characters should be involved and what would be the premise?

Today's topic comes from Giorgos. Thanks, G!

Lara Croft (Tomb Raider) vs Nathan Drake (Uncharted) Live Action Battle! from Machinima

30-Day Tomb Raider Challenge Day 9: Should Crystal Produce Another Anniversary Edition?

Tomb Raider: Anniversary wasn't quite as commercially successful as Legend and Underworld, and so far Crystal Dynamics have said they have no plans to remake another classic game. But what do the fans think? Would you like to see an updated version of Tomb Raider II or any of the other classic games? Why or why not?

This question was recently suggested by Rhyse, but the idea has been floated by many TR fans over the years.

Sales figures for the Tomb Raider series as of 2009, via Kotaku.

Tomb Raider II - Tibet Remake by FearEffectInferno

30-Day Tomb Raider Challenge Day 8: Which Version of Lara Do You Prefer?

Today's challenge question comes from Jason, who asks, "Which do you prefer: Core Lara, Crystal Lara or survivor Lara?" I would add that you're welcome to be even more specific if you like, since I know some are fans of Angel of Darkness Lara, Legend Lara, etc. I'm also curious to know why you like or dislike certain iterations of the character.

30-Day Tomb Raider Challenge Day 7: Speedruns and Time Trials

Today's question comes from brooklynspider, birchyboy and me. We want to know how fast you raiders really are. Have you completed any time trials or speedruns? If so, tell us about your accomplishments. If you recorded the run(s), feel free to link to videos if you like. What's your fastest time through any level or complete game?

If you don't do speedruns or time trials, why not?

Tomb Raider II Floating Islands in 3:04 by Soul (a.k.a. Nightwish)

30-Day Tomb Raider Challenge Day 6: Are You a Secret Hunter?

Have you found all the secrets in any/all of the Tomb Raider games? Which ones were the hardest to collect? Which, if any, have you still not been able to get? And which game best presents the secrets? For example, do you prefer the games where the secrets are useful items like weapons, health and ammo; the ones with stylized objects like the dragon statues in TR2, the themed trinkets in Legend, etc; the ones where finding secrets unlocks special rewards or a bonus level?

P.S. Sorry this entry was posted a day late. Busy day yesterday. I backdated it so it would appear in the correct order in the archives.

P.P.S. I forgot to credit Fasca, who suggested the topic of secrets yesterday.

Tomb Raider II Venice - Jade Dragon Secret

Classic Tomb Raider Bugs Section...Now With Video Tutorials!

Just updated my Classic Tomb Raider Useful Bugs section with instructional videos. Now there's no excuse for not bugging out. ;) Each section includes step-by-step written instructions, screenshots, and now video tutorials. Here's a little taste....

30-Day Tomb Raider Challenge Day 5: Most Aggravating Level

On the flip side of yesterday's challenge question, Austin and I want to know which is the hardest, most hated, or most generally frustrating Tomb Raider level for you? Tell us which level and why in a comment below.

P.S. We still have a few empty slots in this 30-day challenge. If you have ideas, please share them here.

Tomb Raider: Anniversary - Tomb of Tihocan

30-Day Tomb Raider Challenge Day 4: Favorite Level

In last year's challenge, we discussed our favorite game, but let's narrow it down a bit this time. Brooklynspider and I want to know what is your favorite Tomb Raider level of all time and why?

Tomb Raider St. Francis Folly screenshot
courtesy of Lara Croft Wiki.

30-Day Tomb Raider Challenge Day 3: Favorite Trap or Hazard

In last year's challenge, we talked about our favorite Tomb Raider enemies and puzzles. But how about the traps? Which of the numerous hazards Lara has encountered do you love/hate the most and why?

Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation screenshot
courtesy of The Raiders' Portal.

30-Day Tomb Raider Challenge Day 2: Favorite Artifact or Relic

Today's question is a two-parter: Which is your favorite artifact or relic in the Tomb Raider series? Also, what historical, mythological, or made-up object would you like to see Lara go after in a future adventure? Please comment below.

Thanks to Jason and Marie, who sent in variations on this question. If you'd like to suggest a challenge topic, you can do so here.

30-Day Tomb Raider Challenge Day 1: What Was the Last TR Game You Played?

Lately I've met several people who've just recently discovered the Tomb Raider series. I'll admit I'm a little envious that they get to play these games for the first time. I remember how much fun it was to pry open a CD case and set out with Lara on a brand new adventure. Still, replaying an old favorite can be almost as much fun.

So, to kick off this all-new 30-day challenge, I ask: What was the last Tomb Raider game you played (or replayed)? Impressions? If you were replaying, how does the game hold up the second, third, or hundredth time through? Did you notice anything new or did you get farther than you did last time? Please comment below.

P.S. If you have ideas for future challenge questions, I'd love to hear them. We only have about 20 questions so far, and we need 30. So please share them here.

Image set: Tomb Raider [1996-2013] "I'm sorry, I only play for sport." by Tomb Raider Gifs.