When the first ever Tomb Raider game launced in 1996 it was a revolution. Oustanding in terms of graphics, gameplay, and storyline , it changed the way that video games were played and developed forever. Fronting the games assault on the world was the central character, Lara Croft. Lara was also to have an incredible impact, quickly becoming the most recognized and celebrated female action heroine and an icon for the video games industry. Today over 30 million Tomb Raider games have been sold, making it one of the most lucrative video games franchises while also generating movies, advertising, magazines, books and merchandise.