Created by videogame designer Toby Gard, Lara Croft has existed as the most recognisable female gaming icon ever since her arrival on the original PlayStation and PC back in 1996. Despite the threat of declining sales and popularity over the last few years, the Tomb Raider series was successfully revamped by Eidos Interactive and Crystal Dynamics in 2006 when Lara made her next-gen entrance on the Xbox 360 with the critically acclaimed Tomb Raider: Legend.
Beyond videogames, Lara Croft and the Tomb Raider franchise have also expanded into Hollywood, where A-List actress Angelina Jolie has stepped into the hugely successful big-screen action role.