Tomb Raider

Core Design built its levels out of cubic blocks and made that grid visible in the controls. Lara walks and jumps fixed distances that are multiples of a block, so the distance to a ledge is judged by eye in advance. There is a separate walk button that keeps you from stepping off an edge, and a ledge grab with the hands in mid-jump. The result is a problem of measuring space: where to stand, where to take a run-up, where to jump from. A mistake in the calculation ends in a fall, so you read the level before you jump.

The camera follows the heroine from behind and turns with her, and weapons lock onto a target automatically so that shooting doesn't get in the way of movement. The caves and temples are almost empty: there are few enemies, but plenty of traps, water and heights. The third-person view, a female lead and an advertising campaign built around a single character together set the pattern for releasing console adventure games for years to come.