Tomb Raider I, II, & III
Lara Croft is a cultural phenomenon, and her impact on the mid-90s zeitgeist following the release of Tomb Raider I, II, & III cannot be understated. Here was a strong, smart woman travelling the world, intrepidly exploring ancient ruins, and pillaging ancient artefacts. Tomb Raider demanded smartness on behalf of players too, with challenging puzzles (sometimes spanning multiple rooms akin to Egyptian tombs) frequently encountered alongside evocative exploration through realms portrayed via revolutionary graphics.