Which 1996 adventure game introduced Lara Croft as its playable protagonist?

The 1996 adventure game that introduced Lara Croft as its playable protagonist was Tomb Raider.

Core Design developed Tomb Raider and Eidos Interactive published it in 1996. Players control archaeologist Lara Croft as she explores tombs, solves environmental puzzles, and fights enemies across locations inspired by archaeological adventure fiction. Its levels combined platforming, exploration, and action in fully 3D environments.

Lara Croft quickly became one of the best-known characters in video-game history. Her design, acrobatic movement, dual pistols, and distinctive turquoise-and-brown outfit helped the game stand out during the early 3D-console era. Tomb Raider appeared on PlayStation, Sega Saturn, and personal computers.

The character is sometimes incorrectly attributed to the later film adaptations, but Lara originated in the game. The franchise later expanded into sequels, comics, novels, animated productions, and live-action films.