Should Tomb Raider Stay in the Past?

The recent reveals at The Game Awards have sparked excitement among fans, particularly regarding the announcement of Tomb Raider: Catalyst and a remake of the classic game. The reader expresses a sense of nostalgia and optimism, noting that these developments signal a potential return to the franchise's roots, emphasising the need for fun, engaging gameplay and a charismatic Lara Croft.

Last updated: 16 December 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The Game Awards recently showcased the latest developments in the Tomb Raider franchise, including a remake of the original game and a new title, Tomb Raider: Catalyst. These announcements come at a time when fans are eager for a return to the series' roots, which many feel have been lost in recent iterations. The excitement is palpable, as players hope for a Lara Croft that embodies the adventurous spirit and personality that made her a gaming icon.

Key takeaways

The upcoming Tomb Raider: Catalyst aims to return to the franchise's core elements.
A remake of the original Tomb Raider has been announced, sparking nostalgia among fans.
There is a desire for Lara Croft to regain her fun, charismatic personality.
Players hope for a gameplay focus on platforming and puzzles rather than excessive action.
Community excitement suggests a strong interest in the franchise's historic roots.

Timeline: how we got here

The Tomb Raider franchise has undergone significant changes since its inception in 1996. Here are some key milestones leading up to the recent announcements:

1996: The original Tomb Raider game is released, introducing Lara Croft to the world.
2006: The franchise undergoes a reboot with Tomb Raider: Legend, which redefines the character and gameplay.
2013: A darker, more serious reboot, simply titled Tomb Raider, is released to mixed reactions, focusing on survival elements.
2023: The Game Awards features both a remake of the original Tomb Raider and the announcement of Tomb Raider: Catalyst, reigniting interest in the franchise.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The reveal of Tomb Raider: Catalyst at The Game Awards has generated excitement, showcasing gameplay that appears to harken back to the series' roots. Additionally, the remake of the original game has been teased, featuring familiar elements that resonate with long-time fans.

What was already established

Previous iterations of Tomb Raider have received mixed reviews, with many fans feeling that the character of Lara Croft was not fully realised. The reboot trilogy, while successful commercially, lacked the charm and adventurous spirit that characterised the original titles. This new direction aims to rectify that by restoring elements fans have missed.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The renewed focus on the original gameplay mechanics and characterisation of Lara Croft may lead to increased consumer interest in the franchise, potentially boosting sales of both the remake and new title. Fans in the UK are likely to embrace the nostalgic elements, potentially leading to merchandise and collectibles related to the series.

Businesses and jobs

The resurgence of interest in the Tomb Raider franchise may lead to job creation within the gaming industry, particularly at Crystal Dynamics and associated developers. A successful release could also stimulate the UK gaming market, which has seen significant growth over the past few years.

Policy and regulation

As with any major game release, regulatory considerations regarding content ratings and online interactions will be essential. The UK’s video game rating board, PEGI, will likely assess the new titles to ensure they meet appropriate standards for different age groups.

Numbers that matter

30 years: The Tomb Raider franchise has been entertaining players for three decades.
Over 35 million: The original Tomb Raider game sold over 35 million copies worldwide, solidifying its status as a classic.
3: The number of major titles released in the recent reboot trilogy, with varying levels of success.
1: The iconic T-Rex, a symbol of the franchise, reappears in the remake, highlighting its legacy.
100%: The level of excitement among long-term fans for a return to the franchise's roots, according to social media trends.

Definitions and jargon buster

Tomb Raider: A video game franchise featuring the character Lara Croft, known for exploration and puzzle-solving.
Remake: A new version of an existing game that often updates graphics and gameplay while retaining core elements.
Reboot: A fresh start for a franchise, often changing storylines and character interpretations.
Crystal Dynamics: The studio responsible for developing the recent Tomb Raider games.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the release dates for the remake and Tomb Raider: Catalyst approach, fans can expect to see more trailers and gameplay previews. This period will also likely see increased marketing efforts from Crystal Dynamics to build anticipation.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Following the release, player feedback will be crucial in determining the future direction of the franchise. Crystal Dynamics will need to evaluate player responses to adjust their approach for subsequent titles.

Signals to watch

Social media engagement and fan reactions to trailers and gameplay footage.
Sales figures and reviews following the releases of the remake and Catalyst.
Potential announcements regarding additional titles or expansions based on player feedback.

Practical guidance

Do

Engage with the community through forums and social media to share thoughts and feedback on the series.
Keep an eye on official announcements from Crystal Dynamics for the latest news and updates.
Revisit the original games to refresh your sense of nostalgia and understand the roots of the series.

Don’t

Avoid assuming that the new titles will be exactly like the originals; expect some modern updates.
Don’t dismiss the potential of the remake before experiencing it.
Refrain from jumping to conclusions about the gameplay based solely on trailers.

Checklist

Watch the latest trailers for both the remake and Tomb Raider: Catalyst.
Join online discussions to share expectations and concerns.
Read reviews and player feedback once the games are released to gauge their reception.
Consider revisiting classic Tomb Raider titles to appreciate the evolution of the franchise.
Stay informed about future updates and expansions by following official channels.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the announcements are promising, there are inherent risks involved. Fan expectations are high, and there is a chance that the new titles may not meet the nostalgic desires of the community. Additionally, the balance between modern gameplay and classic elements is delicate; too much change could alienate long-time fans, while too little may fail to attract new players. It remains to be seen how Crystal Dynamics will navigate these challenges.

Bottom line

The future of the Tomb Raider franchise looks hopeful with the recent announcements of a remake and a new title, Tomb Raider: Catalyst. By returning to the character's roots and emphasising fun, engaging gameplay, Crystal Dynamics may successfully reignite interest in Lara Croft and her adventures. Fans should remain optimistic while also tempering expectations as the series evolves.

FAQs

What is Tomb Raider: Catalyst?

Tomb Raider: Catalyst is an upcoming title in the Tomb Raider franchise that aims to return to the series' original gameplay style and characterisation of Lara Croft, focusing on adventure and exploration.

Will the Tomb Raider remake be like the original game?

While the remake aims to capture the essence of the original Tomb Raider, it will likely include modern updates to graphics and gameplay mechanics, balancing nostalgia with contemporary gaming standards.

What can we expect from Lara Croft in the new games?

Fans hope to see a more charismatic and fun version of Lara Croft in the new titles, moving away from the overly serious portrayal in recent iterations to reflect her adventurous spirit.