The Next Tomb Raider Game Should Follow The Legend of Lara Croft’s Lead in One Key Area

The Next Tomb Raider Game Should Follow The Legend of Lara Croft's Lead in One Key Area

As a gamer with over two decades under my belt, I’ve seen Lara Croft evolve from a pixelated icon to a dynamic character that has captivated millions around the world. The latest Netflix series, Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft, is a testament to this evolution. It beautifully balances the emotional depth we saw in the reboot games with the adventurous spirit from the classics.


The Netflix series “Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft” presents a more witty Lara Croft than what viewers are accustomed to. The story continues post-events from “The Survivor Trilogy”, following Lara as she struggles with the grief of her mentor Conrad Roth’s demise, embarking on another thrilling world tour. This emotional burden aligns with the more realistic, humanized depiction of Lara that was introduced in the reboot games.

Nevertheless, the series incorporates a larger portion of Lara’s daring, agile, almost superhuman stunts reminiscent of her early days. Moreover, it reintroduces her signature sassy humor that was prominent in Tomb Raider 2 and Tomb Raider 3. The show effectively achieves this balance while portraying her as vulnerable to injury, creating an engaging experience on screen. This balance could potentially resonate with future installments of the Tomb Raider game series.

Why Combining The Multiple Versions of Lara Into One Would Be Helpful

In the animated series, Lara exhibits both her quick wit and rebellious spirit even under pressure, a trait not often seen in the games where she’s typically portrayed as either a resilient, gritty survivor or a self-assured, fearless adventurer. The upcoming game could blend these contrasting aspects of her character, much like the show does, to create a more well-rounded and multifaceted Lara Croft. It would be beneficial for both her resilience and vulnerability, as well as her witty, daring side, to coexist in the game, but it should aim to go beyond that.

Her spunky demeanor on the show doesn’t lessen her emotional complexity. On the contrary, the show highlights how it adds to her humanity when handled appropriately.

The Animated Series Helps Both Old And New Fans Feel At Home

Instead, let’s say: Unlike other adaptations, the animated series based on The Legend of Lara Croft emphasizes her traditional agile talents more prominently. She exhibits a greater range of physical prowess, enacting feats reminiscent of her iconic, action-packed past that transcends ordinary limits. Fans who were introduced to Tomb Raider in its earlier days will recognize this acrobatic, almost superhuman Lara. Meanwhile, newer fans admire the emotional complexity that the reboot has added to her character.

In a potential upcoming game, Lara Croft’s experience could encompass two distinct elements. For example, the gameplay might depict her sustaining damage and exerting physical effort as in previous versions, but it would also enable her to perform the daring feats for which she is known, such as diving through crumbling structures or climbing seemingly unscalable heights – all reminiscent of the earlier Tomb Raider games. This blend aims to cater to both types of fans by providing an immersive experience that appeals to both those who prefer realistic challenges and those who enjoy action-packed adventure.

Storytelling Should Also Find a Balance Between Realism and Fiction

The Tomb Raider series of games have traditionally switched between archaeological adventures that are grounded in reality and those that delve into fantasy. For example, the 2013 edition of Tomb Raider focuses on Lara’s survival-oriented journey through the remnants of Yamatai, providing a more realistic experience. In contrast, The Last Revelation leans towards the fantastical, as Lara works to decipher ancient Egyptian curses after inadvertently freeing the god Set from his prison.

In the Lara Croft Legend series, they blend these aspects – integrating mythical factors such as mind-manipulating stones, yet maintaining the emotional tension tied to Lara’s sorrow and exploring her guilt and apprehensions concerning Sam toward the finale. Achieving this balance might be crucial for the upcoming game, as it strives to portray a contemporary Lara Croft that embodies realism, extraordinary agility, wit, and charm.

Read More

2024-10-27 20:55