Yesterday, GameInformer and the internet revealed that Square Enix is planning a crazy relaunch of the Tomb Raider franchise that includes not only a brand new Lara Croft, but a fresh direction for the series to take. I know you’re thinking, “How many times has this already been done,” but let’s give it the benefit of the doubt this time around as the improvements look and sound as though they’re for the best.
Apparently, Lara Croft is going to be 21 years old from here on out without any real life counterpart to go along with her. She’s going to remain a video game character and nothing more. Unlike past titles in the franchise, they’re doing complete performance motion capturing for this installment which should improve the animation immensely.
While the featured article in GI doesn’t go in depth about weaponry, Croft is figured to carry a Bow, pistol and shotgun to take down the bad guys. One of the darker changes to the series seems to be that the death sequences are much more dark and intense, providing a real-life feel to them. Basically, this isn’t your little brother’s Tomb Raider anymore.
“I think that the major difference between this game and the old is the concept of smoke and mirrors,” begins Darrell Gallagher, the studio head at Crystal Dynamics. “There was an illusion of freedom because of streaming and loading that would pop you out in a different location, but this is absolutely real. You can literally go any direction that you see and carve your own way to the finish line instead of being guide.”
“It was important in the game to not only deliver the character arc of Lara Croft emotionally, but to deliver it in gameplay as well so the player gets to grow into a hardened survivor,” says experienced director Noah Hughes. As the game unfolds, Lara will scavenge new tools and gear that augment her abilities. Lara’s athletic prowess will also evolve. Some areas begin inaccessible due to physical limitations or scarce supplies. With the right skills and gear, however, the island is Lara’s for the taking”
To be honest, the game sounds impressive and everything you’d want Tomb Raider to truly be by this generation. The only thing left is to hope that words can speak just as loud as actions and we’ll end up with the change-up Lara has needed for years now.
Are you guys stoked about this one or have you lost faith in the franchise?
Heck yeah I’m stoked! I never gave a crap about the Tomb Raider series or Lara Croft but now this is my most anticipated game behind inFAMOUS 2. As long as it’s nothing like the old games or far enough removed as it sounds, I’m all for it.