Tomb Raider is one of my most favorite games to play back in the PSOne days. With the release of Tomb Raider: Legend and Tomb Raider: Anniversary for the Xbox 360, I had no choice but to relive those great memories of my gaming past and make new ones for this next generation. But the thing is, I, and I assume many other fans, was severely disappointed. These “next gen” Tomb Raider games were barely worth playing. I bought TR:Legend and regretted it within the first few hours, realizing how little replay value the game possessed. I learned very quickly that I should always think about renting a new Tomb Raider game first in the future, instead of buying. That ended up saving me a lot of money.
So what the hell? Why did this franchise fall apart so epically? For one, the gameplay has not changed from the way it was originally designed. Some might say there isn’t really anything wrong with that. However, other franchises have gone above and beyond their original game design. Adding new features, enhanced combat, special visual effects, and an updated storyline helped make other franchises of old, feel brand new. But Tomb Raider? Nah.. they just kept with the same formula and it ended up getting extremely boring. I would consider it almost a painful experience to complete the game, just for the sake of completing the game. That’s not what I want as a gamer. Making the character a little bit prettier due to new software technology is not enough. Enhancing her chest size will not get the game off of retail shelves like it could years and years ago. No Co-Op? No Multiplayer? I’m sorry but does Eidos and Crystal Dynamics know what year it is?
After all this, I still have hope! I try to stay positive, and this “rumor” running around now is one of the reasons why I still hold out hope for a reinvigorated Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. It seems there is a “mole” over at Eidos/Crystal Dynamics or at least, someone who has access to some new concept art in the works. Who knows if these shots have anything to do with a new Lara Croft game but the prospect of this being true is likely high. It could just be a modder who has taken upon him/herself to create something the developers should consider when they begin a much needed revamp of the franchise. Consider Joystiq’s thoughts on this rumor, and then check out the rest of the screenshots over at FourPlayerCoOp.com.
What do you think about all this? Is Tomb Raider finally going to shine like it used to? I certainly hope so. If the devs start from scratch and as long as they keep Angelina Jolie far away from the game and likely movie sequel, I think only good things can come of this.
The Gamer Report 