The iconic tomb raider, Lara Croft, is preparing for a new adventure not just in one form, but across multiple mediums. Crystal Dynamics, the custodian of the franchise since 2006, has officially confirmed the development of a brand new Tomb Raider game, powered by the cutting-edge Unreal Engine 5. This announcement comes amidst a wave of Tomb Raider-related activity, including the recent release of the remastered trilogy (Tomb Raider 1-3) and upcoming animated and live-action series.
This new design signifies a deliberate blending of the character’s past and present. Fans of the original PlayStation and PC games from the 90s will rejoice at the return of Lara’s classic blue tank top and trusty dual pistols with their signature thigh holsters. This design choice hints at a potential return to the vibrant and colorful aesthetic of the originals while acknowledging the character’s evolution and darker narrative explored in the recent titles.
The inclusion of the jade necklace, a prominent feature in the reboot trilogy, serves as a subtle nod to Lara’s more recent archaeological endeavors. This “unified” design beautifully encapsulates the evolution of the character, appealing to both nostalgic fans and those who favor the more modern interpretation.
The game itself will be built using the cutting-edge Unreal Engine 5 technology, promising a significant leap in visual fidelity and immersive gameplay. While details about the story and gameplay mechanics remain under wraps, the use of Unreal Engine 5 hints at the potential for stunning environments, realistic character models, and dynamic lighting effects. This shift to a new engine also signifies Crystal Dynamics’ commitment to pushing the boundaries of the franchise and delivering a truly next-generation Tomb Raider experience.
February 2024 saw the release of the Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered collection, breathing new life into the classic titles with updated visuals and controls. This remaster offers a perfect opportunity for veterans to revisit their favorite childhood adventures and for newcomers to experience the origins of the legendary franchise in a modern light.
Beyond the video game realm, Tomb Raider is expanding its reach into other forms of media. An animated series is currently in development for Netflix, promising to bring Lara’s action-packed adventures to life in a new format. Additionally, a live-action series is being spearheaded by Phoebe Waller-Bridge (known for her work on Fleabag and Killing Eve) for Amazon, further solidifying Tomb Raider’s position as a major pop-culture phenomenon.
