While we know very little about the revival of the Lara Croft franchise in gaming format, we know for sure that there is a new game in the pipeline. The only surprising thing is that there hasn’t been a new Tomb Raider game sooner.
It was one of the most successful titles in video gaming history. Initially launched in 1996, over 85 million copies of the game and its sequels have sold worldwide. Unlike many of its earlier rival big names, it was never tied to one platform. Instead, tomb Raider was available on PlayStation, Sega and PC. In addition, spin-off versions with simpler graphics were created for handheld consoles. App versions of the game can be found at the Apple and Google Play stores for phones and tablets.
In April, Crystal Dynamics announced that it was developing the next Tomb Raider game on Unreal Engine 5, the most advanced 3D developer tool. Dallas Dickinson, the game’s franchise director, said gamers could expect an action-packed adventure experience in this RPG game. As yet, no release date has been given, and there are very few concrete details about the game.
Dickinson has said it is far too early to talk about a release date but hinted that fans might have to wait until 2024 to get their hands on the new title. The British adventurer has not raided a tomb since 2018, when Shadow of the Tomb Raider was released. Gaming has entered a period where consoles are constantly being updated, and much gameplay is happening via streaming services. Therefore, the new game is expected to be available on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC and PS5. With the release date still, some way off, it is possible that there could be VR versions for Oculus headsets or similar. You can get Xbox digital codes at the best price from SmartCDKeys.
Unreal Engine 5 will mean that the game will have higher-end features, but fans are hoping there will be versions available for the PS4 and Xbox. However, they will have to wait and see because nothing has been confirmed. In his launch presentation, Dickinson mentioned that they aim to ‘push the envelope of fidelity and to deliver high quality, action adventure’ of cinematic quality.
It all sounds very exciting. But, if fans cannot wait until 2024, there are other ways to get a Lara Croft fix and go on a Tomb Raiding spree. A new Tomb Raider Live experience has opened in London. Teams of up to 8 people at a time can go on a real-life adventure in the 30,000-square-foot simulation in NW1. There is a nine-foot-high statue standing proud outside the venue.
Inside, real-life game players have to complete a mission that involves the small task of saving the world. First, they must escape a sinking ship and then head into the Costa Rican jungle to explore a tomb and solve a series of environmental puzzles. All this while battling against a secret order. The whole experience is brought to life with live actors and characters. However, the team who brought the experience to life says it is not for the faint-hearted.
If that all sounds a bit too adrenaline-fuelled and action-packed, maybe you should try the video slot called Lara Croft Temple and Tombs, which Microgaming and Triple Edge Studio have developed. You can learn more about the features and gameplay at UK casino reviews.
The movies are still great to watch for those who like a more cinematic experience. Lara Croft was one of the earliest video game characters to be launched onto the big screen. At the time, there was a considerable amount of scepticism about whether a video game character could become a big screen star. However, Angelina Jolie’s Lara proved the detractors wrong. The first film alone grossed US $131.1 million.
If the new game introduces a new generation to the adventures of Lara Croft, maybe the movie makers will revive her too.