With the likes of Batman, Spider-Man, James Bond, etc, all getting Hollywood makeovers, there is little to question when video games do the same thing.
That seems to be the logic behind the new Tomb Raider game that’s in the works. Developed by Crystal Dynamics, the title seeks to create a new look and feel to the long-running franchise, one with more grit and character.
“We knew we were facing a problem with a franchise that, at the point of starting development, had been around for 13 years. We knew that to stay relevant we had to change,” said Crystal Dynamics boss Darrell Gallagher in an MCV interview.
The new game will simply be titled “Tomb Raider,” implying that this is a complete reboot for the dated series.
Gallagher compared his company’s task to that of Hollywood directors working on reinvigorating classic movie staples like Batman and James Bond.
“We looked at Batman and Bond and said: ‘Wow, they’ve really done a great job,’ And as other franchises have yet to go through this change, we used them as inspiration,” he said.
So much in the same way Batman Begins gave an entirely new personality to Batman – but still managed to keep the mythology alive and well – the new Tomb Raider title will be a bit grittier and more serious in its tone.
Lara Croft will have a stronger personality, one that players will hopefully connect to on a deeper level.
The game launches on Xbox 360 and PS3 next March.
