30 Years of Crystal Dynamics Documentary

[Samz]

Originally Posted by redfox45

And it was the absolute right thing for Tomb Raider at that point in time, it saved the franchise if only temporarily. I had an absolute blast with 2013 and Rise.

There's really no way of truely knowing how successful classic Lara in a big release would be today. But I think Bayonetta 3 has been a decent measurement of how much appeal that kind of character still has with general gaming audiences.
And it feels like there's definitely a big gap in the market for more larger than life female characters like that at the moment.
If they went for it (which they won't) they would have to go big or go home. Lara would have to be sassier and sexier than she ever was back then. She'd have to come out of the gate with something worth trending.

Isn't Bayonetta still pretty different? it sounds alot more fan-servicey than TR, as well as a completely different gameplay style.

[charmedangelin]

Originally Posted by redfox45

And it was the absolute right thing for Tomb Raider at that point in time, it saved the franchise if only temporarily. I had an absolute blast with 2013 and Rise.

There's really no way of truely knowing how successful classic Lara in a big release would be today. But I think Bayonetta 3 has been a decent measurement of how much appeal that kind of character still has with general gaming audiences.
And it feels like there's definitely a big gap in the market for more larger than life female characters like that at the moment.
If they went for it (which they won't) they would have to go big or go home. Lara would have to be sassier and sexier than she ever was back then. She'd have to come out of the gate with something worth trending.

I think the next game will sell pretty well. People say the reboot had no impact, but that's really not true at all. So many TR fans that I've seen became fans because of the reboots. Lots of TRLE devs, modders, press all stemmed from the breath of fresh air the reboots brought.

I think TR12 will likely be a reintroduction to the classic sassy Lara we all know since the origin series has come to a close. They've been making so many hints about this. Especially when they commented about the Weta statue being unintentionally extremely close to what they envision for TRs future. With the classic iconography and the new fans that joined during the reboot saga I think CD is set up for more success if they are able to really bring something new and familiar to the table.

Originally Posted by Samz

Isn't Bayonetta still pretty different? it sounds alot more fan-servicey than TR, as well as a completely different gameplay style.

Yes Bayonetta is not a good example of classic Lara. Classic Lara had sass and wit, but she never really oozed or utilized her sex appeal. Lara's sexy design was just there not really the main focus like it is in Bayonetta.

[klona]

Originally Posted by redfox45

She'd have to come out of the gate with something worth trending.

CD aren't known for being trend setters.

[Chamayoo]

Originally Posted by klona

CD aren't known for being trend setters.

They're more like "trend-eater"
But that's fine, as long it is well thought and merges well with the Tomb Raider DNA.
The franchise is old and it doesn't need to revolutionise the industry. It's the purpose of new IPs. Though if it happens it's better of course !

[jeffrey van oort]

Originally Posted by klona

CD aren't known for being trend setters.

This is sarcasm right? Lara Croft is the first 3D playable character. (Not 2D sprited mazes that look 3D). Talk about setting a trend.

Bayonetta is possibly one of the cleverest adaptation of "a" Lara. With abilities like forming hair to forge a means to an end. A loli she would send after the deed is done. And who is that Eggman character? Simply, SEGA's finest witch, with guns for shoes. Her pretty hair locks were probably to imitate Artemis, and living hair is somewhat like Medusa's snake like hair that is a symbol for a working sense of thought. There is much on your mind when you're preventing the next Apocalypse. (Her hair). So she dresses herself with her thoughts, her hair, as she tries to overcome her reality. To be good. Hand in hand humble towards the sunlight in a church in battle with her observers. (The opponents). As she isn't only human, but a witch.

[UroshUchiha]

Originally Posted by amiro1989

Super interesting honestly! Still watching but the fact that they thought they did the character justice with the Reboot is funny at best.

My thoughts exactly.

Also, hearing that TRA was made in only 9 months, woah. Impressive.

[jajay119]

Originally Posted by jeffrey van oort

This is sarcasm right? Lara Croft is the first 3D playable character. (Not 2D sprited mazes that look 3D). Talk about setting a trend.
.

No, THIS is sarcasm, right? Crystal had nothing to do with TR when it was a trend setter. That was Core.

[egypt_gypsie]

Originally Posted by redfox45

I think it's safe to say that Crystal Dynamics as a whole very clearly demonstrated in this documentary that they have absolutely no idea what they're doing when it comes to Tomb Raider. I don't think the most important thing by far was mentioned by a single one of them. Understanding the appeal of Lara Croft and trying to stay true to it.

Whether they are aware of why Lara was such an icon in the 90's seems almost irrelevant at this point. They aren't interested in it and clearly never will be. They're gonna do what they wanna do and slap 'Tomb Raider' on it to help it sell.

Genuinely my sentiments exactly.

They babble about respecting the legacy and understanding the "heart of the character" but then turn around and destroy the legacy and the character. None of their games contain any "essence" of Tomb Raider. None.
Commercial Tomb Raider died with AoD.

And Darrell calling Lara a "hero" made me want to puke. That is exactly what she isn't.

[biscuits]

I don't care about Lara. I just want fun gameplay.

[FanosCroft]

Originally Posted by biscuits

I don't care about Lara. I just want fun gameplay.

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