Fans of the iconic Tomb Raider franchise were treated to an exciting reveal on February 14th, Lara Croft's birthday, when developer Crystal Dynamics unveiled the first official artwork of Lara Croft in the upcoming Tomb Raider Next game. Let's have a first look at Lara Croft's new appearance!
Lara Croft's New Look for Tomb Raider Reboot
The image shows Lara sporting her classic teal tank top and brown shorts outfit and wielding dual pistols, marking a return to the character's original look in the franchise.
The artwork was revealed via a glyph puzzle on the new Tomb Raider website, rewarding eagle-eyed fans who solved the puzzle. The image blends Lara's original 90s look with her appearance in the more recent Survivor trilogy, signaling Crystal Dynamics' intent to fuse classic and modern elements of the famous archaeologist.
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A Return to Lara's Roots
Lara Croft has gone through various reboots and incarnations since first bursting onto the scene in 1996, even as an Operator on Modern Warfare. However, her appearance in the original Tomb Raider trilogy remains one of her most iconic looks for long-time fans.
The Survivor trilogy saw Lara wielding a bow as her primary weapon, but the new artwork shows her holding the distinctive pistols that were her trademark armament in early games. This return to dual-wielding pistols will surely excite classic Tomb Raider devotees.
While details remain scarce on Tomb Raider Next, Lara's throwback outfit hints that Crystal Dynamics aims to tap into what made the early games so special, while still incorporating the grittier, more realistic take on the character from the Survivor reboot.
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Blending Old and New Outfit
The Tomb Raider franchise has spanned nearly 30 years and several reboots, with Lara Croft remaining one of gaming's most popular heroines throughout. After her most recent appearance in 2018's Shadow of the Tomb Raider, fans have been eager for her to return in a new adventure.
- The artwork reveals Lara in action, sporting her iconic outfit but looking older and wearier, suggesting a blend of her youthful original incarnation and her battle-hardened reboot version.
- This marries the nostalgia of her 1990s look with her more mature contemporary portrayal.
Crystal Dynamics is keeping story details tightly under wraps, but the artwork speaks volumes about their creative direction for everyone's favorite tomb raider. Lara Croft is ready to raid more ancient sites, and her classic costume shows she means business.
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What to Expect in Tomb Raider Next
While the developer has yet to reveal a release date or further details, some speculation based on the teaser image is possible:
- More emphasis on puzzle solving and exploration from the early games
- Dual-wielding pistols make a triumphant return
- Classic outfit shows 90s nostalgia, but modernized
- Grittier, more experienced Lara after Survivor trilogy
- Likely PS5, Xbox Series X release to leverage new hardware
The teaser image has certainly heightened anticipation for the upcoming reveal of Tomb Raider Next. Lara Croft is embarking on her next adventure very soon, and her new yet iconic look signals big things on the horizon for the seminal Tomb Raider franchise. This exciting first look has set expectations high for her next chapter.
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