There’s a lot to look forward to regarding theTomb Raiderfranchise. Not only can fans experience the mobile rogue-like gameTomb Raiderreloaded, but they can clean Croft Manor in thePowerWashSimulatorDLC and track updates on the upcomingTomb Raidertelevision series in development by Amazon Studios. With all thatTomb Raidercontent, it’s no surprise that developer Crystal Dynamics is getting in on the action with a new action-adventure installment of theTomb Raideruniverse. While little is known about the next major game, hopefully, future Lara Croft adventures will give her the support of a team.
Tomb Raiderhas rarely featured an ensemble cast compared to iconic action-adventure franchises likeUnchartedandIndiana Jones. While past installments likeTomb Raider: Underworldand the 2013Tomb Raiderreboot have introduced supporting NPCs, they often suffer terrifying, and gruesome outcomes caused by Lara’s many enemies and rivals. Although theTomb Raider"survival trilogy" largely left Lara on her own,Shadow of the Tomb Raider’sfocus on the human consequences of Lara’s work introduces a new possibility of team-focused gameplay in the future.
RELATED:The New Tomb Raider Game Should Emphasize Lara’s History As An Archeologist
The Tomb Raider Franchise Has A Habit of Sacrificing NPCs Without Earning Their Importance
Although theTomb Raiderfranchise is a pillar of video game culture, previous games have arguably focused more on action-adventure tropes instead of Lara’s personality and character development. In this way, almost anyone who enters Lara Croft’s life is instantly another obstacle or occupational hazard to her work. For instance, Lara’s friend and traveling companion Jonah is a fixture ofRise of the Tomb RaiderandShadow of the Tomb Raider- often the only consistent supporting NPC in the games. Unfortunately, Jonah frequently gets separated, kidnapped, beaten, and used as bait by Lara’s enemies, creating a relationship that’s more burdening than meaningful.
The same scenario is present in the 2013Tomb Raidergame on a more devastating scale. The first installment in the remake trilogy features Lara Croft as a burgeoning archeology grad, pushed to the brink of survival on the island of Yamatai. While the game is an impactful exploration of Lara’s journey from to hardened hero, it comes at the cost of nearly every supporting NPC.From Sam to Whitman to Roth, there’s virtually no character development for any of these characters outside of how they push Lara’s journey forward. It’s tedious and underwhelming for the game to sacrifice NPCs without building their relationships with Lara first.
How The Upcoming Tomb Raider Game Can Create Meaningful NPCs Akin To Uncharted
Although the upcoming Crystal DynamicsTomb Raidertitle might be a long way away, there are rumors that the game will feature an older, more mature Lara Croft. Since Lara is already an accomplished adventurer, she might have recruited a team to help her. This team of supporting NPCs will give Lara meaningful social interactions and much-needed friends and supporters. If there’s one thing that anyTomb Raiderfan might want for Lara, it’s friends. The future game could bring back fan favorites Jonah and Sam, but it could also includeRise of the Tomb RaiderNPCS Nadia and SofiaandShadow of the Tomb Raider’sAbigaile Ortiz.
Once Lara has a team of trusted friends and teammates, the upcomingTomb Raidergame must create opportunities and threads for meaningful interaction. TheUnchartedfranchise is notable for Nathan Drake’s compelling connections with NPCs like Elena Fisher, Victor Sullivan, Chloe Frazer, and more. Not only are the characters often active companions throughout games likeUncharted: Drake’s Fortune, butthey were developed enough for Nadine and Chloe to get their ownspin-off game,Uncharted: The Lost Legacy.Similar choices could be made with NPCs like Sam and Jonah, including them not only as bait or story elements but also as fully active companions for Lara that can stand alone.
