The Tomb Raider Timeline: A Complex Web of Retcons and Reimagining
The recent announcement of Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis and Tomb Raider: Catalyst has sent shockwaves through the franchise's dedicated fan base, sparking intense speculation and debate. With the reveal of these new titles, the question on everyone's mind is: how will the developers navigate the intricate timeline of Lara Croft's adventures to create a cohesive and satisfying experience?
At the Game Awards, the world was introduced to Catalyst, followed swiftly by the announcement of Legacy of Atlantis, a bold reimagining of the iconic 1996 classic. Built with the powerful Unreal Engine 5, Legacy of Atlantis is set to celebrate the franchise's 30th anniversary, with Catalyst hot on its heels in 2027. But here's where it gets controversial: some fans are questioning whether this new direction necessitates a retcon of certain elements of Lara's story to ensure a seamless fit within the character's extensive canon.
X/Twitter user Merychxrry suggests that this reimagining is not merely a celebratory move but a crucial step towards establishing a unified timeline. "It's not just about the anniversary; it's about creating a coherent narrative," they posit. "We're witnessing the birth of a new era for Tomb Raider, where certain aspects will be retconned, and others reimagined."
Mery goes on to highlight the four story-heavy titles that will likely require special attention: Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation, Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness, Tomb Raider: Legend, and Tomb Raider: Underworld. "These games are the heart of the franchise's narrative," Mery explains. "While TR2 and TR3 are beloved, their stories are not as intricate. We need to focus on unifying these four first, or else we risk a lengthy delay and the need for extensive retcons."
The order of these remakes, Mery argues, is less important than the assets available. "The key is to utilize the resources we have efficiently. With the Legacy of Atlantis assets, we can produce these games swiftly."
The fan community has been abuzz with excitement and agreement. One commenter exclaimed, "This is genius! It's like the Resident Evil 2 remake, a test to ensure the reimagining process is seamless."
Game director Will Kerslake has confirmed that Catalyst fits into the timeline post-Underworld, continuing Lara's story from the Legend trilogy. The recent Survivor reboot trilogy (Tomb Raider, Rise of the Tomb Raider, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider) remains an integral part of Croft's origin story.
The recasting of Lara Croft, with Camilla Luddington passing the torch to Alix Wilton Regan, has also been a topic of discussion. Luddington shared a heartfelt post, expressing her love for the fans and the character she portrayed. Regan will now embody Lara Croft in both Legacy of Atlantis and Catalyst.
Additionally, the upcoming Amazon TV show, starring Game of Thrones alum Sophie Turner, promises to "reinvent the franchise on a grand scale," interconnecting live-action and video game elements into a unified universe.
As Vikki Blake, a seasoned reporter for IGN, puts it: "The Tomb Raider timeline is a complex web, and the developers have their work cut out for them. But with careful planning and a dedicated fan base, the future looks bright for Lara Croft's adventures."
What are your thoughts on the new unified timeline? Do you agree with the need for retcons and reimagining? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
