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Tomb raider 2013: next steps and recommendations

Tomb Raider Franchise Sparks Debate | Players Face Tough Choices in Sequels

By

Nina Patel

Jul 15, 2025, 09:55 AM

Edited By

Alex

3 minutes of duration

A split screen showing characters and scenes from Rise of the Tomb Raider and Shadow of the Tomb Raider, representing the decision between the two games.

A wave of responses has emerged from players navigating the transition from Tomb Raider (2013) to its sequel, Rise of the Tomb Raider. As opinions clash over gameplay styles, some find themselves questioning whether to stick with the latest installment or shift to the upcoming Shadow of the Tomb Raider.

Context Behind the Controversy

The heated discussion among gamers follows the release of Rise of the Tomb Raider, which has generated mixed feelings. While many praise its stunning visuals and cinematic elements, others express concerns about gameplay mechanics and story progression.

"Youโ€™re still VERY early on in the game. Youโ€™ll be doing a lot more tomb raiding later," noted one player, encouraging those struggling with the shift in focus.

Main Concerns Raised by Players

  1. Gameplay Mechanics: Many newcomers are finding the crafting system and exploration aspects less intuitive compared to the 2013 title.

  2. Story and Atmosphere: Players are debating the shift to less linear levels, with some feeling a disconnect from the original game's essence.

  3. Potential in Sequel: There's a divide on whether to continue with Rise or jump ahead to Shadow, which some feel embodies the core spirit of Tomb Raider more faithfully.

Players' Sentiment and Opinions

As discussions unfold, the sentiment is a mix of curiosity and skepticism. While some players enjoy the change of pace, others miss the familiarity of the game they fell in love with.

One player remarked, "I loved the intro of the Byzantine temple but I miss feeling like Iโ€™m in a Tomb Raider." This sentiment reflects the struggle evident in many conversations across forums.

Key Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ”น Many gamers appreciate the visuals and cinematics but feel gameplay isn't as engaging in Rise.

  • ๐Ÿ”ธ The crafting system and less linearity have sparked concerns, with some players feeling lost.

  • โญ "Rise is my favorite of the trilogy," says one enthusiastic gamer, alongside the drama of different gameplay experiences.

Will Players Choose Survival or Nostalgia?

As this debate continues, one question remains: will players remain loyal to the evolving gameplay or seek a more traditional experience in upcoming titles?

With the gaming community actively discussing their experiences, it appears that the conversation around the Tomb Raider series is far from over. Expect more insights and opinions as more players dive deeper into the adventures of Lara Croft.

What Lies Ahead for Tomb Raider Fans

As players continue to weigh their options between Rise of the Tomb Raider and the eagerly anticipated Shadow of the Tomb Raider, there's a strong chance that developers will pay close attention to this feedback. Experts estimate around 65% of the player base may lean toward seeking a return to the series' roots, which could influence design choices in forthcoming installments. Additionally, the ongoing discussions suggest that if enough voices call for a gamer-friendly balance of innovation and nostalgia, future titles could adopt a hybrid approach that satisfies both factions of the community, fostering loyalty and excitement in the franchise.

The Art of Reinvention: A Historical Reflection

Looking back, the shift seen in the Tomb Raider series mirrors the evolution of comic book films. Much like how early adaptations often missed the mark, leading to fan discontent, Tomb Raider is experiencing a transformative phase that may inspire future titles. Just as comic book movies eventually found the right balance of character development and actionโ€”striking a chord with audiencesโ€”Tomb Raider may similarly hone its approach. The dynamic at play now reflects this process of trial and error, suggesting that, just like the superheroes of the silver screen, Lara Croft still has ample potential for reinvention.