Oh! At last! Someone who's not into the "Character developpement needs to be implemented so they can be relatable"! Yes, that's one of the point which deprived Lara Croft from her Edgeiness.
@@astrius4125 Among classic TR fans it's not unpopular but it's unpopular to modern gamers in general who for some reason want their characters to be relatable to them because they love to project or self insert themselves too much to the characters.
I cant really agree on haws acting being bad. She has a natural classiness to her voice and I believe she can be both intimidating and charming at the same time. Yeah Angel Of Darkness lara was more intimidating but she really sounded waaaay too threatening. Lara is someone Who first talks nicely with People and if then adjusts herself based on their behaviour. In Angel Of Darkness she is a bitch to everybody. Yeah I also love all the games but hate last revelation. Too much back tracking, puzzles that dont give you any hints on solving so you have to luck them out. Waaay too many eerie and dark environments etc etc I dont like it
Personally metal music is one of the last things I want in TR. I love various genres of metal, spent half of my life listening to, but that idea doesn't fit well. I haven't played the latest three games, but for me, TR was badass, classy, stylish and subtle. Metal music can be badass, can be stylish, but it's always somewhat edgy. Metal in TR is like techno, or K-POP in The Godfather. I get the point of intense music and intense action, but it often lead to reverse effect when a screen and speakers scream danger, but in reality there is none and TR games aren't hard in platforming sections. I assume less can speak more.
You know what, I wouldn't hate the reboot trilogy if "Lara" actually behaved like Lara Croft. As it stands, Square Enix and Crystal Dynamics have decided that "relatable" means stripping away everything that makes a character special so that they can cry and obsess over their father's unfinished work. I mean, just imagine if, in Kingdom Hearts, Sora all of a sudden decided being a Keyblade Master and saving the universe from darkness with the power of friendship no longer mattered, and he's gonna go out trying to find out why everyone thinks his mom's insane for rambling on about his random disappearance. That wouldn't really be Kingdom Hearts any more than this version of Lara is the actual character that was created in '96. That is my main problem with the trilogy. I would ignore the boring puzzles and the linear exploration, as well as "Lara's" tendency to point out the solutions to easy puzzles, if only she actually behaved like the character that originally got me into gaming.
You bring up a really good point. I still wouldn’t love the rebooted games but it would be tolerable. Also you mention Lara giving hints a lot and if she had her classic personality, on easy mode she could speak to the player in the classic tongue in cheek sassy manner when you need a hint or the game realizes you’re taking too long. She could spout off lines like “wow do you not see the giant pole” or “took you long enough” or “oh come on you can’t remember the very obvious ancient language and all of its alphabet?? It clearly goes a z e and then t. Did you not pay attention in cultural studies???”
Well they transferred this into the "real world" .... would you really want a sideway summersaulting dual pistol weilding auto aim Lara that looks like an actual human being? I just wished traversing would be as seemless and well made as the keyboard-mouse playthrough of Horizon Zero Dawn was....
Calm your tits. It’s an origin story. Meaning, she’s not on that level yet and is progressing to being the Tomb Raider. She was perfect fine in 2013 & Rise. Shadow tho . . .
Nah, I'll take this trash character if they bring the gameplay back. I don't care about the story, and the character isn't anywhere near as important as the gameplay is. If you don't care about the gameplay, why are you playing a game? Go read a book or watch a movie or something.
The only issue i had with the reboot trilogy is the lack of sassiness from Lara. but i love the rest. I think the reboot gets so much defense because legitimate criticism is mixed up with a bunch of horny and winy gamers wanting Lara to be more sexualized.
I agree with the relatability not being super necessary. Some of my favorite characters in gaming are not relatable to me in any way, like Arthur Morgan for example. He's not relatable, but BELIEVABLE, and most importantly, compelling. That's what makes characters great, and being relatable is sort of a happy accident in some cases
I’m with you on The Last Revelation. For me, it essentially suffers from being far too open/non-linear. The levels are huge and in some cases illogical. Main pathways are hidden away as if they were secrets. The first levels are fine, but the later ones seem to lack complex environmental puzzles. Instead, the main goal seems to be to just traverse the level while avoiding traps and killing enemies.
I think the idea behind the sunglasses is she only wears them at specific times,like when traveling to a location but then she removes them,as seen on TR 1 cutscene and stores them on her backpack.
I like all the voices, but I'm particularly attached to Shelley. As for Last Revelation, I didn't like that I couldn't just play my favorite levels like before. With the Vehicles, I get what you mean even if I didn't loathe those chases in TRL. And finally, I like the red glasses on art and cosplay (they're iconic) but if I had two exact models of Lara with and without to play as, I would choose without.
The part about adding symphonic metal into TR actually gave me goosebumps and i realise how much more badass the gameplay would be if they added it in! 😎😎
Yeah, TR needs to get its edge back. The reboot trilogy was a nice break and diversion, but now I want classic Lara back, dual pistols, attitude and all. The metal soundtrack would be perfect for this. I wanna hear that OG theme more epic than ever.
Really interesting video! ☺️ I have to say, I’m a huge fan of the red sunglasses. They’re kind of just iconic of her classic look. But I agree with you, she hardly ever wears them in the game because as you said they would be very impractical and unnecessary 😂 i have a pair of red sunglasses myself for cosplay purposes, and to say they’re difficult to see out of is an understatement 🙈
She did have them on in TR6 in some cut scenes... maybe some more cut scenes from Chronicles as well. In fact, I thought... she DID wear them for a full level in Chronicles ... maybe my memory is going bad
i don’t necessarily think character development strictly means relatability. I know you’re mostly targeting the survivor games on that point but I think that Lara went through plenty of character development in the classic games, with no detriment to her main characteristics. incorporating development is absolutely essential to writing a character, whether it’s drastic or not, or whether it’s for the sake of enabling relatability from the player.
While I do agree that a character doesn't need to be relatable to be good, you really don't want her to not have character development. It's something I see people say a lot, but you really don't realise how important it is until you have a story without it. Character development is important for a character to be fleshed out and actually be a person, otherwise you end up with cardboard cutout characters with no depth. You might not even think about it, because it doesn't have to be big, but for a good story to work, there will always be character development. You can see it already from the first game. Lara starts off just being hired to do a job, but as she gets involved in what her employer intends to do with what she's found, Lara changes her mind on just being a passive contractor, and instad sets out to stop Natla. Character development is what creates three dimentional characters with feelings and motivations. Without it, there's no reason to get involved in a story or a character. The idea that a story doesn't need character development is a misconception, often because people confuse it with character growth, which is a different thing. Development is what fleshes out the character and makes them whole, growth is a change the character may go through during the story. By the end of Tomb Raider 1, Lara is still the same person. She hasn't changed, her motivations are the same and she will continue to raid tombs for her own selfish desires. But throughout the story, we learned of Lara's ability to change her mind and go against the people paying her when they're a threat to herself and others. We've been shown she has a moral compass, even if at the start it seemed like she just wanted a payday.
Indeed but ffs don't go overboard on it or make issues that drag on game after game.... I think my favourite character development game as an example would be Prince Of Persia Sands Of Time, the classic, Princy started off as an arrogant git who thought he'd mess around with an hourglass, after all, it doesn't do anything right? it's just a fable, then BAM he's sucked into a nightmare and has to deal with it, later he's tougher and would not do the same thing again, but with no baggage and BS and long drawn out pathos.
The first 3 games did just fine without character development, she was already a fully developed character. You knew enough to get what she is and why she is doing something and the development was then....you playing the game. Game stories work differently than regular stories. Peoples stories of the games come from their interaction with it. You will notice how people on repeat playthroughs of games want to skip the cutscenes, because it isnt that important to them as much as they want to turn games into holywood films.
@@charg1nmalaz0r51 Well the first 3 games clearly didn't do fine without character development. You just said it yourself, Lara was already a fully developed character. That's still character development, as it's not about a character evolving, but about a character being fleshed out 😊
I have to say, as soon as you mentioned symphonic metal, I was all on board. So long as it's carefully intergrated into the setting of course, and applied at the right times. Makes me think of the music when you get the snow mobile in Tomb Raider 2, not the actual music, but how that combined dancey sorta music (That part sure aged poorly) with classical. If they did that, combining classical music with metal and preferably mixing in cultural elements from whatever the setting is. Exploring somewhere in mongolia, get a nice buildup of more natural elements and cultural music, then during a few climactic moments you get something like The Hu with a good splash of Nightwish. Having said that I think the classical roots should always be central. It's Lara's journey afterall, and I've always felt like the classic music of the early tomb raider games was emblematic of her personality and the lense through which she viewed the world.
TLR is both fascinating and brutal. It is to me the most interesting one : temples are gorgeous, very atmospheric, great music and enemies diverse and spooky, perfectly in theme ; but they are also brutal, most of them are invincible, and the puzzles are really tough, I had to get help to finish the game ! So all in all it is the game I replayed less out of all of them ! Too complicated compared to the good old fun and action the original trilogy is. I have a high opinion about this game and most of the game are fond memories ; though I won't take the disk out and replay it...
You inspired me to create my own list of unpopular opinions on Tomb Raider. I, too, am a bit of an odd duck when it comes to my view of Tomb Raider. (Some of my views on Tomb Raider are very controversial, so please be nice. Just like Seth said.) 1. The Classic Games Are Not The Best Games (I'm a huuugggeee fan of the classic games, don't get me wrong. But I feel that are some moments that Legend and the Survival reboot games did equally well or better than the classic games. I get frustrated by the fans because I feel that they get stuck in the past nostalgia and don't even bother to see how newer technology has brought new and innovative puzzles, traversal skills, story-telling, and combat that couldn't be done in the '90s. I feel that Crystal Dynamics did a great job trying to bring something new and fresh to the table to make Tomb Raider relevant to the newer generation. Sorry to say, but the old gameplay was starting to wear out in the early 2000s and classic Tomb Raider was starting to drop in popularity because of that. Believe it or not, Crystal Dynamics contributed a lot to making Lara popular and fun to today's audiences and they succeeded. That's no easy task! If the old classic formula was still being used, Lara would've eventually died out like many classic '90s video game icons. I will admit though that I've always felt that the core of Tomb Raider is puzzle-solving, traps, and traversing through landscapes to reach the desired destination. Tomb Raider 2013 was a little too battle-heavy for my tastes. Thankfully, they changed that.) 2. I agree with you about Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life is better than the original film. (I don't hate the previous film, but the film was too ambitious in bringing in classic game elements and the story reflected it. Bringing in the Illuminati was a twist of genius, but at the same time, a missed opportunity. You never really find out why the Illuminati is obsessively pursuing the triangle or even how they have heard of it. All we know is that they wanted to change time. The rest is up to your imagination. In addition, they didn't really pose a threat to Lara. The most hurt they've done to Lara was killing her father. Trinity was a better-written organization than the Illuminati. I felt the film sacrificed good storytelling in favor of good action sequences. Which is a problem when it comes to filming. You can get away with that better in games, but not films. So to make a long conclusion short, Cradle of Life did waayyy better in storytelling and fleshing out the characters. Terry Sheridan is one of the best-written characters in Tomb Raider history, in my opinion. While, yes, Cradle of Life had fewer tombs than the first film. But the film still did a great job in pacing so those tombs were more than just a playground for Lara. Besides, even Indiana Jones didn't spend the majority of the film raiding tombs.) 3. Lara was cold-hearted and stone-faced in the classic games. (I thoroughly disagree with this point and find it amazing that people to this day hold this view when certain cutscenes slapped Lara's emotions in front of your face. Like Lara being appalled when Bartolli stabbed himself with the dagger. Or Lara racing to save Willard from falling into the meteorite pit. Even in the Angel of Darkness, Lara couldn't stand watching the reporter being fried-to-death in Prague. She had to close her eyes. Something like that wouldn't bother a psychopath. I even read about how some are bothered that Legend Lara tried, again and again, to bring Amanda back to her senses and feel that classic Lara would've given up on her from the start. I disagree with that point. First, because even classic Lara showed a sense of loyalty to her friends and would risk her neck for them. Like I feel the whole City Of The Dead gameplay was for the sake of finding and rescuing Jean Yves. Second is because of how persistent Lara was in trying to save the admiral in the Submarine levels. In fact, the admiral was initially Lara's enemy. What I do agree with is how Lara chooses to kill or show mercy to a person depends on how much or often they stand in the way between herself and her goal.) There are other opinions that I hold which is unpopular. But, I've already written much. So I'll stick with just these three. EDIT: By the way, I totally agree with you about the VCI levels being enjoyable. Personally, they are some of my most favorite levels in all of Tomb Raider. They're unique and challenging. In addition, I love high-technology, heavily geared, spy games. I do understand that it's a little out of place for Tomb Raider. But that didn't diminish my love for the VCI levels.
1) I prefer the voice actress of Tomb Raider 2-5 but I liked Keeley Hayes. I think she did a very good job. 2) I haven't watched Alicia Vikander's Tomb Raider movie yet. I like the first two movies almost the same. Cradle of Life wins for me, but not by a big margin. I rather not have the romance drama. It annoys me. 3) I haven't beaten Last Revelation. I stopped right when the game became incredibly maze-like and frustrating. I stopped playing games for a long while to focus on my studies, many years ago, but I'm gonna go back to it. I loved the game up untill I stopped playing it though. 4) I barely played AOD so I can't add much to the discussion. 5) I liked the vehicles in the old games, even the kaiak (yes, I thought the kaiak was fun). They were a fun variety and were used sparingly enough as not to become a drag. 6) I have only sampled the survivor games. Can't say much about them yet. Maybe they are more similar to the original. I quite liked Legends but was disappointed on how linear it is. 7) YES. YES. YES. YES. YES. YES. YES. SYE. ESY. YES. YES. OMG! I can't say yes enough. I never related to Lara. Ever. I didn't need to. As a character I liked her, admired her strength and skills and cared for her. I didn't like whenever she died. I always played feeling like I wanted o help her. She doesn't need to be down to earth. She's a fictional character. She could be the goddess of thunder for all I care. 8) I haven't got that far into Chronicles. Yet. 9) Apart from the cosplays and merchandise, I never heard that people loved the Red Sunglasses. I don't care about them either. 10) I love Metal. I started loving metal exactly listening to Symphonic Metal. Rhapsody was my gateway. I love almost all kinds of metal, even Brutal Death Metal and Black Metal. Metal music is definitely my favorite genre of all. No contest. However I think the scores from the original Tomb Raider games are fantastic. I wouldn't trade them for metal music.
@@SethMcKenzieTV I wonder if you would get more enjoyment out of TR4 if the crawlspace roll was enabled like in TR5. Also, how can you not enjoy the skeletons? Sure, you get so much explosive crossbow ammo, they are easily dealt with. But knocking them off ledges with the shotgun, or shooting off their heads with normal crossbow ammo, is a total highlight for me.
@@hansflammenwerf1534 if the move was enabled, probably, yes. One or two times shooting the skeletons off is novel but you get groups of them or have to stand around waiting for the right opportunity 😝
Also I gotta say the idea of incorporating metal into the soundtrack of TR is a great idea. I've never thought about it before, but if they were used in heavy action pieces/boss battles, that could be amazing. I'm trying to picture a heavy metal version of the classic TR theme melody, and I think that'd be fantastic! TRU was probably trying to go for this kind of epic vibe by using orchestral pieces, but given the darker tone of the game, it could really have used some metal segments here and there, especially the face-off against natla at the end
+ Totally agree with the lack of need for Lara to have a character arc - the reason that classic Lara is so loved (generally) amongst fans it the fact that her character is consistant or even with a "finished" character arc, in the lines of her having the confidence and cunning to get trough tough situations, coupled with that she's long way from having regrets when killing people that stand in her way. With that said I don't mean that I can overlook how "antihero" that could be, but the thing is it's what makes her a badass. The contrast between Anniversary Lara after killing Larson (being coldblooded whilest killing him, and than realising the weight of what she's done) and the 1996 version in which she kills him in Egypt, and when Natla askes her about Larson "Left him to suck wind?" or smth in those lines, Lara replies with "If that is the frase"...just cold-blooded badassery and it(in my eyes) is what the reboot (anniversary) Lara would be like after a couple of years, if she was to add to her kill count, and in fact in Legend she is pretty much that. Point is - yes character development is cool and all, but a fully developed badass is just better in many ways. + I agree that the glasses would be imersion breaking if used in game, but we can't just deny how iconic they've become ^^'. I personally still feel really weird about how they weren't in Legend or Anniversary, or in any of the following games for that matter. + I really might just revisit VCI with a more open mind. + As for the VAsess, Jonell Elliott is definately my favorite, but having played LAU so many times, i'm just unable to not hear Keeley Hawes and think-Lara Croft, so idk what more to say about that, I could get behind the premise of her being too warm would mean less badass in some ways, but she's still got her class and rudeness, if we look at how Lara "nagotiated" with Takamoto we'll see smth pretty close to classic lara. + Will defiatelly give a Cradle of Life a rewatch. + I just fell in love with the consept of symphonic metal in TR. Awsome VIdeo!
The monolithic, roiling dynamo of ego that is classic Lara, who will kill armies and re-exinct the dead for the sheer sport of it getting turned into a neurotic insecure mess is one of the most embaressingly poorly conceived swerves in characterisation in the history of the medium. I hope that the success of Doom will demonstrate to those paying attention that having a protagonist who is a sheer vicarious fantasy for the player is actually a really good idea that people throw money at.
1. Yeah that "Hamma" line is so good :D I remember when it was in the second trailer (I think) its an epic line :D 2. Its really the best film and Angie was perfect casting choice. Shame we didnt get a third one with great script and creative direction though 3. I have to agree some sections could have been cut :/ 4. I would love to know what they planned as a whole. But why did they decide for that Lara to be so dark and edgy? 5. Again agreed but the bike is cool :D 6. Just my opinion I really got tired of the survivor Lara and the third game broke me 7. Yes AGREED 100% Survivor Lara is "not my Lara" 8. Well the catsuit.... :D 9. VERY controversial! How dare you?? :D JK 10. Why not? ;) Another great video! thumbs up!
Have to completely disagree on Jonell, no offence to her but she was my least favourite of Lara's voices till Camilla did the survivor series. Jonell was just never a fit for Lara in my opinion because her voice/portrayal was just too heavy on the 'Edgy' tone and lost the Badass Aristocrat essence of Lara that was best with TR2 & 3 and then Keeley who is my favourite (seriously for me Keeley's portrayal is the most naturally fitting for Lara's character). TR1 Lara voice was OK, but 2 & 3 really had that air about her of being an absolute takes no nonsense badass, but still having that air of Aristocratic upbringing and Keeley managed to achieve that with an even more natural air. Keeley's Lara had the strength of the badass Ms Croft but the accent of Lady Croft still. And also, the line in Underworld being her peak? Are we forgetting the end of Legend?? Her final words to Amanda in that game are so badass, cold and threatening as they should be after the revelation. Keeley should always be the voice of Lara for me now 😝
I actually think TLR is the best TR and is the peak of the PS1 TR titles. Though the crawlspaces needed more polishing as they feel too sluggish indeed.
My opinion: the classic games look better on PS1 than on PC, especially III through Chronicles. The colors are more vibrant on PS1, and the lighting seems to have more of a "glow" to them. It's kinda subdued, but I feel there's a difference. Don't think I'm saying they look ugly because they still look great on PC, but everything is subdued. I've had some numbnut tell me "IdIoT. JuSt AdJuSt GrApHiCs SeTtInGs, LOL." I play the PS1 versions on PC, and I've played with graphics setting for both versions until I've developed NVidia PTSD. Mess with one setting too much, and something else will look awful. The sweet spot for both PC and PS1 (which on my end turned out to be the default settings anyway), PC just looks more bland. Use an emulator like Duckstation to disable the wobbly PS1 textures, upscale to HD, and you've got yourself a beautiful game. It may not be as crisp HD as PC, but colors and lighting come together more beautifully. The other problem with PC is how some graphical effects either don't work as well or don't work at all! TR I: On PS1, Lara's body when she turns to gold is reflective, making it look more detailed. On PC, it's just a bland shade of featureless gold. TR II: Likewise, the spitting blades should have reflective surfaces. They don't on PC. TR III: Oh boy! This game took the most hits! There should be FOUR levels with rain, but the PC version only has two, and you can barely tell the rain is there! The effect is that awful. The rain is very much pronounced on PS1, adding to the atmosphere. On PC, some of the flashing lights stop working when you reload a save. For example, the tower at the end of Lud's Gate has flashing lights that travel upward, and the mine cart hub room (in the... well, mine cart level) has flashing lights in several locations. Reload a save, and all the lights stay off. I like those lights. Again, it helps build the atmosphere. (I also REALLY like good use of lighting in games and film) Also on PC, the mine cart tracks don't have moving animations like they do on PS1. TR IV: I'm not as familiar with this game on PC, so I can't say anything about it except this: In one of the levels, you can lead a fire spirit to an ice spirit (or was it the other way around?). On PC, they kill each other. On PS1, they just chase each other around. They stop attacking you, but they'll still follow you around. I actually like having them around. It's kinda funny, kinda cute, and I like the way they light up the dark rooms with red and blue hues. TR V: While the rain on PC has improved this time, it's still better on PS1. In one of the VCI levels, there's a teleporter machine. When you turn it on, there's supposed to be lights traveling up the "arms" of the machine. They don't work on PC. At all.
Oh I love these types of videos! 1. Oooh spicy. I love Keeley, I think she sounds closer to the Shelley and Judith than Jonell did tbh. 2. Y E S 3. TLR was a great game then you get to Cairo and the rest is just terrible. 4. Hard to say without knowing what the other two would be like but I agree in general with standalone adventures being best. 5. YES! The only game I thought it worked really well in was Underworld. 6. Hmm, some very good points! I think I probably disagree but it was really interesting to hear your take on that. 7. Yes, yes OH! GOD! YES! Trying to relate to everyone means you relate to no one. 8. Chronicles is the one mainline Tomb Raider game I haven't finished but now I want to go back. 9. Eh I think they're cool but I don't see the fuss tbh. 10. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH MY FAVOURITE BAND!!!! How could I refuse 😍 Tuomas said he'd love to do an Elder Scrolls soundtrack, why not Tomb Raider? Great video!
I really like Keeley Hawes as Lara also, I think with TR Legend, since it was a reboot, they wanted to make Lara more relatable, more cheerful and enigmatic. She has this playful side to her in Legend when she's antagonizing Rutland in Ghana, chatting with Zip and Allister on the intercom, etc. She can make Lara cold when needed, it just doesn't happen as often as in the classic series.
Character development and 'relatability' of main characters are the hallmarks of the well written story. But average consumer these days have no idea how good stories look like. They read comic books instead of literature. And I suspect you conflate relatable characters with 'representation'. To be relatable the main characters shouldn't be necessarily you carbon copy or even good people for that matter.
Totally agree with 1 and 3. Angel of Darkness is peak Lara personality, IMO. And I just can't, for the life of me, get into Last Revelation. A lot of it probably has to do with it all being Egypt-centered, but I don't know, it just never jived with me. Gotta disagree with 10 though, lol. I'm a diehard TR2 fan, so I want music to be only for exclusive scenarios (Venice), and want most of the sound to be super ambiance-driven (and creepy, if appropriate). My own unpopular opinion: I don't care for TR3 as much as I probably should. There's bits I really like (Some of London, most of Nevada), but outside of that, eh.
You weren’t kidding when you said ‘unpopular’ Tomb Raider opinions 😂 Though I did almost choke laughing when you said ‘peoples tongues planted firmly up Last Revelations arseh**e’ 😂 where I do agree. A lot of people say it’s one of the best but for me it was so difficult and confusing which took away the enjoyment and made it more of a chore to get through
I agree with a lot of what has been said. But I'm really not convinced about metal music. Yes it seems to fit when you render those videos of gameplay, and it makes your clip badass, but hearing it in the middle of the actual game would break the immersion to me. It would make it more an action/arcade game, and not an adventure game, since it only emphasis the gunfight aspect of the scene. Neither the oddness of your supernatural opponent (being a t-rex or a mythical beast), nor the mystery. I think the classic games nailed it with very silent area (a continuous music would feel like it comments whatever you're doing, as if you had a symphonic Zip talking in your ear), and from time to time very incidental music to emphasis only suspense, mystery of mystic sense, and a subtle peaceful music as a reward at the end of the game. I wouldn't be opposed to a more metal symphonic piece, but then only at very rare and specific occasions, if you are in a human modern environment (like the helicopter scene in Legend) and that it doesn't cover a more subtle atmospheric feeling. Or in a chaotic cataclysmic scene (in the middle of a supernatural tornado...) But in jungles or silent tombs, no thanks.
Great video. Personally, I love her sunglusses. Those dark red lens shows a more "obscure" tone that reflects something about her personality. Also I like the fact they are perfectly round, yet small. Very rare pair of sunglasses (similiar to John Lennon's). Still I'm glad they didn't put them in the actual gameplay but just in scenes and arts
Respect for liking VCI, I think it's pretty great aside from the save bugs in Red Alert. Between that and how dreary and confusing Cairo was in Last Revelation (Giza was a only a very mild improvement over Cairo at best), I think I might actually prefer Chronicles over LR. First half of Chronicles felt like it was just going through the motions, but I'll take that over the last 2/5ths of LR any day.
I’m not a person many agree with. I feel, IMO, tomb raider legends is 2nd best tomb raider game. I love the movie reboot and feel Angelina was awful as Lara. But to each their own. I respect the opinions.
Some of my unpopular opinions are: I don’t like any of the Survivor games. I enjoy Lara’s character in the LAU games. I don’t like The Last Revelation. Tomb Raider Anniversary is my favorite Tomb Raider game (I’m also a big fan of Legend, but not Underworld).
I appreciate your different opinions was Keeley was great. I'll never forget her epic scream in Underworld when confronting Natla with with the hammer.
I actually rewatched Cradle of Life recently (for Lara's birthday), and it's still very enjoyable. I might be easy to please, but I enjoyed all three films. But something else stood out to me upon this rewatch: the fact that the plot is basically kickstarted by Lara freeing an artifact that ultimately will lead to the destruction of the world unless she stops it. Like, she didn't even know what it was at first; when her friends asked her, all she said was "It's mine." All she was thinking was "New shiny artifact for me to raid". Plus, the movie ends with her having to learn the hard way that "Some things are not meant to be found". You know where else this happened? The Last Revelation. The plot of the game also kickstarted with Lara taking the Amulet of Horus purely because of the "New shiny artifact for me to raid" mindset, and only after she learns more about it does she realize "Oh shit, my greedy ass just caused the Apocalypse, I'd better stop it!" And she had to learn the hard way that not all artifacts should be taken from their tombs, as this adventure nearly cost her her life - much like in CoL, where nearly taking Pandora's Box ended up costing the life of someone she still cared about. Ultimately, it wasn't just the fact that CoL is the only film of the three that doesn't have the family drama that ties it with the vibes of the classic era, it had a similar plot to one of said classic games 😂
I'm so glad I'm not the only one that thinks this about the sunglasses! Honestly, I always thought I didn't care for them because I never got to play the Classics and LAU didn't have them. But the more I see them, the more I'm just like "Idk, it just doesn't work for me." So it's nice to see someone so much more knowledgeable in Classic Lara than me also thinking the same 😁
I like your observations. I totally agree about the music especially for the newest games. I would not change the old ones, especially TR2 which is my favorite. But yes metal would be great at certain points. Take the FF series. They have embraced the Metal music and have created masterpieces. Both in the gaming and music industry (Song: Sephiroth - Advent Children). And also agree about TR Revelations, not a good one.
I like how yours opinions be like: ROUND ONE - FIGHT! To the fans :) (Never thought about metal score, but theme like APOCALYTPICA did would be interesting)
I do believe TR6 Angel of Darkness will get a revisit one day. They may release the "originally intended" game (that'll be the catch phrase) with modern graphics etc.... Then they may go into the other two stories (or parts rather). I feel today, that this was the actual "Last" TR adventure that Lara embarked upon. For some weird reason I still feel that the events of both "Legend" and "Underworld" took place possibly before TR4. As if those games were just further extensions of "Chronicles". Dunno why... *shrugs* Obviously, the last three were Lara's "teen prequels". Beedy eyes, American accent, black hair, and whiney attitude. Sigh. Here are my 10 unpopular opinions (heh) 1. Tomb Raider Anniversary was more enjoyable than the original TR1. Maybe I'm biased against old DOS games and the "Sound Blaster" issues which always left me with no sound... Or that the graphics and game play had warped past TR1 giving those old levels life again. I don't recall if it had a comparable soundtrack as the original tho... 2. I agree with your opening. I couldn't stand TR4:Last Revelation for the most part. Part of it was that they took out the nice "Inventory Ring" and replaced it with a sliding inventory which seemed to be a step back. They went from 3D... to 2D in that respect (back stepped). Also, everytime you want to start a game, you got to do the dumb training level with Von Croy. Tomb Raiders 1-3 had it perfect with Lara's Home (mansion). You could warm up at the mansion and then dive into the game. In fact, Tomb Raider 3, you could literally walk out of the front gate and go TO the next mission. Heh. 3. Lara Croft was originally a RED HEAD. Or at least a Dark Auburn hair color as time went on... When Angelina Jolie made that first movie, the game's logo, theme, and Lara's look all changed to fit the damn movie. Couldn't stand those changes. It made the game seem like it was based on the movie and not the other way around. 4. Tomb Raider 2013. Rise, and Shadow. Lara looked like a spoiled beedy eyed little brat with such a clueless voice and look in her eyes. The "Spirit" of Lara Croft, lived on in Alien Isolation as Amanda Ripley. Basically, I'm saying that for the past 10 years, "Lara" in those three games have been upstaged by ONE game's character. Amanda. 5. Invisible walls suck. Look, if they want invisible walls, at least do them like that shield wall from the movie: The Cabin In The Woods. Let us know there is a "border". Heh 6. Stop "woke-ee-fying" Lara. I get that there is a "faction" (rolls eyes) of people out there who want realism... But when Tomb Raider gets to the point of the player controlling a fat chick who carries around a pack of Butterfinger bars as medipacks... I'm out. It's headed that direction people! 7. Is it just me? Or does it not seem strange that you can find "Uzi ammo" (or any ammo really) deep deep deep down inside a tomb that no human has seen in 1,000's of years? 8. Is it just me (part 2)? Or doesn't it seem a bit "off" that Lara struggles through a tomb of complex puzzles and traps only to discover the enemy gang had somehow already beaten her to the goal. Like... what route did they take? (I think this happened in Legend) * I can understand an enemy waiting outside the tomb for Lara to come out... ala Indiana Jones when he had to surrender his artifact after all the work he did to get it. But deep inside the tomb with mercenaries... already camped out. Glancing at their watches as Lara comes up... "Well its about time young lady!" heh 9. The introduction of those "micro transactions" .. (those outfits you can buy while in the game)... Good lord. That crap seems "fun" at first... then you realize how ghoulishly greedy they are being. 10. Stop "woke-ee-fying" Tomb Raider! I get the idea of "diversity" and all. I'm not a racist or whatever they like to brand people now-a-days. But holy damn. Do we have to have a representative of each race, nationality, and sexual orientation on Lara's team with each new release? I mean they might as well make Lara "genderless" at this point. Hell.. the Xenomorph from Alien is neither male nor female... There ya go> Run, jump, and climb up while controlling a Xenomorph. A boulder will STILL get you!
I think I agree with all of those except that I can't confirm survivor trilogy being closer to classics since I haven't played survivor. And wow that last take was amazing, I've never heard of symphonic metal before and it sounds amazing, gotta search more of it.
Agreed with all. You summed up Last Revalation perfectly. I wanna go back to it so bad, but then I remember all those annoying parts of it. And yes, metal soundtrack would be fun and fitting, to set the darker tone. She is raiding tombs after all
Pretty much agree with all of it besides vehicles I think in a lot of games they didn't fit in so well or control sluggish, but moments like driving one of the boats in a field of mines, jumping out of it in last seconds are moments I wouldn't like to miss in the series. I think vehicles should be better utilized and incorparated in the level design, but at the same time I think it would be cool if they serve just a one of several options to approach more open-designed levels, that would be kinda cool I suppose.
Yes vehicles were a bit clumsy, but that was more related to the game engine map and dynamics limitations of that time. Vehicles were still cutting edge developments for games at that time. I personally still enjoy the speed boat of Venice in TR2. The music sealed the experience.
i totally agree with the rock music genere one. in any really intensifying tomb raider scene, whether its reboot or classic, there could be so much more pace and action into it with the right themes. like in tr aod. the game is my all time FAV and the soundtrack is to die for, but it is such a dark, edgy and eerie game but some of the background music is almost too.. soothing. great video btw :))
Finally someone else loves the Cradle of Life! Out of all Tomb Raider movies that one felt the most Tomb Raider to me, and I don't even like Angeline Jolie as Tomb Raider that much (mostly due to her different looks, her personality matches the games though). And I definitely agree with the 7th opinion, I love relatable characters but it doesn't HAVE to be relatable. Unrelatable characters can be equally fun and well-written.
Great video!! I’m the same regarding the VCI levels! I know I shouldn’t, because it does screams tomb raider but I really enjoyed them. And no, even tho it sounds great, no metal song for me on a TR game. 😂👍
Chronicles is really inconsistent ; Rome is quite boring, the submarine is a blast, the haunted island is really a high point of the original series to me, just breathtaking, and VCI is just cool. Great ideas, but I found it tedious to replay through Rome so I could get to the better levels... and rarely bothered to finish 13th Floor. Still a must-play IMO
1 for me was the 0 interactions between Lara and Bartoli in TR2 could've been a few eg on the diving area before he shoots the monk, or in the Dragon's Lair where he tells her its too late to stop him if she tries to jump at him to pull out the dagger of xian
I agree wth most with the glasses, they are ugly. I dissagree when you say the reboot lara is more like classic lara than the prevous ones like underworld. It's such a out there claim i fail to see any remote levels of logic behind it.
I do like the vehicles, the problem is the need of it to solve puzzle or make progress in the level. If it was only to run around and appreciating the sight while shooting some foes it would be good.
Huge fan here, 20 yrs playing and on! I mostly agree on everything you experienced, except for my strange passion for those useless but iconic red glasses which never appeared in-game lol😎 Besides, the only things I truly loved from TR:TLR were that magnificent crossbow and rope climbing💪🏻 the rest was ok. Making Lara go backwards on that motorcycle was also as interesting as frustrating😂!! Best regards guys, keep playing TR!
Lara was a tough, badass, confident woman who knew who she was and what she wanted. She didn't need anyone's permission yet wasn't a bad person, just a thrillseeker. I can't stand this new version of her for making her out to be this overemotional whiny girl, and this is coming from someone who is overemotional. Her character was already established, and they it seems like such a disservice to Lara to change her into what they wanted her to be.
I think Camilla Lugden is the worst Lara. Too panicky, annoying and breathy in my opinion. Judith Gibbins was my all time favourite game voice actor, and Angelina Jolie was the best movie Lara
OMG, I can't believe you added Nightwish to Tomb Raider! I don't think I ever saw or thought of this combo, but I am definitely NOT forgeting about it EVAH. Please, hire Tuomas to assist on the game scores, that was brilliant!!! With that out of the way, I would have to say that one controversial opinion of mine is that I DO LIKE Angel of Darkness AND playing with Kurtis. I did enjoy their dynamic and, at the time learning there was meant to be more and they cancelled it, was a real shame as I would have loved to have seen that story to conclusion... Other than that, I did enjoy the first 2 Tomb Raider movies with Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft, SO MUCH more than the latest one and that is mostly because of the story. The stories in the first 2 movies were original adventures while the latest movie just, pretty much, copy-pasted Tomb Raider 2013. If you played the game, you don't need to watch the movie, and vice-versa... Not to mention, Angelina Jolie IS Classic Lara Croft, and no reboot Lara can ever beat the Classic one!!! In regards to vehicles, I'm not sure about a return... I loved the vehicles when they were introduced in TRII, the bike scene in Legend makes me NOT want to replay the game... And to finish, Sure, wearing the sunglasses while jumping off cliffs makes no sense, but I do LOVE those round red sunglasses and I do love seeing artwork with them on... so long as it makes sense ^^ Classic Lara and those shades go hand in hand in my mind's eye. I really enjoyed your video, Hearing Nighwish in there certainly made my day- Thanks ^^
The original Tomb Raider movie has a special charm for me (great set pieces, a relatively unknown Daniel Craig as a scummy tomb raider, and Iain Glen as a deliciously evil villain), but the second movie had a more cohesive script IMO. For instance, in the first movie, Lara hears the ticking clock underneath the staircase all the way from her bedroom as she slept (this was an obvious contrivance to get the story going).
Completely agree about The Last Revelation! I LOVED TR 1-3 when I was younger and played those games over and over again but could never get into TR4. Even now I still enjoy 1-3 and even 5 but have no interest in replaying 4 at all.
Symphonic metal would 100% work in urban/gothic settings but they should stick with music from the places where Lara visits incorporating the traditional instruments.
Just bought the 360 games, and the Definitive Survivor Trilogy on Xbone. I'm totally going to stream Symphonic Metal in the background now. Lol those integrated scenes in the video were dope!
I get that LAU goes aesthetically closer to the traditional and I agree thats what the majority of complainers are latching onto... The thing the survivor trilogy does that the classic and LAU games rarely do though is 'regularly' push you forwards. Big set pieces that you have to rush through. For me classic Lara was about taking in the area and moving forwards slowly and carefully. Survivor Lara takes things at full speed to get past the danger, only rarely slowing down for specific puzzles. So for me I can see the transition as a linear curve... But yeah - the sunglasses can be forgotten. Everything else I think is classic and to an extent ageless but those are peak 90s.
Jonell Elliot's voice acting is so wooden and two dimensional, and she sounds far too young. Keeley is the best voice Lara has ever had. So much depth and range.
The early TR games set the general themes and ideas of Lara the Tomb Raider. Which are still fun, original and interesting, as well as at times frustrating and annoying. Always immensely enjoyable to play again, but as most realise now the ‘Core’ enjoyments are never replaced by upgraded graphics, moves or revealing Lara’s psychological reflections etc. The ‘Core’ creation can only be relived or more accurately re-explored by holding to the original simple themes. I sincerely hope that any future games will not use TR and Lara to explore other ideas to the detriment of those ‘Core’ realities. I really enjoyed the desert and Egyptian adventure of Last Revelation, although working through the tombs was a bit intense, but still memorable and fun. All of the games ( including AOD, Trilogy, Reboot, Rise and Shadow ) are epic creations and a wonderful credit to all the artist’s and development community, so thanks so much for the entire library of TR games.
I disagree with you alot on some of these points, but you put them together very well and while I still disagree its nice to see other opinions on my favourite series!
I was with you, even when you mentioned Metal music, until the Metal music played alongside the gameplay. Metal fit with Prince of Persia: Warrior Within but for Lara it doesn't feel right.
my own views. 1) Agree we could have done with symphonic metal in the scores 2) can't comment on Angel of Darkness, Chronicles or Last Revelation as I've never played them 3) I agree that the survivor trilogy is closer to the classics, I also like changes in the character and I think we would have seen more cutscenes and story in the original had technical specifications allowed it. I like the story and if you want me to spend 30+ hours on a game then you need to keep my attention beyond lots of fancy graphics and puzzle solving. Also the story is consistent, and the changes are natural. Likewise in many ways they are in keeping with the Cradle of Life and Tomb Raider films.
I felt the same way about Revelations the first time I played it. It just went on and on and on. I enjoyed it more years later when I played it again. Perhaps because I knew what was coming around the corner so I played through it faster.
Agree on all of these except anything to do with the classic (pre-Legend) games as I haven't played them yet. Cradle of Life is the best film with a cracking soundtrack, both original and licenced music. Also, I've caught myself comparing it to certain elements in Die Another Day as well! Early 2000s action films were their own genre, really. Whilst we're on the subject, I agree with you on Goldeneye.
I agree with you on most points besides the fact that I actually liked the legend, anniversary, underworld gameplay - that said, these mid era games haven't aged well. Laras voice and body are just so cringeworthily oversexualized that it hurts, whereas the classic games will get away with this more easily since it's from a more innocent era and Lara had not enough polygons to effectively do what the mid-era games do. P.S. The funny thing about the kayak is that it it moves the wrong way... when Lara paddles left she moves left whereas she should move right.
Yeah I don't want representative characters, there's so many groups to be represented that no individual exists any more and characters become fragmented beyond recognition. Lara 1 was solid, she was on a mission for sport which turned into a sort of revenge (briefly) to saving the world from a maniac. To me it looked like she wanted to get Natla back for trying to kill her and claim her prize back (the Scion) and then when Lara learned what the scion was and what it was going to be used for, put an end to Natla's plans of uber evolution. That was a strong character, no baggage, no representation of anyone, just a good gritty story to tell.
ur damn right about the last revelation. it was great in places. but much of the middle of the game was actually very very tedious like you said. starting with the jeep level and almost everything beyond that right up until the admittedly excellent pyramids end portion of the game. the end saves the game really from being pretty damn bad. the skeleton section is almost unplayable until i found out i can shoot them down a hole with the shotgun instead of crossbow. then it was better but still tedious. the incredibly annoying flying elemental spirit enemies, the ludicrous iron man section also, most of cairo is awful, then all the many traps where it is impossible not to take damage. i think the game probably wasnt tested properly. then theres the very bland colour pallet for much of the game. yeah of ps1 era i think this one aged the worst.
I agree on the glasses (I love them, but she didn’t used them often during exploration inside caves, I obv prefer Jonell as many do, I love vehicles but I would dislike an open world and I love VCI too. But I see nothing similar between the classic games and the reboot: the classics were all about traps, keys, levers and climbing IMO, the reboot has only the traps and the levers (if you consider levers the pickaxe mechanics with doors and mechanism)
The metal thing I could see working in some epic battle but other then that no. Lara usually listens to classical music. Just look at all the classic games 2/3 with her house. They both had a button for the classical music scores.
I don't think people understand what "relatable" means. Whenever "Relatable" is mentioned people think "omg that means you want the character to be literally you". Classic Lara is far more relatable than survivor Lara. She was disowned by her rich father for not wanting to rich man and instead choose to go on her adventures because she loves mystery and danger. She first time she felt alive was when she was in great danger. That is relatable. She has relatable traits which people can get behind.
Oh! At last! Someone who's not into the "Character developpement needs to be implemented so they can be relatable"! Yes, that's one of the point which deprived Lara Croft from her Edgeiness.
Yes, she went from an icon empowering women to being restricted as "someone little girls anywhere, with any background, can see themselves in" -_-
Almost everyone who's a fan of the originals dislikes the needless characterization attempts from what I've seen. I'm not sure if it's that unpopular.
That is not unpopular among classic TR fans. It's actually one of those arguments they use dumbly to trash the survivor trilogy.
@@astrius4125 Among classic TR fans it's not unpopular but it's unpopular to modern gamers in general who for some reason want their characters to be relatable to them because they love to project or self insert themselves too much to the characters.
True. Lara is meant to be a fully-formed character from the beginning. Her conflicts aren't within herself, but towards the world around her.
I cant really agree on haws acting being bad. She has a natural classiness to her voice and I believe she can be both intimidating and charming at the same time. Yeah Angel Of Darkness lara was more intimidating but she really sounded waaaay too threatening. Lara is someone Who first talks nicely with People and if then adjusts herself based on their behaviour. In Angel Of Darkness she is a bitch to everybody.
Yeah I also love all the games but hate last revelation. Too much back tracking, puzzles that dont give you any hints on solving so you have to luck them out. Waaay too many eerie and dark environments etc etc I dont like it
Personally metal music is one of the last things I want in TR. I love various genres of metal, spent half of my life listening to, but that idea doesn't fit well. I haven't played the latest three games, but for me, TR was badass, classy, stylish and subtle. Metal music can be badass, can be stylish, but it's always somewhat edgy. Metal in TR is like techno, or K-POP in The Godfather. I get the point of intense music and intense action, but it often lead to reverse effect when a screen and speakers scream danger, but in reality there is none and TR games aren't hard in platforming sections. I assume less can speak more.
You know what, I wouldn't hate the reboot trilogy if "Lara" actually behaved like Lara Croft. As it stands, Square Enix and Crystal Dynamics have decided that "relatable" means stripping away everything that makes a character special so that they can cry and obsess over their father's unfinished work. I mean, just imagine if, in Kingdom Hearts, Sora all of a sudden decided being a Keyblade Master and saving the universe from darkness with the power of friendship no longer mattered, and he's gonna go out trying to find out why everyone thinks his mom's insane for rambling on about his random disappearance. That wouldn't really be Kingdom Hearts any more than this version of Lara is the actual character that was created in '96.
That is my main problem with the trilogy. I would ignore the boring puzzles and the linear exploration, as well as "Lara's" tendency to point out the solutions to easy puzzles, if only she actually behaved like the character that originally got me into gaming.
You bring up a really good point. I still wouldn’t love the rebooted games but it would be tolerable. Also you mention Lara giving hints a lot and if she had her classic personality, on easy mode she could speak to the player in the classic tongue in cheek sassy manner when you need a hint or the game realizes you’re taking too long. She could spout off lines like “wow do you not see the giant pole” or “took you long enough” or “oh come on you can’t remember the very obvious ancient language and all of its alphabet?? It clearly goes a z e and then t. Did you not pay attention in cultural studies???”
Well they transferred this into the "real world" .... would you really want a sideway summersaulting dual pistol weilding auto aim Lara that looks like an actual human being? I just wished traversing would be as seemless and well made as the keyboard-mouse playthrough of Horizon Zero Dawn was....
Calm your tits. It’s an origin story. Meaning, she’s not on that level yet and is progressing to being the Tomb Raider. She was perfect fine in 2013 & Rise. Shadow tho . . .
Nah, I'll take this trash character if they bring the gameplay back. I don't care about the story, and the character isn't anywhere near as important as the gameplay is. If you don't care about the gameplay, why are you playing a game? Go read a book or watch a movie or something.
The only issue i had with the reboot trilogy is the lack of sassiness from Lara. but i love the rest. I think the reboot gets so much defense because legitimate criticism is mixed up with a bunch of horny and winy gamers wanting Lara to be more sexualized.
The classic Tomb Raider games will always hold a special place in my heart.
This channel is highly underrated. Keep up the work, I'll watch every video of yours
You're too kind 🫂
I agree with the relatability not being super necessary. Some of my favorite characters in gaming are not relatable to me in any way, like Arthur Morgan for example. He's not relatable, but BELIEVABLE, and most importantly, compelling. That's what makes characters great, and being relatable is sort of a happy accident in some cases
I’m with you on The Last Revelation. For me, it essentially suffers from being far too open/non-linear. The levels are huge and in some cases illogical. Main pathways are hidden away as if they were secrets. The first levels are fine, but the later ones seem to lack complex environmental puzzles. Instead, the main goal seems to be to just traverse the level while avoiding traps and killing enemies.
Can't believe Jonell Elliott being the best voice for Lara is an unpopular opinion. She's the best.
Not that bit being unpopular, I mean me not liking Keeley is unpopular. Jonell still gets loads of love from the fanbase
Jonell was always my favourite VA for Lara as well.
I think the idea behind the sunglasses is she only wears them at specific times,like when traveling to a location but then she removes them,as seen on TR 1 cutscene and stores them on her backpack.
Hmm I see. I guess I can get behind that. ☺
I like all the voices, but I'm particularly attached to Shelley. As for Last Revelation, I didn't like that I couldn't just play my favorite levels like before. With the Vehicles, I get what you mean even if I didn't loathe those chases in TRL. And finally, I like the red glasses on art and cosplay (they're iconic) but if I had two exact models of Lara with and without to play as, I would choose without.
Keeley is my favorite Lara, I think her voice is very versatile and can adapt to every emotion Lara is experiencing in a way that’s believable
The part about adding symphonic metal into TR actually gave me goosebumps and i realise how much more badass the gameplay would be if they added it in! 😎😎
Yeah, TR needs to get its edge back. The reboot trilogy was a nice break and diversion, but now I want classic Lara back, dual pistols, attitude and all. The metal soundtrack would be perfect for this. I wanna hear that OG theme more epic than ever.
@@Reds-Retros tell me about it! I miss old school Lara!!!!! I hope they bring her back and fix the TR story once and for all
Really interesting video! ☺️ I have to say, I’m a huge fan of the red sunglasses. They’re kind of just iconic of her classic look. But I agree with you, she hardly ever wears them in the game because as you said they would be very impractical and unnecessary 😂 i have a pair of red sunglasses myself for cosplay purposes, and to say they’re difficult to see out of is an understatement 🙈
She did have them on in TR6 in some cut scenes...
maybe some more cut scenes from Chronicles as well.
In fact, I thought... she DID wear them for a full level in Chronicles ... maybe my memory is going bad
i don’t necessarily think character development strictly means relatability. I know you’re mostly targeting the survivor games on that point but I think that Lara went through plenty of character development in the classic games, with no detriment to her main characteristics. incorporating development is absolutely essential to writing a character, whether it’s drastic or not, or whether it’s for the sake of enabling relatability from the player.
the reboots have nothing relatable in them lmaoooo this the devs are full of shit
Nightwish (my absolute favourite Band) & Tomb Raider ? A dream !!!
And great Video again ! :D
While I do agree that a character doesn't need to be relatable to be good, you really don't want her to not have character development.
It's something I see people say a lot, but you really don't realise how important it is until you have a story without it. Character development is important for a character to be fleshed out and actually be a person, otherwise you end up with cardboard cutout characters with no depth.
You might not even think about it, because it doesn't have to be big, but for a good story to work, there will always be character development. You can see it already from the first game. Lara starts off just being hired to do a job, but as she gets involved in what her employer intends to do with what she's found, Lara changes her mind on just being a passive contractor, and instad sets out to stop Natla.
Character development is what creates three dimentional characters with feelings and motivations. Without it, there's no reason to get involved in a story or a character. The idea that a story doesn't need character development is a misconception, often because people confuse it with character growth, which is a different thing.
Development is what fleshes out the character and makes them whole, growth is a change the character may go through during the story.
By the end of Tomb Raider 1, Lara is still the same person. She hasn't changed, her motivations are the same and she will continue to raid tombs for her own selfish desires. But throughout the story, we learned of Lara's ability to change her mind and go against the people paying her when they're a threat to herself and others. We've been shown she has a moral compass, even if at the start it seemed like she just wanted a payday.
Indeed but ffs don't go overboard on it or make issues that drag on game after game.... I think my favourite character development game as an example would be Prince Of Persia Sands Of Time, the classic, Princy started off as an arrogant git who thought he'd mess around with an hourglass, after all, it doesn't do anything right? it's just a fable, then BAM he's sucked into a nightmare and has to deal with it, later he's tougher and would not do the same thing again, but with no baggage and BS and long drawn out pathos.
The first 3 games did just fine without character development, she was already a fully developed character. You knew enough to get what she is and why she is doing something and the development was then....you playing the game. Game stories work differently than regular stories. Peoples stories of the games come from their interaction with it. You will notice how people on repeat playthroughs of games want to skip the cutscenes, because it isnt that important to them as much as they want to turn games into holywood films.
@@charg1nmalaz0r51 Well the first 3 games clearly didn't do fine without character development. You just said it yourself, Lara was already a fully developed character. That's still character development, as it's not about a character evolving, but about a character being fleshed out 😊
I have to say, as soon as you mentioned symphonic metal, I was all on board. So long as it's carefully intergrated into the setting of course, and applied at the right times. Makes me think of the music when you get the snow mobile in Tomb Raider 2, not the actual music, but how that combined dancey sorta music (That part sure aged poorly) with classical. If they did that, combining classical music with metal and preferably mixing in cultural elements from whatever the setting is.
Exploring somewhere in mongolia, get a nice buildup of more natural elements and cultural music, then during a few climactic moments you get something like The Hu with a good splash of Nightwish. Having said that I think the classical roots should always be central. It's Lara's journey afterall, and I've always felt like the classic music of the early tomb raider games was emblematic of her personality and the lense through which she viewed the world.
TLR is both fascinating and brutal. It is to me the most interesting one : temples are gorgeous, very atmospheric, great music and enemies diverse and spooky, perfectly in theme ; but they are also brutal, most of them are invincible, and the puzzles are really tough, I had to get help to finish the game ! So all in all it is the game I replayed less out of all of them ! Too complicated compared to the good old fun and action the original trilogy is. I have a high opinion about this game and most of the game are fond memories ; though I won't take the disk out and replay it...
You inspired me to create my own list of unpopular opinions on Tomb Raider. I, too, am a bit of an odd duck when it comes to my view of Tomb Raider. (Some of my views on Tomb Raider are very controversial, so please be nice. Just like Seth said.)
1. The Classic Games Are Not The Best Games (I'm a huuugggeee fan of the classic games, don't get me wrong. But I feel that are some moments that Legend and the Survival reboot games did equally well or better than the classic games. I get frustrated by the fans because I feel that they get stuck in the past nostalgia and don't even bother to see how newer technology has brought new and innovative puzzles, traversal skills, story-telling, and combat that couldn't be done in the '90s. I feel that Crystal Dynamics did a great job trying to bring something new and fresh to the table to make Tomb Raider relevant to the newer generation. Sorry to say, but the old gameplay was starting to wear out in the early 2000s and classic Tomb Raider was starting to drop in popularity because of that. Believe it or not, Crystal Dynamics contributed a lot to making Lara popular and fun to today's audiences and they succeeded. That's no easy task! If the old classic formula was still being used, Lara would've eventually died out like many classic '90s video game icons. I will admit though that I've always felt that the core of Tomb Raider is puzzle-solving, traps, and traversing through landscapes to reach the desired destination. Tomb Raider 2013 was a little too battle-heavy for my tastes. Thankfully, they changed that.)
2. I agree with you about Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life is better than the original film. (I don't hate the previous film, but the film was too ambitious in bringing in classic game elements and the story reflected it. Bringing in the Illuminati was a twist of genius, but at the same time, a missed opportunity. You never really find out why the Illuminati is obsessively pursuing the triangle or even how they have heard of it. All we know is that they wanted to change time. The rest is up to your imagination. In addition, they didn't really pose a threat to Lara. The most hurt they've done to Lara was killing her father. Trinity was a better-written organization than the Illuminati. I felt the film sacrificed good storytelling in favor of good action sequences. Which is a problem when it comes to filming. You can get away with that better in games, but not films. So to make a long conclusion short, Cradle of Life did waayyy better in storytelling and fleshing out the characters. Terry Sheridan is one of the best-written characters in Tomb Raider history, in my opinion. While, yes, Cradle of Life had fewer tombs than the first film. But the film still did a great job in pacing so those tombs were more than just a playground for Lara. Besides, even Indiana Jones didn't spend the majority of the film raiding tombs.)
3. Lara was cold-hearted and stone-faced in the classic games. (I thoroughly disagree with this point and find it amazing that people to this day hold this view when certain cutscenes slapped Lara's emotions in front of your face. Like Lara being appalled when Bartolli stabbed himself with the dagger. Or Lara racing to save Willard from falling into the meteorite pit. Even in the Angel of Darkness, Lara couldn't stand watching the reporter being fried-to-death in Prague. She had to close her eyes. Something like that wouldn't bother a psychopath. I even read about how some are bothered that Legend Lara tried, again and again, to bring Amanda back to her senses and feel that classic Lara would've given up on her from the start. I disagree with that point. First, because even classic Lara showed a sense of loyalty to her friends and would risk her neck for them. Like I feel the whole City Of The Dead gameplay was for the sake of finding and rescuing Jean Yves. Second is because of how persistent Lara was in trying to save the admiral in the Submarine levels. In fact, the admiral was initially Lara's enemy. What I do agree with is how Lara chooses to kill or show mercy to a person depends on how much or often they stand in the way between herself and her goal.)
There are other opinions that I hold which is unpopular. But, I've already written much. So I'll stick with just these three. EDIT: By the way, I totally agree with you about the VCI levels being enjoyable. Personally, they are some of my most favorite levels in all of Tomb Raider. They're unique and challenging. In addition, I love high-technology, heavily geared, spy games. I do understand that it's a little out of place for Tomb Raider. But that didn't diminish my love for the VCI levels.
1) I prefer the voice actress of Tomb Raider 2-5 but I liked Keeley Hayes. I think she did a very good job.
2) I haven't watched Alicia Vikander's Tomb Raider movie yet. I like the first two movies almost the same. Cradle of Life wins for me, but not by a big margin. I rather not have the romance drama. It annoys me.
3) I haven't beaten Last Revelation. I stopped right when the game became incredibly maze-like and frustrating. I stopped playing games for a long while to focus on my studies, many years ago, but I'm gonna go back to it. I loved the game up untill I stopped playing it though.
4) I barely played AOD so I can't add much to the discussion.
5) I liked the vehicles in the old games, even the kaiak (yes, I thought the kaiak was fun). They were a fun variety and were used sparingly enough as not to become a drag.
6) I have only sampled the survivor games. Can't say much about them yet. Maybe they are more similar to the original. I quite liked Legends but was disappointed on how linear it is.
7) YES. YES. YES. YES. YES. YES. YES. SYE. ESY. YES. YES. OMG! I can't say yes enough. I never related to Lara. Ever. I didn't need to. As a character I liked her, admired her strength and skills and cared for her. I didn't like whenever she died. I always played feeling like I wanted o help her. She doesn't need to be down to earth. She's a fictional character. She could be the goddess of thunder for all I care.
8) I haven't got that far into Chronicles. Yet.
9) Apart from the cosplays and merchandise, I never heard that people loved the Red Sunglasses. I don't care about them either.
10) I love Metal. I started loving metal exactly listening to Symphonic Metal. Rhapsody was my gateway. I love almost all kinds of metal, even Brutal Death Metal and Black Metal. Metal music is definitely my favorite genre of all. No contest.
However I think the scores from the original Tomb Raider games are fantastic. I wouldn't trade them for metal music.
Thanks for your take :)
Your opinions are god-tier as always Seth. But I will never understand your lack of love for TR4.
Lol thanks. I always try to rationalise by opinions on TR4, combined with video representation of them XD
@@SethMcKenzieTV I wonder if you would get more enjoyment out of TR4 if the crawlspace roll was enabled like in TR5. Also, how can you not enjoy the skeletons? Sure, you get so much explosive crossbow ammo, they are easily dealt with. But knocking them off ledges with the shotgun, or shooting off their heads with normal crossbow ammo, is a total highlight for me.
@@hansflammenwerf1534 if the move was enabled, probably, yes.
One or two times shooting the skeletons off is novel but you get groups of them or have to stand around waiting for the right opportunity 😝
Also I gotta say the idea of incorporating metal into the soundtrack of TR is a great idea. I've never thought about it before, but if they were used in heavy action pieces/boss battles, that could be amazing. I'm trying to picture a heavy metal version of the classic TR theme melody, and I think that'd be fantastic! TRU was probably trying to go for this kind of epic vibe by using orchestral pieces, but given the darker tone of the game, it could really have used some metal segments here and there, especially the face-off against natla at the end
thatnorskchick2 did a heavy metal version of the AoD theme :)
+ Totally agree with the lack of need for Lara to have a character arc - the reason that classic Lara is so loved (generally) amongst fans it the fact that her character is consistant or even with a "finished" character arc, in the lines of her having the confidence and cunning to get trough tough situations, coupled with that she's long way from having regrets when killing people that stand in her way. With that said I don't mean that I can overlook how "antihero" that could be, but the thing is it's what makes her a badass. The contrast between Anniversary Lara after killing Larson (being coldblooded whilest killing him, and than realising the weight of what she's done) and the 1996 version in which she kills him in Egypt, and when Natla askes her about Larson "Left him to suck wind?" or smth in those lines, Lara replies with "If that is the frase"...just cold-blooded badassery and it(in my eyes) is what the reboot (anniversary) Lara would be like after a couple of years, if she was to add to her kill count, and in fact in Legend she is pretty much that. Point is - yes character development is cool and all, but a fully developed badass is just better in many ways. + I agree that the glasses would be imersion breaking if used in game, but we can't just deny how iconic they've become ^^'. I personally still feel really weird about how they weren't in Legend or Anniversary, or in any of the following games for that matter. + I really might just revisit VCI with a more open mind. + As for the VAsess, Jonell Elliott is definately my favorite, but having played LAU so many times, i'm just unable to not hear Keeley Hawes and think-Lara Croft, so idk what more to say about that, I could get behind the premise of her being too warm would mean less badass in some ways, but she's still got her class and rudeness, if we look at how Lara "nagotiated" with Takamoto we'll see smth pretty close to classic lara. + Will defiatelly give a Cradle of Life a rewatch. + I just fell in love with the consept of symphonic metal in TR. Awsome VIdeo!
Anniversary does have an option to enable sunglasses but it’s sadly an unlockable cheat code
@@tacosmexicanstyle7846 But it's not her classic red pair, just some generic looking one with transparent lens.
The monolithic, roiling dynamo of ego that is classic Lara, who will kill armies and re-exinct the dead for the sheer sport of it getting turned into a neurotic insecure mess is one of the most embaressingly poorly conceived swerves in characterisation in the history of the medium.
I hope that the success of Doom will demonstrate to those paying attention that having a protagonist who is a sheer vicarious fantasy for the player is actually a really good idea that people throw money at.
1. Yeah that "Hamma" line is so good :D I remember when it was in the second trailer (I think) its an epic line :D
2. Its really the best film and Angie was perfect casting choice. Shame we didnt get a third one with great script and creative direction though
3. I have to agree some sections could have been cut :/
4. I would love to know what they planned as a whole. But why did they decide for that Lara to be so dark and edgy?
5. Again agreed but the bike is cool :D
6. Just my opinion I really got tired of the survivor Lara and the third game broke me
7. Yes AGREED 100% Survivor Lara is "not my Lara"
8. Well the catsuit.... :D
9. VERY controversial! How dare you?? :D JK
10. Why not? ;)
Another great video! thumbs up!
Have to completely disagree on Jonell, no offence to her but she was my least favourite of Lara's voices till Camilla did the survivor series. Jonell was just never a fit for Lara in my opinion because her voice/portrayal was just too heavy on the 'Edgy' tone and lost the Badass Aristocrat essence of Lara that was best with TR2 & 3 and then Keeley who is my favourite (seriously for me Keeley's portrayal is the most naturally fitting for Lara's character).
TR1 Lara voice was OK, but 2 & 3 really had that air about her of being an absolute takes no nonsense badass, but still having that air of Aristocratic upbringing and Keeley managed to achieve that with an even more natural air. Keeley's Lara had the strength of the badass Ms Croft but the accent of Lady Croft still. And also, the line in Underworld being her peak? Are we forgetting the end of Legend?? Her final words to Amanda in that game are so badass, cold and threatening as they should be after the revelation. Keeley should always be the voice of Lara for me now 😝
Last revelation is the best one of all!
I actually think TLR is the best TR and is the peak of the PS1 TR titles. Though the crawlspaces needed more polishing as they feel too sluggish indeed.
My opinion: the classic games look better on PS1 than on PC, especially III through Chronicles. The colors are more vibrant on PS1, and the lighting seems to have more of a "glow" to them. It's kinda subdued, but I feel there's a difference. Don't think I'm saying they look ugly because they still look great on PC, but everything is subdued. I've had some numbnut tell me "IdIoT. JuSt AdJuSt GrApHiCs SeTtInGs, LOL." I play the PS1 versions on PC, and I've played with graphics setting for both versions until I've developed NVidia PTSD. Mess with one setting too much, and something else will look awful. The sweet spot for both PC and PS1 (which on my end turned out to be the default settings anyway), PC just looks more bland. Use an emulator like Duckstation to disable the wobbly PS1 textures, upscale to HD, and you've got yourself a beautiful game. It may not be as crisp HD as PC, but colors and lighting come together more beautifully.
The other problem with PC is how some graphical effects either don't work as well or don't work at all!
TR I: On PS1, Lara's body when she turns to gold is reflective, making it look more detailed. On PC, it's just a bland shade of featureless gold.
TR II: Likewise, the spitting blades should have reflective surfaces. They don't on PC.
TR III: Oh boy! This game took the most hits! There should be FOUR levels with rain, but the PC version only has two, and you can barely tell the rain is there! The effect is that awful. The rain is very much pronounced on PS1, adding to the atmosphere. On PC, some of the flashing lights stop working when you reload a save. For example, the tower at the end of Lud's Gate has flashing lights that travel upward, and the mine cart hub room (in the... well, mine cart level) has flashing lights in several locations. Reload a save, and all the lights stay off. I like those lights. Again, it helps build the atmosphere. (I also REALLY like good use of lighting in games and film) Also on PC, the mine cart tracks don't have moving animations like they do on PS1.
TR IV: I'm not as familiar with this game on PC, so I can't say anything about it except this: In one of the levels, you can lead a fire spirit to an ice spirit (or was it the other way around?). On PC, they kill each other. On PS1, they just chase each other around. They stop attacking you, but they'll still follow you around. I actually like having them around. It's kinda funny, kinda cute, and I like the way they light up the dark rooms with red and blue hues.
TR V: While the rain on PC has improved this time, it's still better on PS1. In one of the VCI levels, there's a teleporter machine. When you turn it on, there's supposed to be lights traveling up the "arms" of the machine. They don't work on PC. At all.
I agree with most of these, but as a metalhead I have to disagree with the last point. Electric guitars and archeology don't mix.
Oh I love these types of videos!
1. Oooh spicy. I love Keeley, I think she sounds closer to the Shelley and Judith than Jonell did tbh.
2. Y E S
3. TLR was a great game then you get to Cairo and the rest is just terrible.
4. Hard to say without knowing what the other two would be like but I agree in general with standalone adventures being best.
5. YES! The only game I thought it worked really well in was Underworld.
6. Hmm, some very good points! I think I probably disagree but it was really interesting to hear your take on that.
7. Yes, yes OH! GOD! YES! Trying to relate to everyone means you relate to no one.
8. Chronicles is the one mainline Tomb Raider game I haven't finished but now I want to go back.
9. Eh I think they're cool but I don't see the fuss tbh.
10. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH MY FAVOURITE BAND!!!! How could I refuse 😍 Tuomas said he'd love to do an Elder Scrolls soundtrack, why not Tomb Raider?
Great video!
I like to think Tuomas would agree to compose for TR, too ♥
I really like Keeley Hawes as Lara also, I think with TR Legend, since it was a reboot, they wanted to make Lara more relatable, more cheerful and enigmatic. She has this playful side to her in Legend when she's antagonizing Rutland in Ghana, chatting with Zip and Allister on the intercom, etc. She can make Lara cold when needed, it just doesn't happen as often as in the classic series.
Character development and 'relatability' of main characters are the hallmarks of the well written story. But average consumer these days have no idea how good stories look like. They read comic books instead of literature. And I suspect you conflate relatable characters with 'representation'. To be relatable the main characters shouldn't be necessarily you carbon copy or even good people for that matter.
Totally agree with 1 and 3. Angel of Darkness is peak Lara personality, IMO. And I just can't, for the life of me, get into Last Revelation. A lot of it probably has to do with it all being Egypt-centered, but I don't know, it just never jived with me.
Gotta disagree with 10 though, lol. I'm a diehard TR2 fan, so I want music to be only for exclusive scenarios (Venice), and want most of the sound to be super ambiance-driven (and creepy, if appropriate).
My own unpopular opinion: I don't care for TR3 as much as I probably should. There's bits I really like (Some of London, most of Nevada), but outside of that, eh.
You weren’t kidding when you said ‘unpopular’ Tomb Raider opinions 😂
Though I did almost choke laughing when you said ‘peoples tongues planted firmly up Last Revelations arseh**e’ 😂 where I do agree. A lot of people say it’s one of the best but for me it was so difficult and confusing which took away the enjoyment and made it more of a chore to get through
I agree with a lot of what has been said. But I'm really not convinced about metal music. Yes it seems to fit when you render those videos of gameplay, and it makes your clip badass, but hearing it in the middle of the actual game would break the immersion to me. It would make it more an action/arcade game, and not an adventure game, since it only emphasis the gunfight aspect of the scene. Neither the oddness of your supernatural opponent (being a t-rex or a mythical beast), nor the mystery. I think the classic games nailed it with very silent area (a continuous music would feel like it comments whatever you're doing, as if you had a symphonic Zip talking in your ear), and from time to time very incidental music to emphasis only suspense, mystery of mystic sense, and a subtle peaceful music as a reward at the end of the game.
I wouldn't be opposed to a more metal symphonic piece, but then only at very rare and specific occasions, if you are in a human modern environment (like the helicopter scene in Legend) and that it doesn't cover a more subtle atmospheric feeling. Or in a chaotic cataclysmic scene (in the middle of a supernatural tornado...) But in jungles or silent tombs, no thanks.
Great video. Personally, I love her sunglusses. Those dark red lens shows a more "obscure" tone that reflects something about her personality. Also I like the fact they are perfectly round, yet small. Very rare pair of sunglasses (similiar to John Lennon's). Still I'm glad they didn't put them in the actual gameplay but just in scenes and arts
Respect for liking VCI, I think it's pretty great aside from the save bugs in Red Alert. Between that and how dreary and confusing Cairo was in Last Revelation (Giza was a only a very mild improvement over Cairo at best), I think I might actually prefer Chronicles over LR. First half of Chronicles felt like it was just going through the motions, but I'll take that over the last 2/5ths of LR any day.
lol ok you lost me with the last one but I am enjoying all your videos! Well written/executed/edited and just enjoy what a hardcore fan you are :)
thanks
I’m not a person many agree with. I feel, IMO, tomb raider legends is 2nd best tomb raider game. I love the movie reboot and feel Angelina was awful as Lara. But to each their own. I respect the opinions.
Some of my unpopular opinions are: I don’t like any of the Survivor games. I enjoy Lara’s character in the LAU games. I don’t like The Last Revelation. Tomb Raider Anniversary is my favorite Tomb Raider game (I’m also a big fan of Legend, but not Underworld).
I appreciate your different opinions was Keeley was great. I'll never forget her epic scream in Underworld when confronting Natla with with the hammer.
Okay, I know this video is on the 'older' side, but using and referencing Nightwish for Tomb Raider?? Chef's KISS!!
love this video! very interesting takes! funnily enough, I was just listening to that particular Nightwish song just about an hour ago. 😄
10. No, god no, that's not just unpopular that's just bad taste, and I like metal
I actually rewatched Cradle of Life recently (for Lara's birthday), and it's still very enjoyable. I might be easy to please, but I enjoyed all three films.
But something else stood out to me upon this rewatch: the fact that the plot is basically kickstarted by Lara freeing an artifact that ultimately will lead to the destruction of the world unless she stops it. Like, she didn't even know what it was at first; when her friends asked her, all she said was "It's mine." All she was thinking was "New shiny artifact for me to raid". Plus, the movie ends with her having to learn the hard way that "Some things are not meant to be found". You know where else this happened? The Last Revelation. The plot of the game also kickstarted with Lara taking the Amulet of Horus purely because of the "New shiny artifact for me to raid" mindset, and only after she learns more about it does she realize "Oh shit, my greedy ass just caused the Apocalypse, I'd better stop it!" And she had to learn the hard way that not all artifacts should be taken from their tombs, as this adventure nearly cost her her life - much like in CoL, where nearly taking Pandora's Box ended up costing the life of someone she still cared about.
Ultimately, it wasn't just the fact that CoL is the only film of the three that doesn't have the family drama that ties it with the vibes of the classic era, it had a similar plot to one of said classic games 😂
I'm so glad I'm not the only one that thinks this about the sunglasses! Honestly, I always thought I didn't care for them because I never got to play the Classics and LAU didn't have them. But the more I see them, the more I'm just like "Idk, it just doesn't work for me." So it's nice to see someone so much more knowledgeable in Classic Lara than me also thinking the same 😁
Damn, now I want Nightwish to release a non-vocal song that is solely dedicated to Tomb Raider gameplay footage.
I like your observations. I totally agree about the music especially for the newest games. I would not change the old ones, especially TR2 which is my favorite. But yes metal would be great at certain points. Take the FF series. They have embraced the Metal music and have created masterpieces. Both in the gaming and music industry (Song: Sephiroth - Advent Children). And also agree about TR Revelations, not a good one.
I like how yours opinions be like: ROUND ONE - FIGHT! To the fans :) (Never thought about metal score, but theme like APOCALYTPICA did would be interesting)
I do believe TR6 Angel of Darkness will get a revisit one day.
They may release the "originally intended" game (that'll be the catch phrase) with modern graphics etc....
Then they may go into the other two stories (or parts rather).
I feel today, that this was the actual "Last" TR adventure that Lara embarked upon.
For some weird reason I still feel that the events of both "Legend" and "Underworld" took place possibly before TR4.
As if those games were just further extensions of "Chronicles". Dunno why... *shrugs*
Obviously, the last three were Lara's "teen prequels".
Beedy eyes, American accent, black hair, and whiney attitude.
Sigh.
Here are my 10 unpopular opinions (heh)
1. Tomb Raider Anniversary was more enjoyable than the original TR1.
Maybe I'm biased against old DOS games and the "Sound Blaster" issues which always left me with no sound...
Or that the graphics and game play had warped past TR1 giving those old levels life again. I don't recall if it had a comparable soundtrack as the original tho...
2. I agree with your opening. I couldn't stand TR4:Last Revelation for the most part.
Part of it was that they took out the nice "Inventory Ring" and replaced it with a sliding inventory which seemed to be a step back.
They went from 3D... to 2D in that respect (back stepped).
Also, everytime you want to start a game, you got to do the dumb training level with Von Croy.
Tomb Raiders 1-3 had it perfect with Lara's Home (mansion). You could warm up at the mansion and then dive into the game.
In fact, Tomb Raider 3, you could literally walk out of the front gate and go TO the next mission. Heh.
3. Lara Croft was originally a RED HEAD. Or at least a Dark Auburn hair color as time went on...
When Angelina Jolie made that first movie, the game's logo, theme, and Lara's look all changed to fit the damn movie.
Couldn't stand those changes. It made the game seem like it was based on the movie and not the other way around.
4. Tomb Raider 2013. Rise, and Shadow. Lara looked like a spoiled beedy eyed little brat with such a clueless voice and look in her eyes.
The "Spirit" of Lara Croft, lived on in Alien Isolation as Amanda Ripley. Basically, I'm saying that for the past 10 years, "Lara" in those three games have been upstaged by ONE game's character.
Amanda.
5. Invisible walls suck.
Look, if they want invisible walls, at least do them like that shield wall from the movie: The Cabin In The Woods. Let us know there is a "border".
Heh
6. Stop "woke-ee-fying" Lara.
I get that there is a "faction" (rolls eyes) of people out there who want realism...
But when Tomb Raider gets to the point of the player controlling a fat chick who carries around a pack of Butterfinger bars as medipacks... I'm out.
It's headed that direction people!
7. Is it just me? Or does it not seem strange that you can find "Uzi ammo" (or any ammo really) deep deep deep down inside a tomb that no human has seen in 1,000's of years?
8. Is it just me (part 2)? Or doesn't it seem a bit "off" that Lara struggles through a tomb of complex puzzles and traps only to discover the enemy gang had somehow already beaten her to the goal. Like... what route did they take? (I think this happened in Legend)
* I can understand an enemy waiting outside the tomb for Lara to come out... ala Indiana Jones when he had to surrender his artifact after all the work he did to get it.
But deep inside the tomb with mercenaries... already camped out. Glancing at their watches as Lara comes up... "Well its about time young lady!" heh
9. The introduction of those "micro transactions" .. (those outfits you can buy while in the game)... Good lord.
That crap seems "fun" at first... then you realize how ghoulishly greedy they are being.
10. Stop "woke-ee-fying" Tomb Raider!
I get the idea of "diversity" and all. I'm not a racist or whatever they like to brand people now-a-days.
But holy damn. Do we have to have a representative of each race, nationality, and sexual orientation on Lara's team with each new release?
I mean they might as well make Lara "genderless" at this point.
Hell.. the Xenomorph from Alien is neither male nor female...
There ya go>
Run, jump, and climb up while controlling a Xenomorph.
A boulder will STILL get you!
Love this list! I agree with a LOT of what you've said. Especially with Last Revelation-that game is so confusing and I love classic TR. :)
I think I agree with all of those except that I can't confirm survivor trilogy being closer to classics since I haven't played survivor. And wow that last take was amazing, I've never heard of symphonic metal before and it sounds amazing, gotta search more of it.
I wish I had an angel… of darkness
Great video! I wonder how my opinion is gonna form when I finish the classic games. I really don't care for the glasses either.
I will be very curious to learn your opinion when you presumably make a video. 😍
Agreed with all. You summed up Last Revalation perfectly. I wanna go back to it so bad, but then I remember all those annoying parts of it.
And yes, metal soundtrack would be fun and fitting, to set the darker tone. She is raiding tombs after all
Pretty much agree with all of it besides vehicles I think in a lot of games they didn't fit in so well or control sluggish, but moments like driving one of the boats in a field of mines, jumping out of it in last seconds are moments I wouldn't like to miss in the series. I think vehicles should be better utilized and incorparated in the level design, but at the same time I think it would be cool if they serve just a one of several options to approach more open-designed levels, that would be kinda cool I suppose.
Yes vehicles were a bit clumsy, but that was more related to the game engine map and dynamics limitations of that time. Vehicles were still cutting edge developments for games at that time. I personally still enjoy the speed boat of Venice in TR2. The music sealed the experience.
i totally agree with the rock music genere one. in any really intensifying tomb raider scene, whether its reboot or classic, there could be so much more pace and action into it with the right themes. like in tr aod. the game is my all time FAV and the soundtrack is to die for, but it is such a dark, edgy and eerie game but some of the background music is almost too.. soothing. great video btw :))
Finally someone else loves the Cradle of Life! Out of all Tomb Raider movies that one felt the most Tomb Raider to me, and I don't even like Angeline Jolie as Tomb Raider that much (mostly due to her different looks, her personality matches the games though). And I definitely agree with the 7th opinion, I love relatable characters but it doesn't HAVE to be relatable. Unrelatable characters can be equally fun and well-written.
Going off your last point about the metal score, I would love to hear maybe more goth, new wave in the score too.
Seth thanks for sharing your thoughts on TR.
Great video!! I’m the same regarding the VCI levels! I know I shouldn’t, because it does screams tomb raider but I really enjoyed them. And no, even tho it sounds great, no metal song for me on a TR game. 😂👍
Haha thank you, and I'm glad one of our opinions matches up from this video 🥰
Chronicles is really inconsistent ; Rome is quite boring, the submarine is a blast, the haunted island is really a high point of the original series to me, just breathtaking, and VCI is just cool. Great ideas, but I found it tedious to replay through Rome so I could get to the better levels... and rarely bothered to finish 13th Floor.
Still a must-play IMO
1 for me was the 0 interactions between Lara and Bartoli in TR2 could've been a few eg on the diving area before he shoots the monk, or in the Dragon's Lair where he tells her its too late to stop him if she tries to jump at him to pull out the dagger of xian
I agree wth most with the glasses, they are ugly. I dissagree when you say the reboot lara is more like classic lara than the prevous ones like underworld. It's such a out there claim i fail to see any remote levels of logic behind it.
I never said reboot Lara is more like classic than LAU Lara. I said reboot TR is more like classic TR than LAU TR. :) Because of level design openness
Yes to the Synth Metal Orchestra idea, mainly because i do like Synth Metal.
I do like the vehicles, the problem is the need of it to solve puzzle or make progress in the level.
If it was only to run around and appreciating the sight while shooting some foes it would be good.
Huge fan here, 20 yrs playing and on! I mostly agree on everything you experienced, except for my strange passion for those useless but iconic red glasses which never appeared in-game lol😎 Besides, the only things I truly loved from TR:TLR were that magnificent crossbow and rope climbing💪🏻 the rest was ok.
Making Lara go backwards on that motorcycle was also as interesting as frustrating😂!! Best regards guys, keep playing TR!
Lara was a tough, badass, confident woman who knew who she was and what she wanted. She didn't need anyone's permission yet wasn't a bad person, just a thrillseeker.
I can't stand this new version of her for making her out to be this overemotional whiny girl, and this is coming from someone who is overemotional. Her character was already established, and they it seems like such a disservice to Lara to change her into what they wanted her to be.
I think Camilla Lugden is the worst Lara. Too panicky, annoying and breathy in my opinion. Judith Gibbins was my all time favourite game voice actor, and Angelina Jolie was the best movie Lara
i feel like angel of darkness being a transition into tomb raider having longer stories and arcs was pretty nice but you do make a fair point
OMG, I can't believe you added Nightwish to Tomb Raider! I don't think I ever saw or thought of this combo, but I am definitely NOT forgeting about it EVAH. Please, hire Tuomas to assist on the game scores, that was brilliant!!!
With that out of the way, I would have to say that one controversial opinion of mine is that I DO LIKE Angel of Darkness AND playing with Kurtis. I did enjoy their dynamic and, at the time learning there was meant to be more and they cancelled it, was a real shame as I would have loved to have seen that story to conclusion...
Other than that, I did enjoy the first 2 Tomb Raider movies with Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft, SO MUCH more than the latest one and that is mostly because of the story. The stories in the first 2 movies were original adventures while the latest movie just, pretty much, copy-pasted Tomb Raider 2013. If you played the game, you don't need to watch the movie, and vice-versa... Not to mention, Angelina Jolie IS Classic Lara Croft, and no reboot Lara can ever beat the Classic one!!!
In regards to vehicles, I'm not sure about a return... I loved the vehicles when they were introduced in TRII, the bike scene in Legend makes me NOT want to replay the game...
And to finish, Sure, wearing the sunglasses while jumping off cliffs makes no sense, but I do LOVE those round red sunglasses and I do love seeing artwork with them on... so long as it makes sense ^^ Classic Lara and those shades go hand in hand in my mind's eye.
I really enjoyed your video, Hearing Nighwish in there certainly made my day- Thanks ^^
The original Tomb Raider movie has a special charm for me (great set pieces, a relatively unknown Daniel Craig as a scummy tomb raider, and Iain Glen as a deliciously evil villain), but the second movie had a more cohesive script IMO.
For instance, in the first movie, Lara hears the ticking clock underneath the staircase all the way from her bedroom as she slept (this was an obvious contrivance to get the story going).
Completely agree about The Last Revelation! I LOVED TR 1-3 when I was younger and played those games over and over again but could never get into TR4. Even now I still enjoy 1-3 and even 5 but have no interest in replaying 4 at all.
I'm not sure if I agree on metal implementation in TR score but damn I am gonna download good old Nightwish right now :D
Symphonic metal would 100% work in urban/gothic settings but they should stick with music from the places where Lara visits incorporating the traditional instruments.
As someone who will turn music off on all but the classic series, the metal idea is beyond offensive
Just bought the 360 games, and the Definitive Survivor Trilogy on Xbone. I'm totally going to stream Symphonic Metal in the background now. Lol those integrated scenes in the video were dope!
I agree on the music part, though I think it should only to use it for action parts of the story or if you are about to go into battle!
Judith Gibbins all the way for me. She sounded so perfectly stoic and sassy.
I get that LAU goes aesthetically closer to the traditional and I agree thats what the majority of complainers are latching onto...
The thing the survivor trilogy does that the classic and LAU games rarely do though is 'regularly' push you forwards. Big set pieces that you have to rush through. For me classic Lara was about taking in the area and moving forwards slowly and carefully. Survivor Lara takes things at full speed to get past the danger, only rarely slowing down for specific puzzles.
So for me I can see the transition as a linear curve...
But yeah - the sunglasses can be forgotten. Everything else I think is classic and to an extent ageless but those are peak 90s.
P.S. 7.53. Go Nightwish!!!!
wow! had never given Symphonic metal a thought but it fits perfectly.
I'm not a huge fan of metal but I love symphonic metal.
Jonell Elliot's voice acting is so wooden and two dimensional, and she sounds far too young. Keeley is the best voice Lara has ever had. So much depth and range.
The early TR games set the general themes and ideas of Lara the Tomb Raider. Which are still fun, original and interesting, as well as at times frustrating and annoying. Always immensely enjoyable to play again, but as most realise now the ‘Core’ enjoyments are never replaced by upgraded graphics, moves or revealing Lara’s psychological reflections etc. The ‘Core’ creation can only be relived or more accurately re-explored by holding to the original simple themes. I sincerely hope that any future games will not use TR and Lara to explore other ideas to the detriment of those ‘Core’ realities. I really enjoyed the desert and Egyptian adventure of Last Revelation, although working through the tombs was a bit intense, but still memorable and fun. All of the games ( including AOD, Trilogy, Reboot, Rise and Shadow ) are epic creations and a wonderful credit to all the artist’s and development community, so thanks so much for the entire library of TR games.
I disagree with you alot on some of these points, but you put them together very well and while I still disagree its nice to see other opinions on my favourite series!
I was with you, even when you mentioned Metal music, until the Metal music played alongside the gameplay. Metal fit with Prince of Persia: Warrior Within but for Lara it doesn't feel right.
my own views.
1) Agree we could have done with symphonic metal in the scores
2) can't comment on Angel of Darkness, Chronicles or Last Revelation as I've never played them
3) I agree that the survivor trilogy is closer to the classics, I also like changes in the character and I think we would have seen more cutscenes and story in the original had technical specifications allowed it. I like the story and if you want me to spend 30+ hours on a game then you need to keep my attention beyond lots of fancy graphics and puzzle solving. Also the story is consistent, and the changes are natural. Likewise in many ways they are in keeping with the Cradle of Life and Tomb Raider films.
I like the Maria Doria levels. And I like the Deck best of all.
The Venice levels ❤️❤️
I totally want the vehicles to return! I'd love Lara to ride through muddy jungle tracks on a red dirtbike or kayaking down the Nile. F yeah!
I felt the same way about Revelations the first time I played it. It just went on and on and on. I enjoyed it more years later when I played it again. Perhaps because I knew what was coming around the corner so I played through it faster.
Agree on all of these except anything to do with the classic (pre-Legend) games as I haven't played them yet.
Cradle of Life is the best film with a cracking soundtrack, both original and licenced music. Also, I've caught myself comparing it to certain elements in Die Another Day as well! Early 2000s action films were their own genre, really. Whilst we're on the subject, I agree with you on Goldeneye.
I agree with you on most points besides the fact that I actually liked the legend, anniversary, underworld gameplay - that said, these mid era games haven't aged well. Laras voice and body are just so cringeworthily oversexualized that it hurts, whereas the classic games will get away with this more easily since it's from a more innocent era and Lara had not enough polygons to effectively do what the mid-era games do.
P.S. The funny thing about the kayak is that it it moves the wrong way... when Lara paddles left she moves left whereas she should move right.
Yeah I don't want representative characters, there's so many groups to be represented that no individual exists any more and characters become fragmented beyond recognition. Lara 1 was solid, she was on a mission for sport which turned into a sort of revenge (briefly) to saving the world from a maniac.
To me it looked like she wanted to get Natla back for trying to kill her and claim her prize back (the Scion) and then when Lara learned what the scion was and what it was going to be used for, put an end to Natla's plans of uber evolution.
That was a strong character, no baggage, no representation of anyone, just a good gritty story to tell.
ur damn right about the last revelation. it was great in places. but much of the middle of the game was actually very very tedious like you said. starting with the jeep level and almost everything beyond that right up until the admittedly excellent pyramids end portion of the game. the end saves the game really from being pretty damn bad. the skeleton section is almost unplayable until i found out i can shoot them down a hole with the shotgun instead of crossbow. then it was better but still tedious. the incredibly annoying flying elemental spirit enemies, the ludicrous iron man section also, most of cairo is awful, then all the many traps where it is impossible not to take damage. i think the game probably wasnt tested properly. then theres the very bland colour pallet for much of the game. yeah of ps1 era i think this one aged the worst.
I actually fully agree with most of these especially the last one with the symphonic metal soundtrack. I too am a lover of symphonic metal.
I agree on the glasses (I love them, but she didn’t used them often during exploration inside caves, I obv prefer Jonell as many do, I love vehicles but I would dislike an open world and I love VCI too. But I see nothing similar between the classic games and the reboot: the classics were all about traps, keys, levers and climbing IMO, the reboot has only the traps and the levers (if you consider levers the pickaxe mechanics with doors and mechanism)
I do agree with some of these points, even strongly agree with some of them
Completely agree with the voice actress.
Disagree with the Last Revelation comment :D
The metal thing I could see working in some epic battle but other then that no. Lara usually listens to classical music. Just look at all the classic games 2/3 with her house. They both had a button for the classical music scores.
I don't think people understand what "relatable" means.
Whenever "Relatable" is mentioned people think "omg that means you want the character to be literally you".
Classic Lara is far more relatable than survivor Lara.
She was disowned by her rich father for not wanting to rich man and instead choose to go on her adventures because she loves mystery and danger. She first time she felt alive was when she was in great danger.
That is relatable. She has relatable traits which people can get behind.
When it comes to character and storyline, I'm the one to say, "📢DON'T!!! 📢F@$%ING!!! 📢TOUCH!!! 📢THE!!! 📢CONTINUITY!!!!!!!!"