Tomb Raider 9 a different formula?

Tomb Raider was one of the most popular adventure games and one of the most popular video games alone when released in 1996. It then spawned Tomb Raider 2, TR3,TR4, and Tomb Raider 5 Chronicles on the original PlayStation. These games all had a similar style except some of them added new features such as rope climbing in Tomb Raider 4. The graphics were also updated a bit each game. Lara Croft became an icon in the 1990s, but there was a game that hurt the series. In 2003 Tomb Raider the Angel Of Darkness was released. The game was plagued with glitches and still had the old jumping system. You had to be exact when jumping. It was a tile system. This game in my opinion had a decent adventure, but there was so many glitches and the jumping system was outdated. Core design was in charge of the games until Crystal Dynamics took over and made Tomb Raider Legend in 2006. It now had a refined jumping system where it was made easier and less frustrating. You no longer had to time jumps so precisely and did not have to hold on to the buttons where climbing ledges. Then Tomb Raider Anniversary(remake of 1 ) and Tomb Raider Underworld were released. These games have had had good reception except sales of Underworld (2008) were not as good. I think its mainly because of games like call of duty taking the spotlight.

Now there may be a new spin to the series once again. Tomb Raider has always been a T rated game, but the next one will be rated M as most leaked sources would have it. It also is going to be an open world game. This is quite different from all the tomb raiders ever made. They were always linear games. Surely open world is not groundbreaking, but for this franchise it is. I do, however fear that this may hurt the series if they fail. Its supposed to be the origins of how she became what she is today. If you also look at the picture she has smaller breasts. I don't know if this is because they want to take away the stereotypical big breasted Lara or what. Changing the image could be bad cause she was always had a fit, well blossomed look. Of course if she is younger this could make sense though. The iconic image should not be changed unless this is very young version of her.

Here is the unofficial story I quote:

UNOFFICIAL STORY
"When a sudden storm destroys her research vessel, a young and inexperienced Lara Croft finds herself stranded on a mysterious and remote island hidden off the shores of Japan. Despite several signs of various inhabitants the island is oddly deserted, and an uneasy feeling settles in as strange sounds emerge from the shadows.

With only her determination, inner strength, and resourcefulness to help her, Lara must overcome the challenges of a harsh and unforgiving journey that will take her across a vast island wilderness and deep into the claustrophobic and menacing underground tombs from the island's past.

As she struggles to prevail through brutal combat encounters and treacherous exploration, Lara will be pushed to her limits and forced to adapt to her situation in order to survive and escape from the lethal predators that stalk her every move."

Tomb Raider is still popular today, but not back in its 90s prime. Could the developers want to maybe want to attract more gamers by making this M and an open world game. The system in Legend,Anniversary, and Underworld works well. They never strayed from the old games to far just added a better jumping system and obviously updated graphics on next gen systems. Why would crystal dynamics want it to be rated M. When I was a kid I always wondered what it would be like if it was M. Could this game be very violent and show more blood. Perhaps more sexual content? I am a little afraid how this game will turn out, but at the same time am excited for it. They took over for core design and brought tomb raider out of the brink when Angel Of Darkness failed. If they can make an open world that is very inspiring and immersive then I think it will do well. Of course what about kids who played the last few and now that this is rated M will there parents let them get it? Maybe the company wants this game to appeal mostly to new older players or long time fans who have been with Lara Croft for a long time.

Tomb Raider has also always been a great adventure that had a few scary moments. Sometimes things such as mummies and other creatures would be a bit scary, but look at the concept art below. What could these thing be? It looks like Tomb Raider could be a bit on a horror level by looking at this. I mean Tomb Raider was never meant to be a scary game, but there are some dark moments. I have a feeling this game may have a darker atmosphere and there will be horrific dangers. Who knows whats in it for Lara Croft. I just hope this game still has the same puzzle solving adventurous feel and jumping system. This could be a make or break for the series maybe? Or perhaps it will be neither. I am looking forward to this game, but am also a little in fear.

Lara Croft is a major icon and is the most recognized heroine ever made. I hope they do not ruin her iconic look or the adventurous style of the PlayStation era and the current era. Crystal Dynamics is either experimenting or fear Lara Croft needs a change due to lower sales from Tomb Raider Underworld. It looks like we will have to wait till 2011. That will be 3 years after underworld. Remember when it took 3 years for legend after angel of darkness was made. I bet it has a lot to due with the fact that they have to refine this open world game. Tomb Raider has always been my favorite adventure game. I just pray the next Tomb Raider has its past roots rooted in it.