Tomb Raider Devs Detail Timeline, New Lara Voice, and Game Connections
▼ Summary
– Two new Tomb Raider games were announced: “Catalyst,” a new series entry, and “Legacy of Atlantis,” a remake of the original game.
– “Catalyst” is set years after “Tomb Raider: Underworld,” with the recent reboot trilogy serving as Lara Croft’s origin story.
– The games represent a soft reboot, marked by Alix Wilton Regan replacing Camilla Luddington as the voice of Lara Croft.
– Development is collaborative, with separate teams for each game sharing technology, resources, and a unified leadership team.
– The projects aim to unify the franchise’s timelines and portray the same character in two different periods of her life.
The recent unveiling of two new Tomb Raider titles has sparked considerable excitement and questions about the iconic franchise’s direction. Game director Will Kerslake has clarified the timeline, confirming that the upcoming Tomb Raider: Catalyst is set years after the events of Tomb Raider: Underworld. This placement means the modern reboot trilogy, comprising the 2013 game, Rise of the Tomb Raider, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider, serves as Lara Croft’s origin story and chronologically precedes even the original 1996 game. Consequently, both the reboot trilogy and the original adventure occur before the newly announced Legacy of Atlantis remake. This structure aligns with the development team’s earlier vision of a unified future that builds upon the entire series history.
A significant change accompanying these projects is the recasting of Lara Croft’s voice. Alix Wilton Regan steps into the role, replacing Camilla Luddington for both Catalyst and Legacy of Atlantis. Studio leadership emphasized that Regan’s casting was a deliberate choice to usher in a new era, citing her natural wit, charm, and the emotional depth required for the character’s evolving stories. This vocal continuity is designed to firmly link the two games as the next chapter for the franchise.
Despite being distinct projects, the development of Catalyst and Legacy of Atlantis is deeply connected. Crystal Dynamics is leading development on Catalyst, while Legacy of Atlantis is being handled by Flying Wild Hog. However, the teams operate under a shared leadership and vision, collaborating closely by sharing technology, resources, and assets to ensure narrative cohesion and canonical consistency across both experiences. This integrated approach underscores a commitment to presenting a unified portrayal of Lara Croft, exploring different periods of her life while maintaining a consistent character core.
The overarching goal is to honor the legacy of the series while pushing it forward, weaving together narratives from different timelines into a cohesive whole. Fans can expect these new adventures to reflect a more experienced Lara, building upon her established origins and past triumphs.
(Source: Game Informer)
