The long-anticipated sequel to Crystal Dynamic’s Tomb Raider—widely acclaimed to have given desperately-need, new life to a series often reduced to female-anatomy jiggle physics (to word it kindly)—is to receive some sort of official announcement on June 1. That’s right, June 1. But E3 2015 doesn’t begin until June 16, you say? Well, it seems the company can’t wait to make the announcement, whatever it is. And can we blame them? As fans, aren’t we chomping at the bit as is? Answer: obviously.
The company mysteriously wrote on its Twitter and Tumblr accounts, “Something’s coming. Mark your calendars for Monday, June 1,” leaving us only to speculate what that “something” could be. Obviously, it’s big enough to draw a lot of attention. Could it be a release date? Another trailer or sneak peek?
For now, spelunking through the game’s webpage will have to do.
What makes this series so anticipated is the relatability of Lara’s humanity. While trying to do good, and while she seems to have endless stamina in the first Tomb Raider, Lara still struggles with her conscience like anyone else, her will and her wants. Crystal Dynamic obviously understands the importance of making Lara a round character and not just a stock stand-in for players to run from explosives as. In the teaser trailer, Lara sits despondently and impatiently through a therapy session, tapping her foot as action sequences pulse across the screen. So what we can expect is not just one game following another, but a true sequel to her character, the first game’s story, and the first game’s overall fantastic gameplay.
As Crystal Dynamics themselves put it, “Lara Croft pushes her physical and mental limits to survive and unravel the mystery buried with a Lost City in Rise of the Tomb Raider for Xbox.” Perhaps the June 1 announcement will reveal more about the world and drama Lara finds herself wrapped up in next?
The website elaborates, “Featuring epic, high-octane action moments set in the most beautiful hostile environments on earth, Rise of the Tomb Raider delivers a cinematic survival action adventure where you will join Lara Croft on her first tomb raiding expedition as she seeks to discover the secret of immortality.”
Key word: Join Lara. That’s a promise we’ll love this character, and though we take her role, she will be a distinct, memorable entity.
Why she would want to search out the secret of immortality, though, we can only guess. Explorer’s curiosity? Or something different—more urgent?
Only time will tell. Or perhaps the announcement on June 1. What do you think? Excited for the sequel? Let us know in the comments and stay tuned for more info to be shown at E3 2015.
