14 DAY TRIAL // Those who didn't get a chance to experience the old Tomb Raider game from 2013 won't be alienated by the upcoming Rise of the Tomb Raider. While there are references to the past game and some characters return, the new title is more about Lara Croft becoming a better treasure hunter.
The Tomb Raider series as a whole has been around for decades, as many different generations of gamers have gotten the chance to enjoy at least some adventures starring Lara Croft. However, with 2013's simply titled Tomb Raider, developer Crystal Dynamics kicked off a new continuity with a younger version of the famous explorer.
With the upcoming Rise of the Tomb Raider, her origins story gets expanded by introducing a whole new environment and lots of other adventures for Lara, including some actual tombs to raid for treasure and mysteries.
Newcomers won't be left in the dark for the new story
While the new title is a direct sequel to Tomb Raider, Crystal Dynamics emphasizes to PixelVulture that those who didn't get a chance to enjoy 2013's games won't be left in the dark by the plot of the new game.
Of course, playing that previous title can help fans spot returning characters as well as some different plot lines. Even so, many will be explained and the studio adds that there are some surprises in store for veterans.
"We are focusing on the story mainly for rise of the Tomb Raider and the events are important but you will not feel lost of you did not play the last title. Characters will return as you saw for yourself Jona is back, and there will be more as you play the game. I cannot say much about other characters, but the story and characters all play a major part in how Lara rises to becoming Tomb Raider," the studio mentions.
Rise of the Tomb Raider takes Lara to Siberia, but it won't be all snow for her and players, as soon enough a new environment is introduced that's much more varied. There will also be tomb raiding moments that take her to countries like Syria.
The new game debuts first on Xbox One and Xbox 360 in November. Then it arrives on PC in early 2016 and finally on PS4 in late 2016.