New Tomb Raider Should Go Back to What Made The Original's So Great

Quick Overview

The hosts argue that the new Tomb Raider remake should return to the puzzle-solving and exploration focus of the original games, specifically citing the 2012 title as an example of focusing too much on action over the beloved puzzle and survival horror elements, which they believe players want back.

Key Points: The discussion revolves around the desired direction for the upcoming Tomb Raider remake, scheduled for 2026. The female host strongly prefers the puzzle-solving and exploration aspects of the original Tomb Raider games, contrasting them with modern action-oriented entries. The 2012 Tomb Raider reboot is cited as an example that leaned too heavily into action, moving away from the core puzzle elements that defined the early series. The host believes players want a return to challenging, non-action-heavy gameplay, like puzzle-solving and survival horror elements found in the 90s games. The host praises games like Uncharted and the original Tomb Raider for being excellent examples of post-uncharted world design that still incorporated puzzles. The male host sarcastically suggests the next remake should feature characters who are overly enthusiastic about Marmite on toast, contrasting it with the seriousness of game design choices. The hosts conclude that the new iteration should focus on the core elements that made the franchise great, rather than becoming pure action-adventure.

Context: Kurt and Lucy host their podcast, "Kurt & Lucy Gotcha Covered," where they discuss various topics, in this segment focusing on their hopes and dreams for the next Tomb Raider installment. The conversation centers on whether the new game should revert to the classic puzzle-solving and exploration mechanics of the original games or continue the modern, action-heavy direction established by titles like the 2012 reboot.

Detailed Analysis

The segment opens with Kurt reading a prompt about the hopes and dreams for the newest incarnation of Tomb Raider, slated for 2026. Lucy immediately expresses a strong desire for the game to return to the puzzle-solving and exploration focus of the original 90s games, emphasizing that she enjoyed the puzzle-solving aspect the most, as opposed to the action sequences. She contrasts this with the 2012 Tomb Raider reboot, which she feels was too action-oriented and strayed from the core identity. Kurt agrees that the franchise has often shifted focus, citing the original Uncharted games as examples of successful post-uncharted world design that retained puzzle elements. He argues that players are smart enough to want and appreciate games that require thinking and problem-solving, rather than just being cover-based shooters. He suggests that a successful remake should double down on what made the original games good, such as puzzle elements, rather than trying to be a pure action game or a cover band of other franchises. Lucy humorously notes that she has a lot of Marmite, which Kurt jokingly suggests she should be smothering over everything, including toast, as a form of self-care, before returning to the main point that the new Tomb Raider needs to prioritize thoughtful gameplay elements.