Hold onto your climbing axes, Tomb Raider fans, because the timeline just got a whole lot more interesting! Last week's Game Awards dropped a double whammy: Catalyst, a brand-new adventure, and Legacy of Atlantis, a remake of the original. But with a franchise as iconic as Tomb Raider, one question immediately springs to mind: Where do these games fit into the grand scheme of Lara Croft's life? Let's dive in!
Thanks to some insider info from GamesRadar+, we've got the scoop. Catalyst is set years after Tomb Raider: Underworld (2008). This means it picks up Lara's story after the events of the Legend trilogy, showing a more seasoned adventurer.
This also means the recent reboot trilogy – Tomb Raider (2013), Rise of the Tomb Raider, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider – actually precedes the original 1996 game. And, by extension, they come before Legacy of Atlantis as well. This aligns with what the Tomb Raider team shared back in 2021, envisioning the future as a blend of all previous adventures, unifying the timelines.
But here's where it gets controversial... or at least, different. This new era is also a soft reboot, partially marked by a new voice for Lara Croft. Alix Wilton Regan takes over from Camilla Luddington in both Catalyst and Legacy of Atlantis, tying the games together as the future of the series.
Crystal Dynamics head of studio Scot Amos shed some light on the casting process. They found in Alix Wilton Regan, someone who understood Lara's wit, charm, and charisma, but also possessed the depth of emotion needed for the stories they want to tell.
And this is the part most people miss... The development of Catalyst and Legacy of Atlantis is surprisingly intertwined. Two separate teams are working on the games, but they're sharing technology, resources, and assets. They also have a unified leadership team to ensure everything aligns with the established canon. The goal? Unity. As Will Kerslake put it, "Same character; Two different time periods in her life."
So, what do you think of this approach? Are you excited about a more experienced Lara? Do you like the idea of a unified timeline, or do you prefer the older approach? Share your thoughts in the comments! And for more details, check out the reveals of Catalyst and Legacy of Atlantis.
