2016 marks a defining year in the timeline of one Lara Croft, as it heralds the 20th anniversary of the Tomb Raider franchise. Reflecting on the success of the pioneering action-adventure series, including his own standout moments, Square Enix CEO Yosuke Matsuda spoke via the official YouTube channel (via PlayStation LifeStyle).
It was here that Matsuda-san stated that he expects Tomb Raider to be “evolving more” as time wears on, a strategy typified by the likes of Lara Croft GO along with isometric actioner The Temple of Osiris.
Regarding what Lara Croft and Tomb Raider means for me: it was in 2009 when Eidos joined up with us. I remember I was very happy with a deep feeling because I could be one of the Tomb Raider team. What is more Tomb Raider than the coolness of Lara? I like Tomb Raider Legend very much, especially the stage of Tokyo. In the boss battle of the stage of Tokyo, it was a good memory that I was defeated by the old guy again and again. Couldn’t bring him down. And Lara was so cool. It was the action adventure, a really impressive game.
Then, the previous title rebooted Tomb Raider and last year, we launched Rise of the Tomb Raider. This year, we celebrate its 20th anniversary. I believe Tomb Raider will be evolving more and you can enjoy playing the new Tomb Raider titles. So I am looking forward to your continuing support for Lara and Tomb Raider.
On the heels of its back-to-basics reboot, Crystal Dynamics is the developer at the helm of the mainline Tomb Raider series. Its most recent release, Rise of the Tomb Raider, launched across Xbox One and PC late last year and, as per Microsoft’s exclusivity deal, is expected to make the jump to PS4 later this year.