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Is Tomb Raider 2013 a Remaster? A Deep Dive into the Reboot and Its Legacy

The short answer is no, Tomb Raider 2013 is NOT a remaster. It is a reboot of the entire Tomb Raider franchise, a complete reimagining of Lara Croft’s origin story. It is not an enhanced version of an older game. Instead, it’s a brand-new title that launched in 2013, marking a significant shift in the series’ direction and gameplay mechanics. While there is a Definitive Edition of this game, it isn’t a remaster either, rather it’s an updated version released for new generation consoles.

What’s the Difference Between a Reboot, a Remaster, and a Remake?

Before diving deeper, it’s crucial to understand the differences between these terms:

Reboot: A reboot restarts a franchise, often reimagining its characters, story, and setting. Think of it as starting over with a fresh perspective. Tomb Raider (2013) is a prime example of this. It wipes the slate clean, providing a new origin story for Lara Croft.
Remaster: A remaster takes an existing game and enhances it, usually with improved graphics, sound, and minor gameplay tweaks. It aims to make an older game look and perform better on modern hardware. The upcoming Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft is a great example.
Remake: A remake is a more extensive overhaul of an existing game, often rebuilding it from the ground up. It may feature new gameplay mechanics, significant story changes, and entirely new visual assets. Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Anniversary is a remake of the original Tomb Raider, demonstrating a complete overhaul.

Therefore, Tomb Raider 2013 does not fit the definition of a remaster. It’s a completely new title designed to revitalize the franchise for a new generation of players.

Tomb Raider 2013: The Survivor Trilogy’s Foundation

The 2013 Tomb Raider reboot not only reshaped the franchise but also initiated the “Survivor trilogy.” This trilogy, consisting of Tomb Raider (2013), Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015), and Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018), tells the story of Lara Croft’s transformation from a young archaeologist to a hardened adventurer.

Tomb Raider 2013 is the cornerstone of this trilogy, focusing on Lara’s initial, perilous expedition to the mysterious island of Yamatai. Unlike previous games where Lara was already an established adventurer, this installment shows her vulnerability and growth, as she fights for survival and uncovers ancient secrets. This was a radical shift from the previous characterization of Lara, providing a much more human and relatable persona.

Definitive Edition: An Enhanced Experience, Not a Remaster

Many confuse the Definitive Edition of Tomb Raider (2013) with a remaster, but this is incorrect. The Definitive Edition is simply a re-release for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One platforms, featuring graphical improvements such as enhanced textures and lighting, as well as including all previously released downloadable content (DLC). It’s essentially the same game, but optimized for the new generation of consoles at the time. This is why it is often grouped together with the initial 2013 release, as they are fundamentally the same, with the Definitive Edition offering a more graphically impressive version.

Why Was the Reboot Necessary?

The Tomb Raider franchise, while iconic, had been losing its way with inconsistent titles over the years. The 2013 reboot was a strategic move to bring the series back to prominence. By focusing on a grittier survival theme and introducing a more vulnerable and relatable protagonist, Crystal Dynamics successfully redefined the series for modern audiences.

Tomb Raider’s Impact on the Gaming World

Tomb Raider 2013 was not only a success for the franchise but also had a notable impact on the action-adventure genre. It popularized a more mature and narrative-driven approach with its emphasis on exploration, survival, and character development, influencing many games that followed. The game’s critical and commercial success solidified its place in gaming history, revitalizing the Tomb Raider brand.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Tomb Raider 2013 and Its Legacy

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of Tomb Raider 2013 and its relationship with other titles in the franchise:

1. Is Tomb Raider 2013 the same as Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition?

Yes, the Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition is the same game as Tomb Raider 2013, but with enhanced graphics and all previously released DLC. It was made available for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

2. Is Tomb Raider 2013 the first game in the series?

No, it’s the tenth main game in the series. However, it acts as a reboot and the start of the “Survivor” trilogy, making it a great entry point for new players.

3. How long does it take to beat Tomb Raider 2013?

The main story of Tomb Raider 2013 takes approximately 11.5 hours to complete, according to most players.

4. Is Tomb Raider 2013 connected to the original series?

No, it’s a separate continuity. The 2013 reboot starts a new timeline, the “Survivor” timeline, which is not connected to the original games or the Legend series.

5. Is Tomb Raider 2013 a good game?

Yes, it’s widely regarded as one of the best entries in the series, praised for its compelling story, engaging gameplay, and well-developed protagonist.

6. Is Tomb Raider (2013) the start of the Survivor trilogy?

Absolutely, Tomb Raider (2013) is the first game in the Survivor trilogy followed by Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015) and Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018).

7. What’s the order to play the recent Tomb Raider games?

The correct order for the “Survivor” trilogy is: Tomb Raider (2013), Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015), and Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018).

8. What about the original Tomb Raider games, are they remastered?

Yes, the first three Tomb Raider games are being remastered as part of the Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft collection and are set to be released on February 14, 2024.

9. Is Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Anniversary a remake?

Yes, Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Anniversary is a remake of the original Tomb Raider.

10. Where does Tomb Raider (2013) fit into the overall timeline?

Tomb Raider (2013) is a reboot that creates a new timeline separate from the original series and the Legend trilogy. It is the start of the “Survivor” timeline.

11. Was Tomb Raider 2013 a commercial success?

Yes, the game was a huge success and had the highest launch sales of any Tomb Raider game at the time.

12. Did the Tomb Raider 2013 reboot affect other games?

Yes, its success influenced other action-adventure games with its emphasis on survival, storytelling, and character development.

13. Was the original Tomb Raider ever remastered or remade?

The original Tomb Raider is not remastered but remade in Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Anniversary. Additionally, the first three original games, including the original Tomb Raider, are being remastered in the Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft collection.

14. Is it ok to start with Tomb Raider 2013?

Yes, it is the perfect starting point for new players due to being a complete reboot of the series with no prior knowledge needed.

15. On which platforms can I play the Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft collection?

The Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft collection will be available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

Conclusion

In summary, Tomb Raider 2013 is not a remaster but rather a reboot that redefined the series, offering a fresh and compelling origin story for Lara Croft. Its impact on the franchise and the genre as a whole has been significant, paving the way for the rest of the “Survivor” trilogy. So, when considering a Tomb Raider experience, keep in mind the difference between these key elements, ensuring you understand the context and trajectory of each title in this iconic franchise.

Is Tomb Raider 2013 a remaster?