To remain successful in the gaming business, developers and studios need to embrace change. No matter how consistent a franchise is, consumers will grow tired of it if just tosses out the same-old, same-old. To keep up with their competitors, the creators can’t be afraid to experiment.
Of course, not every video game is lucky with this approach. Some titles tried so hard to mix up the formula, they have little resemblance to the source material and thus, lose the spark that made the original special. This was a regular problem when 2D games like Bomberman, Earthworm Jim, and Mega Man transitioned to 3D, since it showcased that certain gaming brands work better in two dimensions.
Rather than allowing themselves to sink into obscurity, several IPs tore everything down and started from scratch. Several went back to basics, recapturing what made their predecessors work. Others revitalised themselves by reinventing their style or switching to a different genre.
It’s incredibly risky to go back to the drawing board, but the ten entries on this list flourished when they destroyed it all and started anew.
Tomb Raider was a flagship game for the PlayStation and kickstarted an enduring franchise. Most importantly, the temple-scouring actioner introduced Lara Croft to the world, who’s remained one of the most influential characters in gaming for decades.
And yet, interest in the badass archeologist waned surprisingly quickly. Although Core Design and Crystal Dynamics kept churning out entries, they ranged from average to borderline unplayable. There was the occasional hit, including Legend and Underworld, but it still felt like Tomb Raider’s best days were in the past.
But in 2013, Crystal Dynamics turned everything around with a gritty reboot, simply called Tomb Raider. It was more action-oriented, putting more focus on stealth, pacing, precision, and combat. There was more freedom with the gameplay, since open conflict could be avoided for the most part, if that’s the player’s preference.
Despite Lara’s prominence in gaming, she was a sex symbol above all else up until this point. However, her personality was truly realised in this instalment, finally portrayed as a three-dimensional character. For this reason, you truly care when she’s in danger, creating a deeply immersive gaming experience.
There’ve been successful sequels since, but it was this game where it felt like Tomb Raider was officially “back”.
