Apparently The Internet Still Has Some Tombs to Raid
Tomb Raider has been a staple in video gaming for almost twenty-five years, and it’s easy to forget just how many remakes/reboots/spin-offs there have been of the series. The most recent series, taking inspiration from Uncharted – which took some inspiration from Tomb Raider like some form of narratological ouroboros – serves as a prequel to the original games to an extent, but it’s also the second reboot, and arguably the best iteration of the franchise yet, as technology has finally caught up with ambition. The first remake in the series, Tomb Raider: Anniversary, utilized assets and technology, from the first reboot, but it was in fact the second attempt at a remake of the iconic first game in the series.
The first remake would have been released for the PSP and, despite almost being finished, was scrapped in exchange for the eventual remake, Tomb Raider: Anniversary, which was released for the PS2 and Xbox. In a bizarre twist, the game was retooled into an Indiana Jones game before eventually being scrapped entirely, so anyone complaining that the reboot took too many cues from Uncharted – which it inspired – should take into account that the series has been on the other end.
A collection of assets from the canceled game have been uncovered, and are available on The Internet Archive. Thanks to the enterprising folk over at Tomb of Ash you can even play the Alpha version of the game, providing you have a PS4 or Xbox 360 controller lying around and don’t mind installing a patch. There are no enemies to speak of but you can take in the scenery and explore the levels set in Peru, Greece, or Croft Manor.
And hey, Shadow of the Tomb Raider‘s alternate ending had Lara contacted by the original game’s villain, Jacqueline Natla, so maybe we can expect another remake in the future?
What’s one historical mystery you’d love to see Lara uncover? Let us know in the comments, on Twitter, or on Facebook.
