Much to the dismay of fans, a change in the Tomb Raider remaster has not gone unnoticed. In fact, some are even quite angry and we explain why.
While a remaster aims to make the game better than the original and pay homage to it, sometimes choices are made to better fit the current era. In particular by removing elements deemed problematic. This is precisely what happened with the Tomb Raider remaster. While this is not a big deal in itself, some have seen it as a real shame.
Tomb Raider is controversial
In the latest update to the Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Trilogy, a subtle but significant change has been observed by the gaming community. The disappearance of certain posters with the pin-up image of Lara Croft in the level “ Sleeping with the Fishes » from Tomb Raider III. This detail, absent from the official patch notes published by Aspyr, was quickly noticed. And sparked varied reactions on social networks.
The edit was not commented on by Aspyr, leaving fans to speculate as to the reasons for the omission. At the same time, some modders have already taken the initiative to reintegrate these posters into the remastered version. Reflecting a nostalgia for the authenticity of early versions of the game.
A contemporary phenomenon
This phenomenon highlights the tension between preserving original content and adapting to contemporary values. Crystal Dynamics, the original developer of the series, has previously expressed its intention to retain potentially problematic elements of the games to encourage thinking and learning from these depictions. The studio has clearly indicated that it wants to maintain this content as is. Despite their controversial nature, to recognize their harmful impact and learn from it.
The treatment of cultural and iconographic elements in video games is a subject of ongoing debate. The disappearance of the Lara Croft posters, while only a small part of the update, raises some important questions. Particularly on how developers must manage the visual and cultural legacy of their creations. Without alienating part of their audience.
Ultimately, the decision to modify or keep the content of remastered video games as is remains complex. Oscillating between respect for the original work. And sensitivity to current values. How fans and critics react to these changes will undoubtedly be a key barometer for future projects.